By MARK REY MONTEJO
Archer Andrea Robles relied on her experience to capture the bronze medal in the women’s compound compound of the Veronica’s Cup in Kamnik, Slovenia Monday, June 3 (Manila time).
The 26-year-old Robles displayed veteran poise to frustrate her younger rival Lara Drobjnak of Croatia, 141-136, in the battle for third place for her best finish so far this year.
The former Ateneo standout failed to reach the podium in her previous campaigns the past months, including the Yecheon 2024 Hyundai Archery World Cup held in South Korea, as well as the Indoor Archery World Series Finals and The Vegas Shoot in Las Vegas
Robles, who is competing under the tutelage of the Atletang Ayala program, earned sufficient points to jump six rungs en route to her career-best 45th place in the Sanlida World Rankings where she is also the highest ranking Filipina archer so far.
Other Filipinas in the compound female global rankings include Amaya Amparo Cojuangco (77th), Rachelle Anne Dela Cruz (204th), Jennifer Chan (384th) and Kesia Marie Ferraris (413th).
Prior to her bronze win, Robles held off Croatian Lana Koller Fundelic, 137-129, and Slovakian Petra Kocutova, 139-136, in the first and quarterfinal rounds, respectively.
But Robles’ momentum was shifted as she succumbed by a slim margin to eventual silver medalist Italy’s Elisa Bazzichetto, 138-140, in the semifinals.
Croatian Aman Mlinaric copped the gold medal after escaping Bazzichetto, 141-140, in the finals.
Robles will try to boost her points as she competes in the European Grand Prix in Porec, Croatia slated June 3 to 8.
