The second stage of the Hyundai Archery World Cup concluded in Shanghai, China, recently with Braden Gellenthien and his fellow Team USA compound shooters dominating the field.
In Gellenthien’s first gold medal match of the competition, he joined his USA Archery teammates to face Korea for the coveted compound men’s team title. After a come-from-behind World Cup win earlier in Medellin, Colombia, the team was determined to deliver a commanding performance. Two scores of 59 opened against Korea’s 58s, and two subsequent perfect scores for Team USA earned the victory with a final score of 238-235.
Just hours later, Gellenthien took to the finals course overlooking Shanghai to secure his 64th World Cup medal. Having won silver in Medellin, Gellenthien set out with hopes for gold.
Shooting against a new contender from Belgium, Gellenthien shot solid, dropping only two points. Coming down to the final arrow, Gellenthien topped his opponent, won gold, and in so doing punched his ticket to the World Cup Final.
The World Cup Final is an invite-only tournament where the four stage winners and four top qualifiers compete for the title and $20,000 prize money. This tournament is set to take place in Brazil.
Gellenthien’s Gear
“After winning individual and team gold in Shanghai, I’ve now earned 64 medals at World Cup events,” said Gellenthien. “Since I started competing in 2007, only two pieces of equipment have remained a constant for me, a Scott release and CBE sight. In addition to the tournament win, I’ve qualified for the World Cup Final this fall. With the faith and confidence that I have in Scott and CBE products, I know that I’ll be able to perform at my best under any circumstance thrown my way.”
Here's a detailed gear list from Gellenthien’s recent double-gold performance:
- Mathews Archery, Inc. Halon X Comp 60 pounds, 29-inch draw
- Easton Archery X10 Pro Tour 420 arrows, 26.5 inches, 120-grain point
- Gas Pro 2-inch shield cut vanes
- Conquest Archery LLC 747 stabilizers: 30-inch front bar, 12 ounces; 15-inch back bar, 24 ounces
- Scott Archery Blackhole IV and Ascent releases
- Custom Bow Equipment Vertex Sight
Gellenthien went on to explain in greater detail his choice in a mechanical release: “When finals match pressure ratchets up, I need a release that is comfortable and easy to shoot. This past week, I found that comfort in the Scott Ascent backtension release. The finger design helps me keep a relaxed hand under the highest stresses so that I can execute a smooth and effortless shot, time and time again.”
