Indian Jhanu Hansda, who had already claimed two gold in the 19-country meet, maintained her spectacular form yesterday to help her team capture the women's compound team crown with a scintillating 217-203 win over fast-improving Iran in the final clash. Malaysia thrashed Singapore 212-195 in the third-place play-off.

Malaysia stunned star-studded Japan, spearheaded by the Athens Olympic silver medallist Hiroshi Yamamoto, 227-217 to take home the gold medal in the men's recurve team competition. Thailand sprang a surprise to overpower Taiwan 218-214 and pick up bronze, the lone medal they won in this tournament.

In the women's recurve team final, Japan, led by Nami Hayakawa, outclassed Malaysia 208-202 to snatch the gold medal. Bhutan had to be content with the bronze medal after narrowly beating Iran 196-194 in the third-place play-off.

Iran clinched the tournament's last gold after beating Singapore 222-220 in the final clash of the men's compound team event. Benjamin Yap, who clinched the gold in the 70m, 70-arrow compound individual shoot-out meet on Saturday, was instrumental in helping the Filipinos take the bronze medal.

Japan collected seven gold, three silver and two bronze medals for the overall crown. The Philippines claimed four gold, one silver and one bronze to come in second place. India (3-2-0) finished third.

Iran (1- 4-3), Malaysia (1-3-8) and Singapore (0- 2-0) came in fourth, fifth and sixth respectively. Thailand and Bhutan shared seventh place after winning lone bronze medals.

The second leg of the three-leg competition will take place in Taiwan in June. The last leg will be held in Iran in October. Archers gain points for their world rankings based on the performance in the grand prix.

Teerapot Taweewanabul

The Nation