The first of three days of competition saw the opening round of qualifying ©World Archery

Men’s compound competition proved to be a closer fought affair as 49 archers produced clean opening rounds at the Indoor Archery World Cup in Las Vegas.

The fourth and final stage of the World Cup circuit has attracted 3,500 participants, with hopefuls shooting a total of 30 arrows at a triangular three-spot face at the South Point Hotel & Casino. 

Both the recurve and compound 10-rings are worth a tally of 10 points, which archers were able to regularly achieve today.

United States’ Jesse Broadwater was among the 49 men’s archers to score 300 in the first round of the compound competition.

The two-time winner of the Las Vegas leg of the World Cup believes the competition in the American city tests archer’s mental strength.

"I don’t know if [The Vegas Shoot is] the ultimate test of consistency, but it definitely tests your mental game," he said.

"All you’ve got to do is shoot all 10s.

"Most of us here in the pro division can do that all day long at home.

"It’s just a test of your mental capabilities and trying to hold it together.

"That’s Vegas, that’s what it’s all about."

America's Jesse Broadwater was among several archers to enjoy a perfect opening day ©World Archery
America's Jesse Broadwater was among several archers to enjoy a perfect opening day ©World Archery

While Broadwater was among those to shoot clean, defending champion Mike Schloesser of The Netherlands dropped one shot to end on 299 points. 

He will hope to catch-up to his rivals for the next two days of qualification, with the finals also set to take place on Sunday (February 11).

Three archers in the women’s event achieved a total of 300 points, including home favourites Danielle Reynolds and Alexis Ruiz.

They were joined by Spain’s Andrea Marcos Garcia as the only athletes not to drop a shot during the first round of qualification.

Denmark’s Tanja Jensen, winner of the women’s event last year, dropped two shots to end the opening day in 25th place.

South Korea enjoyed a positive start to the women’s recurve competition, Kim Surin topping the standings on 296 points, along with Russia’s Sayana Tsyrempilova.

Kim’s team-mate Jin Yun is well place at two points behind.

Steve Wijler currently leads the men’s event, with the Dutch archer ending the first day on a two of 298 points, having dropped two shots during the day.

He is followed by Canada’s Crispin Duenas on 296 points, as well as South Korea’s Kim Tae Yang and home favourite Brady Ellison, who are a further shot down.