The American archer, who earned his previous titles at Zagreb in 2014 and in Dublin two years after, finished top in qualifying with a final total of 383 points.

That left him four ahead of the 2012 winner, Jean-Charles Valladont of France.

Britain’s Patrick Huston lies third on 368, one point ahead of Germany’s Florian Kahllund.

Germany's 2014 winner Lisa Unruh headed the women’s recurve qualifying with a total of 363, two points clear of Italy's Jessica Tomasi, who triumphed at the corresponding event in 2008.

Amy Oliver is not defending her recurve title, but the British banner is being carried by Bryony Pitman, who finished third in qualifying on 356, and Naomi Folkard, who finished fifth on 347, four points behind Italy’s Chiara Rebagliati.

Cortina is the first edition of the World Archery Field Championships to include the shoot-up elimination format, which was first tested at the World Games in Wroclaw in Poland last year.

This format allows for performance in qualifying to be carried over to knock-out rounds, with the possibility of byes and affecting starting positions.