Hongitan still hopes for Rio archery berth

MANILA, Philippines - Despite falling short of a berth in the last World Cup-Final Olympic Qualifying Tournament, Filipina archer Kareel Hongitan still hopes to make it to the Rio Games via backdoor.

Hongitan, who reached the fourth round of the qualifying tilt held in Antalya, Turkey, said there’s still a chance for her to catch the last bus through tripartite commission allocation.

A total of six slots – three each in the men’s and women’s – will be awarded to complete the 128-archer field in Rio.

The 19-year-old Hongitan also hopes to come in as possible replacement in case of a withdrawal or disqualification of a qualified archer, banking on her performance in the losers’ bracket of the qualifying tilt to earn the nod.

Baguio City pride Hongitan said after bowing out of the fourth round, she and seven others were made to play in the loser’s side. She eventually emerged on top here after posting victories over Thailand, 6-0, Denmark, 6-0, and Vietnam, 6-4.

World Archery is scheduled to finalize the roster in Rio next month.