Presented By Mathews Archery
Mathews Pro Staff Bridger Deaton won the coveted World Cup Final in the Men’s Compound event in Lausanne, Switzerland this past weekend. After an impressive display of marksmanship and mental fortitude, Deaton navigated his way through an intense field of highly ranked archers from all over the world to find himself atop the podium in his rookie season on the World Cup tour. His victory marks the third consecutive World Cup title for the Mathews Pro Staff, with Braden Gellenthien and Martin Damsbo winning in 2012 and 2013 respectively.
“It was such a blast,” Deaton said of his World Cup Tour. “The competition was intense, but I’m so thrilled to represent my country, and Mathews Archery, at the top of the podium.”
After a solid indoor season, Deaton got off to a fast start at the first World Cup stage in Shanghai, where he fought his way to a solid bronze finish. He then went on to improve his standing at each of the following events and managed to secure a 5th place rank going into the World Cup Final.
To begin the day, Bridger found himself squaring off against French shooter Sebastian Peineau. Bridger jumped off to an early lead with a perfect 60 to begin scoring and was able to hold on for the 145-144 win. Next, Bridger was matched up against fellow American shooter Reo Wilde. Knowing he’d need a flaw-free round, Bridger dug in and fought hard all the way to the end, pulling out the victory in the final three arrows of the match, 147-146.
Next up, Bridger was pitted against No. 1 world ranked shooter, PJ Deloche of France. Here, once again, Bridger was stellar. He started the match with 11 straight 10s on his way tosecuring a solid 148-144 victory. With his lead never in question, Bridger collected himself, drew his final arrow and released a perfect 10 to seal the win.
“It was a surreal feeling up there,” Deaton said. “I’ve never felt so nervous, yet so in control. I felt extremely confident in my bow [Mathews Conquest 4] and knew that as long as I focused on my form, and remained as relaxed as possible, that my arrows would find the middle,” he added.
Mathews Pro Staff Manager Derek Phillips was not surprised by the rookie’s victory.
“When he edged out his teammate Reo Wilde in the Semi Finals, I knew Bridger was at the top of his game," Phillips said. "He’s worked very hard to bring himself to this level, and we are extremely proud to have him on our team.”
This win makes three World Cup Final Championships in a row for the Mathews Archery Pro Staff. Braden Gellenthien, and his Conquest 4, won the 2012 World Cup Final in Tokyo. A year later he rose to the gold medal match in Paris only to run into fellow Mathews Pro Martin Damsbo in the gold medal match. Despite a late rally from Gellenthien to force a shoot-off, Damsbo, accompanied by his trusted Apex 8, remained both calm and collected, shooting his final arrow dead center in the X to secure his 2013 victory. Both champions were thrilled to see their teammate win.
“I’ve trained with him all year,” Gellenthien said. “He’s a hard worker and very humble. I couldn’t be happier for him.”
Mathews works closely with its Pro Staff members to find the right set up for each individual to compete at their highest level. For Bridger Deaton it didn’t take long to get there.
“Once we got Bridger set up, his confidence grew quickly,” said Phillips. “Seeing Mathews Pros dominate the world’s most prestigious outdoor archery event for three years running, proves we have the best shooters and the best bows in the world.”
