Archery-Lim shoots world record to signal Korean intentions

PARIS : Lim Si-hyeon delivered an emphatic statement on Thursday that she is the woman to beat at the Paris Olympics as the mighty South Korean archery team warmed up for another assault on the medal podium.

The 21-year-old Lim shot a world and Olympic record 694 in Thursday's women's individual ranking round at the stunning Esplanade des Invalides venue, breaking the previous mark of 692 held by compatriot Kang Chae-young who won Olympic gold in the team event in Tokyo three years ago.

Lim leads a young Korean squad bidding for a 10th individual gold medal and 10th consecutive women's team gold. The Korean women are undefeated in the Olympic team event since it was introduced at the 1988 Games.

"They're always up there. I think the money that they put into it is unlike any other country, they have professional teams," said Team GB's Bryony Pitman, who was 41st out of the field of 64.

"The last few months as well, they've had a replica Paris stage set up (at their training base just outside Seoul), they've been shooting against a robot that just puts them in the 10 all the time. They are as prepared as you could possibly be for an Olympic game."

World number one Casey Kaufhold, who was fourth on Thursday with a score of 672, is expected to be among her Lim's toughest challengers when the medal rounds start on Aug. 1. Kaufhold is hoping to be the first American female individual gold medallist since Luann Ryon won in 1976.

STUNNING VENUE

The 8,000-seat Esplanade des Invalides venue is situated next to the famous golden dome of the Hotel des Invalides.

The Hotel, commissioned by Louis XIV in 1670 as a home and hospital for wounded soldiers, is a sprawling complex of buildings that is now mostly museums and monuments dedicated to