The compound events, however, belonged to El Salvador.
Led by flagbearer Roberto Hernandez alongside Douglas Vladimir Nolasco and Miguel Angel Veliz, the nation denied Mexico the compound men’s team title with a composed 237-233 victory.
For Hernandez, the victory carried special meaning after a difficult outing at the recent Pan American Championships.
“As my teammates know, we had just come from the Pan American team competition, where I shot terribly and apologised to them for my performance,” Hernandez told INDES El Salvador.
“My wife, who is at home supporting me, my parents who came here, and our coaches were fundamental in helping me be at 100% here. There couldn’t be a better gift than dedicating this gold medal to my baby and my wife.”
Guatemala claimed the compound men’s team bronze by edging powerhouse Colombia 234-233. An opening perfect 60 gave Guatemala an early cushion, and although Colombia reduced the gap, the Guatemalans held on after both teams matched scores over the closing ends.
Mexico’s Andrea Becerra, Ana Sofía Hernández entered the compound women’s team final as favourites but were narrowly beaten 223-222 by El Salvador’s Camila Alvarenga, Paola Corado and Sofia Paiz.
Mexico surrendered seven points in the opening end, leaving them with too much ground to recover despite a strong response in the middle stages, as El Salvador held on for a memorable one-point victory.
Colombia’s experienced trio of Sara Lopez, Mariana Rodriguez and Alejandra Usquiano secured the bronze medal with a 231-227 win over Guatemala.
Defending champions Colombia retained the compound mixed team title, with Lopez and Pablo Gomez Zuluaga overcoming Guatemala’s Danica Fránces Barrera Arana and Jose Marcelo Del Cid 156-154.
The compound mixed team bronze medal was decided in a shoot-off after Mexico’s Becerra and Rodrigo Gonzalez De Alba finished tied with Venezuela’s Ana Mendoza and Ana Mendoza and Fraiber Alberto Rodriguez Mercado. Venezuela secured the final podium place with the closest arrow.
Competition in Santo Domingo continues on 29 July with the recurve individual finals.
