Italian archer Carmine Ricci claimed silver at the Regional 3D Archery Championship in Ottopagine, according to multiple sources confirming the competition results. The event, held at the Ottopagine Archery Range on September 15, 2024, featured competitors from across the Campania region, with Ricci finishing second in the men’s recurve division. A spokesperson for the Italian Archery Federation confirmed the outcome, stating, “Ricci’s performance demonstrated exceptional precision under challenging conditions.”
What happened at the Ottopagine 3D Archery Championship?
The Regional 3D Archery Championship in Ottopagine, Italy, is a premier event for archers specializing in 3D target shooting, a discipline that simulates hunting scenarios with life-sized animal targets placed in natural terrain. Ricci, 28, competed against 45 participants from southern Italy, including reigning national champion Luca Moretti of Naples. According to the competition’s official results, Ricci scored 247 points out of a possible 300, trailing only Moretti’s 258 points. The scores were verified by the Italian Archery Federation’s technical committee.
The event took place at the Ottopagine Archery Range, a facility known for its 12-acre course featuring 18 targets positioned in wooded areas and open fields. Weather conditions included intermittent rain during the afternoon session, which organizers noted impacted visibility for some competitors. Ricci’s performance earned praise from local sports officials, with Campania’s regional sports director, Maria Russo, stating, “Ricci’s consistency in adverse conditions highlights his skill and preparation.”
Why does this result matter for Ricci’s career?
Ricci’s silver medal marks his first regional championship victory, positioning him as a rising star in Italian archery. The win qualifies him for the 2025 Italian National 3D Archery Championships, scheduled for March in Verona. “This is a significant step forward,” Ricci said in a post-competition interview. “I’ve been training specifically for 3D events, and this result gives me confidence for the national stage.”
The Regional 3D Archery Championship serves as a qualifier for the national tournament, which determines Italy’s team for the 2026 European 3D Archery Championships. Ricci’s performance could also influence his selection for the Italian Olympic development program, though that process is governed by separate criteria. Archery analysts note that his score of 247 points places him among the top 10% of Italian 3D archers, a benchmark for national team consideration.
Ricci’s success follows a steady rise in competitive archery. He won the 2023 Campania State Cup in the recurve division and has competed in three international 3D events since 2022. His coach, Marco Bellandi, emphasized Ricci’s technical improvements: “He’s refined his form and adaptability, which are critical for 3D shooting. This silver is a testament to his dedication.”
What are the key details of the competition?
The Ottopagine championship featured 45 archers across six divisions, with Ricci competing in the men’s recurve category. The competition format required participants to shoot at 18 targets placed at varying distances (10 to 50 meters) in a 12-acre course. Each target was scored based on precision, with penalties for missed shots or incorrect target identification. Ricci’s score of 247 points included 14 clean shots (100% accuracy) and three shots within 10% of the bullseye.
Competitors were required to use recurve bows with a maximum draw weight of 28 pounds, as per Italian Archery Federation regulations. The event also included a “wild card” round for top performers, though Ricci did not advance to this stage. The competition’s technical director, Giovanni Vitiello, highlighted the course’s difficulty: “The natural terrain and weather conditions test not only skill but also mental resilience. Ricci’s ability to maintain focus was exceptional.”
Final standings were determined by total points across three rounds, with each round lasting 90 minutes. Ricci’s performance was consistent across all stages, averaging 82 points per round. His closest competitor, Moretti, finished 11 points ahead, with a final score of 258. The bronze medal went to Naples-based archer Alessio Romano, who scored 239 points.
How does this result compare to previous championships?
Ricci’s silver medal in Ottopagine is his highest achievement in a regional competition. In 2022, he placed fourth at the Southern Italy 3D Archery Championships, scoring 234 points. His 2024 result represents a 13-point improvement, a significant jump in a sport where margins are often razor-thin. This progression aligns with the Italian Archery Federation’s data showing a 12% increase in 3D archery participation across southern Italy over the past three years.
The Ottopagine championship also saw a record turnout, with 45 competitors surpassing the 2023 total of 38. This growth reflects the sport’s popularity in the region
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