Georgia's Yuliya Lobzhenidze has eliminated Natalia Valeeva in the women's individual archery competition, ending the Italian's quest for a third gold medal at the European Games in Baku.
Valeeva, 45, was the number three seed for the event, but was beaten 6-2 by 37-year-old Lobzhenidze in the opening match of the day at Tofiq Bahramov Stadium.
"I was lacking decisiveness, I was a bit low in tone. These technical mistakes have been recurrent in this competition. I was unstable," Valeeva told reporters.
However, Valeeva also insisted that she was delighted with her performances in Baku, having claimed gold in the mixed team event and the women's team title.
"I'm very happy with the results so far because technically I wasn't ready. It is a work in progress. I was surprised by the medals. I came to the competition just to prepare for the Olympic Games. For our national committee, CONI, the medals are wonderful.
"For me, this competition has been a heavy effort because my focus is to work on my technique to be ready for the competition at the World Championships (in Copenhagen, Denmark) in five weeks, which are going to be very difficult.
"Sometimes I wonder if I'm fully myself at my age, still wondering if I should carry on."
Italy currently sit 12th in the medal table, with three golds.
Joe Sharratt
