The pursuit of perfection in archery has long been symbolized by the elusive Archery Bullseye X-ring — a tiny 6.1 cm circle at the very center of the target.
Until now, even hitting this inner circle yielded a maximum of 10 points, identical to any other shot that touched the 10-ring. But that is about to change.
In a bold, groundbreaking move, World Archery will test a new scoring system at the Hyundai Archery World Cup Stage 3 in Antalya, Türkiye, starting next week. The X-ring, often called the “inner 10” or simply “X,” will now score 11 points instead of 10 — a development that could significantly reshape both individual and team match dynamics.
Why the Change?
Archery has often been regarded as a sport where fractions of a millimeter define outcomes. At the elite level, where precision has become almost mechanical and scores often cluster at the very top, match separation has been shrinking.
In recent years, especially in compound events, archers have frequently tied at scores like 714 or 715 out of 720 in qualification rounds. For instance, at Stage 2 in Shanghai earlier this month, three archers were locked at the top of the men’s compound leaderboard with 714 points.
Under the new 11-point system, Mike Schloesser would have been the undisputed leader, followed by Rishabh Yadav, breaking the tie based purely on the number of Xs — now scored as 11s.
This rule change is intended to reward both perfection and consistency, making X-hits more impactful during scoring. Instead of being just a tie-breaker, the X-ring now becomes a high-stakes target in itself.
How It Changes the Game
Under the current matchplay system, each individual set consists of three arrows. Previously, the maximum score per set was 30 points — three 10s. With the new rule, the maximum becomes 33, and the game-changing potential becomes clear.
Imagine a scenario where both archers shoot three 10s, but one of them hits two Xs. That archer now scores 32 or 33, taking the set outright. It introduces a new layer of pressure and drama to every shot — especially in crucial elimination rounds.
Moreover, this rule applies to both recurve and compound categories, signaling that World Archery is exploring structural innovations across the board.
Shorter Qualification: 60 Arrows Instead of 72
In another significant change, the qualification round will now feature just 60 arrows per archer, reduced from the traditional 72. This move, debated and discussed extensively during joint committee meetings in Lausanne earlier this year, has multiple implications:
- Time Efficiency: Shorter rounds allow organizers to manage schedules more effectively and reduce the logistical burden on athletes and staff.
- Increased Stakes: With 12 fewer arrows, each shot now carries more weight, and consistency becomes even more critical.
- Standardization: It aligns the outdoor format more closely with the 60-arrow round used in 18m indoor competitions.
The shorter format, in combination with the new 11-point scoring, is expected to create greater differentiation in qualification scores and streamline event operations.
Operational Tweaks to the Event Schedule
Antalya will also serve as a pilot for a compressed competition schedule. Events will begin on Wednesday instead of Tuesday, and a new format will see the compound finals take place on the same day as the recurve eliminations — a significant departure from traditional schedules that kept finals distinct and separate.
This isn’t just about convenience; it’s a forward-thinking attempt to optimize venue usage, manage rising travel and hosting costs, and maximize broadcast and spectator engagement by offering continuous, high-stakes action.
Looking ahead to the 2025 World Archery Championships in Gwangju, Korea, which will feature six days of arena matches, these operational tests could become the blueprint for future global tournaments.
Community Response: A Welcome Evolution
The initial response from the archery community has been enthusiastic, especially among athletes and coaches. Many view the X-11 system as a long-overdue innovation.
As one prominent archery analyst commented on social media:
“A very welcome improvement in my opinion — it rewards perfection and consistency. These innovations are needed, especially in compound, to keep the format engaging in the long run.”
Indeed, for years, fans and athletes have joked, “If hitting the tiniest ring isn’t worth more than a 10, what’s the point of aiming at it?” That rhetorical question now has a definitive answer: it is worth more.
And it’s not just a cosmetic upgrade. The rule fundamentally alters match dynamics, potentially influencing strategic decisions like whether to play it safe with 10s or push for the X.
For now, the 11-point scoring system is strictly experimental — Antalya will serve as the test bed. Based on feedback from archers, coaches, and broadcasters, and a thorough review of statistical outcomes, World Archery may consider adopting it permanently.
The decision is likely to rest on whether the rule delivers on its promise: clearer separation of talent, greater excitement, and more meaningful qualification and matchplay results.
Regardless of its long-term adoption, one thing is certain: archery is evolving. And with the bullseye now carrying even more weight, the sport’s pursuit of perfection just got a new target.
Competition in Antalya kicks off next Wednesday. Stay tuned as archers chase not just 10s, but 11s – and perhaps, a whole new era for the sport.
– IndiaSportsHub Archery Desk
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