Browse Sections

• Macclesfield Town FC
• Local football
• Local cricket
• Golf

James is in for Turkey shoot

Richard Williamson
14/ 2/2007

MACCLESFIELD archer James Forbes has qualified for the Great Britain team aiming for glory in this year's World Indoor Championships in Turkey.

Forbes was invited to take part in last month's qualifiers at Lilleshall National Sports Centre.

The county champion has notched up stunning scores during the last two years and beat thousands of competitors to secure his place in the nine-man squad that will compete in Ismir from March 11.

The part-time school caretaker shot magnificently to finish in joint first place, only missing out on the top spot through bonus points.

The first qualifying arrows in a nine-hour FITA 18 tournament were fired at 8am and Forbes was lying in second spot on 292 points, one point behind the leader, after the morning session.

In the afternoon, the compound archers faced each other in head-to-head competitions.

Successes brought bonus points and loose arrows were penalised.

Exhausted, but content with his performance, by the end of the day, James had managed to shoot magnificently and draw level in first place, a magnificent effort in only his second attempt at qualifying for the Great Britain team.

Forbes only took up compound archery around six years ago but in that short time has attained several local and county records.

Prior to shooting for his country he has his sights set upon the World Archery Festival Championships in Las Vegas later this month, the entry to which has been made possible through the generosity of partial sponsorship.

In preparation for the 2007 outdoor season and his shot at success for the British outdoor team, James is currently looking for funding through sponsorship from local and national businesses.

Anyone interested in helping him should call him on 01625 500922 or via email at greydog1@ntlworld.com.