India’s Deepika Kumari reached the pre-quarters of the Women’s Individual event after beating USA’s Jennifer Mucino Fernandez of USA 6-4 in a closely-contested match.

The Indian world No 1 and ninth seed would have liked an easier round of 16 win but mostly, she would have just liked to win. She is through to the round of 16.

A 9-6 from Deepika cost her the fourth set. The American did well enough in the match. 25-24 to USA and 4-4 on points.

Deepika started with a 10 the third set. She went 10-9-8 in the set, leaving the door open for American, who had a 8-10 in her first 2 arrows. The American finishes with a 7 when a 10 would have given her the 2 points! Set goes 27-25 to Deepika

In the second set, it was another nervy start for Deepika as she starts with an 8. Jennifer Mucino-Fernandez responds with a 9. Deepika does brilliantly with a 10-10! And the set is wrapped since the American had a 7 in the second shot. Good recovery from Deepika to win the second round.

Earlier in the day, Deepika Kumari managed difficult wind conditions at the range in Tokyo to brush off a challenge from Bhutan’s Karma in the Round of 64.

Deepika managed only one 10 in 6 arrows over 3 sets but she was consistently above 8 while Karma struggled to find the center. Deepika managed just 26 and 26 in the first two sets but Karma could not go past 23 with a 6 and a 7 in the first two sets.

The final set was sealed by Deepika, who found a 10, finally. Karma also hit a 10 but a 6 in the first arrow of the final set ensured she bowed out with a 0-6 loss.

Deepika faced disappointment in the Mixed Team event and she does not have a women’s team at the Games. The World No.1 who finished 9th in the Ranking Round faces stiffer tests in the upcoming rounds but she will be eyeing redemption.Live TV