Worth’s Fairytale at an End

Ask young Australian Olympic archer Taylor Worth about his best London moment and the cricketing fan in him shines through.

It wasn’t beating world No.1 Brady Ellison, or the thrill of going within one arrow of a surprise quarter-final.

No, it was beating the Pom at Lord’s.

“Australia versus England at Lord’s and taking it in a shoot-off, what’s better than that?” said 21-year-old Worth, who beat Great Britain’s Alan Wills in that fashion on Wednesday.

“I’m walking off the field with my head held high.”

Worth’s London campaign ended in another sudden-death shoot-out on Friday, against China’s Dai Xiaoxiang, ranked seventh at the Games.

Worth had shot brilliantly in round of 16 clash, defying his world No.44 ranking in tricky winds at the famous venue.

Leading from the outset, Worth needed a nine with his last attempt to close out a victory, but scored an eight to send the match to one nail-biting final shot.

In the closest matches, officials often need to bring the tape measure out, but that wasn’t needed for Worth, who disappointingly shot an eight to Dai’s nine.

“I just didn’t bring it enough today, but that’s how it goes,” Worth said.

“I wanted to finish as high as I could, but it’s my first Olympics.”

Worth, who dedicates himself to archery, jetsetting across the globe for international events much of the year, said the roar of the crowd will stay with him.

With no Brits to back in Friday’s action, the spectators were undeniably favouring him.

Even the ground commentators got in on the “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie” action.

“Yeah, it was a bit different to my last couple of matches,” Worth said with a smile.

“It’s great to have the extra support.

“I’m disappointed I let them down.”

Worth said he’s aiming for Rio 2016 having proven he can beat the best.

The 21-year-old downed gold medal favourite Ellison in a huge upset 7-1 to make the final 16.