Britain's Vladlena Priestman has criticised the format of Sydney 2000's archery competition, declaring that success relies too heavily on "the luck of the draw."

Priestman, who failed to qualify for the event's second round, despite shooting 155 points, said the sport's new 'knockout' competition was unfair on the competitors

"In 1988 we used to shoot over four distances and those with the best scores went through," she said.

"The new format, where archers compete in matches against another competitor 'knockout' style, doesn't suit archery."

At Seoul in 1988 women shot over 70 metres, 60m, 50m and 30m and those with the highest scores progressed through to the next round.

Confident

Since then, the sport's governing body, Fita, has opted to spice up the competition, by making archers compete in pairs in a knockout system.

But Priestman is confident the powers that be have got it wrong.

"This doesn't show the real winner," she said.

"It is frustrating. Perhaps there should be a playoff system. Sure it is more exciting for spectators, but it's hard on us."

Team manager Barry Eley disagreed, however.

"This way," he said, "the top shooters have to perform every time.

"It is true that pre-1988, the winner was the best shooter over two days, but this way is far more exciting.

"The straight knockout competition is great to watch. Without this the sport would die."