Chetcuti 13th in Qingyuan shoot

Commonwealth Games bronze medallist William Chetcuti yesterday had to settle for 13th place from 40 competitors in his first ISSF World Cup shoot of the year in Qingyuan, China.

Chetcuti looked on course to book a place in the Double Trap barrage after the opening two rounds of 50 clays each.

He was among the leaders after smashing 46 and 49 but a modest 39 in the last round, hit by bad weather, ruined his chances.

Various shooters managed to adapt to the conditions but Chetcuti was badly affected by the sudden change. Another shooter to lose focus in the third round was former champion Daniele Di Spigno. The Italian hit 39 after rounds of 43 and 46.

Russian Vitaly Fokeev won the shoot with a 191 score after qualifying first on 143 (48-48-47). Hakan Dahlby, of Sweden, was second with 186 (48-45-44).

Dahlby was followed by Binyuan Hu (China - 183), Marco Innocenti (Italy - 181); Steven Walton (Britain - 180) and Thomas Turner (Australia - 179).

Chetcuti's next World Cup shoot is in Kerrville, Texas, on May 4.