Maltese shooters hit back to scoop three medals

Maltese shooters staged a brave comeback on the final day of the European Commonwealth Championships at the Bidnija ranges yesterday.

Frans Pace and Justin Attard broke Wales's early dominance in the Trap competition by claiming a place on the podium while Malta made it a double in the team events.

At the end of Saturday's opening three rounds (75 clays), the Welsh looked well on course to take the honours in both the individual and teams' events. However, the Maltese shooters revived their hopes after a strong performance in the final two rounds of the qualifying stage.

In the final 50 clays, Attard hit an impressive 47 to qualify for the final barrage in second place on 116. Michael Wixey was the top-placed shooter at the end of the qualifying rounds with a total of 118.

Nicky Carabott also performed well, hitting 47 to qualify for the barrage in third place on 113, just one better than George Cassar who totalled 112. Pace and Welshman Ian Belcher, who led the field at the end of the opening day, were the other two shooters making the cut with 111 points.

In the final barrage, Wixey maintained first place when a score of 21 gave him a winning total of 139.

The competition for the other places on the podium was close with Pace drawing on his experience to outwit his rivals. Pace wrapped up with a score of 22 and took the silver medal with a total of 133. Attard stuttered in the barrage, hitting a modest 16 but that was enough to reward him with third place on 132 points.

Belcher finished fourth on 131 after winning a shoot-off with Cassar while Carabott placed sixth on 128.

The fine performances turned in by the Maltese shooters in the individual competition had a decisive impact on the teams' classification.

Pace, Cassar, Carabott and Attard managed to wipe out a seven-clay deficit on Wales to emerge as comfortable team winners on 452. The Welsh took second place with 447 with Gibraltar finishing third on 380.

On Thursday, Malta also took first place in the skeet event.

The Trap Grand Prix, held concurrently with the Commonwealth shoot, was won by Wixey (141). Lino Galea (138) and Carabott (134) finished second and third respectively.

Other results

Juniors' competition - 1. Justin Attard 116; 2. Ryan Bugeja 111; 3. Kurt Cardona 96.

Best foreign shooters - 1. Michael Wixey 118; 2. Kevin Cowles 114; 3. Ian Belcher 111.

Best veterans - 1. George Cassar 112; 2. Alfred Falzon 106; 3. Joe Cutajar 104.