Maltese Double Trap shooter William Chetcuti finally got in gear on the international scene following a fine display in the European Championships, currently under-way in Nicosia, Cyprus.

In his build-up to next month's Olympics, Chetcuti had failed to leave his mark in World Cup shoots these past few months but yesterday the Double Trap hopeful was back in form to secure a place in the top six and the barrage final from among 25 competitors.

Chetcuti managed 47/50 in the first round, 48/50 in the second but slid to 44/50 in the third round of competition for a total of 139/150. Sweden's Hakan Dahlby qualified with the best score of 144 but he was outwitted in a final shoot-off by Steve Scott, of Britain.

Both finished with an identical 191 but Scott made sure of victory by smashing the second successive clay in the decider to Dahlby's one.

Chetcuti, who was one point better off than three other shooters before the final, only managed a 'modest' 46 in the barrage to settle for sixth place with 185 points. He was two behind Italy's Daniele Di Spigno.

Third place was also decided after a shoot-off, won by Waldemar Schanz (Germany) at the expense of Mikhail Leybo (Russia).

The result in Cyprus was a timely boost for Chetcuti whose next international assignment will be the Double Trap shoot in Beijing on August 12.

Meanwhile, two other Maltese shooters will take part in this week's European Championships.

Tomorrow and on Thursday, Frans Pace will shoot in Trap. Clive Farrugia takes part in the juniors Skeet on Thursday.

Double Trap final

1. Steve Scott (143+48) 191+2
2. Hakan Dahlby (144+47) 191
3. Waldemer Schanz (139+49) 188+2
4. Mikhail Leybo (139+49) 188
5. Daniele Di Spigno (140+47) 187
6. William Chetcuti (139+46) 185.