The Luigi Franchi Trophy trap competition, held at the Bidnija Ranges last weekend, was the first of four selection shoots valid for the Fazz’a Italian Green Cup this summer.

The international shoot will be run between August 2 and 28 with the top two competitors in Class A, B and C rankings earning the right to compete in Umbria, Italy, after the best three from four shoots are taken into consideration.

The Luigi Franchi Trophy started on Saturday with participants firing on 75 clays. Qualifying continued on Sunday morning with another 50 targets

George Mifsud (117), Brian Galea (114), Alvin Vella (113), Paul Formosa (112), Pierre Montebello (111) and Stephen Vella (108) made the top-six cut.

Galea (13/15) and Formosa (12/15) advanced to the gold medal match. The day’s honours went to Galea as he smashed 14 clays in the decider to Formosa’s 13.

Montebello claimed his first ever podium place as he placed third overall when he outscored Stephen Vella 13-9 in the shoot-off for the bronze medal.

Alvin Vella and Mifsud had to settle for fifth and sixth places respectively on count back rule when both managed 10/15 in the semi-final process.

Target competitions

Target shooting competitions were also held as scheduled in Bidnija last weekend with action taking place at the Larry Vella Indoor Range.

At stake was the 2016 Britannia Tours Cup for Air-Pistol and Air-Rifle shooters.

In both events, the contenders had to aim at 60 targets with a time limit of 75 minutes.

In Air-Pistol, Eleanor Bezzina hit 570 from a maximum 600 points to win the competition. She was followed by Stephen Vassallo, 550, and Raymond Cacciattolo, 534.

In Air Rifle, William Vella scored a total of 603.1 to top the leaderboard. GianLuca Azzopardi Spiteri was second with 577.8 and Michael Xuereb placed third after a 570.8 score.