The first Malta Air Rifle and Pistol Shooting Club selection shoot for the 2017 Games of the Small States of Europe (GSSE) was held recently at the ranges in Bidnija.

High scores were recorded with three shooters going on to obtain the Minimum Qualifying Score (MQS) for next year’s Games in San Marino.

In the 10m air pistol competition, all competitors had 60 shots available which they had to complete in 75 minutes.

Eleanor Bezzina took the lead with a total of 571 points from a maximum of 600.

She was followed by Raymond Cacciattolo, 545, and Stephen Vassallo, 531.

The women’s first 40 shots were taken into consideration for GSSE qualification and Bezzina reached the target with a total of 380 points.

There were no changes in the final round as Bezzina went on to claim the ‘mixed’ air pistol title with 198.0 points.

Cacciattolo, on 188.6 points, retained his second placing ahead of Vassallo on 167.9.

Alison Formosa produced a very fine showing in the 10m air rifle event. She established an early advantage with a total of 609.8 from 654 points with William Vella, 600.7, and Gianluca Azzopardi Spiteri, 580.1, not far behind.

However, in a close finale, Vella made sure of the day’s honours with 199.0 points, just 1.2 ahead of Formosa with Azzopardi Spiteri retaining third place.

Formosa and Vella went on to secure qualification for the GSSE.

Wales shoot

Gianluca Azzopardi Spiteri (air rifle) and air pistol trio Antoine Attard, Josephine Galea Calleja and Stephen Vassallo have taken part in an international competition, the Wales AirGun 2016, held at the National Centre in Cardiff.

In the air rifle event for juniors, Azzopardi Spiteri registered a total of 579.1 points to secure third place and a bronze medal.

With a total of 526 points, Vassallo was third in air pistol category B and was also awarded a bronze medal.