The Malta Air-Rifle and Pistol Shooting Club has just held the first from a series of selection shoots ahead of next year's GSSE in Cyprus.

Eleven shooters took part in four competitions at the 10m Airgun Range in Bidnija. The most notable event was the Olympic Air-Rifle which always attracts the highest number of participants.

Here, William Vella was the winner with a score of 567+101. Lawrence Darmanin was second, 561+92 and Charlo Chircop third 534+89.

In the Olympic Air-Pistol event, Ray Cacciattolo hit a score of 537+90 to finish ahead of Martin Grech, 510+84, in the final standings.

The outcome of the Air-Rifle competitions produced the first ever father and son winners as Joe and William Smith triumphed in their respective categories.

The Open Air-Rifle was won by Joe Smith, 513+82. He was closely followed by Wayne Galea, 500+90. The junior class was hotly contested but finally William Smith emerged winner with a score of 485+87. Odin Sammut was second, 461+77.

Newcomer Samuel Mamo shot 290+46 for a creditable third placing in his debut at Bidnija.