The first selection shoot ahead of the Cyprus GSSE in June was held yesterday at the Malta Shooting Sport Federation's ranges in Bidnija.

Under the supervision of coach Jimmy Bugeja, all contenders in this category registered impressive results, particularly competition favourite William Chetcuti.

The top-ranked Double Trap shooter hit scores of 47/50 in his first two rounds and a 45 in round three. Chetcuti's tally, a 139/150, meant that he acquired 21 points more than required for an ISSF MQS which currently stands at 118.

Junior Double Trap competitor Derek Bonanno also had remarkable rounds of 46-44-44 (134) to follow Chetcuti and break into the MQS established.

Nathan Lee Xuereb, another junior, was just outside the qualifying score when hitting 114/150 to finish in third place.

The Skeet selection shoot also got underway during the weekend at Bidnija.

Silvio Attard is leading the provisional standings following a score of 114/125. The overall winner of the Keepers Skeet Trophy, however, was Clive Farrugia after a shoot-off with Attard.

Both had managed 136 clays before the barrage final got underway.

Meanwhile, after a break of three weeks, the selection airgun competitions resumed at the Bidnija ranges during the weekend.

William Vella again showed he's the most consistent shooter with an MQS score of 570 points in air-rifle.

Charlo Chircop, who is improving his scores with every competition, placed second on 544 ahead of Lawrence Darmanin, third on 542.

Ray Cacciattolo was the air-pistol competition winner with a score of 547 points.

Gino Galea refereed the matches. He was assisted by Bernadette Chircop.