The first competitions in a series of air-rifle and air-pistol selection shoots were held at the Larry Vella indoor shooting hall in Bidnija on Saturday.

The Malta Air-Rifle & Air-Pistol Shooting Club, under the auspices of the Malta Shooting Sport Federation, has commenced its preparations for the Mediterranean Friendship Games in Malta in April with an eye on the Games of the Small States of Europe in Liechtenstein next year.

The competitions were well attended and also attracted the interest of beginners to the sport.

William Vella was the protagonist in air-rifle with a superb 574 score to finish first ahead of Lawrence Darmanin, 538. Michael Xuereb was third, with a personal best score of 517, and Gozitan newcomer Christian Mifsud had a tally of 498 for a creditable fourth place.

In air-pistol, a separate shoot for women was organised for the first time in the history of the club.

Eleanor Bezzina won this competition with a personal best score of 351/400. She finished ahead of Josette Calleja who shot 307/400.

In the men's event, Ray Cacciattolo had a score of 546 to claim the day's honours. Vincent Borg also achieved a personal best score of 526 to place second ahead of Martin Grech on the 494-point mark.

Gino Galea officiated the events with assistance from John Galea. The next target shooting competition is scheduled for February 6.

One may obtain more details on target shooting at Bidnija by contacting the club's secretary on e.marpsc@gmail.com.

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