Eleanor Bezzina set a number of records on her way to winning the air-pistol selection shoot at the Bidnija Airgun range last week.

Bezzina became the first Maltese female shooter to surpass the Olympic Minimum Qualifying score of 365/400 when totalling 371 in the qualification round. She then went on to compile an excellent 94.8 in the final for a combined total score of 465.8 - a new national best.

Bezzina finished on top ahead of Josette Calleja who compiled a personal best of 339/400 in the qualifying round before hitting 81.9 in the final for a total score of 420.9.

In the men's air-pistol event, Ray Cacciattolo was the winner with a commendable score of 545/600 and a 93 in the final for an overall tally of 638. John Vincenti placed second with 488 (409+79) ahead of Patrick Azzopardi who totalled 469 points.

During this competition, the ladies shooters had an additional 20 shots so that they could be classified with their male counterparts. In the end, Bezzina became the first local female shooter to win the Open competition with a best score of 647.8 points.

Cacciattolo was second on 638 ahead of Calleja who finished with 590.9 points. John Vincenti (488.8) and Patrick Azzopardi (469) finished fourth and fifth respectively.

In the air-rifle event there were some surprises as well when a new Gozitan female shooter participated in the 10m air-rifle event for the first time. Rosanne Xerri obtained a remarkable score of 503/600 in the qualifying round before hitting 83.8 in the final to finish second overall with 586.8 points.

Michael Xuereb topped the event when hitting scores of 513 and 89.1 to finish with 602.1. Austin Vella was third with 519.9 (445+74.9).

The competitions were judged by international ISSF referee Gino Galea and assisted by Lawrence Darmanin and John Galea.