The Hindu : Sport / Shooting : Muqlid takes lead

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Saturday, Feb 23, 2008
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Muqlid takes lead

Kamesh Srinivasan

JAIPUR: Nasser Al Muqlid of Kuwait led with a 74 out of 75 in the trap event on the opening day of the Asian clay shooting championship at the Jagatpura Range here on Friday.

It was no surprise as the three Kuwaitis, with former World champion Khaled Al Mudhaf and Abdulrahman Al Faihan being the other two, had won the World championship team gold last year at Nicosia, with a world record to boot.

While Muqlid had rounds of 25, 25 and 24, Mansher Singh kept the Indian hopes of a gold medal alive, one point behind the leader, with a 73, following rounds of 24, 24 and 25.

Alfaihan was placed second with Mansher, after he spoilt his third round with a 23, following two perfect rounds.

Manavjit struggles

World champion Manavjit Singh Sandhu struggled and was five points behind the leader, with a 69 after rounds of 23, 22 and 24.

Coach Marcello Dradi was not worried about his favourite ward, Manavjit’s indifferent form, and stressed that he was shooting good.

Birendeep Sodhi shot 23, 23 and 21. Chosen ahead of the seasoned Anwer Sultan and Zoravar Singh Sandhu, Birendeep could take solace from the fact that he was a point behind Al Mudhaf. Shooting in the MQS section, Anwer had rounds of 25, 21 and 24 for a 70 while Zoravar could muster only a 65.

Shagun trails leaders

In the women’s section, local lass Shagun Chowdhary shot a 64 out of 75 to be two points behind the leaders Yelena Struchayeva of Kazakhstan and Lin Yi Chun of Chinese Taipei.

National record holder Seema Tomar battled with a swollen cheek to stay in the race for the final, with a 63 out of 75, as she tied for the sixth slot with Mariya Dmitrmemko of Kazakhstan and Amna Al Abdulla of Qatar.

The three will have a shoot-off for the last slot before the final to be staged at 1.30 p.m. on Saturday.

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