With 150 hits the Czech shooter equalled the Final World Record and secured an Olympic Quota Place. Brovold, earning the second quota, said he could be shooting Trap at the next Games.
Czech Republic’s Jan Sychra won the Skeet Men event at the ISSF World Cup in Concepcion, Chile, with a great score of 150 hits out of 150 targets: an equalled final world record. The Czech shooter also secured an Olympic Quota Place, a qualification spot at the 2012 London Games.
“I did not believe the 150 record was possible! – The Czech shooter said after the award ceremony. The record had been established in 2007 by the current Olympic Champion, Vincent Hancock of the USA. Since then, it had been tied just twice, both times by Norway’s Tore Brovold.
“It’s too cold to shoot, in my country. It’s very early in the season, and I could not train that much before coming here in Chile.” Sychra added. “That’s why I am surprised about the outcome of this match.”
“The sun helped me a lot. The background is great, and I was in a good mood. That’s how I shot a perfect match. 150 hits: this is my first time!” Sychra said, wearing the Gold. “I had shot 125 targets twice in my life, but I had never made it to the end.”
“I want to leave space to younger shooter, now that I have got an Olympic Quota. They should have their chance as well.” The 42-year old athlete said. “I will most probably go to London, and I have to get ready for that.” Said the Czech shooter, who competed in the 1996, 2004 and 2008 Games.
Norway’s Brovold secured the second Quota Place awarded today, by finishing in second place with a total score of 148 hits. The 40-year Olympic Silver medallist of Beijing is now looking forward to London, where he could surprise his fans “I will try to shoot Trap as well” he said, half-jokingly.
“I will try to convince my coach to let me shoot Trap at the World Cup in Maribor. If I will get the MQS, I could extend my stay at the Games…” he said smiling.
“The Quota makes it easier for me. I will be shooting at the next two ISSF World Cup Stages in Sydney and Beijing. Then we will decide how to proceed on the path to London.”
Norways’ coach, Per Moen, celebrated two medals, as the Bronze went to the second Norwegian shooter, Ole Eilif Undseth, third with 147+13 targets after shooting-off Cuba’s veteran Guillermo Torres (a 52-year old 1980-Olympian) who closed the match in fourth with 147+12 hits.
USA’s Frank Thompson, and Denmark’s Andres Golding, followed in fifth and sixth place, with 146 and 145 hits, respectively.
The ISSF Shotgun World Cup in Concepcion, Chile, will continue tomorrow with the last final match, the Trap Men competition. The final round is scheduled at 16.30. Don’t miss the match, on www.issf-sports.org