The Italian shooter had to pass through three shoot-offs to climb upon the podium for the first time in his career. With a score of 35 hits, he established a new final world record, shattering the 34-hit record set by Germany's Reitz two years ago in Milan.
Italy's Riccardo Mazzetti came back onto an ISSF World Cup podium, in Beijing, today. The 30-year old shooter claimed the 25m Rapid Fire Pistol Men Gold setting a new Final World Record of 35 hits, two years after his last medal (a Silver) won at the 2010 ISSF World Cup in Fort Benning.
The Italian athlete outdid the Chinese medal hope Zhang Jian (28), who pocketed the Silver medal with 32 hits, and Czech Republic's Martin Strnad (39), Bronze with 28 hits.
On his way to the highest step of the podium, the Mazzetti had to pass throughout three different shoot-offs. Tied to Zhang and to Korea's Kim Jun Hong with 20 hits, he had to shoot-off twice to break the tie and to go forward in the match. Then, once again facing Zhang, he shot-off in the lead up to the medals.
Kim eventually ended up in fourth place with a total of 25 hits, followed his teammate Song Jong Ho (fifth with 17 hits) and by China's Hu Haozhe (sixth with 12 hits).
“The three shoot-off in a raw have been thrilling, also because I always was the last one to shoot. But I made it. That took a bit off pressure off the last series: I zeroed in, pretending to be alone, and I shot at my best.” Mazzetti said.
“It feels amazing to win here in Beijing. I have been working so hard for this medal...” he added.
“It hasn't been an easy year, I changed a lot of things, and I struggled to find my best condition. My performances improved from competition to competition, and I finally made it here in Beijing, although I did not expect to win a Gold medal.”
“Today's final has been really hard.” The Italian shooter continued “I tried to stay close to the others during the match, even though I had the feeling that they were stronger than me.”
2014 has been an intense season, as Mazzetti said, but it's not over yet. Some said the only competition that really matters this year is the World Championship, due to the Olympic quota places that will be awarded there. “Indeed, throughout the next two months I will be training for the World Championship. But now, after this match, I want to cool down and take it easy, in order to get in Granada in the best conditions.”