Shotgun World Cup goes off with a bang!

For the first time since 1977, the UK played host to the ISSF Shotgun World Cup from 11-20 May at the Southern Counties Shooting Ground, Dorset.  The event literally went off with a bang with 350 shooters from 49 nations firing over 45,000 clays!

Ten days of top class international shooting took place as part of the 3rd stage of the World Cup series, with competitors challenging for medals within Olympic Trap, Skeet and Double Trap. With 2012 drawing closer, the number of entrants greatly superseded attendance at the two previous World Cup stages held in Acapulco and Beijing earlier this year.

When you consider the number of shooters, and countries, it’s a real coup and massive honour to stage this event, particularly in the run up to the Olympics. We are not going to miss the opportunity to make it memorable! commented Mr Peter Underhill, Chairman of the Organising Committee

The British team had good chances to impress on home soil with 2000 Olympic Gold medallist Richard Faulds competing in the Double Trap and 2006 Commonwealth Games champion Charlotte Kerwood contending the Women’s Skeet medals.

The first day of competition saw success for Britain’s Elena Allen who claimed her second ISSF World Cup medal of her career with bronze in Women’s Skeet competition, with a score of 93 hits.

The home team fared well with Peter Wilson (Double Trap) and Aaron Heading (Trap) reaching finals, placing fifth and fourth respectively. Heading was agonisingly close to the bronze, missing a podium finish by just one target, but took pleasure in reaching his first ever ISSF Final round.  Wilson said;It was great to have such a fantastic reception from the crowd in the stadium - I could really feel the vibe.

A noteworthy performance came from China’s Qiang Pan who, on a rain-drenched day, equalled the World Record for double trap scoring 147 out of 150 in qualifying for the finals. The Chinese hot shot went on to dominate the final scoring 46 hits from 50 targets.

Across all disciplines, Russia boasted the most podium finishes with 4 medallists out of the 5 finals.

This quiet corner of Dorset witnessed three years of extensive planning and development, with Sportworks taking care of event management.  A carefully planned and erected infrastructure provided an idyllic arena and atmosphere for international athletes to compete and for spectators to enjoy the spectacle of world class shooting, and an event that would leave a lasting physical and emotional legacy.

Assistance from local volunteers was also crucial in delivering an excellent service to competitors and spectators. A group of volunteers from Dorset Volunteers, Weymouth Community Academy and Weymouth College supported marshalling, medal presentations and overall event support.

The attention to detail and event management was much appreciated by the competitors;
This has been the best organised event I've ever been to enthused Susan Sledge, USA Trap Shooter.

The event’s economic and legacy impacts for the region were also key elements for organisers.  Officials from UK Sport, LOCOG and relevant NGBs, were welcomed to attend an Observer’s Tour on the second week of competition in order to share elements of best practice.  All commented on the success of the event and underlined the importance of engaging with the local community to create legacy, as well as the positive benefits of hosting an international sporting event - Dorset benefitted from an estimated £1.3million economic impact.

The preparation for the event has been excellent and the competition has been very smooth… The legacy is very important - this is a really nice venue and people can learn more about shooting and come and try this great sport. We are ready to come again! commented Franz Schreiber, Executive Director of the International Shooting Sport Federation

The UK can now look forward to hosting future ISSF World Cup tournaments and welcoming international shooting to London in 2012.

Next stop for competitors is Lonato, Italy for the final fourth stage of the ISSF Shotgun World Cup series.