Dubai: The shooters from Italy dominated, but Abdullah Al Falasi of the UAE bagged the country’s first medal on the second day of the Fifth World University Shooting Sport Championship being held at the Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club on Thursday.
Al Falasi, who began shooting trap under the UAE’s champion Shaikh Juma Bin Dalmouk Al Maktoum just eight months ago, held off two Italians in tense shoot-offs before settling for the silver medal.
Lying in second place at the end of five rounds of qualifying, Al Falasi had to first contend with Valerio Grazini for a place in the final. The UAE youngster, participating in his first major competition, did well to win against the Italian to book his place for the gold medal shoot-off against another Italian, Andrea Miotto.
Al Falasi had an early advantage in the decider as his opponent missed the first two targets. But the UAE youngster saw his focus stray midway as he too missed. The shooters were tied 11-11 at the end of the mandatory 15 shots, forcing another shoot-off to decide the gold medallist.
It was at this stage that nerves got the better of Al Falasi as Miotto made his superior experience count and Al Falasi missed one target, handing his rival a narrow one-point win for the gold medal.
“Even though I lost the gold medal, this has been a tremendous learning experience for me. I owe all my gratitude to Shaikh Juma Bin Dalmouk Al Maktoum for his encouragement and guidance. I vow to continue and get even better in the future,” Al Falasi told Gulf News.
This is the first medal for the UAE after its participation in three of the previous editions of the World University Shooting Sport Championship. “This is a historical moment for my country and I take pride in dedicating this medal to the Rulers and Supreme Council members of the UAE,” he added.
The competition will continue at the Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club until October 12. The next opportunity for the hosts to get a medal is in the men’s double trap contest on the final day of competition on Sunday.
