American markswoman snatches first gold

Al Ain: American markswoman Kimberly Rhode became the first gold medallist in the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup final at the Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club (AESGC) when she won the women's skeet competition yesterday.

On the first day of competition following Saturday night's dazzling opening ceremony, Rhode scored 93 hits to overcome tough competition from Slovakian Danka Bartekova (92) and Chinese Donglian Zhang (91).

Her effort earned her euro 5000 (Dh28,617) while Bartekova collected euro 3000 and Zhang euro 2000.

Rhode is a two-time Olympic gold medal winner and six-time national champion in double trap.

Bartekova participated at the Beijing Olympic Games and finished in 8th place. She set a new world record in the 2008 European Championship shooting 99/100 targets and winning the gold in individual, as well as team competition.

Zhang captured the skeet gold medal in a thrilling final at the ISSF World Cup Slovenia at Colorado Springs in July following a shoot-off with Panayiota Andreou of Cyprus. Bartekova finished in fourth place on that occasion.

Honoured

A total of 10 competitors from USA, China, Slovakia, Italy, Russia, Greece and England took part in the event.

Meanwhile, Shaikh Tahnoun Bin Mohammad Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in the Eastern Region, and Shaikh Mohammad Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and the President of the AESGC, attended the opening ceremony on Saturday night at the premises of the Shooting Club inside the AESGC. The show reflected part of the rich local folklore of the UAE together with welcoming speeches from the organisers and the ISSF (International Shotgun Shooting Federation).

Shaikh Mohammad Bin Khalifa honoured Shaikh Tahnoun for his support to the event and Shaikh Ahmad Bin Hasher Al Maktoum for his achievements in the sport which included his gold Olympic medal.

"I am honoured," Shaikh Ahmad said. "Honouring me is honouring the UAE athletes and I am really pleased with the gesture because it will encourage the youth in different sport fields to excel.

"Hosting such a big competition is in itself an achievement. I am sure that all the competitors from the different countries will have a good impression about our country and our facilities."