Eller Walton fires shooting world record at the ISSF Shotgun World Cup finals in Al Ain

Al Ain: American shooter Eller Walton was in a class of his own in the qualifiers of the double trap at the ISSF Shotgun World Cup finals held at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Gulf Club on Saturday with a world-record performance.

The UAE shooters, on the other hand, did not make it to the finals but were satisfied with the progress they achieved, according to Saif Al Shamsi, who finished the highest amongst his teammates in 11th.

Walton, the US gold medallist in the event at the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008, dominated the five qualification rounds, scoring a perfect 30 hits in three rounds.

He therefore registered a world record of 146, breaking the old mark of 136, which was achieved in March in Acapulco, Mexico, by India’s Mohammad Asab, Sergio Pinero of the Dominican Republic and Ian Rupert from the USA.

Walton was followed by Daniele Di Spigno of Italy with 142, Andreas Loew of Germany with 141, Davide Gasparini of Italy with the same score and China’s Hao Wang with 140.

The UAE’s Al Shamsi scored 137 to finish 11th, Shaikh Juma Bin Dalmook Al Maktoum’s 131 meant he finished 23rd, while Mohammad Bin Dahi scored 130 and came 27th.

“It was a fantastic and thrilling competition,” Al Shamsi said.

“It was amazing how the first 11 shooters all broke the old world record but only six of them reached the semi-finals.

“I did not make it, with my other colleagues, to the semi-finals but I am satisfied and happy with the progress I achieved this year. In Acapulco last month, I scored 122 and today I scored 137 with 15 more hits.”