Ankur shoots double trap gold at Shotgun World Cup

Acapulco (Mexico), March 23: Improving upon his silver medal at the New Delhi World Cup, shooter Ankur Mittal avenged his loss to Australian James Willet when he shot his way to the gold in mens Double Trap with a world record-equalling effort at the ongoing Shotgun World Cup here.

This was India's first medal in the competition, where the country is represented by a nine-member squad. Ankur ended with 75 points out of possible 80 in the six-man final to win India's first medal in the competition while Willet managed 73.

Ankur shot strong throughout the day, ending second in qualification with a score of 138 out of a possible 150. He also got the better off China's Ying Qi 6-5 in a shoot-off to decide second and third spots after both had finished their qualifying rounds on the same score.

In the ensuing six-man 80-targets final round, Ankur missed a total of five targets, including just two in his last 40 to equal the world record and finish on top with a score of 75.

His nemesis in New Delhi, James managed 73 to settle for the silver, while the Chinese Ying bagged the bronze shooting a score of 52, before being eliminated after 60 targets.

Medal events now remain in the Men's and Women's Skeet shooting disciplines, scheduled to be held over the weekend.

Rashmee Rathore will be India's sole competitor in the Women's Skeet while Angad Vir Singh Bajwa, Man Singh and Amrinder Cheema will carry India's hopes in the Men's Skeet event.