Qi Ying and Zhang Zixi secured China’s first-ever mixed team trap gold medal at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup in Nicosia, Cyprus, on Sunday. The duo’s triumph marks a historic breakthrough in a discipline where China had previously lacked top-tier results, drawing global attention to the nation’s rising prowess in shooting sports.
Teamwork Trumps Challenges
Qi, an Olympic silver medalist who narrowly missed the men’s trap finals earlier, partnered with 19-year-old Zhang Zixi to dominate the mixed team event. After edging out Türkiye’s Tolga Tuncer and Rumeysa Pelin Kaya in a tense shootoff, they faced Poland’s Tomasz Pasierbski and Sandra Bernal in a nail-biting final. The match remained tied until Pasierbski temporarily gave Poland the lead, only for Qi to retaliate with a flawless fourth round. The Chinese pair sealed their victory 42-39, showcasing tactical precision under pressure.
A Rising Star and a Seasoned Champion
Zhang’s composure as the youngest team member earned praise, while Qi’s experience proved pivotal in critical moments. Their performance highlights China’s growing depth in shooting talent, resonating with both sports enthusiasts and analysts tracking Asia’s athletic developments.
