In a masterclass of precision and composure, China emerged as the overall champion at the ISSF World Cup Rifle / Pistol in Munich. The team topped the medal table after a formidable display of skill, punctuated by a sweeping victory in both mixed team finals on the competition's closing day.
China finished the event with an impressive tally of four gold medals and three bronze medals, distinguishing itself as the only participating team to secure a total of seven medals. This dominant performance placed them ahead of India, which claimed second place with two golds and two silvers, and Norway, which rounded out the top three with two gold medals.
The final day of the competition belonged to the Chinese athletes, who maintained high momentum to secure their lead in style. In the 10m air rifle mixed team final, the duo of Wang Zifei and Olympic champion Sheng Lihao delivered a stellar performance, scoring 505.5 points. They narrowly defeated Norway's Jeanette Hegg Duestad and Jon-Hermann Hegg by just two points to clinch the gold. Adding to the success, Chinese compatriots Han Jiayu and Ma Sihan secured a bronze medal in the same event.
The triumph continued in the 10m air pistol mixed team final, where the Chinese team completed a podium sweep. Yao Qianxun and Hu Kai displayed remarkable nerves, edging out India's Manu Bhaker and Samrat Rana by a razor-thin margin of 0.3 points. With a score of 483.9, Yao and Hu claimed the gold, while the Indian pair settled for silver with 483.6 points.
This victory in Munich underscores the growing influence and technical prowess of China's shooting program on the global stage, providing significant momentum for the athletes as they continue to compete in the international circuit this year.
Reference(s):
China dominates ISSF World Cup in Munich after two wins on final day
cgtn.com
