Shooter Sheeraz justifies faith of coach in skeet

NEW DELHI: The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) allowed skeet coach Ennio Falco to have a say in the selection of the team for the ISSF World Cup being held at the Karni Singh Ranges.

The Italian expert recommended the name of Sheeraz Sheikh. Though Sheikh wasn’t in the merit list, he was given a chance. An experiment, according to Falco, paid dividends as Sheeraz Sheikh, 26, not only scored 121 in qualification but also edge past a more seasoned shooter, Jesper Hansen of Denmark, in the shootout to enter the final.

SIXTH-PLACE FINISH

It’s another matter that he finished sixth and last in the finals. He was the first to be eliminated after 20 shots, scoring 16.

In the 60-shot final, Italy’s Ricardo Filippelli won gold with a score of 57, a world record. Compatriot Gabriele Rossetti, the world No. 1, settled for silver with a score of 55, while Australia’s Paul Adams was third with 45.In qualification, Mairaj Ahmad Khan, who represented India at the Rio Games, scored 119, finishing 13th, while Angad Veer Singh shot 116.

Falco, however, expressed satisfaction with Sheikh’s, saying the fact that the shooter reached the final was a big achievement. “It’s the season’s first competition and we are still working on improving basic. His performance augurs well for skeet,” he said.

FIRST WORLD CUP FINAL

This was Sheikh’s first World Cup final at the senior level and the new rules, which were just implemented by the ISSF, perhaps made things a bit difficult for him.“The qualification was good…it gave me added confidence as I defeated the world champion from Denmark. In the final, I wasn’t able to adjust properly,” said Sheikh, adding that since the emphasis has been more on improving scores in the qualification, there is scope for improvement. “There has been big improvement in the last one year. Hopefully, by yearend, there shall be better result,” he said.

With the World Championship in September being the main goal, Falco said, Sheikh should be the one to watch. “The national team has been improving. I expect better results in the next seven months,” he added. NRAI president Raninder Singh said, it was an experiment to give some liberty to the coach.

It’s the season’s first competition and we are still working on improving basic. His performance augurs well for skeet ENNIO FALCO , skeet coach