Four in a row for shooter
Win means Joy Hirons equalled the history books
ENGLAND international skeet shooter Joy Hirons has equalled the history books by winning the British Open title for a fourth consecutive year.
The shooter, from Stoke Golding, shot an impressive 99 out of 100 targets to scoop the ladies title in Doveridge, Derbyshire.
According to history books, only once before has it been won four times in a row - and that was 44 years ago.
The record made the win “extra special” for Hirons as she continues to dominate the sport which she took up competitively only seven years ago.
She said: “Every win for me is special, whether it be a Leicestershire county win, an East Midlands regional win or a major win.
“Three weeks ago I won the Welsh Open which was the only title I hadn’t won yet, but it is extra special to win the British Open for this record-equalling fourth time.
“I feel such a tremendous achievement in a sport I work extremely hard at.”
She said the new, custom-made Beretta 12-bore shotgun which she had made at a factory in Italy has proven its worth and has made a “huge difference” to her performance.
Hirons travels to Dundee, in Scotland, this week as part of the England shooting team for the Home International competition.
The 52-year-old added: “I leave for Scotland soon to shoot for England at the Home International in Dundee.
“This will be my third cap for my country and it gives me such a huge sense of pride when I put my England kit on and step out to represent my country, of which my husband Rob is now the manager.”