National shooters aim to improve their focus

PALEMBANG: There is still no cause for celebration in the national shooting camp after two days of heats at the 2018 JakartaPalembang Asian Games when no Malaysian shooter advanced into the next round.

In the women’s 10m air rif le, debutante Nur Izazi Rosli missed qualifying when she was placed 10th with 622.3 points at the Jakabaring Shooting Range yesterday.

With only top eight shooters progressing to the final, the 18year- old came out just 1.7 points behind Lin Yingshin of Chinese Taipei ( 624 points) who took the last slot.

The Bukit Jalil Sports School pre- university student began slowly in the first round when she scored 102.3 points before bouncing back to record 104.0, 103.2, 103.9, 104.8 and 104.1 points in the subsequent rounds.

“I am quite satisfied with the results despite being disappointed for failing to enter the finals by such a narrow margin. I am taking it positively...I am still young, will improve my results in the coming competition,” she told Bernama.

Meanwhile, in the men’s 10m air rifle, Mohamad Lutfi Othman also missed qualifying after finishing in 28th spot with 614.3 points.

Also facing the same fate was Chen Seong Fook who was placed 26th with 110 points in the men’s trap event.

National coach Mohd Sabki Mohd Din, however, is confident the national squad would perform better soon when Johnathan and Joseline compete in the men’s and women’s 10m air pistol.

“So far what I see is that our athletes are still trailing in terms of mental strength. Like Nur Izazi who took a commendable 10th spot despite making her Asiad debut.

“There are some more events such as the 10m air pistol and three positions, hopefully they can focus better this time and overcome their mistakes,” he said.

The shooting squad’s challenge in Palembang will continue with Mohamad Lufti in the men’s 50m rifle three positions and Johnathan Wong Guanjie in the men’s 10m air pistol today. — Bernama