Canberra’s John Coombes has missed out on progressing in the men’s 10m air rifle competition at the Youth Olympic Games this morning, having shot an opening round of 586 which was just one point off the required top-eight finish.

Athletes are given 1 hour 45 mins to take 60 shots on target with the scores cumulating until the end when the top eight shooters progress.

Coombes finished the morning session 11^th – equal on points with Croatian shooter Tiziano Suran.

Coombes took his time settling into competition, waiting 20 minutes before firing his first competitive shot.

His initial results were good, securing third rank out of 20 heading into the half hour mark of competition. Throughout the first hour, Coombes moved in ranks from sixth to second and back to sixth before having a troubled fourth string hitting just 94.

His previous four series had scored 99, 98, 99 and 98. His final score was also a 98 meaning 96 in his fourth series would have guaranteed him a spot in the medal playoff.

Throughout the first four series Coombes consistently hit 10s, but the fifth proved a problem with several 9s and 8s creeping in.

The score was just one point off Coombes’ personal best and was his best effort to date in a competition.

“That’s all experience really – John has never shot that well in competition so he has got to be happy with that,” coach Carrie Quigley said.

“It’s a bit bittersweet I suppose in that he has come so close to the playoff position but really that was a fantastic effort.”

“John’s family are here and I’m sure he will be happy with how that went.”

Chinese shooter Ting Jie Gao finished first for the playoff with a score of 594, while Indian N.Singh Ranthore, Mexican E. Marchane Arzate and Finn Jaako Bjorkbacka shot off for the final playoff spot having finished equal on 587.

Elliot Woods

AOC