The focus of world shooting will next week be on Sydney as 260 elite pistol and rifle shooters take part in the International Sport Shooting Federation (ISSF) World Cup event, to be held at the Sydney International Shooting Centre, March 20-28.

The Sydney event will be the first of four ISSF World Cup events in 2010 ahead of the World Championships in Munich (29 July – 11 August).

Australia’s 28 member team is a mix of youth and experience.

World Cup winners Warren Potent (NSW) and Russian born Lalita Yauhleuskaya (VIC) are Australia’s best hopes for medals.

Teen sensations John Coombes, from country NSW, and Singapore resident, Edwin Gouw, will be looking to further their international experience.

2008 Beijing Olympic Bronze medallist and current world number one, Warrant Potent, will face a high quality field in the men’s 50m prone rifle event.

Potent will come up against Australia Cup 2 winner, Neil Stirton (Great Britain) and dual Olympic silver medallist, American, Matthew Emmons.

Yauhleuskaya will be looking to improve on her 2009 performances of silver and bronze medals in the 10m and 25m pistol categories.

The Indian team will be looking to build on their dominant performance at the recent Commonwealth Shooting Federation tournament in New Delhi.

2009 World Cup winner, Gagan Narang, in the 50m 3 positions rifle will be a member of the 29 strong Indian team.

Following a successful 2009 World Cup season, China will send 24 athletes to the event. Leading their campaign will be Olympic 10m air pistol Gold medalists, Wenjun Guo and Wei Pang.

“This is a big event for Sydney and a big event for Australian shooting,” Shooting Australia CEO Nick Sullivan said.

“We have 260 of the world’s best rifle and pistol shooters coming to Western Sydney.”

“It’s the start of a highly competitive international season so shooters will be looking to make their best first impressions," Sullivan said.

Shooting Australia