SHOOTING: Rio 2016 Olympian James Willett has taken silver in the men’s Double Trap at the ISSF World Cup in Acapulco, separated from winner Ankur Mittal (India) by only 2 points in a close final.
Fellow Olympian Paul Adams also won his second consecutive bronze medal in the men's skeet in Mexico. Gold went to Italy's Marco Sablone, and Frank Thompson from the US won the first World Cup medal of his career, cliaming silver.
Willett, who was named Shooting Australia's Male Shooter of the Year in 2017 for the second year in a row, was thrilled with his second consectutive World Cup medal.
“I'm stoked to come away with the silver medal. Thanks to all those supporting me along the way,” said the gracious New South Welshman.
The final placing was a reversal of last month’s Double Trap Final at the ISSF World Cup in New Delhi, India, in which Willett took gold and Mittal silver.
National Shotgun coach Adam Vella said "James really couldn't get into his normal groove throughout practice and had to dig deep against a very strong field. We’re all proud of him for his latest podium finish.”
Shooting Australia CEO Damien Marangon commented "James continues to go from strength to strength. He is a wonderful athlete and ambassador for our sport and deserves this success. We are really excited to be part of James’s journey and we look forward to seeing him represent the country at the Commonwealth Games."
24-year-old Adams won his first ever World Cup medal at the opening stage of the 2017 ISSF World Cup Series in New Delhi. He was pleased to claim his second bronze in Mexico, but still has the top of the podium in his sights.
“I am very happy to come away with another medal from Acapulco,” said Adams.
"The weather conditions have been testing, but I shot well to finish on the podium. I'm working towards getting on the top later in the year!“
Shooting Australia Shotgun National Coach Adam Vella commented: “Great to see Paul take home another medal. His confidence is high and he’s learned what it takes to deliver results on the World Stage. I want to see him keep this momentum and step up to a new level. Another successful event for team Australia!”
"This is a great result for Paul and builds on the medal he won at the first World Cup of the year,” said Shooting Australia CEO Damien Marangon. "This second World Cup medal from as many events is a demonstration that Paul is fulfilling the potential and talent that we have seen in him.”
The Australian Team arrive home from Mexico on Thursday and will set their sights on the next selection event, which takes place on home soil in Melbourne from 12-14 May.
Shooting Australia/AOC
