Home International Wu targets home Rio 2016 gold for Brazil after World Cup win in Bangkok

Wu targets home Rio 2016 gold for Brazil after World Cup win in Bangkok

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Brazil’s Felipe Almeida Wu has targeted a famous home gold at the Rio 2016 Olympics after winning the 10 metres air pistol event at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup in Bangkok.

The final in the Thai capital came down to the last shot as Wu, the Pan American Games champion, was level with the United States’ Will Brown on 191.7 points.

Brown buckled under the pressure and shot a disappointing 9.7, with Wu taking advantage by firing a winning 10.2.

The Brazilian finished on 201.9 with Brown left to settle for silver on 201.4.

“It’s amazing, I am extremely happy, hard work paid-off today,” said 23-year-old Wu.

“This is a very important year for Brazil and for Brazilian sports.

“We have all eyes on us.

“Our national media started following us more and more in the lead-up to the Olympics.

“And this is crucial, especially for shooting sport.

“I am happy to contribute to spread knowledge about our disciplines through my victories.

“Winning the first international match of the year helps to build up confidence.

“I will continue to work, to be ready next August.”

Hoang Xuan Vinh from Vietnam took bronze with 180.1 points.

In the 50m rifle prone men’s final, Denmark’s Olympic silver medallist from Sydney 2000, Torben Grimmel, finished on top of the podium.

With two excellent last shots of 10.3 and 10.7 points, the Danish athlete sealed the victory with a final score of 209.1 points, ahead of Australia’s reigning world champion Warren Potent who ended on 208.3.

Nineteen-year-old Hungarian Istvan Peni secured bronze with 187.3.

“It feels great to be back,” said Grimmel, who topped an ISSF podium for the first time in eight years.

“I had a work accident, and I had to pass through back surgery twice, in 2010 and then again 2013.

“But luckily I have been able to recover well.

“That was odd-defying.

“My aim for 2016 is to go to the Olympics and to do well there.

“And I am confident.

“We are all training and competing for an Olympic medal.

“I would say there are 10 to 15 people out there who have what it takes to win the Games.

“It’s unpredictable.” 

Action in Bangkok continues tomorrow with the women’s 10m air pistol and 50m rifle three position finals.

  • By Dan Palmer
  • Republished with permission insidethegames.biz

 

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