ACCURATE and efficient, Beijing Olympics veteran Eric Ang ruled the men’s individual trap event in the 36th Southeast Asia Shooting Association Championships in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.
Firing 134 points, Ang, admittedly in better form, overcame Taiwanese bet Hsi Ching Huang by four to claim the gold—his third in the event. Malaysian standout Bernard Yeoh settled for bronze with 128 points
Ang’s golden effort highlighted a six-medal romp for the country’s shooters sent by the Philippine National Shooting Association (PNSA).
It was Ang’s third gold in the competition as he also bagged two titles in the 2007 edition of the event.
“I’m in better shape now,” said the Laoag City pride who missed earning another berth in the London Games due to lack of tournaments.
London Olympics-bound shooter Brian Rosario, however, was not as fortunate as his bid in the skeet competition was hurt by a problem in his shotgun. Rosario found trouble when the lip spring on his trigger snapped.
Overall, there was plenty to cheer about in the national team’s bid though with Miguel Laperal winning the silver in the junior trap and the trio of Emerito Concepcion, Jason Valdez and Celdon Arellano also finishing second in their event.
Concepcion, the most senior in the team, also bagged the bronze in the men’s air rifle 3-position.
The bronze medals came courtesy of Joelle Panganiban (individual trap) and the trap team.
“I’m happy that the PNSA shooting programs are now developing new shooters and producing medals for the country,” said Romero, who likewise brought in a new rifle coach in Spanish Miguel Tajuelo. Cedelf P. Tupas