Romero pins Olympic hopes on shotgun

MANILA—Philippine’s Shooting Olympic target starts with three shooters.

Newly elected Philippine National Shooting Association president Mikee Romero said the country is hoping to qualify as many shooters for the 2012 Games in London next year.

In a get-together he tendered for the PNSA’s trap and skeet team over the weekend, Romero said three shotgun bets are the most likely candidates to the Olympics: Eric Ang, Hagen Topacio and Bryan Rosario.

Ang, who competed as wild card in the 2008 Beijing Games, said they must compete in three international events to earn enough points to qualify.

Topacio and Rosario are looking forward to earning a ticket to London in 2012. Topacio is set to fly to Arizona to hone his skills through tournaments there.

Romero also bared his plans to stage the 2011 Pnoy International Shotgun Cup on Dec. 6 to 14. The Pnoy Cup will have competitions in trap, skeet, sporting clay and combat shotgun events.

Romero is eyeing Muntinlupa, Antipolo and Pampanga as hosts.