Sadiq’s shooting on target at Asian event

Pakistani occupies fourth spot at trap event.

KARACHI:

Following a series of poor performances at the Asian Shooting Championship, experienced Pakistan shooter Usman Sadiq gave the country renewed hope of making it to the London Olympics as he sits fourth on the first day of the trap event.

Sadiq registered an aggregate of 47/50 in the event underway in Doha. India’s Sandhu Manavjit finished on top with 49/50 ahead of Alaryani Dhaher of UAE with 48/50.

In contrast, Sadiq’s teammates – Farrukh Islam and Shakeel Illyas – put on an ordinary show, finishing with scores of 40 and 37 in the initial stages to be placed near the bottom.

Meanwhile, in order to qualify for the final, Sadiq will need to maintain his place in the top six.

“It was the best performance by a Pakistan shooter so far,” National Rifle Association of Pakistan Secretary Javed Lodhi told The Express Tribune. “He’ll have to repeat his performance to boost his chances of qualifying.”

After confirming a place in the final, Sadiq will almost be certain to book a ticket for the Olympics.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 21^st, 2012.