Rudrankksh Clinches Gold in 10m Air Rifle at ISSF World Cup
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Synopsis
Rudrankksh Balasaheb Patil clinched his second ISSF World Cup gold in the men’s 10m air rifle event, scoring 252.9 in Buenos Aires. Facing tough competition from Hungary's Istvan Peni, Patil's outstanding shots secured him the top spot, while Marcelo Julian Gutierezz earned bronze. India now shares the lead in the medal tally with China.
Key Takeaways
- Rudrankksh secured his second ISSF World Cup gold.
- He scored 252.9 in the men’s 10m air rifle final.
- Istvan Peni from Hungary was a strong competitor.
- Marcelo Julian Gutierezz took home the bronze medal.
- India and China are tied for the lead in the medal standings.
New Delhi, April 6 (NationPress) Former world champion Rudrankksh Balasaheb Patil achieved his second individual International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup gold with a remarkable score of 252.9, dominating the men’s 10m air rifle final on Sunday, the fourth day of the first Shooting World Cup event in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The talented Indian shooter faced strong competition from the skilled Hungarian marksman Istvan Peni, who recently secured gold in the men’s 3P event. However, Patil delivered crucial shots when it was essential, showcasing a stellar performance.
Finishing with a well-deserved bronze was the host nation's Marcelo Julian Gutierezz, who exited after the 22nd shot of the 24-shot final with a score of 230.1, trailing Peni by 0.4 and the leader Patil by 1.6.
As a result, India now shares the top position in the medal tally with China, both countries having won two golds, one silver, and one bronze thus far. The USA has also clinched two golds and is currently in third place, while Hungary has secured the remaining gold medal.
The qualifications for the men’s air rifle event featured two relays, with Indian shooters leading both. Arjun Babuta delivered an impressive score of 634.5 in the first relay, while Rudrankksh followed closely with a commendable 633.7 in the second relay, finishing second overall. Hriday Hazarika, the third Indian competitor, scored 624.6 in the second relay, placing him in 22nd position overall.
Other finalists included former European junior champion Ilia Marsov (neutral athlete) and rising Chinese star Wang Honghao.
Patil set a strong tone for the final with a 10.7 on his opening shot, hitting the 9-ring only once, on his 19th shot, by which time the gold was nearly secured.
Throughout the event, he electrified the Tiro Federal Argentino de Buenos Aires shooting range with eight shots scoring 10.5 or above, and three perfect 10.9s, adding flair to his victory.
Despite one minor setback on his 19th shot, he closed strong with scores of 10.2, 10.8, 10.5, 10.4, and 10.8, achieving a remarkable win. At one point, Peni narrowed the gap during the 13th shot, but Patil responded with a 10.9 on his 14th shot, extending his lead again.
On Monday, the women’s air rifle qualifications will take place, followed by the final at 10 PM IST. Day five will also mark the commencement of the women’s Trap and men’s rapid-fire pistol competitions.
