Malta's Paul Vella scored rounds of 21, 22 and 22 yesterday in the qualifiers to land himself a fourth place and a berth in today's final barrage.

Vella finished in joint fourth place with Moreno Benedettini of San Marino, both on 65 targets.

Low scores were registered on another brilliant day with clear blue skies at the La Rabassa Range.

Leading the pack is Andreou Antonakis of Cyprus, who is the favourite. He hit a total of 69, one more than compatriot Andreas Chasikos who is on 68. Third is Orn Vladimarsson of Iceland, who has 67.

Most of the Maltese contingent's eyes today will be on the shooters, not only because Vella has reached the final to defend the silver medal he won in Malta. The double trap competition will also be staged today where young William Chetcuti will be defending the gold medal he won two years ago in Malta. Also in the competition is Emmanuel Grima who had won the bronze in the Malta edition.