Maltese shooters Nicky Carabott and Jason John Aquilina were occupying the 89th and 111th places respectively at the end of the first day of the individual trap competition in Zagreb, Croatia, yesterday.

Carabott had rounds of 21, 23 and 21 for a grand total of 65 (out of 75) and Aquilina registered scores of 23, 21 and 18 in the opening three rounds for a total of 62.

One hundred and twenty five shooters are taking part in the competition which continues today with the final two rounds before the barrage (final six).

The Trap team competition also got under way yesterday, but Malta is one of few countries not taking part as they have only two shooters in the championships – a team consists of three shooters to be eligible for the event.

Leading the individual competition is Ireland’s Derek Burnett who had a perfect 75 (three straights). Adam Vella, an Australian of Maltese origin, is in second place, just one clay behind, on 74. He also shot excellently for rounds of 25, 24 and 25. Third placed is Mark Russell of Australia, also on 74 with the same scores of Vella.

In the team event, Russia leads with 218. It is followed by Australia and India, both on 217.