Bowen Zhang and Michael McPhail win gold on opening day of ISSF Rifle and Pistol World Cup Finals

Bowen Zhang, middle, earned gold in the men's 50m pistol final in Munich ©ISSF

China’s Bowen Zhang and the United States’ Michael McPhail secured golds on the opening day of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Rifle and Pistol World Cup Finals in Munich, Germany, today.

World number five Zhang had secured his spot at the World Cup Final by winning the second World Cup event of the season in Changwon, South Korea, and was able to show similar form on route to the top of the podium in the men’s 50 metre pistol event.

The 19-year-old held his nerve under increasing pressure during the elimination round and was consistent with his shooting throughout to take gold with a final score of 192.6 points, with Vietnam’s Xuan Vinh Hoang being forced to settle for silver.

Hoang would have been frustrated to end on 189.3, after two poor final shots scored 7.8 and 7.5, however, his overall performance was remarkable as he was forced to compete with a new pistol, without his custom grip and adjustments, after his normal gun was delayed on route to the German city.

In addition to Zhang, who secured his first gold at the World Cup Finals, China’s Zhiwei Wang and Jiajie Mai produced solid performances to challenge the medals.

Wang, winner at last year’s event, ultimately saw off the challenge of his compatriot to take bronze by ending on a score of 150.7.

Competition is taking place at the Munich 1972 Olympic Shooting Range ©ISSF

Meanwhile, American McPhail was successful in the men’s 50m rifle prone event.

The 33-year-old came out on top in a closely fought final with Russia’s Kirill Grigoryan, as the American ended just one point clear of his rival on a score of 208.5 to take gold.

Croatia’s Bojan Durkovic secured a place on the podium after being eliminated from the competition on a score of 186.5, with Australia’s Warren Potent ending outside the medal positions in fourth having ended his challenge on 165.7.

The second day of the finals tomorrow, which will run until September 6, will see gold medals awarded in the women’s 25m pistol and men’s 25m rapid fire pistol events.