Australia’s Cain wins with the last shot in Szczecin

In what came down to the last shot, Australia’s Luke Cain narrowly secured the gold medal in a thrilling showdown at the 2016 IPC Shooting World Cup on Monday (2 May) in Szczecin, Poland.

Cain and New Zealand’s Michael Johnson entered the final shot of the R4 (mixed 10m air rifle standing SH2) at 200.9 and 201.0, respectively. It was Cain’s final shot at 10.7 that lifted him over three-time Paralympian Johnson’s 10.5 for the gold.

Great Britain’s third-place finisher Ryan Cockbill (189.4) appeared in position to challenge Cain for the gold, but Johnson came from behind in the final three rounds to push Cockbill out of contention.

Slovakia’s Veronika Vadovicova had another successful day, bagging her second gold medal after shooting 206.8 in the R2 (women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1). The world and European champion was on spot throughout her rounds on Monday, with her lowest shot being 9.9.

Natalie Smith (203.9) took silver to add another medal to Australia’s count, and Russia’s Svetlana Dementyeva (183.3) came away with the bronze.

Competition continues on Tuesday (3 May) with P1 (men’s 10m air pistol SH1) and R1 (men’s 10m air rifle standing SH1), and runs until Wednesday (4 May).

While quota places for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games have already been decided, shooters will continue to make their case for selection. Live results will be available at IPC Shooting's website.

Pictures and live updates will be shared at @IPCShooting and IPC Shooting Facebook page.