Bruno Kiefer brings his best to Cali Open

Brazil witnessed their best performances from Bruno Kiefer, as the nation topped the Cali Open shooting Para sport competition that finished Sunday (18 November) in Colombia.

Kiefer captured two gold medals, including a comeback thriller in the R4 (mixed 10m air rifle standing SH2).

Trailing his compatriot Alexandre Galgani, 209.0 to 207.7, entering final two rounds, Kiefer stayed calm under the pressure to beat Galgani by just 0.3 points. Colombia’s Cesar Duran was third.

The Cali Open provided 12 places (seven for men, five for women) for the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games, and Kiefer proved why he deserves to compete in the Peruvian capital.

The 33-year-old also won the R5 (mixed 10m air rifle prone SH2). He shot no less than a 10.2 to maintain a lead throughout the elimination round and win his third career gold medal. Duran was second, followed by Galgani.

Brazil’s best of the rest

The South American nation won nine of the 12 events.

Galgani did seal a win in Cali, taking a commanding victory in the R9 (mixed 50m rifle prone SH1). Peru’s Jorge Arcela was down about 4 points for the silver, and Colombia’s Gabriel Cardona was third.

Geraldo Rosenthal showed why he is one of the top pistol shooters from the region. The Brazilian captured three golds: P3 (mixed 25m pistol SH1); P4 (mixed 50m pistol SH1); and P5 (10m air pistol standard SH1).

His fellow Brazilian Ricardo da Costa won the P1 (men’s 10m air pistol SH1).

Marcelo Marton and Carlos Garletti also tallied wins for Brazil in the R3 (mixed 10m air rifle prone SH1) and R7 (men’s 50m rifle three-positions SH1).

Peruvian showdown

Shooting Para sport will make its first Parapan American Games appearance next year, and the host nation could look forward to the R1 (men’s 10m air rifle standing SH1).

Arcela came back to beat his own teammate Steve Medina to win the R1. Down 216.2 to 215.8, Arcela had a bit of luck on his side after Medina shot a low 8.6. Marton came in third.

Colombia’s Maria Restrepo won the R6 (mixed 50m rifle prone SH1) and Cuba’s Yenisgladys Suarez captured the P2 (women’s 10m air pistol SH1).

Complete results can be found on the Colombian National Paralympic Committee’s website.