In the ongoing ISSF Shotgun World Cup second stage in Acapulco, Mexico, Indian shooter Ankur Mittal has won the men’s double trap event to secure his first World Cup gold medal on March 22. With this feather in his cap, Ankur has equalled world number 1 Willet’s score of 75.
Both Ankur and Willet one-one each of their first 30 targets. Later, Willet fell behind in the sixth series after missing consecutive three shots, while Ankur’s consistent performance in the last ten doubles let him win the gold. China’s Qi Ying finished third, after Ankur and Willet, and managed to win the bronze medal.
Ankur Mittal wins Gold in men’s double trap event in ISSF World Cup (Shotgun) in Acapulco, Mexico. pic.twitter.com/0PIIbeVI69
— ANI (@ANI_news) March 23, 2017
After reaching the feat, 24-year-old Ankur stated that it was a great tournament and he was glad to share the podium with two young shooters. He said,” The playing conditions were great. Wind affected most of the qualification rounds, but the conditions changed in the afternoon as it was not so strong.”
Earlier in February 2017, in the ISSF World Cup in New Delhi, Ankur showed his best performance of the career and clinched the silver medal in the men’s Double Trap event. He made up to this point after facing a tough challenge in the tournament where Pooja Ghatkar had already won a bronze in the 0m air rifle on an inaugural day. He was then defeated by Willet back in Delhi and now he took the revenge quite successfully.
Through his consistent performance, Ankur has risen up gradually through the junior ranks and this Mexico game was the best in international competition.
