Kuwait’s Aldousari wins first World Cup

At Rio 2016 the 51 year old became the first shooter to compete at a Paralympics for Kuwait.

Kuwait’s Atef Aldousari reached the top of his first World Shooting Para Sport World Cup podium in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, on Saturday (25 February), following on from his historic appearance at last year’s Paralympic Games.

At Rio 2016 the 51-year-old became the first shooter to compete at a Paralympics for Kuwait.

On Saturday Aldousari (253.0) was the victor in R4 (mixed 10m air rifle standing SH2), seeing off a surge from Great Britain’s silver medallist Ryan Cockbill (251.8).

Cockbill shot a 10.9 in the fourth elimination round to bring himself within touching distance of gold. Aldousari responded with two 10.7s, a 10.6 and a 10.8 in the fifth and sixth, putting the British athlete under pressure.

As Cockbill dropped to two 10.4s and a 10.3, he tried to fight back with a 10.7 in the penultimate round.

However it was too late. Aldousari had established an unassailable lead and breezed to the win despite a 10.3 and 10.0 with his last shots.

Changes to the format for single position events, where finals now consist of two five shot series instead of a three shot series, also meant that Aldousari’s 253.0 score is a new world record.

Swedish 22-year-old Philip Jonsson (230.2) tried to get between Aldousari and Cockbill before settling for bronze.

In the third elimination round Jonsson, who made his international debut in 2014, overtook Cockbill’s score.

However Cockbill’s 10.9 drew him level and his slightly higher scoring saw him advance to the final round, knocking the Swede out of contention by just .4.

Full, live results are available at World Shooting Para Sport’s website.

Competition continues in Al Ain on Sunday (26 February) with R6 (mixed 50m rifle prone SH1) and P4 (mixed 50m pistol SH1).

Updates, pictures and videos are also available on Facebook.com/ShootingParaSport and Twitter (@ShootingPara) and Instagram (@ShootingParaSport).