China’s sharpshooters made a remarkable impact at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup in Munich, capturing gold and silver in the mixed team events on Saturday.
In the mixed team 10-meter air pistol final, Hu Kai and Yao Qianxun delivered a commanding performance to clinch the title. The duo raced to an early 8-0 lead against Elmira Karapetyan and Benik Khlghatyan of Armenia and maintained their dominance to secure a convincing 16-4 victory. This triumph marked Hu Kai’s fourth World Cup gold and his third consecutive victory in the individual event earlier in the week. Yao added to her accolades after earning bronze in the women’s individual event.
Meanwhile, in the mixed team 10-meter air rifle final, Wang Zifei and Sheng Lihao secured the silver medal. The pair, both world record holders in their individual events, set a new world record in the qualification round with a score of 635.9 points, surpassing the previous mark by 0.1 point. Despite a strong start, the Chinese team faced fierce competition from India’s Arya Borse and Arjun Babuta in the final. The Indian pair surged ahead, and although Wang and Sheng fought back, they ultimately settled for silver with a 17-7 scoreline. Norway’s Jeanette Hegg Duestad and Jon-Hermann Hegg claimed the bronze.
Wang Zifei, 18, was a standout throughout the tournament. Earlier in the week, she secured gold in the women’s 10-meter air rifle, setting new junior and overall qualification world records. Her partner, Sheng Lihao, added to his medal haul with a bronze in the men’s individual competition.
The mixed team results solidified China’s top position in the medal tally, finishing the Munich leg with four golds, one silver, and two bronzes. Norway followed in second place with two golds, one silver, and one bronze, while India ranked third with two golds and two bronzes.
The ISSF World Cup series continues with the next rifle and pistol event scheduled to take place in Ningbo, in east China’s Zhejiang Province, from September 7 to 15. The competition promises to be an exciting showcase of the world’s best shooting talent.
