Svensson leads as Shaikh Saeed, Futais trail

Rio de Janeiro - Leader's 75 points takes him ahead in men's skeet shooting qualification rounds in Rio

The UAE's Shaikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Rashid Al Makotoum and Saif bin Futais slotted into 14th and 24th positions after the full opening day's two-day qualification programme in the men's skeet shooting competition, early hours on Saturday.
Shaikh Saeed mustered 70 points as Futais collected 68 in a big field where the consistent Swede Marcus Svensson stood calm and poised in the rainy and windy conditions in Rio de Janeiro throughout Friday night, UAE time. Svensson (75 points) who led for most parts of the qualification rounds except during his second quota of shots was commanding right at the top though only one point divides the best from the chasing list.
Maintaining it is tough in the sport and one point is not too small a margin to maintain, going by the usual standards and form shown by marksmen throughout the world. Second in the qualification process sees a group of four on 74 points including five-time Olympian Abdullah Al Rashidi, the 'Independent Olympic Athlete' (IOA) hailing from Kuwait.
This event could provide at least unofficially, the country with its second medal after army officer Fehaid Aldeehani, also an IOA, conquered the shooting range earlier this week. Kuwait is officially barred from taking part at the Rio Games due to a ban imposed on the country's Olympic body.
moni@khaleejtimes.com