As we start the final day of the World Individuals, the GB team have 6 shooters in the top 10, and 9 in the top 20. The top 3 places overnight were Glyn Barnett on 520.61v, Jon Underwood on 518.58v and David Luckman on 517.55v. Today 320 shooters will shoot two ranges; 2&15 to count at 800m and 900m. 10 shooters will shoot three ranges, as the top 10 will go into a final with an additional 2&15 at 900m this afternoon.
After yesterday’s rather forgetful start, one team member was teasing another about whether he had his shoes today, but their face went a paler shade of red when the response was “well I hope you have your ammo”. A return to the room sorted that problem pre departure!
At 0800 following General Mac’s scripture reading and prayers, the first relay started. Most of us remembered this was 800m not 700m. The wind was fairly steady from the left (not the right, as a nearly hit 1 sighter proved). The first detail scores were high, with David Luckman coming off the back of placing second in the Day 2 Aggregate to top score with 75.14v.
The final shoot of the World Individuals was Match 9 at 900m. Glyn Barnett started in the lead, with team members Parag Patel, Jon Underwood and David Luckman hot on his heels. At 900m, the Australians brought their A game, scoring the only three 75s on the range, and as a result the top three spots for the Day 3 Aggregate went to the Australians; the Veterans and U25 World Champions Jim and Mitch Bailey and Shaun Wingrove.
As we broke for lunch, the BBBBBBC team and the SABU offices worked on the stats to confirm who had made the top ten. Whilst we waited, we had photos of the serving personnel, and of all the competitors for posterity. Team photographer worked hard as did his drone; but we’re sure you’ll agree the photos were worth it. As the results came in, GB claimed 5 of the 10 places in the final, with Glyn Barnett still in the lead.
The afternoon saw the top 10 compete for final placings. Only 5 points separated the group, which at 900m was all to play for! The top 10 featured a previous World Long Range Champion, the U25 World Champion, the winner of the State President Final, the SABU Cup Winner, four Queen’s Prize winners, and the 900m aggregate winner amongst other accolades. So, it should be easy to win…
At 14:45 the final began. The heat was up, and the wind was stronger than expected (based on the 3 outer sighters across the targets!). In the GB team, Jon Underwood went clean with 75.7v, with Mitch Bailey from Australia also going clean. David Luckman, Parag Patel and Rosanne Furniss scored 73s, but all eyes were on the central target where Glyn Barnett was going head to head with Australian Ash Bidgood. Glyn’s 73.7v left Ash needing to finish on at least a bull to finish on 74, and win on vee bulls from Glyn. As the target went up for the final time, it was the Australians cheering as Ash scored a bull five to become the victor. Our congratulations to Ash Bidgood, World Long Range Champion 2024.
After congratulating Ash, the team headed back to the hotel to change for the Individual Prizegiving. GB was well represented on the stage as Theo Dodds won the 700m aggregate, Chris Mitchell was 2nd in the Day 2 700m, Glyn Barnett won the 800m aggregate, Parag Patel and Jon Underwood placed 2nd and 3rd in the 900m aggregate, Jon also placed 3rd in the Day 3 900m, David Luckman was 2nd in the Day 2 aggregate and Rosanne Furniss was top lady. Final placings saw top 20 spots for Jeremy Langley, Chris Mitchell, Graham Nelson and Matthew Button, and top 10 spots for Rosanne Furniss (7th), David Luckman (6th), Parag Patel (4th), Jon Underwood (3rd) and Glyn Barnett (2nd).
With our Palma team now selected, tomorrow we head to the range to practice, with a relatively easy day in advance of the Palma match starting on Friday. With shooters from Australia, GB, USA and South Africa placing in the top 10, it is likely to be a close match.
