Jin Yongde (C), Xie Zhenxiang (L) and Yao Zhaonan of China salute during the awarding ceremony of the 25 meters military rapid fire pistol men's team event at the 7th International Military Sports Council (CISM) Military World Games in Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province, Oct. 19, 2019. China won tournament's first gold at 7th Military World Games from the event on Saturday. (Xinhua/Jiang Kehong)
WUHAN, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- China won tournament's first gold at 7th Military World Games from 25 meters military rapid fire pistol men's team event, beating Russia and DPR Korea to top the podium here on Saturday.
The Chinese side, featuring three elite shooters Jin Yongde, Xie Zhenxiang and Yao Zhaonan in the unique military shooting event, scored a total of 1,747 points for the championship, while Russia took the sliver with 1,743 points. The DPR Korea settled for a third finish with 1,742 points.
"We are really glad that the first gold of the tournament belongs to the host. Our athletes were composed and decisive during the match," noted Cao Jianmin, spokesperson of the Chinese PLA delegation.
In the first round, Xie Zhenxiang hit 585 out of 600 points despite a broken screw in his pistol in his last shot, ranking second behind Rio 2016 silver medalist Jean Quiquampoix of France with 587 points.
"We tried to use glue to fix it, but it did not work," the team leader of Chinese Bayi shooting team Li Weiya said of the pistol glitch, which happened to Xie in the middle of the competition. "Xie was not in his best because of the accident."
The second round saw 43-year-old Jin Yongde, who won his first Asian Games title in 1998, scored 583 points for Chinese team. The experienced coach is not only an athlete at this years' military games, but also serves as the deputy team manager and coach of the team.
"Jin was the second torch bearer at the opening ceremony on Friday night and went to bed very late. He still demonstrated his composure in the competition," Li spoke highly of the veteran.
The final 60 shots has been a close duel between China and Russia. Russia took the lead in the middle of the third round as China's Yao Zhaonan, the 25 meters rapid fire pistol winner at 2018 Jakarta Asian Games, couldn't find the rhythm in front of the home fans.
In the clutch, however, the Chinese soldier rallied to fire 579 points, clinching the comeback victory for the home team.
"Yao is the youngest athlete in the team. It was not a top game for him, but he adjusted very fast. It will be good for his future," the team leader added.
