Rio 2016 champ in Tokyo selection showdown

Wednesday, 15 January 2020:

Catherine Skinner's rivals have claimed the early advantage in a selection showdown for two Tokyo Olympic trap spots, with the Rio 2016 gold medallist finishing third in the Commonwealth championships final.

Australia boast three world-class trap shooters in Skinner, Laetisha Scanlan and Penny Smith.

But there are only two Tokyo quota spots up for grabs and the prospect of Skinner, who was responsible for one of Australia's eight gold medals at the 2016 Olympics, missing the cut looms large.

The top-ranked trap shooter from four selection events will book their ticket to Tokyo, with the recipient of Australia's second quota spot to be determined by a selection panel.

Skinner shot 71 or 75 targets to be the top-ranked shooter after Tuesday's three qualifying rounds but had to settle for bronze in Wednesday's final.

Scanlan put down 47 of 50 targets to win the final ahead of Smith (40/50), while Skinner was eliminated after downing 29 of a possible 40 targets.

"The conditions were tough and it's not an easy range to shoot at. I knew that coming into the competition," three-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist Scanlan said.

"I wanted to get out early with a lead and I was very happy to get the win."

Shooters are awarded bonus points from the final in addition to collecting points from qualifying rounds, meaning Scanlan and Smith are joint leaders (121 points) on the Olympic selection leaderboard ahead of Skinner (117 points).

Australia also have two Tokyo quota spots in men's trap.

James Willett is in the box seat to claim the automatic berth after prevailing in Wednesday's final at Newcastle Lake Macquarie Clay Target Club.

Willett shot 46 of 50 targets to edge Vinnie Mollica (43/50).

The same range will host the final of the national championships on Saturday.






AAP