The Malta Shooting Sport Federation (MSSF) has expressed its satisfaction at the improving standards of Olympic airgun shooting within its ranks.

The female shooters in air-rifle and air-pistol have been raising the bar lately. In less than a month, Malta’s leading three shooters have won four gold medals, two silver and one bronze in prestigious and competitive competitions.

This success has been achieved despite the limited facilities available for this sport to flourish locally, the MSSF said in a statement.

Last weekend, the MARPSC held its fourth competition of this season at Bidnija.

Alison Vella, the revelation of the year, shot a personal best score of 576/600 points to win the air-rifle event.

She was followed in second place by newcomer Isaac Calleja with Gianluca Azzo-pardi and Isaac Zammit finishing third and fourth respectively.

In the women’s air-pistol, Eleanor Bezzina followed her recent success overseas by hitting an excellent 380 points to secure top spot. Josette Galea Calleja was second.

The men’s air-pistol event was won by Ray Cacciattolo on 549 points.

Stephen Vassallo was second on 536 points ahead of Martin Grech (508) and Mario Mallia Milanes (486).

The competitions were judged by Gino Galea, an international ISSF referee.