The 2013 Britannia Tours airgun championships were held at the national shooting ranges in Bidnija, last weekend.

The championships consisted of four events – the Open Air-Rifle for beginners, Junior 10m Match Air-Rifle and the mixed events in air-pistol and air-rifle.

In all, 20 target shooters battled it out for the trophies at stake, this year sponsored by Britannia Services Ltd.

In the Open Air-Rifle event, Christopher Aber mustered 338 points to claim the title ahead of Emmanuel Cachia, 296, and Sanaa Aber, 257.

The Junior Air-Rifle event was contested by three very promising shooters who all performed extremely well for a very close result.

In the end, Isaac Calleja emerged winner with a score of 336 points, a personal best. Isaac Zammit was a close second, 328, and Gianluca Azzopardi Spiteri third on 324 points.

The air-rifle event was hotly contested. Eventually, Alison Vella took top place and a deserved Champion’s Shield, with 369 points.

Hungarian-born Haynalka Adam was second, with 359 points, and Gozo-based Romeo Zuber third, just one point behind.

The air-pistol shoot produced the major upset of the day.

In fact, Malta’s top air-pistol shooter at the moment, and pre-competition favourite, Eleanor Bezzina, was pipped to the title by Stephen Vassallo.

Vassallo’s personal best score of 365 points was one point better off than Bezzina’s to seal the title at the Bidnija ranges.

All competitions were judged by ISSF referee Angelo Galea.

Daniel Pace Bonello, Britannia Services Ltd representative, distributed the awards to the winners.