By Joyce Mark-Sabbath, Port Moresby 2015 Games News Service
PORT MORESBY, July 11 – New Caledonia had all the reason to celebrate after winning two golds and a silver in the single barrel – down the line (DTL) shotgun event at the June Valley Shooting Range on Friday.
Coach Jean Robert said he was full of emotion over his team’s performance after they won gold and silver in the individual category and gold in the team category.
“For me, myself, I am very, very happy because at the last South Pacific Games, we lost a lot of medals and I was so sad for my country.”
Port Moresby’s unexpected drizzle did little to dampen the athletes spirits as the seven teams pulled their triggers to try to score a perfect three hundred.
Robert said the team competition was nerve-wracking with just one point separating his team and runner up Tahiti, 279-278, with a strong third place finish by Samoa, who shot 275.
“Today is a big day for me and all the shooters, they are the stars for me.”
In the individual single barrel, New Caledonia’s Kevin Lepigeon won the gold with 96 points, his compatriot Phillippe Simoni picked up the silver after winning a shoot-off by one point over Samoa’s Eddie Chen Pao.
Simoni and Pao tied during regular play with 95.
GNS jms/jc for more information visit www.portmoresby2015.com
