The 36-year-old required a shootoff against team mate Derek Haldeman to secure his place in the gold medal match against fellow veteran, China's 37-year-old Beijing 2008 bronze medallist Hu Binyuan in a repeat of their clash at the 2014 ISSF World Cup Final in Gabala

And in a similar fashion on the Mexican range, it was the American who prevailed once again, but only after winning a shootout by eight to seven hits after both stars had initially tied on 28 successful shots apiece. 

"I didn't know if I was ever going to make it." the delighted winner said afterwards.

"First the qualifications, then the semi-final, a shoot-off, the medal match, and another shoot-off...

"I don't know how many targets I had to break.

"It has been tough, but I was confident all the way through!"

Jeffrey Holguin held his nerve to edge his Chinese rival and secure a Rio 2016 Quota place ©ISSF/Nicolo Zangirolam



Holguin now secures a Rio 2016 Quota place for the United States, the second for the North American nation after Joshua Richmond claimed one by virtue of winning last year's World Championships in Granada.

Hu also securs a Quota place with his silver, while Haldeman ensured more US success with bronze.

Shotgun action in Acapulco will continue over the weekend with the women's and then the men's skeet competitions.

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