Bessaguet, who won the 25m team standard pistol world title four years ago, won the men's 25m rapid fire pistol event after beating Oliver Geis of Germany by the narrowest of margins.

The two shooters were the most effective in the four-person final, seeing off Czech Republic's Martin Strnad and then Ukrainian bronze medallist Pavlo Korostylov.

Strnad could only total 10 points while Korostylov hit 21.

Bessaguet and Geis were neck and neck heading into the final, but one miss proved crucial for the German as his opponent completed a 30-29 victory.

In the women's 25m pistol, Vennekamp outmatched the hosts' title hopeful Klaudia Breś.

Vennekamp recorded a superior 29 points to comfortably beat Breś, who scored 21.

Hungary's Renáta Sike managed to secure bronze for her country thanks to a tally of 17 points, bettering fourth placed Maria Varricchio of Italy by five points.

In the men's 50m rifle three positions Petr Nymbursky of Czech Republic took gold after scoring 16.

Jon-Hermann Hegg of Norway took the silver medal with a score of 14.

The competition is due to continue tomorrow with finals in mixed team 25m rapid fire pistol and women's 50m rifle three positions set to be held.