Gálvez bags first gold of ISSF Shotgun World Championships with victory in women's trap

Spain’s Fátima Gálvez claimed women's trap gold with victory over Russian Elena Tkach in the final ©ISSF

Spain’s Fátima Gálvez claimed her maiden International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Shotgun World Championships senior title with victory in the women’s trap competition on the opening day of the event in Lonato, Italy.

The 28-year-old, gold medallist at the inaugural European Games in Baku in June, edged Russia's Elena Tkach in a close final as she hit 11 targets, while her opponent could only manage nine.

Tkach was still able to secure a quota place for her nation for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, however.

North Korean Pak Yong-hui beat Egypt’s Maggy Ashmawy to clinch the final spot on the podium, as well as a Rio 2016 quota.

It proved to be a disappointing outing for Italy's Olympic champion Jessica Rossi, who endured a torrid day as she languished down in 22nd place, missing her chance to seal an all-important Rio 2016 spot for her country.

The day belonged to the Spaniard, who was able to replicate the performance she produced in Lonato 10 years ago where she was crowned world junior champion.

The victory for Spain's Fátima Gálvez saw her secure her maiden world title at senior level ©ISSF

“I can't believe it, this match has been incredible,” she said.

“I made it to the final through a shoot-off, and then I managed to climb atop of the scoreboard.

“I am speechless.

“I love this shooting range.

“It's one of the best in the world, but still it's a challenging one, it wouldn't forgive any mistake.

“I want to win a Rio 2016 medal and I’m going for it.”

The women’s trap event got the 2015 Shotgun World Championships off to a dramatic start as Gálvez was involved in a six-way shoot-off in the qualification round, sealing her semi-final berth with a score of 69.

She was then able to hit 12 targets in the last four to set up a clash with world number 13 Tkach in the final, which saw both shooters in good form, but it was Gálvez who was able to emerge with a narrow victory.

Great Britain won the team competition thanks to Charlotte Kerwood, Kristy Barr and Abbey Ling, who racked up a total of 203, two ahead of Finland, while Germany were third.

The event at the Trap Concaverdre Shooting Club is due to continue tomorrow with the men’s trap final.