Thai shooter wins first World Cup gold at Rio test event

Thailand's Sutiya Jiewchaloemmit beat Olympic champion Kimberly Rhode of the US to clinch her first World Cup shooting gold medal.

In a competition that also served as an Olympic test event, Jiewchaloemmit and Rhode closed the final with 15 target hits each, forcing the match into a tiebreaker here on Saturday, reports Xinhua.

Rhode missed at the fourth additional double and Jiewchaloemmit held her nerve to clinch the gold medal.

"I've been in so many finals, I got three silvers, but today, being on top of the podium it is the greatest feeling," the 29-year-old said. "I'll go to San Marino in June and then I'll focus on the Olympics."

"For me, this competition is this competition. The Olympic Games are something different. I'm glad that I did it here in Rio, I did my best and the hard work finally paid off. It was an honour to compete with Kimberly. She's the Olympic champion and an icon of this sport. I truly respect her."

China's Lu Min overcame Amber English of the United States 13-12 in the bronze medal match.

--IANS

sam/vt