Yalin claims second Chinese crown

Cai Yalin: Always in control of the competition

Cai Yalin grabbed China's second gold medal and set an Olympic record in the process by winning the men's 10-metre air rifle.

Yalin's task was made that much easier after Dutch favourite, Dirk Boschman, failed to make it into the final.

Cai, who was followed by Russians Artem Khadjibekov (silver) and Evgueni Aleinikov (bronze) in the standings, finished the qualifying rounds a point clear of his competitors.

He was then able to consolidate his lead in the final as his main opponent after the qualification rounds, Belarus marksman Anatoly Klimenko, faltered.

Record

Cai scored a 102.4 in the final to set a new Olympic record of 696.4 for the event, eclipsing the previous mark set by the reigning champion, Khadjibekov.

"My coach always told me to perform well and that's what I did," Cai said.

"At the eighth and ninth shots I didn't do too well and I was a bit concerned. But I've been training very hard for the last five years and I did very well."

Boschman, the European champion, shockingly went out of the competition after his gun failed, causing him to record one poor shot in his final string that put him out of contention.

Trigger pressure

"I had no trigger pressure, it is somewhat easier to take because it's a mechanical failure not human error," said the disappointed Dutchman.

Khadjibekov and Aleinikov had entered the eight-man final in a group of five shooters tied for third place, behind Cai and Belarussian Anatoly Klimenko.

But the two Russians quickly pulled away from the group - which also included American Jason Parker, the world record holder - and began a duel for bronze that saw them eventually push Klimenko out of medal contention with just two shots left.

Klimenko eventually finished fourth while Parker closed out the competition in fifth place.

Daina Gudzineviciute of Lithuania won the inaugural Olympic women's Trap Shooting gold medal.

Gudzineviciute's achievement was the only the second gold medal in Lithuania's history.

Frenchwoman Delphine Racinet claimed silver and Gao E of China took bronze.

Gudzineviciute said she did not panic after seeing Racinet move dangerously close during the event.

"I was perfectly aware that the French girl was right behind me but I concentrated on my own shooting," she said.

"After I missed with four shots remaining, I knew I could not afford to miss again."