77 shooting champs take aim for world's richest shooting challenge

The competition will be held from February 5 to 7 at the Jebel Ali International Shooting Club in Dubai, the organisers told a press conference yesterday.

Dubai Shooting 2007 is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Mohammed Hasher Al Maktoum, who won the first Olympic Gold for the UAE at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.

Speaking at the press conference, Sheikh Ahmed explained that with Dubai investing in several new sporting attractions, it was timely to bring in professional shooting to the emirate's sports calendar.

"Professional shooting is not only a subject close to my heart, but is also gaining global popularity as a highly skilful and prestigious sport. I am confident that this event will provide a significant exposure for the local sporting talent and further boost our international recognition in this area. I look forward to welcoming some of the finest local and global shooters to this mega event and also call upon the public to come and partake of the excitement," he said.

Dubai Shooting 2007 is being presented by the ETA Ascon Group and supported by the UAE Shooting Association. It is organised by Star Events, an International exhibitions and event management company, which is part of the diversified ETA Ascon Group.

Mr. Hakim Al Bannay, General Manager for Corporate Affairs at ETA Ascon said: "We are honoured to associate the ETA Ascon brand with the Dubai Shooting 2007. As a long standing business establishment in the UAE, we have a strong tradition of supporting local entertainment and sporting events and our involvement in this new project of His Highness reflects a reaffirmation of this strategy."

The competition will be in two categories - Men and Women. Winner in the men's category will receive AED250, 000 while the woman winner will get AED75, 000. The remaining prize money will go to six runner-ups in each of the categories. 12 international referees appointed by the International Sport Shooting Federation (ISSF) in co-ordination with the UAE Shooting Association will adjudge the competition.

The three-day shooting challenge event will kick off with a spectacular opening ceremony for VIPs on Sunday, February 4 at the Global Village. Thereon, the first round of 50-birds will commence at 8 am on February 5. The next day will feature a 50-birds round for men and women, in addition to the final 25-birds for women followed by the women's awards ceremony. The third and final day will see the 50-birds men challenge continue and the final show of 25-birds conclude the tournament before the men's awards ceremony.