No cheating in shooting, says Thai

Filipino shooters may be struggling in their bid to land a spot in the shooting top three, but they managed to make a believer out of a bitter rival–Thai sharpshooter and three-time SEAG gold medalist Jakkrit Panichpatikum.

"You have very good shooters," said Panichpatikum, a double-gold medal winner in Vietnam two years ago. According to the Thai Olympian, RP shooters have the ability to excel at the highest level, if only they be given more training, support and exposure. He cited his familiar nemesis Tac Padilla as an excellent example of a talented Filipino gunner.

Asked about Thai Prime Minister Takshin Shinawatra’s accusation that the Games were being rigged in favor of the Philippines, Panichpatikum dispelled any notion of cheating or rigging in shooting, saying that the officiating has been fair and spotless through the first four days of competitions. He even gave credit to the jury committee and range officials taking care of the different events.

Panichpatikum topped the men’s 25m standard pistol where Filipino bet Tac Padilla finished sixth among eight participants. — Martin Dale Bolima