Shooters to kick off RP campaign

The 19-strong Philippine shooting team is determined to improve on its feat two years ago when the 24th Southeast Asian Games fires off with the shooting competition Tuesday at Thailand Shooting and Clay Target Ranges in Bangkok.

The trap team of Jethro Dionisio, Eric Ang and Carlos Carag left yesterday for the Thai capital while Shooting secretary general Donald Padilla and his champion pistol shooter brother Nathaniel depart today then the main bulk of the RP shoot team follows Sunday.

The RP shooters are going to Bangkok with high hopes of surpassing their medal haul of three golds, three silvers and two bronzes in Manila in 2005.

They’re determined to deliver in their event hopefully to provide Team Philippines the momentum as actions in the games go full blast after the opening ceremony on Dec. 6 in Nakhon Ratchasima.

Team Philippines is setting out for the games coming off a breakthrough championship back home two years ago. But RP team officials are realistic enough to say they would be happy if they finish second this time.

The shooters are looking to give the team a good start as shooting competition is held Nov. 27 to Dec. 3, ahead of the opening rites held in connection with the grand celebration of the 80th birthday of the much revered Thai king.

“Our shooters are in high spirits. We’re looking to surpass our production in 2005. But it’s hard to tell what we can do because shooting is anybody’s game. It’s mental game. Everything depends on the shooters’ current form.,” Donald Padilla told The STAR.

Paul Brian Rosario, who won two golds in Manila, is back to defend his titles (individual and team events) in skeet, teaming up with Patricio Bernardo and Gabriel Tong in the team competition.

Former champions Carolino Gonzales (men’s air and free pistol), Emerito Concepcion (air rifle) and Susan Aguado (women’s pistol) are the other marquee names in the team that also includes Jacqueline de Guzman, Robert Donalvo, Rocky Padilla, Edwin Fernandez, Eddie Tomas, Darry Sandoval and Alfonso Hermoso.

The clay shooters, Rosario and Padilla loom as the RP top bets.