Paronda fastest, deadliest sniper

MANILA, Philippines - Randy Paronda of Straight Shooter Gun Club expectedly ruled the centerpiece Expert Rifleman Semi-Auto division in the Small Bore Rifle (.22) competition of the 2011 Sniper Shooting Competition held over the weekend at the Taytay Tactical Rifle Range in Rizal.

Showing steely resolve and calmness of a grizzled veteran, the 39-year-old lefty clocked 39.76 seconds in the five-stage event to re-confirm his status as the fastest and sharpest small bore rifle shooter in the country today.

He was at his best in Stage 3 when he completed his target in just 3.52 seconds, a performance that awed everybody in the tournament organized by Philippine National Shooting Association under the leadership of Harbour Centre CEO Mikee Romero.

Paronda will also take part in the High-Powered Rifle Competition slated Saturday and Sunday also at the same venue where the elite units of the Philippine Marine Corps and Philippine Army pit their skills against the top civilian shooters.

As if to prove his victory in the semi-auto was no fluke, Paronda also topped the Expert Rifleman Bolt Action division with almost the same flair as he clocked 63.13 seconds to beat Celestino de Leon and Lester Carigo.

Finishing second and third in the Expert Rifleman Semi-Auto division of the event that drew a record field were Joe Guevarra and Jojie Sanvictores.

Paronda and other winners, including Oliver Jameiro (Sharpshooter Semi-Auto) and Eli Canivel (Sharpshooter Bolt Action), said the “open time” format to hit their targets gave them the extra challenge.

“Sobrang challenging ang tournament na ito,” added Paronda who considers his victory his biggest since winning a tournament in Tarlac in 2009.

Other winners were Dennis Melchor (Marksman Semi-Auto), Kyle Carigo (Marksman Bolt Action) and Luis Gonzales (Seniors).

Romero said the second stage of the event – first tournament under his administration – will be highlighted by a demonstration by the crack shooters of the Philippine Marine Corps.