PPSA eyes crack squad for NZ shoot

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Practical Shooting Association (PPSA) bids to sustain the country’s hot marksmanship internationally as it prepares a crack contingent to the prestigious Australasia Handgun Championships next year in Rotorua, New Zealand.

PPSA president and Sultan Kudarat Gov. Teng Mangudadatu said they are currently in the midst of a series of qualifying tournaments nationwide to determine the shooters who will carry the country’s colors to the shootfest sanctioned by the International Practical Shooting Confederation.

In the last Australasia meet in Malaysia in 2010, the Filipino sharpshooters captured the men’s Modified, Open and Standard division team titles. Jerome Morales and Enrico Papa dominated the Modified division with a 1-2 finish while Edward Rivera spearheaded a clean sweep in the men’s Standard division.

“We want to show the shooting skills of Filipinos to the world,” said Mangudadatu as the PPSA, Swiss watch brand Luminox and leading sports eyewear, sunglasses, masks and helmets brand Rudy Project sealed their partnership for the delegation’s campaign in the Australasia shootfest slated Feb.26-Mar. 1, 2013.

Mangudadatu and Garbiele Boschi of Rudy Project Phils, Inc. signed the contract in simple rites at Shangri-La Mall, making Luminox the official timepiece and Rudy Project the official eyewear of the Phl team.

In line with this, Luminox came out with a special PPSA commemorative watch, which according to Boschi, is meant “not only to  celebrate the excellence of Filipino shooters but also to raise much-needed funds for the delegates.” Proceeds of the sale will be used for the New Zealand campaign.

Mangudadatu said the PPSA is looking to send a group of 120 delegates to the Australasia tilt.

Prospects will have to prove their worth in the PPSA’s qualifying events, the Armscor Visayas Championships (June 22-24 in Cebu), PPSA Mindanao Championships (July 5-8 in Davao), Demetrio “Bolo” Tuason Cup (July 13-15 at Armscor, Marikina), Goma Cup (Aug. 24-26 in Leyte), and the PNoy Cup  (Oct. 24-28) for the “Team Confirmation.”

Prior to the New Zealand event, the PPSA will send 67 shooters to the IPSC Nationals on Sept. 13-16 in Florida.