China showcased its shooting prowess at the International Sports Shooting Federation (ISSF) World Cup in Baku, Azerbaijan, with an outstanding performance led by athlete Liu Yukun.

Breaking the world record not once, but twice in the men’s 50m rifle 3 positions, Liu’s exceptional feat underscored China’s dominance in the competition. This article delves into the remarkable achievements of Liu Yukun and other Chinese athletes at the prestigious event.

Liu Yukun’s Record-breaking Triumph

Liu Yukun, representing China, set the stage on fire with his stellar performance in the men’s 50m rifle 3 positions event. Demonstrating unparalleled precision and focus, Liu shattered the world record not once but twice within a span of two days.

His first triumph came on Thursday, where he surpassed the existing record by an impressive 1.2 points, clinching gold with a remarkable score of 467.3 points. Undeterred by his initial success, Liu continued his exceptional form into Saturday’s competition, further raising the bar by achieving an astounding score of 468.9 points, marking an average of over 10.4 points per shot.

Unmatched Performance on Saturday

During Saturday’s event, Liu Yukun’s performance bordered on perfection, establishing a significant lead over his competitors. After the first 15 shots in the kneeling position, Liu amassed 156.6 points, securing a commanding lead of 2.3 points ahead of Miran Maricic of Croatia, who stood in second place.

Liu’s dominance persisted as he accumulated 315.1 points after another 15 shots in the prone position, extending his lead to 4.2 points. Despite a slight setback with a 9.5 in the penultimate standing shot, Liu maintained his composure to clinch the gold medal comfortably, while also lowering his own world record.

Podium Finishes and Medal Tally

Aside from Liu Yukun’s extraordinary performance, other Chinese athletes also made significant contributions to their country’s medal haul. Olympic silver medalist Sheng Lihao showcased his prowess by securing two gold medals in the men’s 10m air rifle and mixed team events.

Meanwhile, veteran shooter Li Yuehong displayed his prowess by clinching victory in the men’s 25m rapid-fire pistol event, edging out Clement Bessaguet of France in a thrilling final series. Additionally, Xie Yu triumphed in the men’s 10m air pistol event, while Lyu Jianlin added to China’s glory with a gold in the men’s skeet event.

China Tops Medal Tally

As the curtains drew on the nine-day Baku World Cup, China emerged as the undisputed champion, topping the medal tally with a remarkable haul of seven gold, seven silver, and five bronze medals across 19 events.

This outstanding performance reaffirms China’s stature as a powerhouse in the world of shooting sports. South Korea followed closely behind, securing three gold, two silver, and two bronze medals, while the remaining nine gold medals were distributed among nine different countries.

China’s dominance at the ISSF World Cup in Baku exemplifies the nation’s unwavering commitment to excellence in sports shooting.

With Liu Yukun’s record-breaking achievements and the stellar performances of other Chinese athletes, the country has once again asserted its position as a force to be reckoned with on the international stage. As the shooting community looks ahead to future competitions, China’s formidable presence serves as a testament to the talent and dedication of its athletes.