Ivo Hilser to start in World cup in Beijing

On Thursday, 21st April, the ISSF Shotgun World Cup will commence in Beijing. The Czech Republic's representative, Ivo Hilser, a member of the SKP Kometa club in Brno and of the Česká zbrojovka Factory Team, will take his place on the shooting range in the Skeet discipline.

For Ivo Hilser this will be his first major international competition of this pre-Olympic season. "I have an opportunity to demonstrate whether I am also ready to shoot in a big competition far away from home because this will be my very first international competition in the Men's category," the shooter declares. "As a junior I attended two world championships and once I took part in the European Championships, in which I finished in 4th place, while as a team we took the golden medal."

Given that success in the World Cup, the European Championship and the World Championship are a virtual "guarantee" of participation in the 2012 Olympics in London, the elite shooters from all over the world are participating in these competitions. How does Ivo Hilser view his chances in this context? "While I always declare that I'm aiming for the gold, even participating in the final would give me satisfaction. As for having a chance, I think I do," says Ivo, weighing up his options. "In the pre-competition event in Slovakia I shot 121/125 and finished fifth. It is reasonable to say that I am in good form and I hope that I will shoot every round as I should. According to hearsay, however, I am aware that the Skeet shooting range in Beijing is known to be one of the most challenging."

The greatest achievements of Ivo Hilser during the last season include a First place in the Men's Category in the overall standings of the European League. This overall position encompasses, in particular, 1st place in the Memorial for Miroslav Bednarik event and 2nd place in the Grand Prix of Europe in Slovenia.

Ivo Hilser uses the BRNO Skeet Competition Rifle.

For additional information please contact the Manager of the Česká zbrojovka Factory Team:

Milan Trkulja
E-mail: trkulja@czub.cz