Jagpersad to defend Top Gun title today

Jagpersad took last year’s crown at the Jethro John Shooting Range in Grand Couva with a score of 184.79 to finish ahead of Ken Williams (190.21) and Andre Lashley (191.93). He also copped the High Civilian and Most Accurate Shooter awards.

This year Jagpersad will be going for third overall Top Gun trophy after first tasting success in 2010.

He will have to beat 24 other shooters for the top prize.

Former champions Anthony Bailey (2014) and Devanand Bhagwansingh (2003) are among the list of contenders looking to take the title away from Jagpersad. Last year’s runner-up Williams and fourth placed Marlon Moses will also vying for gold.

In all, seven of the top 10 finishers from 2015 are listed to be back in action all aiming for the top spot. Winner of last weekend’s national Centre Fire and Standard Pistol titles, Olympic shooter Roger Daniel may also be among the starters. However, his participation is not yet confirmed.

Runners-up behind Daniel, Kelston Anderson (Standard Pistol) and Nigel Marchand (Center Five), will be hoping to improve to the top of the podium today. Tobagonians Brian Armstrong and Walt Reid are also in the field.

The competitors will be representing the Trinidad Rifle Association, Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, Trinidad and Tobago Police Force, South Trinidad Rifle Club (STRA), Tobago Rifle Club (TRC) and International Defensive Pistol Association of Trinidad (IDPA Trinidad).

The top shooters were selected from a total of six competitions held by clubs and associations during a 10-month period. Points are awarded to each competitor and ranked to select the top 25 competitors with five reserves. The marksmen will battle over 10 stages. Prizes will be awarded for the top 10 places overall and the top three of each stage.

Special prizes will also be presented for the winner of Senior Category (50 years and over), Military (TTDF), Law Enforcement (Police, Customs and Excise), Security Officer and Most Accurate Shooter.