Bailey records international personal best in shooting

Issy Bailey recorded an international personal best but missed out on qualification for the P3 – Mixed 25m Pistol SH1 final after finishing 21st with a score of 551.

Bailey scored 87, 93 and 95 in the precision section of qualifying which left her in 23rd place overall and needing to shoot a near-perfect round in the rapid section to qualify.

The 27-year-old improved by one point in the rapid section but scores of 91, 91 and 94 were not enough to see her move into one of the eight qualifying positions.

But Bailey was pleased with her performance having seen her build-up hampered by injury.

China’s Xing Huang went through to the final in first position, his score of 585 nine clear of Rahul Jakar of India in second, and then defended his title with a Paralympic record score.

“It was great to be back on the range again after a difficult day on Tuesday and I’m delighted to come away with an international personal best,” said Cirencester shooter Bailey.

“It’s a very pleasing result from my second Paralympics especially given my injury this year and limited access to training.  

“In particular this event has been very difficult to train for during the pandemic because of restrictions in the UK on this type of pistol, so I am proud of making it to Tokyo and putting in a good performance.

“Both the precision and the rapid started slowly but I didn’t let that affect me and improved throughout with more and more tens as the matches progressed. 

 “I will now go home and reflect on a great experience in Japan where the welcome for all the team has been second to none.”