Competition at the 2008 ISSF World Cup USA for Shotgun began Sunday with the United States sweeping the medals in the Women’s Skeet event. Haley Dunn claimed the gold, while Kim Rhode took home the silver and Connie Smotek captured the bronze.

Dunn (Eddyville, Iowa), who is coming off a bronze medal win at the “Good Luck Beijing” 2008 ISSF World Cup Beijing claimed the gold medal finishing with a total score of 97 targets. Three-time Olympic medalist (1996 and 2004 gold medalist, 2000 bronze medalist) and 2008 U.S. Olympic Team member Rhode (El Monte, California) finished right behind Dunn with 96 targets to claim the silver medal. Two-time Olympian Smotek (Bryan, Texas) and Italy’s Katiuscia Spada were tied at 92 targets at the conclusion of the final, with Smotek earning the bronze after an exciting shoot-off, hitting seven additional targets to Spada’s six.

After the first day of the Men’s Skeet event, Germany’s Tino Wenzel is leading the way with 50 targets. Ariel Mauricio Flores (Mexico), Mark Weeks (Phenix City, Ala.), Frank Thompson (Alliance, Neb.), Jason Caswell (Canada) and Tore Brovold from Norway are all tied for second place with 49 targets.

Approximately 180 shotgun shooters from 37 different nations are participating in the 2008 ISSF World Cup USA at the Hill Country Shooting Sports Center in Kerrville, Texas. Twenty-three athletes from the U.S. are competing for a World Cup title, as well as 35 additional U.S. athletes participating out of competition. Competition continues tomorrow with the Men’s Skeet Final and the World Cup USA will conclude on May 10.

World Cup USA Competition Schedule:

Monday, May 5
Skeet Men Match – Day 2
Final Skeet Men

Tuesday, May 6
Double Trap Official Training

Wednesday, May 7
Double Trap Men Match
Final Double Trap Men

Thursday, May 8
Trap Official Training

Friday, May 9
Trap Women Match
Trap Men – Day 1
Final Trap Women

Saturday, May 10
Trap Men Match – Day 2
Final Trap Men
Closing Ceremony