More gold for Daniel at World Masters
Story Created: Aug 9, 2013 at 9:04 PM ECT Roger Daniel’s impressive form continued at the 2013 World Masters Games in Turin, Italy, adding two more gold and a silver medal to bring his tally to five.
On Tuesday, Daniel struck 25-metre Standard pistol gold, scoring 564 points to edge out home favouite Missimo Ciccioli (564) and fellow Italian Stefano Grappioli 528) into second and third respectively.
A day later, Daniel returned to the top of the podium with a 579-point showing in the centre fire pistol event. Again, Ciccioli (575) and Grappioli (566) shared the lowers steps of the podium.
But Ciccioli would take the top spot in the 25m rapid pistol event after securing 548 points, relegating Daniel (523) to second, and another Italian, Valentino Battistelli (521) to third.
Daniel had already scored 10m air pistol gold on Monday, a day after taking 50m free pistol bronze on opening day of the competition, which ends tomorrow.
The 43-year-old Army Sargeant said he was pleased with his results.
“I knew at this stage there were no room for errors,” he said. “I had no time to think. I just had to flow. I am glad I won because (the victory) helps with my preparation for next year’s CAC and Commonwealth Games.”
Daniel added. “These two Italians (Cicciloli and Grappioli) have been good from day one and are very good shooters. It was a great experience that had me mentally challenged and focused more than ever this year.”
T&T’s best active shooter, Daniel dedicated his success to his daughter Kiyomi Daniel, who celebrated her fifth birthday on Thursday. He pointed out that she was born on the opening day of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, where Daniel also competed.
“ I firstly have to give thanks to God for giving me health and strength and making my way a smooth one to get here. I want to also say thanks for the support from all at home, my work, the Chief of Defense Staff, Major General Kenrick Maharaj and all other high-ranking officers (of the Trinidad and Tobago Army) and fellow officers.
The multiple Pan American and Commonwealth Games medllist also paid tribute to his mother and children, as well as the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee, the Ministry of Sport, his friends and the media.
Daniel, a two-time First Citizens Sportsman of the Year, returns to T&T on August 13.
