Greetings all,

I knew that the Med Cup this year would be something special. Since there is no European to look forward to, the Med Cup has become the center match for many a shooter in Europe. The match organizers took on the big task of allowing up to 400 (!!) shooters to participate - and guess what - THE MATCH WAS SOLD OUT!

I guess that's what happens to a match that builds up a reputation as a great event over several years. There are a few such events on the annual calendar in Europe: The Med Cup is certainly one of them. As is the STI Open in Germany next month - also totally sold out months in advance.

This year's Med Cup offered 24 stages to over 400 shooters from more than 30 nationals. It  was almost like shooting a mini European Championships, and I have a feeling that we will see a European Championship match held there before very long. I have no doubt it will be a huge success! The team there keep getting better.

This year the round count was impressive too - over 400 rounds for 24 stages. Yes, there were a few of those small 9 round stages - but, not too many. Most of the stages offered 20 rounds or more - so there were points to be had (and lost) on most stages.

I had the great pleasure to spend the weekend shooting with my STI Euro team. What a super bunch of shooters. Not only top level competitors and sportsmen and women, but also fine people to spend time with. I wish I had more time to sit and chat, but I certainly had a lot going on this weekend. It has become a tradition of mine to produce a Med Cup DVD, and this year would be no exception. The fine weather cooperated nicely, and Eli and I had 3 cameras running on many of the stages, to get the best possible cover of the action. The DVD is already complete, and you can order it online here! It is one of  the best we have done. The stages were excellent, and having 3 cameras enabled us to get some really cool angles. You can download the preview to the left, as well as some cool stages in low res.

The match attracted many of the top shooters in all divisions, with two world champions competing in Open and Production. The competition was tough across the board - and I had a battle on my hands in Open Class.

As has become his way, Eric shot a super match, stretching out a comfortable lead and sailing out of reach early on. This left Martin Kaminicek, Jorge Ballesteros and me to battle for 2nd and 3rd, and battle we did! for the whole match there was no more than 20 or 30 points between us, and going into the final stages even less that that! Our final stage, stage 3 was a fast speed shoot, the top guys shot in less than 4 seconds. I had a small 5 point lead going into that stage, but knew it was far from over. The stage offered 3 swingers activated by one steel. the sequence was tough - but it was a must for anyone who wanted to be competitive. It was a "do or die" kind of thing. I had to get it just right. Martin shot first, nailing the stage. I was up next. took a deep breath and posted a run of 3.80sec, which was a solid performance. Jorge was up next, and put up a 4.02 with a couple of D's. I let go a sigh of relief and shook their hands for a great match. I am honored to have beaten these fine young shooters this weekend. I am sure we will do battle again in the near future. They are the future of our sport!

Here are the top results:

Top 10:

As always I have my sponsors to thank for their support
STI International
Drummen Custom Guns
Berry's Fmg
Competitive Edge Dynamics (CED)
Rescomp Handgun Technologies
Lapua/Vihtavuori
Aimpoint

Until the next time I wish you all excellent shooting.
Saul Kirsch