The CEL (Central European League) of Hungary 2001 came to an end this Sunday. I must say the end of the match was a little disappointing, what with the shoot-off being canceled due to lack of shooters showing up Sunday morning. Too bad to finish such a fine match on a low note like that. Once again, it proves that it's far better to get the shoot off done on Saturday. If there are no stages to be shot on Sunday - people won't stay for just the shoot-off.. They'd rather leave a day earlier and be home on Sunday...
Too bad, I was looking forward to another chance to shoot with Eric in the shoot off...
The match was fun, and well run. about 150 shooters represented 14 countries. Not too many of the top shooters in Europe were there, unfortunately, but, as long as I have Eric to compete with - well, who needs any other reference...:) LOL
We shot together, and that is always a learning experience for me. He shot an almost perfect match, with no mistake bigger than a pick up on a steel. I shot well too, but not 100% clean, and found myself falling behind as we went through stage after stage. In the end I could beat him in only 5-6 of the 16 stages, with him winning the rest. Once again, I am learning that what you need is consistency - and accuracy in IPSC.. You really cannot allow yourself to shoot more than a couple of C's on a stage, even if it is a 140 point field course... Well, the more times I hammer that home, the better I will be.
I will have my chance to shoot with him again in Arras, in 10 days time.
There were very few speed shoots in this match. In fact - not even one stage that you could shoot without making some kind of motion with you body. 2 strong hand stages, carried allot of points - and convinced me to spend some time working on that this week.. Again - you cannot afford to shoot any D's. I had a total of 7 D's in the whole match, 3 of them were shot on one stage - yes, a strong hand stage. So, I know that needs some work...
All the stages were built using transparent barricades, (the cause of heated discussions in IPSC Germany, where it is mandatory now to use only this type of barricade.) Actually, it works just fine, making the stages allot more visible for spectators, and easier to shoot for the competitors. there is an advantage when you set up on the targets through an aperture, if the barricade is see-through.. you can find the targets a whole lot faster. But, as long as it's the same for all - why not? and if this kind of prop helps to cool off some of the Anti IPSC lobbyists - all the better.
3. Andreas Stettin GER 79.5%
4. Willian joly FRA 76.1%
5. Gabi Kraushofer AUS (L) 74.8%
I wish to thank my sponsors for their continued support:
Vectan (Nobel Sports)
Bul Transmark Ltd
The Makoff-Reifman Foundation
Winchester Ammunition
Rescomp Handgun Technologies
10 days to the French Qualification match in Arras. Until then,
Shoot fast, accurately and safely,
