Wednesday, September 6 2006 12:43 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: World champion Manavjit Singh Sandhu leads the way with the gold as India swept all the three medals at stake in the men's individual trap event at the Asian Clay Shooting championship in Singapore Monday (4 Sep, 2006).

Manavjit totals 141 out of a maximum of 150 (120 in the five rounds and 21 in the final) to pip Mansher Singh (120+20) by one point in a close contest. Anwer Sultan (119+19) is a further two points behind and has to settle for bronze.

The Indian trio also win the team gold with a new Asian clay record of 359 points out of a possible 375. China is a distant second with 340 while Chinese Taipei claims the bronze medal with 338.

Going into the day, Anwer is in the lead but Manavjit is in his elements Monday (4 Sep, 2006).

"I am thrilled to win the gold medal. I am confident if I can continue like this, people are going to take notice and I can get the right corporate support as well," Manavjit says.

"In terms of scores, it was not the best perhaps. What was important was to win the gold for myself after the team effort. Shooting has become high profile and we have again proved we are progressing well." Mansher Singh, who misses the gold medal by a whisker, says.

"I am happy with my own performance. I made a good recovery after trailing yesterday. I am on the right track for the Asian Games and we can do well in the team event as well."

The National Rifle Association of India is understandably upbeat about India's chances at the Doha Games in December.

"Our trap marksmen have done the nation proud. This performance is going to boost their confidence and we will be able to win medals at the Asian Games as well," NRAI Secretary general Baljit Sethi says.