At first, Domenico Simeone couldn't keep up with an amazing Nicolas Espinosa - competitor at the 2012 London Olympics -, who wouldn't miss one single target in the first two competition rounds, when the 20-year-old of Italy found himself in a tie for 3rd place with USA's Jungman and Fedorov of Russia.
Another shooter from Italy was there: Tammaro Cassandro - bronze medallist at the latest European Championship in Suhl -, just one target behind the bronze medal zone, but about to take aim at it - before actually getting there right in the second-last round of the game. At the same time, Cassandro's compatriot Simeone completed his comeback upon Espinosa (who had been shooting extraordinarily well till that moment), laying the foundations for his successful day.
No changes in the final part of the match, with Domenico Simeone coming away from Lima with best he could get, and a special dedication to some very important person to him: "I want to dedicate this victory to my ex-coach, who passed away just a few days ago," said Domenico.
"Plus, to the 'Falco' shooting range, where I'd train, my family and my friends. I'm very excited."
Simeone had won a gold medal previously in the year, at the ECH in Suhl, Germany, in July. Now, it came to the ISSF World Cup - his first participation, and, of course, his first gold ever in this competition.
Still on the podium, Espinosa - defeated by a 1-point lead - and Cassandro, who overcame both Anatoly Fedorov (placed 4th) and Gabriele Rossetti at the last shot. A dramatic shoot-off decided 6th place: Felix Haase, Lars Schipper, Rossetti and Philip Jungman were indeed all tied at the end of the 5th and last round. Finally, Haase of Germany had the best of his competitors taking the 6th spot in the standings (then Schipper, Rossettti and Jungman), preceded by Milos Slaviceck - gold medallist at the 2009 World Championship in Maribor, Slovenia.
Italy won the team version of the event, thanks to Simeone, Cassandro and Rossetti - who triumphed with an overall score of 362 hits. Second place for Czech Republic (just as in the same day's senior event) with 347 hits, USA 3rd (345).
Thursday will be the day-off for Lima World Championship, which will come back on Friday with Men's Double Trap: both Senior and Junior, as usual - keeping up the spirit of youth in the game.