PNSA National Open on today

MANILA, Philippines - The 2011 Philippine National Shooting Association (PNSA) National Open fires off today with Randy Paronda shooting for his fourth straight title and rising star Jason Valdez out to enhance his growing reputation as the country’s top air rifle shooter at the PSC-PNSA Shooting Range in Fort Bonifacio.

Perked up by his three-title romp in the Sniper Challenge last August, Paronda is out to stamp his class in the Bench Rest (BR50) where he’s not only the defending champion but also the event’s record holder.

He ruled two categories in the small bore rifle aside from winning the Master Rifleman Semi-Auto Open division title in the Sniper Challenge, thus making him the overwhelming favorite to win the event for the second straight year.

Also fancied to win in the opening day of the four-weekend tournament organized by PNSA president Mikee Romero are Gilbert Manela, Louie Gonzales, Maria Pardon, Gal Vicencio, Eli Canivel and Pagcor director Eugene Manalastas.

Gonzales, who directed TV shows for his ex-wife and singer Kuh Ledesma before, also bagged three titles in the Sniper Challenge, including the senior semi-auto open category and the senior semi-auto standard category.

“We’re staging this event not only to gauge the sharpness and readiness of our national team members but also to increase awareness in the sport. Given proper government support we’re certain we can produce world-class athletes and perhaps Olympic winners someday,” said Romero, who is being assisted by PNSA secretary-general Nil Gamboa, Eric Arejola, Marcia Cleofas and national team coach Bartolome Teyab.

Sunday’s 10m Air Rifle event for men and women is going to be a thriller as Valdez goes up against a slew of veterans, including Mae Concepcion.

Valdez is one of the country’s top gold medal prospects in the SEA Games following his impressive silvel medal finish in the South East Asian Shooting Competition in Laos last month.

Also worth watching is the showdown between Lovely Venus Tan and Andrea Faustman – the country’s bets in the SEA Games.

“It’s going to be a close call, both are deadly,” said PNSA Executive Director Larry Paredes.

Tac Padilla, who also won a silver medal in the Laos event, sees action next week where he’s going to defend his titles in the 25m Rapid Fire Pistol, 25m Standard Pistol and 25m Center Fire Pistol.