Pinoy top shots aim high in Pilsen

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine benchrest team is locked and loaded and ready to shine in the Benchrest World Cup scheduled Aug. 1-15 in Pilsen in the Czech Republic.

The Philippines is the first Asian country to qualify for the prestigious event supervised by the World Rimfire and Air Rifle Benchrest Federation (WRABF).

Benchrest shooting was founded in the Philippines only two years ago by Richard Fernandez, vice president for national affairs of the Philippine National Shooting Association (PNSA).

“But we believe that we can keep pace with the world’s best – both in skills and the equipment. We can win medals here,” he said.

Members of the team that will soon leave for the Czech Republic held a small party graced by Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richie Garcia at the Manila Golf Club last Friday.

“I’m sure you will make all of us proud because you all practiced hard to prepare yourself for this event. I hope it carries on to the championship,” said Garcia, who reminded the group that he was into air rifle and air pistol before.

In benchrest shooting, the rifles ride on front and rear rests for long and high-precision shots at paper targets. The rests sit on a table or a bench and the shooters fire from a sitting position.

The Philippine team is skippered by Tony Olbes, consul general of Nicaragua. It also includes co-captain Enchong Formoso, Randy Paronda, Louie Gonzalez, Bernadette Gan, Maria Parsons, Augsie Estrada, Toby Gan, Jimmy Maniwang, Nonie Alvero, Rafael Cruz Jr., Marlon Palmario, Felino Neri IV, Dondi Santos, Francis Perez, Eli Canivel, Chim Esteban, Ronald Hejastro and Boy Rotea.

They are the Pinoy “Top Shots.”

Benchrest is an expensive sport and since PNSA funds are mostly reserved for youth development, the members of the team dig deep into their own pockets. Their rifles mostly come from Germany and may cost as much as P500,000 each.

And it’s paying off.

“Our scores are already at par with international standards. The Philippine record for the Heavy Varmint 25 meters already surpassed the world record. Randy Paronda’s perfect score of 750 with 64 X’s beats the world record of 63 X’s,” added Ferndandez.

During the 2012 World Postal Match, the Philippine team composed of Paronda, Gonzalez and Olbes won a bronze medal for the team event. Paronda, the finest rifle shooter in the country today, landed in fourth place overall.

A total of 23 countries will see action in Pilsen, which is known worldwide for its Pilsen beer.

Santos said it was very encouraging for them to earn the recognition of the PSC chairman. He also thanked the Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Director General Alan Purisima for all the assistance.

“We will bring home the medals,” he also said.