Isle of Wight shooter Richard Green has claimed an impressive bronze medal at the 2026 European Field Target Championships in Italy after pushing the reigning world champion all the way.
Green was joined by fellow Carisbrooke Rifle and Pistol Club members Andrew Winch and Charlene Summerfield at the prestigious event in Fagagna Castello, Italy, with Summerfield making her international debut.
The championships were staged high in the mountains of southern Italy, where competitors had to contend with both altitude and soaring temperatures over 3 days of competition.
Green made a superb start, finishing the opening day tied for the lead after hitting 48 of his 50 targets. Winch scored 35/50, while Summerfield recorded 29/50.
A change of course on day 2 saw Green strengthen his position at the top of the leader board with an impressive 47/50, moving 2 targets clear of the chasing pack. Winch improved to 37/50 and Summerfield finished the day with 25/50.
The final day saw the leading competitors paired together, adding extra pressure as the battle for the European title reached its climax.
Despite missing a handful of early targets, Green remained in contention before the reigning world champion edged ahead with just 25 targets remaining. By the end of the competition, the champion had secured victory on 142/150, with Green finishing on 140/150 alongside another competitor to force a shoot-off for the silver medal.
Green was narrowly beaten in the shoot-off, securing an outstanding bronze medal overall. He was also awarded an EFTF Masters Badge after achieving a competition score of 98.59%, comfortably surpassing the 92.5% qualifying threshold.
Winch finished 63rd overall with a score of 110/150, while Summerfield placed 93rd on 80/150 in what was an encouraging first appearance at international level.
There was further success for the home nations as England claimed the team bronze medal, finishing behind runners-up Bulgaria and champions Spain.
The Isle of Wight trio are now turning their attention to the next major international competition – the World Field Target Championships in Alberta, Canada, which take place next August.
