Estonian shooter Olesja Issatšenkova crowned European champion

Estonian shooter Olesja Issatšenkova clinched the U18 European Championship title in a nail-biting final at the Männiku shooting range. She narrowly defeated Poland's Julia Rochowska to secure the gold medal.

The competition day began with Issatšenkova competing in the first part of the qualification, where she scored 288 points, placing her fifth and securing a spot among the top eight.

Issatšenkova significantly increased her pace in the next phase. With a score of 290 points, she led the second qualification round and advanced to the gold medal match against Poland's Julia Rochowska.

The final match was a dramatic contest that went down to the wire. Issatšenkova initially established a solid lead, winning the first four shots 7-1. However, Rochowska mounted a comeback, tying the score at 7-7 after three subsequent shots. The intense battle continued, reaching a 10-10 tie before a single decisive shot determined the European champion. Issatšenkova demonstrated a steadier hand and secured the gold medal.

Issatšenkova's victory earned Estonia its first gold medal at the U18 European Championships held at the Männiku shooting range. The bronze medal went to Czech shooter Marie Pinosova. The championships will continue with Duett exercises tomorrow.