Commonwealth Games: First gold for Singapore as Teo Shun Xie wins 10m air pistol

Teo Shun Xie of Singapore shoots during the 10m Air Pistol event at the Barry Buddon Shooting Centre in Carnoustie, Scotland on July 25, 2014, during the 2014 Commonwealth Games. -- PHOTO: AFP
Teo Shun Xie of Singapore shoots during the 10m Air Pistol event at the Barry Buddon Shooting Centre in Carnoustie, Scotland on July 25, 2014, during the 2014 Commonwealth Games. -- PHOTO: AFP
Teo Shun Xie of Singapore celebrates winning the 10m Air Pistol event at the Barry Buddon Shooting Centre in Carnoustie, Scotland on July 25, 2014, during the 2014 Commonwealth Games. -- PHOTO: AFP
(From left) Malaika Goel of India, Teo Shun Xie of Singapore and Dorothy Ludwig of Canada pose with their medals after the 10m Air Pistol event at the Barry Buddon Shooting Centre in Carnoustie, Scotland on July 25, 2014, during the 2014 Commonwealth Games. -- PHOTO: AFP
Teo Shun Xie of Singapore celebrates winning the 10m Air Pistol event at the Barry Buddon Shooting Centre in Carnoustie, Scotland on July 25, 2014, during the 2014 Commonwealth Games. -- PHOTO: AFP

SINGAPORE'S first medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games was of the gold variety, and it came from an unlikely source on Friday.

Shooter Teo Shun Xie delivered a sparkling performance to top a 28-strong field at the women's 10m air pistol. The research officer, who finished 14th in the same event four years ago in New Delhi, notched a Games record score of 198.6 points, ahead of India's Malaika Goel (197.1) and Canada's Dorothy Ludwig (177.2).

Singapore shooting team manager Ng Jing Hui said: "With a revamped scoring system, it was anybody's game to win and Shun Xie grabbed the chance with both hands. She was simply marvellous, especially on her final six shots. She worked so hard and now, she has brought glory to Singapore."

The 25-year-old, who won a silver at the 2013 SEA Games, has never finished inside the top 20 of a World Cup leg. Her compatriot Nicole Tan placed 21st in the same event on the first day of competition at the Barry Buddon Shooting Centre in Dundee.

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.