ISSF Beijing World Cup 2008 kicks off on Saturday

The opening ceremony of the ISSF Beijing World Cup 2008Photo Gallery>>(BEIJING, April 11) -- The ISSF Beijing World Cup 2008, the most important pre-Olympic shooting event as well as the warm up competition for the Games, begins on Friday here in Beijing. Over one thousand athletes from 94 countries and regions around the world are expected to participate.

The eight-day Olympic-standard competition covers ten pistol and rifle events, including nine men's and six women's events.

According to the organizers, national shooting teams, especially world shooting powerhouses, have sent strong athletes to the competition. All Olympic-qualified shooters for the Beijing Games are also expected to compete here in Beijing.

China, the Olympic host team, slated a 60-member lineup for the event while great shooting powers Russia and the United States brought 39 and 38 shooters, respectively.

Through April 20, the competition will be held at Beijing Shooting Range Hall and Beijing Shooting Range CTF.