The final ISSF Pistol/Rifle World Cup for the 2025 season has now concluded in Ningbo, China. This competition, held between 7 and 15 September, brought together over 330 athletes from 43 nations, resulting in some fierce competition that included two new World Records set in rifle finals. The five person Australian Team competed against some of the world’s best. Jack Rossiter made the 10m Air Rifle final, adding to the two World Cup finals appearances this year. The international competition experience in Ningbo also proved invaluable for the team, especially the three more junior members.
Competition for the Australians commenced with Jack Rossiter and Charlotte Bland competing in the 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team event. The duo finished qualification with a combined score of 624.4, placing 30th.
Pistol athletes Alison Heinrich and Ellie Rudder competed in the Women’s 25m pistol event (comprising precision and rapid-fire stages) shooting qualification scores of 573 and 558 respectively.
In the 10m Air Rifle event, his first individual event of the World Cup, Rossiter shot a strong score of 633.4, qualifying him in 3rd place and securing a finals berth. Rossiter competed against a field of 77 athletes from 27 nations and was only 0.1 points behind Italy’s Danilo Sollazzo (633.5) who qualified in 2nd. Paris 2024 Olympic Champion Lihao Sheng of China qualified in 1st place with a score of 637.1.
Into the final, Rossiter shot 122.9 and was eliminated from the final in 8th place. The final concluded with Italy’s Danilo Sollazzo claiming gold with a World Record score of 255.0.
Rossiter’s finals appearance in Ningbo adds to what has already been one of the strongest seasons for the world ranked number 6, with three World Cup finals appearances, and a bronze medal at the ISSF Grand Prix in Ruse. Reflecting on his 10m Air performance, Rossiter said, “I’m very happy with my performance in the qualification. I tried to carry the momentum through to the final. I felt great in my preparation prior to the final but unfortunately, I couldn’t follow through.”
Reflecting on 2025 to date, Rossiter said, “I’m happy that I’ve managed to get myself into multiple finals so far this year. Making the final more regularly is a big step in my progression that I’m proud of. I feel like my skills have been improving and I’m hoping I can carry this feeling into the qualification stage in Cairo [World Championships] later this year.”
Precision Senior Performance Coach, Petr Kurka, praised Rossiter’s composure during qualification. “Qualifying with 633.4 and finishing third in such a strong field is an excellent result. Jack showed great maturity by taking two short breaks during qualification, including one after the 48th shot, which proved decisive in regaining focus. Making the final confirms that his preparation and decision-making under pressure are on the right track.”
“Competing in a final where a World Record was set highlights the incredible standard of shooting right now. Jack’s 633.4 qualification shows he is already performing at a world-class level. The ability to pause, reset, and come back strong underlines his growing mental resilience, which is exactly what we’ll need heading into the World Championships.”
In his final event, Rossiter took to the line for the Men’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions, finishing qualification with a total score of 582 and in 45th place.
In the individual women’s rifle events, Charlotte Bland and Olivia Cartwright shot scores of 626.3 and 624 respectively in 10m Air Rifle. Cartwright also contested the 50m Rifle 3 Positions event, shooting a score of 624 in qualification.
Australia was also represented in Ningbo by two officials. In her first overseas appointment, Helen Johnson filled the position of Pistol Jury, and experienced international official Alex Maranik took the role of Chairperson – Equipment Control. Officials play integral roles in ensuring fair competition and adherence to ISSF rules throughout competition and it is great to see Australian representation at a World Cup.
The team now turns its focus to preparing for the ISSF World Championships that will be held in Cairo, Egypt, from 6–18 November 2025.
You can view all results from the Ningbo World Cup via https://shootingaustralia.org/resource/issf-world-cup-ningbo-chn-2/
For all media enquiries, please contact Jane Vella 0407 859 197 or jane@shootingaustralia.org
