Rediff

Beijing, Aug 9: India's medal hopes suffered a huge setback as Samresh Jung failed to make it to the final round in the men's 10m air pistol event on Saturday.

His exit follows the poor showing of Anjali Bhagwat and Avneet Kaur Sidhu in the 10m air rifle event earlier in the day.

While Anjali finished 29th in qualifying, Avneet placed further down at 39th. Anjali shot a total of 393/400 and Avneet 389/400.

Jung, a Melbourne Commonwealth Games multiple gold medallist, shot a disappointing score of 570/600 and finished 42nd among 48 shooters in the qualifying event.

China's Pang Wei won the Olympic gold, hours after compatriot Du Li had crumbled under home pressure in the women's 10m air rifle event.

Pang, the 2006 World champion and the pre-Olympics favourite, won with a score of 688.2. He built on a comfortable lead secured in the qualification round earlier and was never threatened. He bowed as the big crowd cheered his victory.

Jin Jong-oh of South Korea won the silver medal ahead of Kim Jong Su of North Korea.

Earlier, Katerina Emmons of the Czech Republic opened the Olympics with a gold medal in the women's 10m air rifle. Du was heavily favoured to win China's first medal but failed to defend her 2004 Olympic gold, finishing fifth.