Paris 2024: Explained - How does the Final Round in 10m Air Pistol event at the Olympics work?

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After a rather disappointing start for Indian shooters at the Paris Olympics, Manu Bhaker finished third to qualify for the 10m Air Pistol Women's final on Saturday (July 27).

The 22-year-old Bhaker shot 580 to finish third in the qualifications, and Hungarian ace Veronika Major claimed the top spot with a score of 582. Ahead of the final on Sunday, let us look at the format and how the scoring works.

The final round of the 10m air pistol event at the Paris 2024 Olympics follows a meticulously structured format to ensure fairness and competitiveness. The event is divided into two main stages, beginning with a comprehensive warm-up period and then sequential shooting stages that culminate in the determination of the medalists.

Equipment Set-Up, Warm-Up and Preparation

Finalists or their coaches must ensure that equipment is set up at the firing points at least 20 minutes before the start time. Competitors are called to the firing line 13 minutes before the official start time.

This period includes a five-minute preparation and sighting time, during which shooters can fire unlimited sighting shots. This phase is crucial for shooters to adjust their aim and equipment, ensuring they are optimally prepared for the competition.

Competition Stages

The final round consists of two primary stages:

First Competition Stage

The first stage features two series of five shots each. Shooters have a total of 250 seconds (4 minutes and 10 seconds) to complete each series. After each series, the current rankings and notable scores are announced. Commands for this stage include "LOAD," "START," and "STOP." This phase sets the stage for the shooters, allowing them to build or recover their positions before moving into the more intense second stage.

Second Competition Stage

The second stage involves 14 single shots, each fired on command with a 50-second time limit per shot. The command sequence for each shot remains "LOAD," "START," and "STOP." This stage demands high levels of concentration and precision from the shooters, as each single shot significantly impacts the rankings and the potential for elimination.

Elimination Process

Eliminations commence after the 12th shot, with the lowest-ranked athlete being eliminated in a predetermined order. The first elimination occurs after 12 shots, determining the 8th place. Subsequent eliminations happen after every two shots, in the following order: after 14 shots for the 7th place, 16 shots for the 6th place, 18 shots for the 5th place, 20 shots for the 4th place, and after 22 shots for the 3rd place, determining the bronze medal winner. Finally, after 24 shots, the 2nd and 1st places are decided, awarding the silver and gold medals respectively.

Scoring

Scoring is conducted with tenth-ring (decimal) scoring, and cumulative total scores determine the final rankings. Any deductions for violations occurring before the first match shot are applied to that shot's score, with penalties for other infractions applied to the score of the shot where the violation occurred.

Tie-Breaking

If there is a tie for the lowest-ranking athlete to be eliminated, additional single tie-breaking shots are fired until the tie is resolved. The Chief Range Officer (CRO) announces the family names of the tied athletes and commands them to fire the tie-breaking shots. The announcer refrains from making comments until the tie is broken.

Completion of Finals

Upon the completion of the 24th shot by the remaining finalists, and provided there are no ties or protests, the CRO commands "STOP...UNLOAD" and declares "RESULTS ARE FINAL."

The jury then assembles the three medalists on the field of play, and the announcer immediately recognizes the bronze, silver, and gold medal winners.