China Jiang Ranxin (L) and Pang Wei show their medals after the 10m air pistol mixed team event at the Asaka Shooting Range at the Tokyo Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, July 27, 2021. /CFP
A stellar performance by veteran sharpshooter Pang Wei and Jiang Ranxin saw China earn a gold medal in the 10m air pistol mixed team final at the Olympic Games on Tuesday.
The Chinese duo managed to prevail in a battle of nerves with Russian Olympic Committee's Vitalina Batsarashkina and Artem Chernousov, coming from behind to record a 16-14 win at the thrilling event, which made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo Games.
Despite ranking first in the second-stage qualifying, Pang/Jiang had an uncharacteristic slow start in the final and fell behind 4-0 and then 8-4. But the pair quickly regained their composure and staged an impressive comeback, ultimately winning by a small margin.
China's Jiang Ranxin (L) and Pang Wei compete in the 10m air pistol mixed team event at the Asaka Shooting Range at the Tokyo Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, July 27, 2021. /CFP
It was a perfect ending for both Pang and Jiang, who fell agonizingly short of the top prize in individual 10m air pistol events earlier this week. It was Pang's fourth Olympic medal in four Games, with the 35-year-old having struck gold in the 10m air pistol at Beijing 2008 and a bronze medal in the same event at Rio 2016.
"I'm so excited because after winning the gold in 2008, I really want to prove myself again," said Pang. "For me, the last two Olympic Games have been a bit regrettable. Although the results okay, I failed to clinch a gold."
China's Jiang Ranxin (R) and Pang Wei celebrate their 10m air pistol mixed team gold at the Asaka Shooting Range at the Tokyo Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, July 27, 2021. /CFP
"This gold medal not only shows that we beat the odds, but also shows our resilience," he added.
Pang also praised his 21-year-old shooting partner Jiang, who has a maturity and calmness that belie her age. "My teammate is utterly amazing!" he beamed.