Aliana McMaster made history by becoming the first female shooter to win the Jamaica Skeet Club’s 200-Bird National Sporting Clays Championship after topping a field of 154 competitors at the Worthy Park Sugar Factory in Ewarton, St. Catherine.
McMaster claimed the national title ahead of Christian Sasso after competitors battled challenging conditions, including intense heat, strong winds and rain, over the two-day championship.
The shooters competed over 200 targets across Saturday and Sunday before the top six advanced to the highly competitive Super Six shoot-off, where an additional 25 targets determined the overall champion.
After combining the main event and Super Six scores, McMaster finished on 195 points, ahead of Sasso and Roman Tavares-Finson, who both ended on 191. Todd Lazarus placed fourth with 189, followed by Chad Zaidie on 187 and David Wong on 185.
McMaster led the main event with a score of 177, three shots clear of Sasso’s 174. She posted rounds of 87 and 90 over the two days before hitting 18 of 25 targets in the Super Six to secure the championship.
In addition to the overall title, McMaster also captured the Ladies and Juniors categories.
Reflecting on her victory, McMaster praised the organisation of the event and the challenging course.
She described the 200-Bird Championship as one of the toughest events on the National Shotgun Championship calendar and said she was grateful to enjoy the experience while performing at her best.
Sasso, who finished as runner-up, also expressed satisfaction with his performance, saying he was pleased to compete alongside some of the country’s top shooters.
He credited his experience and ability to remain composed under pressure for helping him perform well during the Super Six shoot-off.
The class champions were Roman Tavares-Finson (A Class), Rajhir DaCosta (B Class), Wendy McMaster (C Class), Brandon Hugh (D Class), Neesa DaCosta (E Class), Aliana McMaster (Ladies and Juniors), Rheis McMaster (Sub Juniors) and Andrewain Smith (Hunters/Beginners).
Following the championship, several competitors earned promotions to higher shooting classes based on their performances. Rajhir DaCosta advanced to A Class, Wendy McMaster to B Class, Brandon Hugh to C Class, Neesa DaCosta to D Class, while Andrewain Smith, Zander James and Alyssa Moo Young were promoted to E Class.
