Chad Ziadie and Aliana McMaster are gunning to defend their National Shotgun Championships (NSC) this weekend at the lush True-Juice property in St. Catherine when they compete in the 200 Bird Sporting Clays.
They, along with the many other shooters who competed in the various events that make up the championships which include Super Sporting, 5 Stand, Fitasc and 200 Target Sporting Clays, will be going for top honors.
Ziadie picked up his second championship last year after winning his first in 2022. He was pleased with winning the championship once more.
“It feels good. I definitely worked for it. I came up short in 2023 to Christian so it was in my books to come back and gain back my title. I worked hard with my coach Uncle Khaleel all year so it feels good to finish out the year on top.”
He is the youngest repeat winner of the Jamaica Skeet Club’s national shotgun championship. He was Twenty-six when he won it the first time.
The runner-up national shotgun champion was Christian Sasso who was a worthy challenger for the top spot after losing by just a few points.
Sasso, who is a multiple national shotgun champion, was the 2023 winner.
National Shotgun Ladies Champion Aliana McMaster was a repeat winner, having won it 2023 as well.
“It’s a great pleasure to be able to achieve such a great achievement. Two years is crazy. I never even think I could do it one time and now two. I am incredibly grateful and thankful for all the support I had, all of the coaching, my parents, God, everything.”
McMaster distinguished herself by becoming the first female to make it to A Class, as well as the first female to qualify for the Super Six in the 200 Bird shoot.
In addition to the national male and female shotgun champions, there were several class champions as well who will be seeking to be repeat winners.
The class champions were: A Class – Craig Simpson; B Class – Brandon Laing; C Class – Anthony Desnoes; D Class – Cameron Lee; E Class – Fraser McConnell; Hunters or Beginners Class – Tatrecia Mitchell; Juniors – Aliana McMaster; Seniors – Geoffrey Ziadie; Veteran – Robert Yap Foo and Super Veteran – Brett Thwaites.
The 17-station course competition will take place over two day with 100 targets on Saturday and the other 100 targets on Sunday. Competition begins at 9:00 am each day.