Dramatic changes in shooting finals from 2013

"After firing an initial series of shots, the lowest ranked finalists are progressively eliminated until two athletes remain to fight for the gold medal," said the sport's world body ISSF in its 'Summary of Changes in 2013-2016 ISSF Rules'.

While retaining the same qualification rules, ISSF has decided that qualification scores would no longer be carried forward into the finals.

"Almost all sports have finals that begin as new contests. Shooting long had difficulties in explaining why some athletes in its finals start with advantages," the ISSF explained why it had decided to do away with carrying forward points from the qualifications.

"Since the new shooting finals will start at zero, the number of shots in finals was increased to ensure that they are a true test of skill," it said.

"The ISSF Administrative Council has approved many changes in its finals rules for Olympic events to go into effect in 2013. Detailed rules for these finals have been drafted and will be presented to the Administrative Council for approval at its meeting in November 2012," ISSF said.

Rule changes were proposed by the ISSF Section Committees, approved by the ISSF Technical Committee and given final nod by the Council, in accordance with the ISSF Constitution after the London Games.

"Detailed rules for finals in Olympic events as well as a few additional rules will be approved by the Council in November 2012," the ISSF said. (MORE)