The two Chinese athletes separated themselves from the rest of the field early in the final and remained neck-and-neck throughout the elimination stages. While Sheng held a slight advantage for most of the contest, Zhang refused to let the Olympic champion pull away, keeping the pressure on until the final series.
In the decisive shots, Sheng once again demonstrated the composure that has made him one of the world's leading rifle shooters. A strong finish secured him the gold medal with 253.9, while Zhang followed closely with 252.4, completing a memorable one-two for the host nation.
The victory adds another important title to Sheng's already impressive career. The reigning Olympic champion and multiple World Cup medallist continues to show remarkable consistency, while Zhang—Olympic champion in the Men's 50m Rifle 3 Positions at Tokyo 2020—proved once again that he remains among the world's elite rifle athletes.
The victory adds another important title to Sheng's already impressive career. The reigning Olympic champion and multiple World Cup medallist continues to show remarkable consistency, while Zhang—Olympic champion in the Men's 50m Rifle 3 Positions at Tokyo 2020—proved once again that he remains among the world's elite rifle athletes.
The battle for bronze also produced an excellent performance from Victor Lindgren. The Swedish shooter, who won Olympic silver in Paris last year, stayed firmly in medal contention throughout the final before securing third place with 229.9, earning another major international podium finish.
China came close to placing three athletes in the top three, but Ma Sihan was eliminated in fourth place with 209.1 after remaining in contention until the later stages of the final.
Japan's Naoya Okada finished fifth with 187.3, followed by Hungary's Istvan Marton Peni, who scored 166.4. Parth Rakesh Mane of India placed seventh with 145.5, while Norway's Henrik Larsen completed the eight-athlete final in eighth on 124.0.
Japan's Naoya Okada finished fifth with 187.3, followed by Hungary's Istvan Marton Peni, who scored 166.4. Parth Rakesh Mane of India placed seventh with 145.5, while Norway's Henrik Larsen completed the eight-athlete final in eighth on 124.0.
The victory continues an impressive start to the home World Cup for the Chinese team, following earlier success in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event.
Competition at the ISSF World Cup Hangzhou 2026 continues through 29 July, with athletes from 66 ISSF Member Federations, representing 61 countries, competing across the Rifle, Pistol and Shotgun disciplines.
Competition at the ISSF World Cup Hangzhou 2026 continues through 29 July, with athletes from 66 ISSF Member Federations, representing 61 countries, competing across the Rifle, Pistol and Shotgun disciplines.