Against a backdrop of biblical weather conditions of thunder, lightning and the occasional appearance of the sun Burnett led out the Irish contingent in a strong overall performance. After the first day of qualification Burnett sat comfortably with a score of 71 in joint 7th and Team mate Philip Murphy was one target off that pace on 70.
The dawn of the final day of competition did not see conditions improve and as the range was fully open to the elements with no covers in place it was going to be another tortuous day of competition.
Burnett opened with a 23 and closed the account with a 24 to leave him well placed in joint 5th overall. Murphy was keeping pace with two 23’s but his overall 116 was just outside the cut off for the final at 118 but still finished well up the ranking in joint 8th.
High Performance Programme Director Kevin Kilty said of the event “This is an excellent result for Derek and also for the HPP squad as they approach the upcoming European and World Championships. The amount of work and commitment given by the squad members this year has been inspiring and I congratulate them for returning a sterling performance under very difficult conditions.”
With little time to rest and to take in their good performance the squad now moves to San Marino for the final World Cup event of the season.
