Michael is Shaw-fire winner!

JUST CHAMPION . . . Michael shows off the English Open DTL trophy.

COVER star Michael Turner is gearing up for further international success in the clay pigeon shooting ranks.

The 24-year-old from Shaw claimed the English Open DTL (down the line) title last month, after registering a perfect score of 100/300 for the first time — the magic mark which is the equivalent of a nine-dart finish in golf or snooker’s 147.

In a field of over 300 rivals from all over the British Isles, Turner went on to win a three-man 25-clay play-off.

“I have won county championships in the past,” he said. “But being national, it is the most prestigious title I have won so far.”

Tomorrow, Turner represents England for the fourth time along with his brother Paul in a home international in Bishops Mount, Kilkenny.

Michael’s stock is high at the moment. He has been interviewed by a crew from Clay Shooting TV, was on the front of this month’s edition of Clay Shooting magazine and features in a write-up in next month’s Pull! publication.

The brothers won the family pairs title for the third year running on the same day Michael enjoyed his finest shooting moment.

And Michael’s individual success would not have come about but for the enthusiasm for shooting of his brother.

“About 10 years ago I started going out on a Sunday with Paul and his mates and got to grips with it all from there,” he said.

These days, Michael travels all over the country for competitions, with his main practice taking place at the Pingot quarry on Buckstones Road near Shaw.

And if anyone thinks that aiming at a few clays sounds like easy work, he warns of the powers of concentration that are needed.

“It can be mentally demanding, down the line shooting,” Michael added. “You know that if you drop one point it can be very costly.”