Gordon Caruana wins MSSF DTL Grand Prix 2025

The third edition of the MSSF DTL Grand Prix ended with an impressive victory for marksman Gordon Caruana, who secured the overall title after scoring 568 points and hitting 193 clay targets.

The two-day competition, held on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th August 2025, took place at the Bidnija shooting ranges and attracted a strong field of 40 participants, each tasked with shooting at 200 clays.

Standout Performances

• The best shooter on Saturday was John Rapa, who registered 289 points and 99 clays.

• On Sunday, it was Roderick Vella who topped the day’s scoring, finishing with 287 points and 97 clays.

In Class A, Gordon Caruana edged into first place, with Roderick Vella taking second. The battle for third turned into one of the highlights of the event, as John Rapa and Sean Garnisi had to be separated by a dramatic shoot-off.

The first round of the shoot-off ended level at 72 points apiece, forcing a sudden-death decider. In the end, Rapa prevailed, hitting 25 clays against Garnisi’s 24, to clinch third place.

In Class B, Mark Sammut claimed top spot ahead of Charlie Camilleri, while Anthony Buhagiar secured third place after coming out on top in another shoot-off against Joe Attard and Brandon Vella.

In Class C, the honours went to Jeremy Vassallo, followed by Chris Vella in second and John Vella in third.

Among the Veterans, Emmanuel Grima took victory with 542 points and 187 clays, ahead of Joseph Attard and Joe Cassar.

Scores on 200 Clays

Class A

• Gordon Caruana – 568 pts / 193 clays

• Roderick Vella – 561 pts / 193 clays

• John Rapa – 556 pts / 190 clays

Class B

• Mark Sammut – 555 pts / 191 clays

• Charlie Camilleri – 551 pts / 189 clays

• Anthony Buhagiar – 547 pts / 187 clays

Class C

• Jeremy Vassallo – 525 pts / 182 clays

• Chris Vella – 513 pts / 179 clays

• John Vella – 493 pts / 168 clays

Veterans

• Emmanuel Grima – 542 pts / 187 clays

• Joseph Attard – 535 pts / 182 clays

• Joe Cassar – 533 pts / 186 clays

A Growing Tradition

The MSSF DTL Grand Prix continues to establish itself as one of the leading fixtures in the Maltese shooting calendar. The first edition was won by Martin Jeminson, while the second edition was claimed by Sean Garnisi.

With its competitive spirit and thrilling shoot-offs, the 2025 edition will be remembered for Caruana’s consistency and Rapa’s dramatic battle for third place, underlining the high level of talent within the local shooting community.

Gerald Fenech

Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist