Many-time national shotgun champion Shaun Barnes once again proved too hot to handle as he claimed top spot at the inaugural Toyota Jamaica Sporting Clays Open at the Jamaica Skeet Club (JSC) in Portmore on Sunday.

The Jamaican shooters, who are gearing up for the World Sporting Clays Championships in Florida next month, had their speed, agility and mental game tested through some difficult targets varying in speed and distance.

Barnes, who shot the highest overall score of 92, lauded the course which he told the Jamaica Observer allowed him the opportunity to improve his game mentally.

“Today (Sunday) had some very interesting targets. I have been trying to enhance my mental game and today proved to be a true test. I am elated with my performance because every station had to be read in detail, but what made me more proud was seeing some of the other shooters topping their respective classes,” said Barnes, who won ahead of Errol Ziadie, who shot a score of 89.

Meanwhile, outstanding junior shooter Brandon Reid, who gained experience from is outing in the Gator Cup last week, shot a score of 89 to top the A class. Reid won ahead of Craig Simpson (86) and David Subaran, who was third ahead of Leighton Sasso after they both shot a score of 85.

The 16-year-old Reid, who is still revelling in his Gator Cup performance, told the Observer that he was satisfied with Sunday’s outcome.

“My performance at Gator Cup was one of my best performances as a shooter to date; I learnt that every bird counts, meaning if you miss one, forget about it and refocus for the next pair or station,” he said.

“I felt my performance today (Sunday) was good in terms of shooting the birds. But my mental game was off at certain stations because the course had some tricky birds, but it was good,” he added.

Reid’s score also topped the junior class, ahead of Nickolai Clarke (74) and Peter Worton (70).

The B class was topped by Gerry Chin with a score of 83 ahead of Nickolas Hudson (80) and Tommy Smith (78). Mark Harris (71) finished tops in the C class, followed by Jordan Thwaites and Paul Burke, who both shot a score of 69.

Michael Wehby’s score of 74 won him the D class ahead of James Chen (70) and Aidan Ingledew (69), while Worton (70) topped the E class ahead of Denroy Boboran (66) and Zacre Davidson (63).

Darin Richards won the Hunters class with a score of 60, with Karan Dhiman (54) and Marguerite Harris (52) taking the runners-up spots. Harris’s score also saw her topping the ladies class, while Amir Azan scored 62 to lead the Sub-junior category.

He won ahead of JP Asher (61) and Danzell Knight, who finished third ahead of Luke Chin after they both shot a score of 60.