The following are 10 Questions put to Ben Husthwaite (GBR), who picked up a Bronze in the 2008 World F.I.T.A.S.C. Championship held at Limassol International Shooting Club, Cyprus. With his medal finish on 194 ex 200, Ben continues to be a tough competitor on the world shooting scene.
International Sporting Clays: Lets review for a moment. According to the F.I.T.A.S.C. web site you have finished in an open Senior class medal position in each of the last 4 years. 2005 (3rd), 2006 (1st), 2007 (2nd) and 2008 (3rd), a very consistent record. How do you feel about your record thus far?
Ben Husthwaite: I have medaled at every world championship since 1999, that’s a record in itself. 9 consecutive medals. It’s a record I am proud of and it proves for 9 years, I have been one of the top 3 in the world.
ISC: How would you rate your performance in this years comp?
BH: This year I was pleased with my performance apart from the 22 ex 25 (on Parcour Beretta). It’s the first time a 100 straight has ever been shot at a world championship. I won the (F.I.T.A.S.C.) World Cup as well.
ISC: Tell us about the ones that got away. Shooting 194 ex 200, with so few misses you must remember what caused them, technique, execution, etc. Any in particular that stand out?
BH: I only ever miss due to lack of concentration, that’s the same as every other top shot. We have good fundamentals, it’s only concentration that gets in the way.
ISC: Tell us briefly about the shoot-off for Silver against Anthony Materese Jr. (USA)?
BH: By the time the shoot off came around I felt flat and couldn’t get up for it (scoring 20 ex 25). Saying that, Ant’s score (194 ex 200/22 ex 25) was superb, he is a great friend and one of the best shots in the world.
ISC: Not to take anything away from Richard Faulds’ (GBR) marvelous 198 ex 200 score, it has been speculated that the new standards set by the F.I.T.A.S.C. regarding percentages of difficult targets thrown per layout may have ‘softened’ the targets a bit. What is your impression?
BH: 198 was the best display of shotgun shooting I have ever seen, but I do feel that the targets need to become harder. The targets were not bad and could have been harder just by throwing the hard bird in the pair.
ISC: In terms of titles, do you feel the World F.I.T.A.S.C. is THE ONE to win?
BH: The World F.I.T.A.S.C. is the one to win, followed by the Euro F.I.T.A.S.C., then the World Cup and then the World Sporting.
ISC: Give us some thoughts on the Limassol grounds and the targets thrown in particular.
BH: I have shot Limassol before and knew what to expect, the targets were OK, the grounds and facilities were great.
ISC: What cartridge did you shoot and how important is it that you shoot a particular brand or load in competition?
BH: I shot Gamebore Buffalo as usual and if you believe in what your shooting, your fine.
ISC: What do you think about the fact that 800+ shooters turned out for this event in a small out of the way place and how do you see next years turnout in a less small but even more out of the way place, Australia?
BH: Cyprus is easy to get to so was always going to be busy. I’ll be surprised if Australia have half that entry.
ISC: Any closing thoughts?
BH: I believe fitness played a huge part of this years World. The 3 medal winners were all fit young men, this can’t be a coincidence.
The International Sporting Clays Blog thanks Mister Ben Husthwaite for his cooperation. Photo courtesy of Mister Henry S.F. Nachaj. More can be found at his website www.sportingphotosshop.com. For official scores and updates see the F.I.T.A.S.C. site.
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