Newmarket's Paul Neal secures the top prize at Welsh Open

Newmarket’s Paul Neal shot a perfect 100 out of 100 for the 10th time at the weekend – and in the process landed the Welsh Open Down The Line Championship.

The 50-year-old made the trip to Fauxdegla SG in north Wales full of confidence after winning his class at last month’s England Championship.

And it proved to be well placed as he produced a faultless display to claim the top prize.

“I have been shooting well lately and I was confident, especially after the England Championships,” said Neal, whose son Joe is a striker for Cambridge United.

“Everything just fell into place on the day. I’ve been shooting a long time now and it’s the 10th time I’ve had a perfect score – some people don’t manage it once.

“It was just a case of getting in the zone and as soon as I got the gun up to my shoulder I felt good. Going into the last five I just knew I was going to do it.

“The worst part was waiting around and checking the scores to see what other people were shooting, but it all worked out well in the end.”

The event in Wales has all but ended Neal’s season – one that has been heavily disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Nevertheless, Neal was still able to win two Suffolk county titles – down the line and automatic ball trap – at Eriswell Gun Club.