Olympics-Shooting-China on course for gold after qualifying

By Lee Chyen Yee

BEIJING, Aug 12 (Reuters) - Tan Zongliang raised China's hopes for another gold medal in shooting on Tuesday as he took a big lead in the qualification of the men's 50m pistol event.

Tan, the 2006 world champion, came from behind with a brilliant final series for a score of 565 to move two in front of five others on 563.

A big crowd erupted in cheers after his last shot, but Tan did not smile as he prepared for the final an hour later.

North Korea's Kim Jong-su, Ukraine's Oleg Omelchuk, Slovakia's Pavol Kopp, Vladimir Isakov of Russia and South Korea's Jin Jong-oh were all on 563.

Defending Olympic champion Mikhail Nestruev of Russia got off to a great start, hitting 98 in his opening series but followed that what a ghastly 88 to fall off the leaders' board. He failed to qualify for the finals, finishing in 24th place with a 552.

China had high hopes for a record gold medal haul in shooting but have only picked up two of a projected four at this point, with favourites Du Li and Zhu Qinan both breaking down in tears after taking fifth and second, respectively, in their events. (Editing Alex Richardson)