On August 20 (Beijing time), the final of the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event at the 16th Asian Shooting Championships featured a thrilling showdown between China and South Korea. In the end, China’s Ma Qianke and Zhang Yifan triumphed 16–12 over the Korean pair Ryu Hyun-young and Lee Won-ho, standing atop the podium in the mixed team competition.

After the qualification round, Korea’s second team and China’s second team ranked in the top two and advanced to the gold medal match. The Chinese duo made a strong start, scoring 4 points in the first two series. Korea responded quickly, edging out the third series by 0.2 points to take 2 points. The score then rose alternately until it was tied at 6–6. At this moment, China called a timeout, but Korea maintained its momentum, winning two consecutive series to lead 10–6.

In the ninth series, Korea’s Lee Won-ho faltered with an 8.7, while the Chinese shooters regained their form, both hitting above 10, narrowing the score to 8–10. Korea then pulled ahead again, 12–8. From that point, however, the Chinese team refused to yield. Whenever Korea posted high scores, Ma and Zhang matched them shot for shot. Zhang Yifan, in particular, delivered under pressure, twice firing 10.8 in the decisive moments to power the comeback.

The score moved from 10–12 to 12–12, then 14–12 in favor of China. Entering the 14th series with match point, Ma shot 9.5 and Zhang 10.2, combining for 19.7 to Korea’s 19.3, securing the final 2 points and the gold medal for China.

With this victory, Ma Qianke became a triple gold medalist at this year’s championships, adding the mixed team title to her individual and women’s team crowns in the 10m air pistol. Zhang Yifan also claimed his second gold, following the men’s team event.