Dickson gunning for NZ position

Bay of Plenty pistol shooter Greg Dickson describes his often misunderstood sport as a game of chess.
"The attraction for me is the problem solving aspect," he said. "Particularly because everyone approaches each stage differently and has to work around time, accuracy and gun control."
Dickson, a dual member of the Katikati and Rotorua Pistol Clubs, is one of 100 competitors hoping to have a shot at the New Zealand Practical Open and Standard Nationals title in Rotorua this weekend.
The three day event, being held at the Rotorua Pistol Club, also doubles as selection for the New Zealand team competing at the 2005 World Championships in Ecuador and will be a good warm up ahead of this month's Australasian Championships in Bali.
The Tauranga businessman, who recently returned from the Czech Republic after competing in the European Championships, is hoping his consistent form will be translated into New Zealand selection.
"I'm definitely putting my hand up. I really enjoyed competing in Europe and shot some amazing courses of fire and was thrilled to finish in the top half of the field. I guess you could say I've returned feeling really invigorated," he said.
Event organiser Tony Todd, a member of the Rotorua Pistol Club, said the Nationals have attracted teams from all over New Zealand, as well as 10 of Australia's top shooters.
"There's going to be 20 awesome stages over the three days and some top international competitors," Todd said.
"On average competitors will shoot 400 rounds and because selection for the New Zealand team is also up for grabs, competition will be tight."
Practical shooting is a dynamic sport that awards competitors equally for accuracy, power and speed, Todd said.
Competitors have to work out the quickest way to shoot a course of fire that can involve moving targets.
This weekend's event encompasses four divisions including open class, standard class, production and revolver.
Todd, who has been involved in the sport since 1991 and will be part of the Kiwi contingent in Bali, is hoping to have a successful weekend with his STI 38 super, 1911 style handgun in the open class.
"In between organising the event I'm looking to get in as much practise ahead of Bali.
"It's a real mental challenge and there's an athletic side to the sport that people don't seem to realise."
Todd and Dickson will spear head an experienced Rotorua crew that includes Keith Hughes, John Clough and Ken Henderson.
The New Zealand Practical Open & Standard Nationals are being held at the Rotorua Pistol Club on Mead Road. Competition beings at 12 noon on Friday and finishes on Sunday. Spectators are welcome.