Greytown?based shooter John Whiteman overcame the elements and emotion to return the Ballinger Belt to New Zealand for the first time in three years at the Trentham range on Saturday.
Dedicating the win to his late father Bob, Whiteman, 57, admitted it had been a long and exhausting week.
"My father died
three months ago, so this is for him," Whiteman said.
"He taught me to shoot and he was my greatest admirer and encourager. This was the first time I have shot a meet without him standing behind me.
"It was quite difficult and quite emotional. Winning the belt at the end is emotional anyway, firing the last shot and getting the applause was a huge relief."
Whiteman, who shoots for the Upper Hutt club, was edged out in last year's final by American Eddie Newman, but was not to be denied at Trentham Rifle Range.
He held on to a three point lead going into the 15-shot 900-yard Queen's Final to finish with 565.54 points, just clear of Malvern's Karl Valpy with 563.43.
John Snowden, of Ashburton, with a score of 562.60, was third, ahead of Blenheim's Malcolm Dodson with 562.54, and previous winners, Rick Fincham, of Upper Hutt, and Te Puke's Mike Collings.
Although it was not a major motivation, Whiteman admitted it was nice to have New Zealand's premier fullbore shooting title back in local hands.
"It's been three years since a New Zealander won it (with it) going overseas for the last two years, so I was keen to get it back," Whiteman said.
Early on in the week-long tournament it appeared the overseas trend could continue with Australian Burt Bowden, one of about 20 overseas competitors, setting the pace.
Like many in the 140-strong field the Australian's challenge faltered in high winds on Thursday.
Recalling his father's lessons on how to pick the wind, Whiteman had no such problems moving from fifth place to a commanding three-point lead heading into the final day.
His third Ballinger Belt, to go with titles won in 1998 and 2000, completed a successful meet for the Upper Hutt club who again won several of the teams trophies.
A New Zealand representative since 1972, Whiteman's next goal is to help his country win at the Australian championships in June and then in a tri-series against Australia and Great Britain.?NZPA
