Hancock chases gold in men’s skeet shooting

Vincent Hancock of the United States shoots during the first day of the men’s skeet competition. (Rebecca Blackwell / Associated Press)

July 30, 2012 6:38 PM PT

United States’ Vincent Hancock leads the pack in men’s skeet shooting, hitting 74 of 75 targets in the qualification round Monday. The final 50 shots will be taken Tuesday, and the gold medal will go to the athlete with the highest score out of 125. Hancock, 23, is a previous gold medalist and holds the world record score of 121.

Vincent Hancock prepares to shoot in the Olympic men’s skeet event. (Ian Langsdon / EPA)

United States’ Vincent Hancock, left, and Russian Valeriy Shomin competed in the first day of the men’s skeet shooting event. (Marwan Naamani / AFP / Getty Images)

Vincent Hancock of the United States catches empty shells at the Olympic men’s skeet shooting competition. (Marwan Naamani / AFP / Getty Images)