A Golden Moment for Taiwan in Buenos Aires
Taiwan’s shooting duo, Yang Kum-pi (楊昆弼) and Liu Wan-yu (劉宛渝), delivered a thrilling performance at the 2025 ISSF World Cup Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun in Buenos Aires, clinching gold in the trap mixed team event. Their win not only showcased their individual talents but also highlighted the growing depth of Taiwan’s shooting program on the global stage.
This victory marked Taiwan’s second medal of the tournament, following Liu’s bronze in the women’s trap earlier this week. Their hard-fought win over the Australian team—Olympic bronze medalist Penny Smith and Mitchell Iles—came after a dramatic 5-4 shoot-off, following a tied score of 45-45 across five regulation rounds.
🥇 Inside the Gold Medal Match: Strategy, Grit, and Redemption
The final was a tense showdown of focus and skill. Each athlete was required to fire 25 shots, demanding unerring concentration. The Taiwanese pair were narrowly ahead heading into the last round. But drama struck when Yang missed his final shot, giving Australia a chance to even the score.
Liu Wan-yu, already a medalist at this World Cup, held her nerve and delivered a clutch hit to force the shoot-off. In those critical moments, the Taiwanese pair edged out the Australians 5-4—winning Taiwan its first-ever World Cup gold in this team event.
“I told myself we still had a shot at the gold,” Liu told reporters after the match.
“We complement each other well, and I hope we can keep that chemistry going.”
🧠 Original Insights: What Makes This Win Special?
Unlike other victories based purely on score, this win was about mental resilience and team synergy:
- Yang and Liu’s chemistry was evident, balancing each other’s highs and lows throughout the competition.
- Liu’s individual brilliance, proven in her solo bronze win, carried over into the team event. She played a crucial role in anchoring the team under pressure.
- Strategic pairing: The coaching staff’s decision to pair Liu (technical and composed) with Yang (aggressive and quick) shows how Taiwan is evolving in sports science and team formulation.
This medal also speaks volumes about the long-term investments Taiwan has made in shooting sports, including grassroots development and increased international exposure for athletes.
🧭 What’s Next for Taiwan Shooting?
Taiwan’s shooting athletes have been making steady progress over the past decade, often flying under the radar in favor of baseball or badminton stars. This win puts them on the global map and opens up several strategic paths:
- Increased government and private sponsorship post-World Cup success.
- Athlete development programs are likely to gain traction, especially with Paris 2024 behind us and eyes set on Los Angeles 2028.
- Expect Taiwan to push for more international mixed-team events, a format where chemistry and coordination are key—two things Taiwanese athletes are excelling in.
🧾 FAQs
Who won the trap mixed team gold at the 2025 ISSF World Cup?
Taiwan’s Yang Kum-pi and Liu Wan-yu.
Who did they defeat in the final?
They beat Australia’s Mitchell Iles and Penny Smith 5-4 in a shoot-off.
What was the score before the shoot-off?
Both teams were tied at 45 after five rounds.
Has Liu Wan-yu won any other medals in this tournament?
Yes, she won bronze in the women’s trap event.
Why is this win significant for Taiwan?
It’s the first-ever World Cup gold for Taiwan in this event, signaling growth in the nation’s shooting sports.
