Thai shooting bosses believed Jakkrit Panichpatikum could be a surprise at the Olympic Games at Beijing and bring home a medal.

There will be four Thai shooters at next month's 2008 Games with the other three being Sasithorn Hongprasert, Thanyalak Chotphibunsin and Thanyaporn Prueksakorn.

Among the four, coach Peera Piromrat said that Jakkrit might be able to get a medal if he could repeat his performance at training.

"Jakkrit once fired 588 out of 600 points in training. This would put him in the top three in the world in the men's 10m air pistol," he was quoted by Friday's Bangkok Post as saying.

Jakkrit himself believed he could do well in Beijing and urged fans to give his support.

"I have never lost hope," said the 35-year-old veteran who will be competing in his third Olympics. "If I am successful, do not forget to congratulate me."

Source:Xinhua