Jonathan Hammond shot an impressive first series 99, but it was not enough to see him progress past qualifying in the men’s 50m rifle prone competition at the Beijing Shooting Range Hall on Friday morning local time.

The 27-year-old Scot struggled in the windy conditions and slipped off the pace, shooting 97 and 96 in rounds two and three, to finish in 34th place overall with a combined score of 589 out of a possible 600.

Top of the qualification pile was Artur Ayvazian, from Ukraine, who dropped one shot on his final series to miss out on a perfect score of 600.

“I felt like I shot pretty well,” said Hammond. “I didn’t shoot too many bad shots, but I struggled with the wind. It was really tough, and the scores reflect that.

“A few of the guys got it right and shot well, but I found it really tough and did the best I could on the day.

“I was happy with my start. I shot a 99 and felt like I was going to find a way to get into it, but the wind really got up and the conditions just bit me in the behind on the second and third (series). After that it was all catch up.”

Hammond is back in action on Sunday (August 17) when he contests the 50m rifle three positions qualifiers, starting at 09:00 local time (02:00 BST).