STINCHCOMBE’S Kieran Slater will be shooting for a place in the World Archery Championships this weekend after an incredible experience at the inaugural European Games in Azerbaijan this week.

Slater suffered the agony of missing out on a men’s individual quarter-final place by losing a shoot-out against sixth seed Pierre Plihon, of France, after being on the verge of winning.

But far from being downhearted, the experience of firing for Britain exhilarated at being part of the Games.

After his defeat, Slater said, in a Facebook post: “Despite that match not going in my favour, I am really pleased with how I have done this week, have had an amazing experience and have thoroughly enjoyed each moment.

“The experience of alternative shooting matches and being part of a multi-sport event has been invaluable and I have learnt many a lesson.

“Also thank you so much for all the support over social media, those who got up early to watch matches and my friends and family you have all been a tremendous help and has been so nice to see all the support.”

And not only is Slater taking the momentum from the Baku event towards the World Championships British team selection event on Saturday and Sunday, but is taking aim on the biggest sporting event of them all – the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro next year.

Back home, Slater’s father, Paul, said the whole family were immensely proud of the sharp-shooter who was two sets to one up against Plihon, with one set drawn, before the Frenchmen levelled the scores and sets by taking the fifth.

That meant a sudden-death shoot-out which saw Plihon hit a nine in the target and Slater score an eight.

Nevertheless, Paul said: “He did brilliantly. It was just that final arrow that ended it. He was really focussed and loved every minute of it out there.

“He wants to do what he can to get to Rio which is the big aim – and has been for a while.”

Qualifiers for the British Olympic team are likely to take place next year but 21-year-old Slater has more immediate matters on his mind when he returns to Stinchcombe this week.

Paul added: “He has a selection shoot for the World Championships this Saturday and Sunday and I am sure he will be fine for that although there is a good strong group (of British archers).”

The World Championships will take place in Copenhagen, Denmark, between August 26 and September 2, but, for this week at least, the Stinchcombe Slater family are revelling in Kieran’s achievements.

“We are massively proud of him for what he has achieved and that he has enjoyed it regardless of the result,” he said.