Trap shooter Penny Smith has outgunned Rio 2016 gold medallist Catherine Skinner, edging ahead in a selection showdown as she targets her first Olympics.
Smith, Skinner and Laetisha Scanlan are vying to represent their country at the Tokyo Games, where Australia boast two quota spots in the discipline and are fully expected to supply medal contenders.
Smith finished fourth in Saturday's final of the national championships but a dominant performance in qualifying means she tops the Olympic selection leaderboard at the halfway point of proceedings.
Smith bagged 239 points from the Commonwealth and national champions, outperforming fellow Victorians Scanlan (231) and Skinner (223).
New Zealand's Natalie Rooney, who won silver at the Rio Olympics plus Saturday's final at Lake Macquarie, was also part of this week's talent-laden competition.
Shooters' three best scores from four selection events will be tallied up to decide who makes the cut for Tokyo.
The overall leader will automatically secure their Olympic berth, while a selection panel will determine who receives Australia's second spot.
Smith's dominance comes two years after she was overlooked for the Commonwealth Games, having finished second in a similar selection process but missed out to reigning Olympic champion Skinner.
"It was a pretty big setback not making the Comm Games but it's driven me to be a better person, I'm more determined to achieve my goals. I've knuckled down a fair bit," the 24-year-old told AAP.
"Things happen in life for a reason. I'm certainly a stronger person and stronger shooter now.
"Really happy with the week ... but both my finals were below average. There's still a long way to go in terms of the Olympic selection process."
In men's trap, James Willett is set to book his Olympic return after winning both the Commonwealth and national championships this week.
Willett (248 points) leads Thomas Grice (242) and Mitchell Iles (236) on the selection table, with two spots up for grabs.
In skeet, Paul Adams (246) leads the male Olympic hopefuls while Laura Coles (234) and Aislin Jones (231) are in a tight tussle over the single women's spot up for grabs.
The next Olympic shotgun selection event starts on February 27 at the Melbourne Gun Club.
Australian Associated Press
