Ten Olympic shooting members to be named

Ten members of the 16-strong Australian shooting team to compete at the Beijing Olympics are to be named on Thursday, while some spots are still subject to appeals.

Athens Olympic Games bronze medallist Adam Vella is the highest profile appellant after being pipped by one target for the second spot in the men's trap by fellow Victorian Craig Henwood at last weekend's Olympic qualifying series in Sydney.

The other two shooters making appeals are Clive Barton in the men's skeet and Susannah Smith in the women's rifle.

Australian International Shooting Ltd chief executive Nick Sullivan said the tough competition for spots on the Beijing Olympic team was always likely to lead to appeals.

"We've got three appeals over 16 or 17 positions and you are bound to expect some appeals at this level," he said.

Sullivan said he wanted the selection matter finalised by early April so the team could leave on April 9 to compete at a world cup event in Beijing.

"I'm keen for them to go to the test event and be shooting without any of the selection issues hanging over their heads," he said.

A three-person appeals tribunal from within shooting would determine the appeals but Sullivan said the athletes had the right to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport if they were not satisfied.

Vella has been criticised over his appeal by trap world champion Michael Diamond, who is guaranteed a place in the team for Beijing.

"It's not the Australian way and he shouldn't be going down this path as he was beaten fair and square by Craig Henwood," Diamond was quoted as saying.

Clive Barton is appealing to join his brother George in the men's skeet after being edged out on a count back by Victorian Paul Rahman at the weekend Olympic trial.

Both George Barton and Rahman represented Australia at the Athens Games.

Smith's appeal is against two athletes. One is over Susan McCready's selection in the women's 10m air rifle and the other is against Robyn Van Nus in the women's 50m position rifle.</p>