Canada's Brendan Green scores a career-best 8th P] Nordic Focus

January 17, 2014 (Antholz-Anterselva, Italy) – Canada’s Brendan Green, 27, stormed to a career-best 8th-place result in the men’s 10km sprint with clean shooting at round #6 of the IBU World Cup in Anthoz-Anterselva, Italy on Friday.

A photo finish between Italy’s Lukas Hofer, who suffered one penalty, and Germany’s Simon Schempp who shot clean, resulted in a tie following the jury’s analysis giving both their first World Cup career victories. medal. Germany’s Arnd Peiffer also shot clean to claim the bronze.

Green, who grabbed the final Olympic qualifying spot on the Canadian squad just prior to the holiday break, delivered further notice that his comeback from double-back surgery is on track.

“This is a sweet feeling for sure and great to be back”, said Green, of Hay River, N.W.T., who missed last year due to injury. “This being the last World Cup for us before the Olympics is definitely a good sign I’m where I want to be.”

Lowell Bailey races to a 19th place at today's World Cup 10K sprint in Antholz, Italy. © US Biathlon/NordicFocus

The USA’s Lowell Bailey, with two penalties in standing, finished 1:10.2 back from today’s winners in 19th. Canada’s Nathan Smith missed one target on his way to 22nd while American Tim Burke finished 51st with three penalties, Russell Currier (USA) was 60th also with four penalties and Scott Perras (CAN) ended up 65th also with three penalties. The USA’s Leif Nordgren  and Sean Doherty did not start in today’s sprint.

It was the best result of his career for Green who was leading the Canadian squad with two individual top-10 results, and a handful of top-15 finishes, prior to being forced to the sidelines all of last year with a career-threatening back injury which led to two surgeries.

“I didn’t know if I’d get back to the form I was in but I was sure hoping and wishing,” said Green. “I think this proves that I am not only in similar shape as I was back then, but to do one better and have a personal best, confirms I can be right there. It is such a great feeling for me.”

Full results here.