(Beijing, April 12) Having missed the flight to Beijing due to traffic jam on his way to the airport, Michael Diamond, Australia's Olympic men's trap champion, had to pulls out of the ISSF World Cup that opened today.

Ready to participate in the men's double trap competition at the Beijing World Cup, the Australian veteran was unfortunately stopped by the traffic jam caused by a car accident when he was heading for the airport.

As an elite shooter who had participated in four Olympic Games, Diamond is regarded as one of the Australian favorites for gold medals of the Beijing Olympic Games.

"He is still in Australia right now," said Diamond's coach Gleniss Lawrence. "He must feel very sorry for not being able to compete in Beijing since this is the only chance for him to experience the Olympic venue here before the Olympic Games."

With Diamond's absence Craig Henwood became the only Australian to compete in the men's trap. Prior to this, Henwood had beaten Olympic bronze medalist Vella Adam to book the other ticket of Australia to the Beijing Olympics.

World No.2 Mola Massimiliano of Italy was also absent from the event, "But we fielded three stronger shooters", said the Italian coach.

A total of 368 shooters from across the world will compete in the clay-target shooting, including 105 in the men's trap.