Equestrianism

CHI Al Shaqab: Germany’s Ehning tops 1.60m for Grand Prix glory

Mohammad Amin

DOHA: Marcus Ehning of Germany claimed the gold medal of 1.60m show jumping event. Evelina Tovek of Sweden had to settle for second place while Maikel van der Vleuten took the bronze medal.

The riders had to compete in two rounds before they could battle it out in the jump-off.

Only four combinations had three clear rounds, so they competed for the gold.

47-year-old Ehning set the fastest time in the jump-off.

“It was one of my best performances. In the jump off with this speed everything was under control. My horse was going with me with a super good speed. It was a smooth round,” said the German at a post-competition media conference.

His Stardust crossed the finish line at 33.98 seconds and did so no less than three seconds better than Evelina Tovek and Winnetou de la Hamente Z – they settled for second place.

Maikel van der Vleuten with Beauville Z and a time of 36.73 seconds finished third.

Harrie Smolders and Bingo du Parc finished fourth, ahead of Henrik von Eckermann and King Edward.

As many as 42 riders competed in the feature contest of the three-day competition, with only 18 qualifying for the second round. 

Ruoste wins dressage freestyle honours

Finland’s Henri Ruoste emerged as a surprise winner, riding Kontestro DB to Dressage Freestyle glory after amassing a score of 84.245%.

Sweden’s Patrik Kittel, who won the Dressage Grand Prix on Friday, had to settle for a second place with 10-year-old bay Touchdown after tallying 83.890%. 

Dutchman Hans Peter Minderhoud, riding Glock’s Dream Boy N.O.P, secured third position with a score of 81.930%.  

Qatar Olympic Committee President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani crowned the winners of Commercial Bank CHI AL SHAQAB Presented by Longines 2022.

A star-studded contingent of 95 riders from 24 countries, and 146 elite competition horses from around the globe participated in the event held from Feb. 24 to 26.

On the other hand, Qatars dressage rider Wejdan Majed Al Malki became the first Qatari women to feature in a five-star event.

Three Qatari riders also participated in the show jumping competitions including Hamad Nasser Al Qadi, Faleh Suwaid Al Ajmi and Nasser Al Ghazali.

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