QNB Al-Rayyan International Showjumping Championship kicks off
DOHA, November 24, 2017 - Rakan al Hasawi of Kuwait, riding under the FEI flag, made an impressive and winning start to his QNB Al Rayyan International Showjumping Championship campaign as the young rider topped a field of twelve to claim the top prize in the Table A, Special Two Phases 145cm event on the opening day of the three-day meet on Thursday.
Hasawi and his trusted mount, nine-year-old bay gelding Dennis, made for a fine combine as they jumped past a tricky obstacle-led course at Qatar Equestrian Federation's outdoor arena for a flawless routine with a best time of 34.26secs. The show clinched them the first place and a prize of €6,150.
Hasawi beat FEI compatriot Ali al Khorafi, on Cheril, who clocked 34.91secs.
Pleased with his effort, Hasawi termed it a 'good win'."We've been having some unlucky rounds the last week, but this seems like a good beginning to the weekend here. I wish all the other riders the very best too and I hope to get some more favourable results," he added.
Finishing third on Qualidam was the 56-year-old Russian Vladimir Tuganov, who had won the opening 145cm class last Thursday in the QNB Qatar International Showjumping Championship at the same venue.
Both the championships are among the qualifying meets for the FEI World Cup to be held in Paris in 2018.
Speaking of his strategy, the bald and always smiling Tuganov said he was more cautious as he was targeting the events to come.
"I rode quite cautiously today because I want to reserve my best for tomorrow and the final day for the Grand Prix event," he explained.
On how he still gives youngsters a run for their money, the Russian added,"...But I gave the youngsters a chance to go ahead of me today."Hopefully I should go on to win the Grand Prix," he said.
Earlier, Qatari riders continued to excel in the Table A, Against the Clock 130-135cm event. Salmeen Sultan al Suwaidi on Guilder's Empire of the Sun rode with aplomb to emerge winner in 59.86secs. He was awarded €2,000.
Hamad Nasser al Qadi on S I E C Lonnie finished runner-up in 60.80secs, while Mubarak Yousuf al Rumaihi on SIEC Cosmos Wijngaardhoeve Z was third in 62.21secs.
The day's opening class Table A, Two Phases 120cm -- was won by Uzbekistan's Azam Tolibbaev, who on his horse Wyarietus S needed only 29.32secs to emerge on top (€1,400. Tolibbaev pipped Qatar's Obaid Ali al Sanari (on Quentin), who clocked 30.83secs. Uzbekistan's Okil Sobirjonov riding Colijn was third with a time of 31.44secs.
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