Munoz stays on top of standings

Abu Dhabi: Chilean rider Tomas Munoz maintained his lead in the points table at the end of the second qualifying competition at the FEI Children's International Jumping Final on Wednesday evening.

Though he finished second in the jump-off, won by Qatar's Hamad Nasser Al Qadi, Munoz has already earned 56 points and could pose a strong challenge to the other contenders.

Munoz partnered Adonis and finished the jump-off in 34.70 seconds to reach second place, according toe a Federation press release.

Al Qadi, astride Aline, finished first in the jump-off in 32.41 seconds and has accumulated 48 points so far.

The other three riders who finished the jump-off on the third day with zero faults include two Syrian riders, Mohammad Jabri (Al Abhar, 35.55 secs, 53 points, 3rd place) and Hadi Nizam (Sakher, 39.20 seconds, 46 points, fifth place) and UAE rider Aisha Al Shamsi ( Ograff D'Adriers, 37.96 secs, 49 points, 4th place).

Along with Al Shamsi, the UAE's Abdul Rahman Ahmad Ameen came up with an impressive display and has earned 29 points to clinch a spot in the final showdown.

At the end of the second qualifying competition event, which featured 28 jumpers from several countries, including four from the UAE, 20 jumpers were placed and eight were eliminated.

The four-day event, being held at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, is organised by the Emirates Equestrian Federation under FEI supervision.

Today, a total number of 14 riders will take part in the Farewell Competition and another 14 will vie for the championship final.

The Farewell Competition is open to those who have not qualified for the finals while the final is open to 50 per cent of participants from the first and the second qualifying competitions.

The two UAE riders who have made it into the Farewell Competition are Madelaine Wilson and Sultan Ahmad Al Tabali.

Princess Haya Bint Al Hussain, wife of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and FEI President who inaugurated the event on Monday will also be the chief guest for the Final Championship ceremony.