Field set for Jumping Individual final, Maher quickest qualifier

Tokyo, Aug 3 (EFE).- Jumping got off to a flying start at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Baji Koen on Tuesday as all the favorites, except Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat riding Venard de Cerisy, qualified for the following day’s Individual Final.

Guerdat, number three in the world ranking and Olympic champion in London 2012, collected four faults on Spaniard Santiago Varela’s 14-fence track that weeded out the top 30 who will compete in Wednesday’s final.

A total of 73 horse-and-athlete combinations tackled the course, and Great Britain’s Ben Maher was quickest through the finish with Explosion W, one of the favorites for the Individual title.

Reigning European champions, Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs with Clooney, were impressive and look set for a successful Olympic showing.

Of those who qualified, 25 jumped clear rounds, four finished with a single time penalty and, last to make the cut, New Zealand’s Daniel Meech, steered Cinca 3 home with two time faults.

American Jessica Springsteen, daughter of singer Bruce Springsteen, failed to make it through on Don Juan van de Donkhoeve with four points, as did her compatriot Kent Farrington, with Gazelle, fifth in the world ranking.

The top 30 are to start on a zero score in Wednesday’s competition which will decide the Individual medals.

With Tuesday’s fastest time, Maher will have the advantage of being last to go. EFE

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