By Sahan Bidappa/Doha


It has come down to the wire, and the finale promises to be an exhilarating one. As if the stunning backdrop of Al Shaqab was not enough to entice the fans, the final and 15th round of the Global Champions Tour starting in Doha today  promises to provide thrills in abundance.
For Britain’s Scott Brash, it must be a feeling of déjà vu. The World No 1 has always pulled something special out of his hat, when put under the cosh. Just like last year, the defending champion goes into the final event at Al Shaqab with two other riders breathing down his neck for the title.
However, if there is one rider who can rise to the occasion it is Brash. Last season, coming into Doha, the 2012 Olympic team gold medallist started the final leg in third place but leader Ludger Beerbaum, from Germany, picked up 16 faults after his regular horse Chiara was unfit. And Brash seized the occasion to claim the title.
On Saturday, the 29-year-old will be aiming to make history as he attempts to claim his third consecutive title. Sussex-based Scott holds a two-point advantage over Luciana Diniz of Portugal in the current rankings and a 10-point lead over two-time Olympic Silver medallist Rolf-Göran Bengtsson, the last year’s winner in Doha.  
“It’s been an incredible season so far, and really competitive at the top. I’m sure it’ll come down to the wire, and you can never underestimate Luciana and Rolf who are on such great form,” said Brash, ahead of the mouth-watering duel. Brash will partner his Olympic champion mount Hello Sanctos — the gelding, which helped him secure the €1million grand slam bonus in September.
Meanwhile, Diniz will be hoping to clinch the crown from the British rider’s grasp. Diniz’s blistering victory in Vienna on her grey stallion Winningmood closed the gap on Brash, to make sure the title will be decided on the final day of the final event of 2015.
“I had only one chance to beat (Scott), and I needed to win two Grand Prix out of the final three. I came second in Rome, and I won in Vienna so I’m pushing, and we’re going to have a lot of fun here in Doha. I think it’s going to be really fun for everyone,” Diniz said.
For the third rider in the plot, Bengtsson, it was so near yet so far in 2014. The Swedish rider won in Doha and finished on the same points as Brash, but lost out in title race as Scot had won more in the season. Brash has won three Grand Prix events while Bengtsson had two victories.
Bengtsson, who will be riding the Casall ASK, will be looking to keep up the momentum of his recent emphatic Grand Prix wins in London and Rome. “I am looking forward to the final in Doha. The Global Champions Tour is very exciting I think, in that it’s not over until the last one has jumped,” he said.
Throughout the ranking board, the best riders in showjumping including Ludger Beerbaum (GER), Lauren Hough (USA), Daniel Deusser (GER), Edwina Tops-Alexander (AUS), Kevin Staut (FRA), Maikel van der Vleuten (NED), Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum (GER) and Ben Maher (GBR) will be competing to claim their share in over €1.4 million in prize funds.
The highest ranked Qatari riders will be in action during the Grand Prix this weekend, in preparation for next year’s Olympic games, where they have recently qualified. Highest ranked rider Sheikh Ali bin Khalid al-Thani currently sits 6th on the GCT Ranking board after his best season so far, with compatriot Bassem Hassan Mohammed securing a silver and bronze medal while on the Tour this year.
There will be free entry for the public on today and tomorrow, as well as to all school children and university students, enabling more people to witness top-level equestrian sport and to encourage riding, part of the country’s heritage, among the youth in Qatar.
Schedule
Today: 4 pm: CSI5* - two phases, 1.45M
6:30 pm: CSI5* - Table A - with jump off, 1.50/1.55M
Tomorrow: 6:30 pm: CSI5* - Table A – with jump off, 1.50/1.55M
Saturday: 2:30 pm: CSI5* - Table A – No jump off 1.50M
5:15 pm: CSI5* Longines Global
Champions Tour Grand Prix of Doha, 1.60M. Two Rounds Against The Clock With Jump Off.