Russia’s Vladimir Tuganov (left) receives the winner’s trophy from Qatar Olympic Committee secretary general Dr Thani Abdulrahman al-Kuwari after winning the Table A, One Round against the clock with Jump Off event, while Qatar Equestrian Federation president Hamad bin Abdulrahman al-Attiyah (right) looks on. PICTURES: Garsi Lotfi

By Sahan Bidappa/Doha

 
After sealing a comfortable victory on the opening day of the Qatar International Show Jumping Championship, Vladimir Tuganov appeared relaxed. The Russian is on his second visit to Doha and knew what the conditions would be like.
But it wasn’t easy out there at the Qatar Equestrian Federation outdoor arena yesterday. The weather was chilly and with rain making an appearance, the conditions were not smooth for Tuganov and his horse Bluebuster.
But the 54-year-old was untroubled as he guided Bluebuster to a comfortable victory in the Table A, One Round against the clock with Jump Off, the main event on the first day of the championship.
Tuganov and Bluebuster cleared the obstacles without much fuss to finish in a time of 36.86 seconds. The two-time Olympian took home QR74,500 for his effort.
Two-time Global Champions Tour winner Edwina Tops-Alexander came second with her ally Lintea Tequila. The Australian, who is married to Global Champions Tour founder and Olympic Champion Jan Tops, timed 37.20 seconds to get richer by QR59,600. The third place went to Ramzy Hamad al-Duhami of Saudi Arabia, who along with Al Capone got home in 38.52 seconds for a prize money of QR44,700.
“It was a great competition,” Tuganov said. “I am happy to have done so well. I am always confident going into a competition. I was good in the jump-off. The obstacles went smooth. This is my second time here in Doha and it feels good to have won here,” the Moscow resident added.
Tuganov was already looking ahead to next two days of the championship. “I can win every day but we have to look at one competition at a time. Tomorrow it would be quiet and then I will try again,” he said.
Mohamed al-Ghazali was on the podium for the hosts, finishing second in the opening event of the championship, 120cm, Two Phases. The Qatari, riding Caresse M G, came home in 26.49 seconds. The first place went to Saudi Arabia’s Naser al-Shawwaf (Seoul), finishing in 25.23 secs, and third spot was also for Saudi Arabia, with Meshary Alhumaidi Alharbi (BMC White Nose) scampering in 27.01 seconds.
It was a one-two for Kuwaiti riders in the 130/135cm, Two Phases event. Ali al-Khorafi (Ungarin 4) came first ahead of compatriot Noora al-Qaoud (Annalita). Saudi Arabia’s Ramzy Hamad al-Duhami (Garlic VH Kapelhof) was third.
In the Special Two Phases event, Jordan’s Ibrahim Hani Bisharat (Brown Sugar) topped the chart, ahead of Saudi Arabian duo of Ramzy Hamad al-Duhami (Cha Cha Cha 7) and Abdulrahman al-Rajhi (Chicago 84).
 
Results
Competition 1: 120cm, Two Phases, FEI Art. 274.5.3
1. Naser al-Shawwaf (Saudi Arabia) Horse: Seoul. Time: 25.23 secs. Prize money: QAR: 1,687
2. Mohamed al-Ghazali (Qatar) Horse: Caresse M G. Time: 26.49 secs. QAR: 1,350
3. Meshary Alhumaidi Alharbi (Saudi Arabia) Horse: BMC White Nose. Time: 27.01 secs. QAR: 1,012
 
Competition 2: 130/135cm, Two Phases, FEI Art. 274.5.3
1. Ali al-Khorafi (Kuwait) Horse: Ungarin 4 Time: 25.23 secs, Prize money: QAR: 2,812
2. Noora al-Qaoud (Kuwait) Horse: Annalita Time: 28.24 secs. QAR: 2,250
3. Ramzy Hamad al-Duhami (Saudi Arabia) Horse: Garlic VH Kapelhof. Time: 28.66 secs. QAR: 1687
 
Competition: 3: Special Two Phases, Art. 274.5.6 - 145cm
1. Ibrahim Hani Bisharat (Jordan) Horse: Brown Sugar. Time: 31.37 secs. Prize money: QAR: 29,625
2. Ramzy Hamad al Duhami (Saudi Arabia) Horse: Cha Cha Cha 7. Time: 32.38 secs. QAR: 23,700
3. Abdulrahman al-Rajhi (Saudi Arabia) Horse: Chicago 84. Time: 33.81 secs. QAR: 17,775
 
Competition 4: Table A, One Round against the clock with Jump Off, FEI Art 238.2.2. – 145cm
1. Vladimir Tuganov (Russia) Horse: Bluebuster. Time:  36.86 secs. Prize money: QAR 74,500
2. Edwina Top-Alexander (Australia) Horse: Lintea Tequila. Time: 37.20 secs. QAR: 59,600
3. Ramzy Hamad al-Duhami (Saudi Arabia) Horse: Al Capone. Time: 38.52. QAR: 44,700.