Qatar’s Rashid Towaim Ali al-Marri in action. PICTURE: Lotfi Garsi

By Sports Reporter/Doha

Qatar’s Rashid Towaim Ali al-Marri and Kannada went on a perfect ride in the CSI3* two phases jumping competition (1m45) and cruised to victory in the CHI Al Shaqab 2015 competition at the sprawling Al Shaqab outdoor arena yesterday. Only three of the seventeen riders had a clear round and al-Marri and Kannada were clearly the better duo after narrowly missing a win at a jumping opening event on Wednesday.
Al-Marri was the penultimate rider to test the course and despite feeling the pressure piling up, he shattered the previous best time, set by Kuwait’s Ali al-Khorafi on Ventje, by more than three seconds (32:68 to 36:08). Al-Khorafi, the rider who won CHI Al Shaqab 2015 first jumping event on Wednesday, has showed extreme consistency throughout the whole two days of CSI3* jumping action.
Saudi legend Khaled al-Eid, a 2000 Olympic bronze medallist, was a distant third crossing the line in 39:28 on Senorita – by far his best performance so far. His fellow compatriot Bader Mohammed Alfard on Bijou Van De Vijfheide really attacked to claim the top spot, right before al-Marri tried the course, but he hit two fences and his 29:89 finishing time never counted.
A very pleased al-Marri said. “It’s very competitive here that’s why I am very pleased with my victory. It makes me feel extremely good. I am ready to show my winning qualities further down in the competition.”
“It’s a great competition perfectly organised. I wish I could compete here every year.”
Second placed Khorafi was happy with his finish in a championship that many good competitors. “It’s a good result. I am looking forward to improve it though.”
“There are plenty of good competitors here and it makes you compete even harder. Hopefully I will show stronger performance next time. I will definitely do my best putting a lot of efforts into both training and the actual competition.”
Saudi Arabia’s Khaled al-Eid praised the competition as the best in the world. “My mare will get used to the course and settle down here so we are doing it gradually. I am happy with the result.”
“This competition is the best in the world. Very strong competitors are battling it out for good prize money so it cannot get any better.”
Kuwait regained the lead from Qatar at CSI3* jumping competition after Rakan al-Hasawi triumphed at the race against the clock. It’s now two wins for Kuwait against Qatar’s one following the first three CSI3* events.
After finishing third on Wednesday at the Two Phases event on Vlacido, al-Hasawi was brilliant yesterday as well riding on the very same 2002 Dutch-bred mare.
Qatar’s Hamad Nasser al-Qadi was ranked second on SIEC Lonnie in 54:04, while another local rider, Salman Mohammed A S al-Emadi was third riding on Lucrate D’ Eau Grenou. That was the second top three rank for al-Emadi following a second place along with SIEC Cosmos Wijngaardhoeve Z at a race against the clock competition on Wednesday.
Saudi Arabia’s Nasser Shbbab Albagami on True Blue could have been placed inside the top-three hadn’t they hit the last fence. His time of 53:52, was the second fastest among the 30 competitors, but their unfortunate last act denied them a top placing and let them lying in 14th place.
Hassawi was emotionally charged after his win. “I’m lost for words. It’s been really emotional for me. I tried to do my best and show my abilities at this amazing place. I am extremely happy all my efforts led to my victory.”
“It’s pretty tough here with so many strong competitors taking part. The competition is serious which makes you concentrate and show your capabilities, and sometimes even more.”
Qatar’s Hamad Nasser al-Qadi said.  “I am happy with what I have achieved today. It could’ve been better, of course, but let’s take one step at a time.”
“I am looking forward to Saturday and looking forward to show my best qualities in full. This competition is very inspiring.”
Third placed al-Emadi expressed that the competition but he was relishing the challenge. “I am satisfied with the result as it was a strong show of force from other competitors.”
 “It’s a tough competition at CHI AL SHAQAB 2015. Everybody is trying really hard which makes it even more intriguing and exciting.”