‘I think Rolf has a lot of experience, which definitely is a big strength, and he has been trying to win this title many times. He has been so close so I know it’s important for him to win. We have been in similar positions already a few times though I was ahead of him and ended up winning. My tactic is just to do my best and be on the podium’

Australia’s Edwina Tops-Alexander and Rolf-Goran Bengtsson of Sweden are locked in a neck-and-neck battle for the Global Champions Tour crown, the final leg of which will take place this Saturday in Doha.
The splendid Al Shaqab arena is the fitting venue for this engrossing battle, which started in Miami in April. But after 14 legs, there is just five points that separates the leader and second placed.
Bengtsson is on 272 points, ahead of Tops-Alexander, who is on 267. It’s too close to call but Tops-Alexander has the experience to pull it off on Saturday night at the Grand Prix of Doha.
The 42-year-old, married to Global Champions Tour president and founder Jan Tops, is no stranger to being at the sharp end of the grid having won the title twice, and will make history should she secure a third win of her career.
On the other hand, Bengtsson will be hoping to break the drought, having finished third and second in 2015 and 2014 respectively. The Swede is a silver medallist at the 2008 Olympics, and also in the team event at the 2004 Games.
The pair has been in this position before, with Tops-Alexander finishing on top in previous years. But the Aussie knows it won’t be easy. She is under no illusions just how tough it will be, and remains focused at the challenge.
“I think Rolf has a lot of experience, which definitely is a big strength, and he has been trying to win this title many times,” Tops-Alexander said.
“He has been so close so I know it’s important for him to win. We have been in similar positions already a few times though I was ahead of him and ended up winning. My tactic is just to do my best and be on the podium.
“Although five points doesn’t sound like much, with the drop off scores it does work towards Rolf so I have to have a very good result on the day to win. But anything is possible and there is only one of us that can win and one of us to be second,” she added.
With Bengtsson confirmed to bring his formidable stallion Casall ASK, and Tops-Alexander riding her top Olympic mare, Lintea Tequila, it will be a battle of the highest class to see who finishes on top this season.
“She won here last year in Doha, and she’s had an amazing year. I have a fantastic groom and management,” she said.
“I feel good, my horse is in fantastic shape – she was at the Olympics and came third in a show a few weeks ago. It’s exciting, I think Rolf is in a slightly easier position as basically I have to be on the podium, so I have a lot of pressure but that’s what makes our sport so exciting. I have to try to do my best and stay very focused,” the two-time added.
For Bengtsson it was so-near-yet-so-far in the past two seasons. The 54-yaer-old had to win in Doha to clinch the title last year but fell short as Luciana Diniz snatched the crown with a victory at Al Shaqab.
The Sweded is hoping to make amends this year.
“The final in Doha will be special and it would be a dream to take the title. I’ve been in this position twice before so I’m hoping it’ll be third time lucky! Edwina is an amazing rider so I know it’ll be tough. But Casall is better than ever and I know together we’ll pull out all the stops at Al Shaqab,” said Bengtsson.
The two in contention will be joined by the very best riders in the world, all vying for the top spot in the Grand Prix and the lion’s share of the €450,000 prize purse on offer. On top of that, the overall LGCT Ranking bonus prize fund of almost €1 million will be divided, with riders using the final in Doha as their last chance to change the order up and down the leaderboard.
Other big names competing will be World No.2 Simon Delestre of France, No. 6 Germany’s Daniel Deusser, No. 8 and Rio Olympic Team Gold Medallist Kevin Staut from France, No. 9 Marcus Ehning of Germany and No. 10 Britain’s Scott Brash.
Before the marquee event, tomorrow the competition will open with the final of the inaugural Global Champions League, the team based event.
Current leaders Valkenswaard United are in pole position going into the final on a total tally of 309.5 points.
The combination of John Whitaker and Bertram Allen has proved formidable in the debut GCL season, and they have won three of the team’s four wins (Miami Beach, Hamburg and Vienna).
They are set to make history by becoming the first winners of the GCL. 12 teams will be in action to open the three days of top level equestrian competition.
Home team Doha Fursan Qatar are in ninth position with 231 points. Olympic rider Ali Yousef al-Rumaihi and young talent Hamad al-Attiyah will carry the hosts’ hopes tomorrow.