Although he represents Germany, the Belgian based, Daniel Deusser made it a cheerfull day for Stephex CEO, Stephan Conter, as he took the win on Conter's own CSI5* competition in Knokke. The crowd got what they came for, an example of top equestrian sport under a bright sky and hot sun. Last year's Grand Prix-winner, Jérome Guery and Papillon Z didn't qualify for the jump-off, leaving the other riders a chance to win the big prize. No less than 19 combinations produced a first clear round. Aboard the Belgian Warmblood-mare, Equita van 't Zorgvliet, Deusser set the fastest time, being the last one in the arena. The pair stopped the clock in 39.32 seconds. Just a fraction better as Philippe Rozier's time with Rahotep de Toscane (39.39 seconds). The 2012 Olympic Champion-pair, Steve Guerdat and Nino des Buissonets, completed the stage. Guerdat was followed by Ben Maher, who was in the lead for a long time with Boomerang. Deusser's compagnion stable rider, Lorenzo de Luca finished as fifth with Ensor de Litrange LXII.
