Steve Guerdat was the second but last rider at the start in the first individual and team qualifier of the World Championships. Aboard the 12-year-old mare, Bianca (Balou du Rouet), Guerdat speeded to victory in 76.33 seconds. Brazil's Pedro Veniss eventually had to settle as runner-up with the 14-year-old Kannan-son, Quabri de l'Isle. Veniss stopped the clock in 76.68 seconds.
The current top three is completed by Rowan Willes in the saddle of the AES-mare Blue Movie (Chacco Blue), followed by the German master Marcus Ehning with Pret A Tout (Hiram Chambertin) in fourth and Martin Fuchs with Clooney (Cornet Obolensky).
The Swiss team takes the lead in the team competition at the WEG. With Guerdat in first, Martin Fuchs in fifth andSmoldsms Janika Sprunger (Bacardi VDL, f. Corland) in 16th.
The Dutch settle for second after a great performance of Harrie Smolders (Don VHP Z NOP), placing seventh, Marc Houtzager with Sterrehof's Calimero ending 10th and Jur Vrieling with VDL Glasgow vh Merelsnest in 14th.
Results
