Hangzhou, China, October 4, 2023: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia won a tense jump-off against Gulf rivals Qatar and the United Arab Emirates to clinch the team jumping gold medal at Tonglu Equestrian Centre on Wednesday.
The final went to a three-team, 12-man jump-off after the three nations had finished on zero penalties from two rounds.
In the shortened course, Saudi Arabia went clear again, while Qatar had four penalties and UAE 12 to decide the medals.
Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah Al Sharbatly summed up the day. “We are so happy and so grateful. It’s an honour for us, and we are very happy for our King and our Kingdom and our team and our president of the federation,” he said.
The four-strong Saudi team was comprised of Al Sharbatly, Abdulrahman Al Rajhi, Meshari Al Harbi and Ramzy Al Duhami.
Al Sharbatly added: “We are really happy. It’s an amazing Asian Games and it’s really important for us. We came here and we were aiming for the gold and, thanks God, we made it.”
On an action-packed afternoon at the picturesque venue deep in the countryside, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar entered the jump-off, with the shortened round to be completed in 44 seconds.
Leading off the team, Al Rajhi had nine penalty points, including five time penalties, but his teammates all went clear.
Jumping 10th in the sequence, Saudi’s anchor, Al Sharbatly, went clear in 37.61 seconds to seal gold.
“It was really competitive; it was a serious challenge and it wasn’t easy,” he commented.
“It was a lot of jumping and a long day so, thanks God, we are very happy with our success and very happy for our King, our Kingdom and our federation president as well.”
Wednesday’s action also served as qualification for the individual jumping competition on Friday, October 6.
“We have a very good chance and we hope that we are going to repeat it again, Inshallah,” said Al Sharbatly.
