In the Presence of Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad: LGCT Season-opener Kicks Off at Al Shaqab

Doha, March 04 (QNA) - In the presence of HE President of Qatar Olympic Committee Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, the three-day Longines Global Champions Tour and the Global Champions League team series kicked off at the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab. Today's competitions were strong and exciting, and resulted in the French rider Kevin Staut winning first place riding the horse "Visconti du Telman" with a time of 61.73 seconds in the grand round (five-star category) which was held at a height of 150-155 cm (singles, teams). French rider Simon Delestre came in second place riding the horse "Berlux Z", and in third place was the Belgian rider Philip and the horse "Kobe". There will be 16 events on the LGCT and GCL calendar as the worlds greatest riders and horses join the ultimate contest for individual and team glory. The championship season will start at the stunning Longines Arena at Al Shaqab arena in Doha and finish with the Finals in New York in September followed by the ultimate showdown at the GC Prague Play-offs in November. President of the Qatari and Asian Equestrian Federations Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al Attiyah praised the distinctive organization of the inaugural round of Longines Global Champions Tour and the Global Champions League team series organized by Al Shaqab these days, noting that Al Shaqab is used to distinctive hosting of the largest world championships. In a statement after crowning the winners in the first round of this tournament, Al Attiyah said Al Shaqab hosted two major tournaments within a few days, namely the Al Shaqab International Championship and the current championship that started today, which is not easy at all in light of the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic, but Al Shaqab has succeeded in handling the situation and in keeping everyone safe. (QNA)