(MENAFN- The Peninsula) By Chinthana Wasala / The Peninsula
Qatari riders will be looking to grab more honours in what promises to be a thrilling climax to the individual event in the Equestrian Jumping in the 2017 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan today.
Qatar's star rider Hamad Ali Al Attiyah is expected to lead a strong line-up in today's final rounds, following an excellent run so far at the Ashgabat Games, having already clinched the silver medal in the team event on Thursday.
Al Attiyah, riding Clinton, Al Ajami Faleh (Armstrong van de Kapel), Al Suwaidi Salmen Sultan A M (Cantaro 32) and Al Emadi Salman Mohammed A S (Zorro Z) participated in the team event final and displayed an overall impressive performance to claim second position on the podium.
Qatar were stealing the show and were ahead before a one-time fault cost them the gold medal on Thursday.
'My horse jumped amazing. I am very happy how he did, said the 2016 Olympian Al Attiyah after winning the silver.
'Hopefully I will have a chance at the gold as long as there is no speed class. I will certainly try.
His team-mate and 2014 Asian Games Team gold medallist, Salman Mohammed Al Emadi also has two clear rounds ahead of today's round and another impressive Qatari performance is likely to be on the cards.
However, Saudi Arabia's Abdullah Waleed Al Sharbatly is likely to be their toughest opponent.
He is one of seven riders who produced two clear rounds without any time penalties as part of the Team event in which Saudi Arabia struck gold on Thursday.
The 2012 Olympic team bronze medallist Al Sharmatly and his mount, Woulon L, is one of three riders from Saudi Arabia who have been faultless so far at the Equestrian Centre. He also earned silver in the Akhal Teke Cup on Thursday.
Then there are the Syrians, Amre Hamcho and his brother Ahmad Saber Hamcho who will also be in contention for the medal placings following their form in the Team event in which Syria took the bronze medal.
Amre, who rides Al Muratajiz, said: 'I had two clear rounds and I think I have a good chance to get a medal.
'The horse is really good and has been jumping really well. I am sure I have a really good chance.
Riders face two more rounds at the Equestrian Centre to decide the medals.
In 3x3 basketball, Qatar overwhelmed Afghanistan 22-8 in a Pool C game at the 3x3 Basketball Arena in Ashgabat yesterday.
Later, the ‘unstoppable' Qatari cagers went on to trounce Jordan by a margin of 21-9 to seal their dominance on the half-court.
Qatar's Nedim Muslic said that his team is the best in the competiton in Ashgabat.
'There are many people who consider us favourites. I believe that we have the best team here, but we have to prove it in three more games until the end of the tournament.
'We have been together for long time and know each other and of course we know how to play the game.
Milad Ibrahimi, a member of the Afghan team admitted that Qatar was too good for them.
'We tried to be competitive, but it was impossible against such an opponent. They are good. They are very good.
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