JEDDAH, 25 February 2007 — With two more rounds to go in the Arab League qualification, Saudi riders led the way, putting them within reach of qualifying for the World Cup in Las Vegas, US, in April 20.
Following the seventh round in Bahrain, Prince Abdullah ibn Miteb ibn Abdullah led the rounds with 83 points putting much distance between himself and other competitors. Good performances in the next two events would enable him to qualify for the World Cup. The prince will most likely be joined by veteran Khalid Al-Eid, who claimed the title at the Bahrain King’s Cup International Championship for the jumping event, with 54 points.
Qatari Ali Al-Rumaihi, who is close to Al-Eid in number of points and the gold medal winner at the Asian Games held in Doha, Saudi Kamal Bahmdan, who has 49 points, and Abdullah Al-Sharbatly, who has 50 points, are the other contenders.
Presidency of Youth Welfare and Saudi Football Federation President Prince Sultan ibn Fahd congratulated the Saudi riders on their fine performances. He lauded the Custodian of the Two Mosques King Abdullah and Crown Prince Sultan for their constant encouragement to the riders and the sport. He also noted the riders’ dedication in training and keen participation in these championships and wished them continuous success.
Prince Nawaf ibn Faisal, deputy president of the Presidency of Youth Welfare, also called on Al-Eid in Bahrain and congratulated him on his achievements.
Twenty-five riders from Arab countries participated. Al-Eid finished his round with 20 points in 51.2 seconds and no mistakes.
Two more rounds, first in Qatar in March 11, and then in Syria from March 19 to 23, will be crucial as only two riders will qualify at the end of these rounds.
Saudi riders have managed to qualify to the world cup twice earlier, two years ago when Abdullah Al-Shurbatly made it and last year when Khalid Al-Eid qualified. The Saudi team may not go to training camps before the World Cup, but are planning to participate at two World Championships in Holland and Germany instead.
