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Qabil regains Malaysian Open Dressage crown
Saturday, July 26th, 2008
SEA Games Dressage champion Qabil Ambak (pic right), continued his brilliant form astride Dexter to take the Class 18 Advance Dressage Test 5.2 at the Malaysian Open in Sungai Serai, Kuang today.
The 28-year-old rider, who was coxed out of international retirement to compete in the Thailand SEA Games last year, did not have things his way in today’s event as he survived a small mistake during his round before emerging champion.
In the end, his 785 points (65.42%) was good enough to edge national teammate Diani Lee (pic below right) and her horse Antschar, who only managed 770 points (64.17%). Sandra Baljeu on Donergirl was third with 750 points (62.50%) but prizes were only given to the top two riders.
When met, Qabil confessed to having mixed emotions with his victory.
“While it is good to have regained the Malaysian Open title, I am quite disappointed only three riders competed in my event,” said the 28-year-old rider.
“This is always the case in years without a major event like the SEA Games and Asian Games. We had a great response last year with many top class riders. There are many riders out there but not many are willing to compete. I hope this will change in the future.”
Qabil, whose main target for the weekend is tomorrow’s FEI World Cup Showjumping South East Asian League, said he is confident he can continue his fine form as he tries to overhaul leader Helena Gabrielsson of Sweden. Gabrielsson has collected 26 points after three rounds while Qabil is second on 20 points.
There were only four riders in the Class 17 (Elementary Dressage Test 3.3) and the top two riders were awarded prizes. Chris Ladbrook took top spot on Aurora Borealis with 604 points (67.11%) while Trish Braithwaite was second on Indiana with 571 points (63.44%).
M. Aizat Abd Malik claimed two prizes in the Class 16 (Novice Dressage Test 2.3), finishing first and third with 505 points (67.3%) and 477 points (63.6%) on Serious Fun and Duke respectively. Sandwiched in between was Franchesca Liaw on Lancelod, who had 497 points (66.27%).There were 14 riders in total in this category
Franchesca had earlier triumphed in the Class 15 (Preliminary DressageTest 1.3) winning with 339 points (67.8%) on Carien to beat 19 other riders. Ong Wan Ming on Jeram Lucky was second with 333 points (66.60 points) and he then rode Timbertop to third place with 332 points (66.4 points).
RESULTS
DRESSAGE
Class 18 Advance Dressage Test 5.2): 1. Qabil Ambak (Dexter, 3QE) 785 points (65.42%), 2. Diani Lee (Antschar, CHEQ) 770 points (64.17%)
Class 17 (Elementary Dressage Test 3.3): 1. Chris Ladbrook (Aurora Borealis, AEDS) 604 points (67.11%), 2. Trish Braithwaite (Indiana, 3QE) 571 points (63.44%)
Class 16 (Novice Dressage Test 2.3): 1. M. Aizat Abd Malik (Serious Fun, MSN/MEM ) 505 points (67.3%), 2. Franchesca Liaw (Lancelod, 3QE) 497 points (66.27%), 3. M. Aizat Abd Malik (Duke, MSNMEM3) 477 points (63.6%)
Class 15 (Preliminary DressageTest 1.3) : Franchesca Liauw (Carien, 3QE) 339 points (67.8%), 2. Ong Wan Ming (Jeram Lucky, STCEC) 333 points (66.6% 3). 3. Ong Wan Ming (Timbertop, STCEC) 332 points (66.4%)
SEA Games Dressage champion Qabil Ambak 
Qabil, whose main target for the weekend is tomorrow’s FEI World Cup Showjumping South East Asian League, said he is confident he can continue his fine form as he tries to overhaul leader Helena Gabrielsson of Sweden. Gabrielsson has collected 26 points after three rounds while Qabil is second on 20 points.