Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – November 21, 2024 – The GCL Super Cup Semi-Final delivered an unforgettable rollercoaster of drama and emotion, setting the stage for Sunday’s hotly anticipated Final. In this electrifying knockout round and pivotal second day of the GC Riyadh Playoffs, the competition was halved, narrowing the field in the heart-stopping GCL Super Cup Final.
With the stakes higher than ever, favourites like Valkenswaard United and Rome Gladiators powered by ClipMyHorse.TV faced shock eliminations, leaving fans stunned. Meanwhile, the Shanghai Swans dominated for the second day, clinching the Semi-Final and securing pole position for Saturday’s €6.5 million GCL Super Cup Final.
Riders made their entrance through the iconic ‘Walk of Champions,’ greeted by a wave of cheers from the crowd, amplifying the charged atmosphere. From awe-inspiring athleticism to edge-of-your-seat twists, the Semi-Final delivered a spectacle of stirring sportsmanship and suspense, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the Final’s grand crescendo.
GCL Super Cup Final Qualified Teams
Shanghai Swans
Riesenbeck International
Stockholm Hearts
Prague Lions
Scandinavian Vikings
Cannes Stars
Joining Marc Lewis in the GCTV studio, the entire Shanghai Swans team were buzzing knowing they were sitting pretty ahead of the ‘last dance’ in Saturday’s Super Cup Final. Daniel Deusser (GER) said, “We came very strong to the GC Playoffs with our best horses here. We have experienced horses, we have experienced riders in our team, but in the Super Cup rounds, it always starts on zero again. The last two days we had it organised really well, we swapped Max for Christian today, which worked well. The team looks very good and hopefully we can perform the same way on Saturday night.”
Taking the backseat today, Max Kühner (AUT) was on the ground to support and provide an expert pair of eyes to his teammates – a position he is not often in. Speaking of the experience, he said, “I have no experience in watching, I am more experienced in riding myself. You just want to support them and there is always some tension in the air. But all of them did a fantastic job. We have great horses, we have great riders, so already two very good days for us and now we hope for the Final.”
One of the day’s biggest surprises came from the Scandinavian Vikings, who barely clinched a place in the Semi-Final the day before. Without world number one Henrik von Eckermann (SWE) in Riyadh, the team still made their mark, led by Donald Whitaker (GBR) and Millfield Colette, setting the standard as the first to compete.
The stakes were sky-high, with every team pushing hard to secure a coveted top-six position. Donald’s debut in the GCL proved unforgettable, delivering a brilliant clear round. A determined ride from Nicola Pohl (GER) and Jean Couture followed, though two costly rails in the first combination added pressure. It was anchorman Jur Vrieling (NED) and Helwell du Chabus who held the team together, finishing on 8 faults and leaving the Vikings in an agonising wait for the final results.
Despite the mounting tension, the Vikings’ performance held strong, earning them a spot in the GCL Super Cup Final and proving they’re a force to be reckoned with under pressure. A beaming team owner and manager Geir Gulliksen expressed, “We all start again on zero on Saturday. I’m not starting to look for problems, I am looking for possibilities and we did that from day one, and now we’re here!”
Qualifying in fourth place for Saturday’s GCL Super Cup Final, the Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team demonstrated remarkable resilience. Niels Bruynseels (BEL) on Origi vd Vosberg and Fernando Martinez Sommer (MEX) with Lady van de Haarterhoeve delivered flawless clear rounds. Despite an uncharacteristic eight faults from GCL’s U25 Rider of the Year, Thibeau Spits (BEL) on King van Essene, the Lions edged ahead of the Scandinavian Vikings to secure their spot in the final showdown.
Meanwhile, the Shanghai Swans reaffirmed their dominance with yet another commanding performance that captivated fans in Riyadh and on GCTV. A single rail from Christian Ahlmann (GER) on Mandato van de Neerheide added just four faults to the team’s score, while clear rounds from Ben Maher (GBR) on Point Break and Daniel Deusser (GER) with Killer Queen VDM ensured the Swans soared to pole position ahead of the Final.
For the first time ever, Stockholm Hearts powered by H&M We Love Horses qualified for the GCL Super Cup Final. Despite 4 faults from both Olivier Philippaerts (BEL) on Poppemieke JW van de Moerhoeve and Malin Baryard-Johnsson (SWE) with the iconic H&M Indiana, Julien Epaillard (FRA) pulled out all the stops with a flawless clear round on Donatello d’Auge, securing the team a total of 8 faults – yet still achieving the fastest time among teams with similar penalties.
Teammate Nicola Philippaerts (BEL) spoke about the squads performance: “All three riders gave it their all. We’re really looking forward to Saturday now. It’s going to be so close between all the teams but our horses have been jumping great in this fantastic arena here. Now it’s very important to have a good plan for Saturday and hopefully we can have a good final.”
Reigning GCL Super Cup champions Riesenbeck International powered by Kingsland kept fans and team owner Ludger Beerbaum (GER) on edge as the drama unfolded. Philipp Schulze Topphoff (GER) and Carla NRW had an unlucky rail at the penultimate line, ramping up the tension.
However, flawless rounds from Christian Kukuk (GER) on Chageorge and Eoin McMahon (IRL) with Mila ensured the team’s hopes of back-to-back titles remained alive, finishing with just a single rail down across three rounds to secure their qualification spot.
2024 GCL season champions, Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames, brought the heat in their campaign to reach the Final. Sophie Hinners (GER) delivered a lightning-fast clear aboard Iron Dames Singclair, setting the tone for the team. Natalie Dean (USA) and Acota M followed, clearly on team orders to prioritise the time allowed. However, two rails in the second combination left the Stars relying on their final rider.
As Valkenswaard United watched nervously, Katrin Eckermann (GER) and Iron Dames Cala Mandia NRW faced immense pressure, knowing she had just one rail in hand. A light touch in the first combination added to the stakes, but Eckermann accelerated to secure a team total of 12 faults. With just seconds to spare, Cannes Stars edged out Valkenswaard United, finishing on equal penalties, claiming the last coveted spot in Saturday’s Final.
Friday’s Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix and Sunday’s GCL Super Cup Final promise to deliver unforgettable moments in front of packed grandstands. With today’s electrifying results setting the stage, the weekend is guaranteed to captivate show jumping fans.
Audiences worldwide can catch every second live on GCTV, complete with expert commentary, in-depth analysis, cutting-edge graphics, and exclusive rider interviews—creating a broadcast experience that immerses viewers in the heart of the action like never before.
Final Results – GCL Super Cup Semi-Final Qualified Teams
1) Shanghai Swans – 4 – 219.34
2) Riesenbeck International – 4 – 222.95
3) Stockholm Hearts – 8 – 215.34
Source: LGCT – Longines Global Champions Tour
Photos: © LGCT – Longines Global Champions Tour
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Categories: CSI 5*, English, Jumper News Asia
