Irish eventers finish eighth

Ireland's three day eventers had a disappointing end to the Olympic team competition, failing to match their Sydney finish of fifth as their show jumping saw them slip to eighth overall.

Only Mark Kyle has qualified for tonight's jump final out of the five-strong team. Having been seventh overnight, the Irish were leapfrogged by Belgium, who claimed three clear rounds at the Markopolo centre.

Kildare's Susan Shortt went off first of the Irish, notching eight faults on 'Just Beauty Queen'. Sasha Harrison, the dressage team leader, and 'All Love du Fenaud' incurred 12 faults, with Edmond Gibney and 'King's Highway' knocking down one fence in an otherwise impressive round.

Wexford flag bearer Niall Griffin, 27, and 'Lorgaine' had eight faults and two time faults before Kyle, 31, and 'Drunken Disorderly' had one fence down.

With the top 25 riders through to tonight's individual showpiece, Dubliner Kyle just made it in 23rd. Griffin, 30th and Shortt in 32nd were the next best of the Irish.

Germany claimed the team gold, with France and Great Britain the other medallists.