Lynch on course for final

Denis Lynch and 'Lantinus' incurred just six faults on their third qualifying round at Hong Kong today, bringing their total tally to eight faults.

'Lantinus' touched the tape of the water jump on the way out, but dropped no poles on his round, and the combination also picked up two time faults.

Lynch and 'Lantinus' were lying in second place after the individual segment, one fence behind Belgium's Jos Lansink, but the team competition is still taking place today, and this will alter the scoreboard for the individuals as well. Though an eighth fault total seems almost certain to qualify Lynch for Thursday's Olympic Final.

After the round, Irish Team Manager Robert Splaine said: "It was another top class performance from Denis Lynch. He disturbed no poles and Lantinus's touch of the tape on the water jump was uncharacteristic. And as a similar technicality may well come up on the final course, Denis will know not to under-ride it. It is something that is easily rectified. This is a step-by-step process, and I think Denis is handling it brilliantly."