Babington the star as Ireland book Athens Olympic ticket
While out of the medals, it was a case of mission achieved, with Ireland taking one of two automatic qualifying slots for the 2004 Athens Olympics. Babington's superb performance makes him a strong contender for an individual medal, the Pennsylvania-based Tipperary man rising to fourth place ahead of tomorrow's final.
Germany were indomitable yesterday, taking the gold in the 10-nation competition, with world champions France having to settle for silver. Switzerland took bronze and the other Olympic qualifying slot.
The Irish team, which also included Cian O'Connor with Waterford Crystal, Robert Splaine riding Coolcorron Cool Diamond, and Billy Twomey on Luidam under chef d'equipe Tommy Wade, made no secret before yesterday's competition that qualifying for the Olympics was their priority. They succeeded on a score of 34.79 penalties to finish above such teams as sixth-placed Italy (39.14 penalties) and Britain, whose disastrous outing saw them finish ninth on 55.08 penalties.
Pathfinder Splaine opened Ireland's challenge with four faults. Fellow Corkman Twomey followed him with eight, with O'Connor adding another four faults.
Babington, however, ensured Athens remained in sight, with a superb clear that saw Ireland lying fourth at the half-way stage, behind Germany, France and Sweden. A repeat performance from Splaine and Cheshire-based Twomey in round two was followed by eight faults from 23-year-old O'Connor, before Babington again made Olaf Peterson's course look easy.
However, a much improved display by Switzerland which included a double clear from Steve Guerdat and Tepic La Silla and Belgium saw them overtake Ireland, as the Swedes crashed to seventh.
Babington lines out in tomorrow's fight for individual medals with 24 rivals. On 5.87 penalties, he is headed by leader Germany's Marcus Ehning, riding For Pleasure, on 4.01 penalties.
Joining them will be O'Connor, in 17th place, and Splaine, who climbed dramatically up the rankings to 20th, following a disastrous opening day.
