Toni flawless in Malaysian Open

Philippine equestrienne Toni Leviste riding under Team Globe Platinum in partnership with Sony Ericsson made a clean sweep of the 2005 Malaysian Ope’ Showjumping competition over the weekend at Kuang, Malaysia,

Aboard Globe Platinum Leap of Faith, Leviste bested a field of over 30 riders from 10 nations participating in the Asian Showjumping League, finishing with a faultless round and the fastest time in the jump-off during the Mayor’s Cup last Saturday.

Leviste and Globe Platinum Leap of Faith repeated the feat the following day when they claimed the top honors during the second leg of the World Cup Qualifiers Asian League.

In the presence of some members of Malaysia’s royalty, top sports officials and several ministers, Leviste received the championship trophy during the awards rites highlighted by the playing of the RP national anthem.

It was a very good day for the Philippine Team, as 17-year old equestrian prodigy Joker Arroyo, rode her Australian-bred thoroughbred Without a Doubt with great ease over a technical course, incurring only one knock-down or four penalty faults, impressing both local and international riders, who were struggling to clear the course.

The next leg of the World Cup Asian League will be held on Aug. 28, also in Malaysia, with the seventh and final leg to be held in Manila from Nov. 18-20.

The Philippine Equestrian Team will be competing in Malaysia until October as part of their preparation for the Southeast Asian Games at the end of the year, where the team hopes to win two gold medals.