Webby the last man standing as fences fall

Kirk Webby and Sitah, the showjumping combination initially confined to the periphery of the New Zealand team, will be its only presence in the next round of the Olympic's individual competition in Hong Kong.

Originally the travelling reserve, Webby's performance over two sound rounds at Sha Tin has raised questions about the decision to omit him in the first place – though Sitah was recovering from stomach surgery as the team was being finalised.

Webby has collected just 12 penalties from an individual and team round – far and away the most impressive New Zealand rider.

The American-based 28-year-old was only promoted to the line-up after Daniel Meech had to withdraw his horse Sorbas through injury.

Webby has at least another round in the individual competition –the field is trimmed from 50 to 35 later today and then to 20 for the final round to determine the medallists on Thursday.

New Zealand exited the team competition last night after the first round of qualifying. They needed to feature in the top nine to have a tilt at the medals tomorrow but another costly round by debutant Sharn Wordley helped consign New Zealand to 14th, ahead of just Hong Kong and hosts China.

New Zealand's three riders incurred a combined 45 penalties, Wordley and Rockville accounting for 25.

Four-time Olympian Bruce Goodin's chances of continuing in the individual competition with Webby was undone when he and Yamato dropped three rails today to see their penalties increase to 26.

Goodin missed the cut in 54th place while Wordley's 72 penalties condemned him to 70th. First time Olympian Katie McVean, who was eliminated from the individual after falling from Forest in the opening round on Friday, recorded 40 jumps faults and five time penalties, though her tally was not eligible to count towards New Zealand's team score.

Switzerland and defending champion the United States were first equal in the team standings on 12 penalties, one clear of third-placed Sweden.

Only two riders have managed two clear rounds, McLain Ward (USA) and Canadian Eric Lamaze.

-NZPA