Kenny off to superb start in Olympics test

Offaly's Darragh Kenny's Olympics are off to a superb start with a clear round in the sole individual showjumping qualifying event.

Kenny's clear round on Cartello effectively seals his spot in tomorrow's individual final.

Some 75 competitors are currently taking part in the showjumping qualifiers including three Irish competitors, Kenny, Bertram Allen and Cian O'Connor.

Kenny from Belmont in West Offaly was first out for Ireland and lead the way with a tremendous clear round. His time has him second placed of the 16 clear rounds to date.

He is set to be joined in the final by Allen and O'Connor who have also secured clear rounds.

At 1pm, some 44 competitors had completed their rounds, with 17 clear rounds to date.

Whilst time is not a factor in securing qualification (the final will comprise top 30 placed qualifiers and ties with equal penalties), it does mean Kenny will be ranked amongst the top qualifiers for Wednesday's final and will therefore be amongst the last to jump in the final– and therefore have a clearer idea of his target for medal

There is no room for error in this competition, with all 30 placed qualifiers for the final (plus ties) having just a single jump in the final and starting on a blank zero score.

In the final, medals are dictated by penalties alone. Ties for medal positions (same number of penalties) will then be broken by a jump-off against the clock.