HICKSTEAD, England, July 29 -- Ireland won out in a two-way jump-off against old rivals Britain in the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup at Hickstead, South England, on Sunday.

Wild winds, and the first heavy rain to hit the region for more than 50 days, ensured conditions were seriously challenging in this penultimate qualifier of the Europe Division 1 series. Rodrigo Pessoa's side of Trevor Breen, Richie Moloney, Michael Duffy and Anthony Condon battled through, and Condon clinched it in a third-round showdown against Holly Smith following a tie on 16 penalties after two rounds.

Britain were reduced to just three counting scores when former world No 1 and 2017 Olympic gold medallist Scott Brash was eliminated at the open water both times out with Hello Shelby.

But team manager Di Lampard has tremendous talent at her disposal with Smith (Heart's Destiny), Amanda Derbyshire (Luibanta BH) and William Whitaker (Utamaro D'Ecaussines) showing true grit to force the jump-off against Ireland.

Smith set the target with a lovely clear round from her nine-year-old bay who broke the beam in 43.39 seconds. Condon, who has been based in England for the last 14 years, finised in 41.29 seconds with his 12-year-old stallion SFS Aristio.

Ireland has now climbed to third on the Europe Division 1 leaderboard and, with 335 points, the reigning European champions look well-qualified for the Longines 2018 Final in Barcelona in October. Defending champions Brazil finished third, Sweden fourth and the Belgians had to settle for fifth ahead of Italy who lined up sixth of the seven competing nations.

【体坛英语资讯：Ireland edge Britain to win Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup at Hickstead】相关文章：

★ 体坛资讯：China win sixth Sudirman Cup title

★ 体坛英语资讯：China surprises world in rowing

★ 体坛英语资讯：China ravages U.S. D-League team at Stankovic Cup

★ 体坛英语资讯：Chinese football teams hopes to make most of lucky draws

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Britney Spears to appear in new Pussycat Dolls

★ 体坛英语资讯：No Yao? No problem for Rockets

★ 体坛英语资讯：CBA struggling to find TV audience

★ 体坛英语资讯：Germany seal berth of Euro 2008 semifinals

★ 体坛英语资讯：NBAs spectacular China games just the tip-off

★ 体坛英语资讯：Federer, Jankovic reach second round of French Open