Equestrianism: 'Lucky' Fredericks rules world

Having jumped a clear round in the show jumping, Fredericks watched in amazement as both his fellow Australian, Andrew Hoy, and Finland's Piia Pantsu, dropped below him with single errors to finish second and third respectively. "I said I wouldn't be a gentleman today," said Fredericks after defeating the female Finnish rider.

William Fox-Pitt, lying fourth overnight, also jumped clear on Ballincoola, but it failed to move him any higher.

Britain's Julie Tew and Sir Roselier moved up from 12th to finish among the prizewinners in eighth despite incurring five penalties, while Beanie Hughes, who had occupied eighth place, dropped to 16th with a disheartening 24 show jumping penalties on Duel.

Fredericks now looks on course for a place in next year's World Equestrian Games at Aachen in Germany with Ben Along Time. The Australian bought the horse as a four-year-old. "I thought he was good looking; he moves and jumps well," he said.

Eventing World Cup Final (Malmo, Sweden): Final result: 1 Ben Along Time (C Fredericks, Aus) 42.0 penalties; 2 Mr Pracatan (A Hoy, Aus) 44.3; 3 Ypaja Karuso (P Pantsu, Fin) 44.4; 4 Ballincoola (W Fox-Pitt, GB) 46.5; 5 GV Top of the Line (O Bunn, Aus) 50.0; 6 Palmyra (K Donckers, Bel) 50.5. Other GB: 8 Sir Roselier (J Tew) 61.3; 16 Duel (B Hughes) 75.0.