Sports Listings: Plan Ahead - Show Jumping

THE 22nd Olympia International Show Jumping Championships in London next month again promises a wealth of top-class sport combined with a programme of entertainment to please all ages. This year's Championships are from 16 to 20 December at the Grand Hall, Olympia.

The world's leading show jumpers will be competing in this pre-Christmas event that offers total prize-money of pounds 150,000. Michael and John Whitaker, Nick Skelton and Marie Edgar lead the 17-strong British contingent, the top 14 in the British rankings and three qualifiers. The overseas entry is already strengthened by the presence of Ludger Beerbaum, the Olympic gold medallist, Eric Navet, the world champion, and Willie Melliger, the European champion.

Tickets for the Championships, which have a Christmas theme throughout, are selling quickly. The Friday afternoon programme and the final session on Monday evening have effectively sold out, with only some single seats available.

Olympia International Show Jumping Championships, 16-20 December.

Grand Hall, Olympia Way, London W14.

Admission (the sessions on Friday afternoon and Monday evening have only a few single seats remainings): Arena seats pounds 9, pounds 14, pounds 18.50, pounds 22.50; Members' enclosure pounds 24 (membership of a particular organisation not necessary); Ringside pounds 28.50. Season ticket pounds 150. Children under-15/OAPs are half-price for Thursday's afternoon performance. Box Office: 071-373 8141 (booking fee). Postal applications to Olympia Show Jumping Box Office, Earls Court Exhibition Centre, Warwick Road, London SW5 9TA.

Special facilities and prices for wheelchair / disabled visitors and escorts. Details from 071-370 8061.

Hospitality boxes start at pounds 26 per person for an afternoon performance. Details from 071-370 8189.

Performances: Matinees start at 1.30pm, except of Saturday, 18 December (1pm). Doors open at noon, except on Friday, Saturday and Monday when afternoon ticket holders can arrive at 10am to watch the morning events. Evening performances start at 7pm, ending at 10.45pm. Doors open at 6pm. Exhibition stands will be open as doors open.

Nearest Underground station: Kensington Olympia (District line); car parking at Olympia Multi-Storey, pounds 8 per car, per performance.