Equestrian: NZ's Cashmore leads Games showjumping

9.40pm - By KEVIN NORQUAY

ATHENS - New Zealand equestrian Grant Cashmore turned in a stunning clear round today to be tied for the lead in the Olympic Games individual qualifying showjumping competition.

Riding Franklin's Flyte, Cashmore rounded the Olympic course without so much as touching a fence, and inside the allowed time.

It was the second clear round at an Olympics by a New Zeaalnder, after Bruce Goodin did it at the same stage of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.

Cashmore was given an ecstatic reception when he returned to the stables after Goodin, Daniel Meech and Guy Thomas all had unspectacular opening rounds.

He was the seventh of 10 riders to have a clear round with no time penalties.

After two more qualifying rounds on Tuesday, the top 45 riders on accumulated points advance to the final.

- NZPA