Chinese rider Alex Hua Tian tops podium in Italy

Chinese equestrian rider Alex Hua Tian savored a "big win to start a big year" after claiming a gold medal at Montelibretti, Italy, on Tuesday.

Hua will go for glory at September's Asian Games in Hangzhou, and is also bidding to book a spot on Team China's roster for next year's Paris Olympics.

"Such an important year and so happy to start with an international level-4 win. There is a lot to do this year with individual and team Olympic qualification as well as the Asian Games and it is a huge relief that all of mine, my horses' and team's hard work over the winter is paying off," said Hua.

"This is just the beginning of the season, there is still a lot to do. The most important thing is to take heart but keep composure and keep working hard."

Hua ranked second after Monday's dressage competition, and maintained that position after Tuesday morning's show jumping round. But a better-than-expected performance in the cross-country saw the 33-year-old overtake Dutch rider Sanne De Jong to win gold at the CCI level-4 event. Hua credited his horse - Jilsonne Van Bareelhof, aka Chocs - for the victory.

"Chocs is such a special horse, so much talent and he loves his job so much. I am very proud of him and his owner Mrs Yi who has been a longtime supporter and friend," Hua added.

"To be honest, going into the cross country in second place with Sanne and Lea Siegl, two very competitive women surrounding me, I wasn't that sure we would be fast enough. But Chocs felt super rideable and focused, and when he is like that and I can control it, he is really, really fast!"

According to equestrian's international governing body the FEI, this is the fourth time Hua has won gold at a level-4 event. The last time he topped the podium at that level was in 2016 in Bramham, England. Also on Tuesday, Chinese rider Sun Huadong finished eighth in a level-3 event, while Bao Yingfeng won gold in a level-1 event.

"Finally, very proud to be at Montelibretti with two of my teammates from Tokyo (Olympics), Sun Huadong and Bao Yingfeng," said Hua. "This week, Italy has heard the Chinese national anthem twice with a level-1 win for Bao on one of his young horses."

shifutian@chinadaily.com.cn