MARLBOROUGH'S Andrew Nicholson remains in contention for an Olympic eventing medal after the conclusion of the cross country phase of the competition today.

New Zealand's Nicholson, who won the Barbury International Horse Trials shortly before the Games, moved into ninth place on horse Nereo as Great Britain continued to do battle with leaders Germany in the team competition.

The Wiltshire rider produced a faultless performance around Greenwich Park on a day which saw 15 horse and rider combinations eliminated, including Little Cheverell-based Australian Clayton Fredericks after a fall at the 20th fence on Bendigo.

With compatriot Mark Todd in third and Mildenhall's Jonelle Richards 31st, New Zealand also have the chance of team honours, currently lying fourth.

Badbury's Andrew Hoy, on Rutherglen, is in 15th for Australia, and said: "That was a solid performance so I’m happy with that but disappointed to get penalties. It was very slippery out there and one of the toughest terrains.”

Lucinda Fredericks, riding Flying Finish, had problems at a water jump and then missing a later gate. They completed the course, but with a disappointing 38.00 penalty points to drop out of contention to 42nd place with a combined score of 78.00.

Marston-based Brazilian rider Marcelo Tosi is 46th on Elena All Black, while South African Alex Peternell, the rider based at Hinton, west of Chippenham, was down in 56th on Aceh.

Germany lead the team competition on 124.70 penalties, with Britain in second (130.20) and Sweden third (131.40).

There is a tie for the individual lead between Germany's Ingrid Klimke and Swedish rider Sara Algotsson Ostholt, with 56-year-old double Olympic champion Todd third.

Tina Cook is the best of the British riders in fifth, with Mary King sixth, Zara Phillips equal 10th, Nicola Wilson 20th and William Fox-Pitt 22nd.

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