Twomey second in qualifier World Cup qualifier

Billy Twomey nailed down a place in Sunday's Rolex World Cup competition when finishing second to world number one rider Rolf-Goran Bengtsson in Leipzig, Germany, on Friday.

The 34-year-old Corkman, who is currently 39th in the overall World Cup rankings, took the lead with Sue Davies's mare Tinka's Serenade in the speed competition after 20 riders had jumped.

Twomey held onto pole position until Bengtsson - 39th to compete - shaved just over a second off his time with the Dutch Warmblood gelding Ninja La Silla.

Sweden's Bengsston, currently leading both the Rolex World Jumping rankings and the World Cup rankings, collected a car for his first place, while Twomey picked up €16,500.

Leipzig's World Cup Grand Prix takes place on Sunday afternoon, with €150,000 in total prize money on offer, as well as vital World Cup ranking points.