Patrick Nesbitt moved one step closer to earning his ticket to this summer's Beijing Olympics when he won the first of three jump-offs against Jill Terceira over the weekend.

Both equestrians have qualiifed for the Games but only one can represent the Island at the Olympic event in August which will be held in Hong Kong, necessitating a jump-off between the two riders to decide who makes the trip to Asia.

Nesbitt, riding Antille, placed 20th out of 47 competitors, while Terceira, riding Navantus, finished 33rd.

The competition was held in Lamprechthausen in Austria and was an official Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) three-star event.

Mike Cherry, head of the Bermuda Equestrian Federation, said he was pleased with the performances of the two rivals and was interested to see how the remaining jump-offs unfold, with two remaining.

"Patrick had four faults to place him in contention, but his time wasn't fast enough to get into the jump-off," said Cherry of the weekend competition.

"Jill had eight faults and this result means that Patrick is ahead by one rail.

"We are pleased with the results of the two, and they will proceed to France for the next round of show jumping in two weeks' time."

"They were both quite pleased with their performances, and their horses were performing at a high standard," continued Cherry.

"To be in the position the two are in at the moment is great for the sport in Bermuda.

"They deserve the credit they get and they both should be making the trip, but it is a pity we can only send one."