American, German riders lead individual vaulting at Equestrian-World Games

Web posted October 6, 1998

Associated Press

ROME -- America's Devon Maitozo and Germany's Nadia Zulow moved into the lead Monday in the individual vaulting provisional standings at the World Equestrian Games.

Maitozo, vaulting on grey Wisky 191, scored 8.703 points in the second round of the competition, which ends Tuesday following the free-style event. Fabian Kongeter of Germany finished second on bay Rascal.

On the women's side, Kerith Lemon of the United States finished second with 8.370 points to Zulow's 8.575.

After winning the first gold of the championships last week in the team dressage, Germany showed its strength again Monday, moving into the lead of the team vaulting. Overall, Germany's nine team riders scored 6.9 points.

Switzerland is second, and the United States third.

The team vaulting also concludes Tuesday with the free style test.

Vaulting originated as part of military training and is a sort of gymnastics on horseback. Vaulters carry out a series of exercises on horseback with the help of a special handle instead of a saddle. It is not an Olympic sport.

The championships, held at three venues in and near Rome, run through Saturday. The show jumping starts Wednesday.