Blue skies and an expectant crowd in Shanghai made a perfect setting for the LGCT and GCL -- the world's premier individual and team showjumping competitions.
Blue skies and an expectant crowd in Shanghai made a perfect setting for the LGCT and GCL -- the world's premier individual and team showjumping competitions.
Stefano Grasso/LGCT
The LGCT became the first international equestrian event to be held in mainland China in 2014. Since then, showjumping has <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2Fvideos%2Fsports%2F2017%2F04%2F28%2Flongines-global-champions-tour-global-champions-league-shanghai-preview-cnn-eq-spc.cnn" target="_blank">proved popular</a>, both as a sport and a social occasion.
The LGCT became the first international equestrian event to be held in mainland China in 2014. Since then, showjumping has proved popular, both as a sport and a social occasion.
Stefano Grasso/LGCT
There was a lot at stake in China this year, with close to $1.6 million in prize money up for grabs across the two events.
There was a lot at stake in China this year, with close to $1.6 million in prize money up for grabs across the two events.
Stefano Grasso/LGCT
In the LGCT, Italy's Lorenzo de Luca secured a debut victory on the Tour after a dramatic jump-off.
In the LGCT, Italy's Lorenzo de Luca secured a debut victory on the Tour after a dramatic jump-off.
LGCT/Stefano Grasso
De Luca now sits at the top of the overall standings on 100 points. Having finished 63rd in the LGCT last year, the Italian says "a super group of horses" are helping him to success in 2017.
De Luca now sits at the top of the overall standings on 100 points. Having finished 63rd in the LGCT last year, the Italian says "a super group of horses" are helping him to success in 2017.
Stefano Grasso/LGCT
He is joined by Maikel van der Vleuten and Alberto Zorzi on the podium.
He is joined by Maikel van der Vleuten and Alberto Zorzi on the podium.
Stefano Grasso/LGCT
Runner-up van der Vleuten admitted that de Luca deserved the win and that finishing second was "great."
Runner-up van der Vleuten admitted that de Luca deserved the win and that finishing second was "great."
Stefano Grasso/LGCT
Zorzi's third-place finish, meanwhile, lifts him to fourth in the overall standings.
Zorzi's third-place finish, meanwhile, lifts him to fourth in the overall standings.
Stefano Grasso/LGCT
In the GCL, the St. Tropez Pirates were well-placed to take victory after Julien Epaillard's clear round (pictured). But an error-strewn performance from Simon Delestre saw the team plummet to eighth overall.
In the GCL, the St. Tropez Pirates were well-placed to take victory after Julien Epaillard's clear round (pictured). But an error-strewn performance from Simon Delestre saw the team plummet to eighth overall.
GCL/Stefano Grasso
Darragh Kenny and Jack Hardin of the Paris Panthers were the beneficiaries of the collapse, jumping clear in the final round. The pair's combined time of 155.99 seconds was the fastest of the competition.
Darragh Kenny and Jack Hardin of the Paris Panthers were the beneficiaries of the collapse, jumping clear in the final round. The pair's combined time of 155.99 seconds was the fastest of the competition.
GCL/Stefano Grasso
Last year's champion, Valkenswaard United, holds its place at the top of the overall leaderboard, six points clear of the London Knights on 74.
Last year's champion, Valkenswaard United, holds its place at the top of the overall leaderboard, six points clear of the London Knights on 74.
GCL/Stefano Grasso