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Maher: Wanted clear round
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Great Britain stand in fourth place after the first round of the team showjumping in Hong Kong on Sunday.
The team clocked up 16 penalty points to lie outside the medals behind the Swiss and United States squads, who lead on 12 points, with Sweden one behind.
Ben Maher, on Rolette, and Tim Stockdale, on Corlato, both enjoyed the best round for Britain on the tricky Sha Tin course as they both dropped one rail for a total of four penalty points each.
Nick Skelton picked up eight penalty points after knocking off two rails on Russel while there was disappointment for John Whitaker, who had to withdraw from the round due to a problem with his horse Peppermill, although only the three best riders' scores count towards the team score.
"I was a bit disappointed as we needed a clear round," said Maher afterwards. "She (Rolette) jumped slowly and touched the rail a little but we held it together to finish the course inside the time.
"But she is an unbelievable horse. We are not out of it yet and still have a chance."
Maher is the highest placed Briton in the individual standings after a time penalty took him to a total of five, good enough for 13th place.
Stockdale is tied for 16th with eight penalty points overall while Skelton is tied for 22nd with nine points.
Ireland's sole rider Denis Lynch is in contention for an Olympic medal after the 32-year-old was one of seven riders to enjoy a second-successive clear round.
Tipperary-born Lynch, on Lantinus, has just two penalty points overall after picking up one time penalty in each of the two rounds.
