Solovyov's march to individual glory, which gives a major boost to the small National Federation of just five riders in its senior jumping squad this season, was a gradual one, after his opening effort with It's Me du Mesnil left him 23rd in a field of 26 starters.

It was Russia's Karin Ruslan and Migdolas who came out on top here, ahead of Kazakhstan's Talyat Islamov and Atom in second while another Russian, Sergey Shepelin, steered Amigo into third place.

Solovyov was runner-up in the second individual qualifier dominated by the host country, which claimed all of the top three places.

Nuraly Nuriev and Elastic stood on the top step of the podium, ahead of Solovyov and It's Me du Mesnil, while Azemat Hasenov and Riconar Alkazar slotted into third, followed by Konstantin Iaroshenko and Zarus for Ukraine.

But the Kazakh riders' run of good form ground to a sudden halt in the team competition when Oleg Popelyaev and Lord were the only home-side partnership to complete as Solovyov with Liebestraum Z, Latif Aliev with Gromm, and Alexander Tishkov with Aman were all eliminated.

They were not the only ones however, as the three-strong side from Kyrgyzstan was crippled by the elimination of Myrza Toktobekov and Stamberlain, putting paid to the chances of teammates Rinat Galimov with Arman and Dmitry Gorbacheko with Alum.

As the only finishers, the Russian team of Shepelin on Amigo, Alina Zakharova on Cassina, Olga Giss on Gledis, and Ruslan on Migdolas emerged the undisputed champions.

The Kazakhs got back into their stride when Tishkov and Hasenov took first and third respectively in the third individual qualifier in which Kyrgyzstan's Gorbacheko was runner-up.

However, on the final day it was Solovyov's turn to shine as he galloped to gold with Liebestraum Z.

Shepelin and Amigo slotted into second to claim silver ahead of Russian teammate Zakharova with Cassina who took bronze.

This was the third major fixture to take place in Kazakhstan this year, following the Endurance and Dressage Championships, which were held in May and June.

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