Bright lights, an intensely competitive environment and a slew of world-class competitors.

Pg Mohd Nasir (pic) isn't going to let any of that get to him at the Guangzhou Asian Games.

The confident 21-year-old easily progressed to the final of today's equestrian Individual Jumping event after finishing joint-20th among the 33 riders who advanced from the qualifiers on Monday.

Astride Rudolf Z, Brunei's only rider at the 16th edition of the Games is sure that he will be able to continue handling the pressure at the Guangzhou Equestrian Venue.

The first round kicks off at 9am, after which the Top-25 riders will move on to the second round at 2pm.

"I think we can control the big surroundings," Pg Mohd Nasir told The Brunei Times yesterday.

"I feel pretty good and I think we can qualify (for the second round) as long as we don't make any big mistakes.

"My coach has always told me to stay cool. Of course we will be tense but It will be a positive thing.

"By far this is the biggest competition I have competed in and there are points when the crowd really get into it.

"It is a unique atmosphere, something really special," concluded the 2009 Merdeka Team Cup champion.

The Guangzhou Asian Games marks Brunei's debut in the sport and it has been smooth sailing for Pg Mohd Nasir and his 11-year-old Zangersheide gelding, who he has been riding since mid-March.

Rudolf Z passed the 2nd Horse Inspection yesterday and when asked whether he had any doubts that his steed would fail, Pg Mohd Nasir said that was hardly likely.

The 1st Horse Inspection was held last Sunday followed by the Training Competition to familiarise the riders and horses with the course.

"Pretty much for big events like these, the riders always ensure their horses are in top shape I think all the horses passed the 2nd Inspection," he said.

"They (the judges) look for conditioning and if they're sound enough... For Rudolf, he's always in sound and great shape.

"I have high hopes in him... We're all set to go tomorrow," added the Business and Management student at Brunel University in England.

The Asian Games mark another milestone in his young career after becoming the first Bruneian to compete in the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games during the 2007 edition in Korat, Thailand.

He is coached by 2009 Belgian champion Lieven Devos who he has been training with for the past two years along with Dave Molin from Holland. Belgium's Piet Vandevelde has been roped in as a groom to take care of Rudolf Z for the Asian Games.

Courtesy from Brunei Times