Reigning champions Valkenswaard United got straight down to business when taking the opening round of this year’s Global Champions League in Mexico City on Thursday evening, putting the team in pole position ahead of the second phase on Saturday.

Bertram Allen and Alberto Zorzi, both of whom contributed to the team’s victory last term, delivered the only double-clear performance of the contest to deny debutantes St. Tropez Pirates who finished with a total of just one time fault.

Italian Zorzi delivered the first clear for Valkenswaard on Cornetto K, and Allen clinched the victory when steering Hector van d’Abdijhoeve home without an error for the zero team total.

Hamburg Diamonds took third, well back on eight faults.

Cian O’Connor was not in action for his team Miami Glory who finished 6th, nor was Darragh Kenny for Paris Panthers who took 7th.

It wasn’t such a good night for Michael Kearins, who picked up 29 faults on Severly Hille for Moscow Bears who finished in 17th position of the 18 teams with a total of 52 faults.

Mike Dunne