Rolf-Goran Bengtsson earned Sweden victory in a jump-off against Germany at the Longines Jumping Nations Cup in St Gallen ©Getty Images

Rolf-Goran Bengtsson earned Sweden victory in a jump-off against Germany at the Longines Jumping Nations Cup in St Gallen, Switzerland.

The 59-year-old, who won a team jumping silver at the Athens 2004 Olympics and individual silver in Bejing four years later, steered Casque Blue round in 43.50sec without incurring any penalty to make the best possible start to the Nations Cup season.

Germany had to settle for second as their rider Christian Kukuk, on Mumbai, incurred five faults in a time of 50.23.

Around 300 fans were able to watch the event in St Gallen, with organisers having worked closely with the authorities in recent weeks and months to partially relax COVID-19 restrictions.

Christian Kukuk and his German team-mates had to settle for silver at the opening Longines Jumping Nations Cup event of the season in St Gallen ©Getty Images
Christian Kukuk and his German team-mates had to settle for silver at the opening Longines Jumping Nations Cup event of the season in St Gallen ©Getty Images

Third place in this International Equestrian Federation (FEI) event went to a home team fielding 23-year-old newcomer Bryan Balsinger alongside world number two Steve Guerdat, European champion Martin Fuchs and Olympic medallist Beat Mändli.

"A home Nations Cup is something really special, and St Gallen is very important for all Swiss athletes," Balsinger told FEI.org before the event.

"It’s my first Nations Cup at home and I want to show my best."

Fourth place went to Egypt, with Mexico and Brazil filling the next two places.

The seven-leg series will culminate with the return of the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup Final in Barcelona in October.