The 2019 season of the Longines Global Champions League (GCL) has just begun and the Shanghai Swans have already flown into a commanding lead.

On Saturday, the Swans, represented by Daniel Deusser (GER) with Calisto Blue, Shane Sweetnam (IRL) with Kirschwasser Scf, and Peder Fredricson (SWE) with Zacremento and H&M Christian K, threw down the gauntlet in Mexico City, taking their second win in as many GCL events this season. The Swans now have a 25 point lead in the Series.

“This was a really different team compared to Doha,” said Deusser, who was also part of the two-member team that won the first leg in Qatar. “The expectations are high for this season, it is only the beginning but we are a very strong team and have I got a lot of confidence in us.​”

Sweetnam and Fredricson started the Swans off with fault-free performances in Thursday’s Round 1.

Two strategic changes for Round 2 saw Deusser subbing in for Sweetnam with the on-form Calisto Blue and Fredricson changing his mount from Zacremento to H&M Christian K.

A rail from German but the pressure on Fredericson to deliver a fast clear to keep in the lead. The Swedish rider delivered with a daring line to the GCL double of verticals to save time, keeping the team on a score of four with just two teams left to jump.

Said Fredricson, “This is my first time competing for the Shanghai Swans and it couldn’t have gone better!”

His teammates concur.

Hamburg Giants’ Simon Delestre (FRA) with Uccello de Will and Bart Bles (NED) and Israel v.d. Dennehoeve took second place on five faults, while Laura Kraut (USA) with Zeremonie and Jos Verlooy (BEL) with Igor claimed the final podium position for the Monaco Aces on eight.