Jonathan Asselin's bid for an Olympic berth improved dramatically when he won the L'International Bromont show jumping event yesterday in Bromont, Que in a dramatic jumpoff.

 Riding Spirit of Xerox II, Asselin, who's based out of Spruce Meadows, was the only rider of six to go through the jumpoff clear.

 American Jamie Schmidt, aboard Mardi Gras, placed second, while Jay Hayes of Cheltenham, Ont., riding Diva, finished third. Hayes won the first leg of the three-event Olympic Trials Series at Spruce Meadows.

 Ian Millar of Perth, Ont., was fourth.

 The final event of the series will be held in a couple of weeks in Ontario.

 The Olympic team is chosen based on results over the series, as well as on coaches discretion.

 -- Calgary Sun