With Swede Fredricson on Hansson WL and Germany's Ehning riding Stargold, the duo's combined time of 132.41sec was a 0.96 better than the Berlin Eagles effort.

New York Empire placed third with a final time of 134.29, as five teams received no time penalties.

Germans Christian Kukuk and Philipp Weishaupt make up the Berlin team, with Irishman Denis Lynch and Britain's Scott Brash the New York riders.

Weishaupt, on Colby, had the fastest clear time of any individual after stopping the clock on 63.74. 

St Tropez Pirates and Shanghai Swans also enjoyed double-clear rounds, but are some way back with total times of 138.92 and 139.42.

This is the season-opening GCL event, and round two at Al Shaqab in the Qatari capital is scheduled for Saturday (March 6).