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In what has become
Thailand's most prestigious polo prize, H.R.H Princess
Maha Chakri Sirindhon Cup. The Mercedes Benz ~ Credit
Suisse Thai Polo Open, Royal Selangor Polo Club won the
at Thai Polo Club, beating Indonesia 8 1/2 - 7 in a
fiercely fought final. Indonesia twice stuck within
half a goal of the lead but Royal Selangor proved they
had the will to finally finish up a goal and a half.
Royal Selangor started off with half a goal on handicap,
but quickly added two goals more before Indonesia could
score. Royal Selangor sought to use their advantage of
being better mounted than the Indonesian team. Their
strategy was to play open polo, use their horses to run,
and as much as possible keep the ball away from 6 goaler
Chino Estrada.
Indonesia struck back with Estrada wielding impressive
stick-work. The ball was glued to his stick as he took
it all over the field in search of a way to goal.
Regularly, Estrada proved unstoppable, bringing
Indonesia to within half a goal twice in the match.
Royal Selangor pressed hard at 5 1/2 - 5 and later 7 1/2
- 7 against Indonesia's clear momentum. In the final
chukka, it took incredible team determination to hold
back the Indonesians
Then in the final seconds, Royal Selangor mounted a
flawless attack that involved all four players, as Edham
drove in Shaik's perfect pass from just 5 yards out
sealing the win.
Savvy spectators and
neophyte alike were repeatedly amazed as this match
delivered some of the hottest polo play ever seen in
South-East Asia.
His Majesty the Sultan of Pahang was the guest of honor
at the Thai Polo Open. This great polo patron happily
presented the Mercedes Benz ~ Credit Suisse Thai Polo
Open cup to Royal Selangor.
In earlier action, Singapore Polo Club beat Thai Polo
Club 4-2 to take third place. |
