Malaysia wins polo gold
Sunday, December 16th, 2007
Malaysia ran out 9 – 3 1/2 goal winners of the SEA Games Polo Tournament, beating Singapore in the final at VR Sports Club in Bangkok on Saturday.
Ang Ban Tong returned to the Singapore line-up for the Final, having played against Thailand and Indonesia in qualifying. Satinder Garcha wore the No 2 shirt though for the final he played a deeper role with Peter pushing forward in the final. Asad Jumabhoy ws Singapore’s stalwart back.
Singapore tried to take the game to Malaysia by man-marking Malaysia, a job that saw Peter Abisheganaden go up against his BRDB team-mate Shaik Reismann. The strategy seemed to work in the early chukkas as they kept Malaysia’s scoring rate down. Despite being the only team to give Malaysia a game, Singapore couldn’t really threaten the Malaysian goal.
In the final, Malaysia led 3 – 1 1/2 after the first chukka and never lost the lead. Once Malaysia went in front, it was a damage limitation exercise for Singapore. Malaysia was always in control. Shaik Reismann played another wonderful game in midfield for Malaysia. Saladin Mazlan capped a wonderful season, returning to polo after 7 years away as if he had never left. Tengku Shazril had another good game, although there wasn’t as much dazzle in this match. Adi Rizal Zamri was selected ahead of Hairezal for the final, and had a solid game at No 1. Dato’ Mohamed Moiz was their non-playing captain today. He played against Singapore and came on for two chukkas as a substitute in Malaysia’s match against Thailand.
In the match for the bronze medal, Thailand cruised past the Philippines 7 1/2 – 2. Top Riaksiaskorn has another oustanding game for Thailand. Santi Elizalde and Antonio Veloso were strong for Philippines, but Thailand were always in control as the Filipinos simply could not stay with their superior horsepower.
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