28th May 2008
Three matches of the Royal Selangor International Polo Tournament were played to completion at Putrajaya on Sunday 25th May.
Thailand came back from 1 1/2 - 0 down to defeat Premier Pitch 7 - 3 1/2 in a morning game.
Jogo Polo played very well to defeat La Sarita 6 1/2 - 3 in the first match of a rain delayed afternoon.
In the second match that evening, Royal Pahang Polo Club defeated Ranhill Polo 6 - 3.
Monday's match between Jogo Polo and Thailand Polo was a thriller. Jogo Polo got off to a good start but Thailand Polo came back to lead 6 1/2 to 5 going into the final chukka. The lead changed hands three times in the final chukka, with Jogo Polo finally coming out on top by 8 1/2 to 8.
In Tuesday's first match, Premier Pitch pulled off an exciting 8 1/2 - 8 upset win over La Sarita. Royal Pahang continued their winning ways, beating BRDB 6 - 3.
Royal Pahang and Jogo Polo are through to the semi-finals with two wins each. Thailand Polo are also through to the semis by virtue of the good goal difference.
Ranhill Polo beat BRDB in the completion of the postponed match from Friday. Ranhill shot out to a 5-2 lead as World Cup star Matias Vial Peres converted three 60 yarders in quick succession. BRDB fought back to 5-4 down, but Ranhill closed out the match 6-4. Plyd Win Draw Loss Pts Goals For Goals Agst Goal Diff Hcp Rec Net Diff Royal Pahang 2 2 4 12 6 6 0 6 Jogo Polo 2 2 4 15 11 4 3 1 Thailand Polo 2 1 1 2 15 12 3 -2 5 Ranhill Polo 2 1 1 2 9 10 -1 0 -1 Premier Pitch 2 1 1 2 12 15 -3 1 -4 La Sarita 2 2 0 11 15 -4 -2 -2 BRDB 2 2 0 7 12 -5 0 -5
Jogo Polo and Thailand Polo renew their rivalry in the 1st semi-finals while Royal Pahang and Ranhill Polo will go at it again in the 2nd semi-final. The semi-finals start at 3:30 pm Thursday at Putrajaya.
Premier Pitch, La Sarita and BRDB face-off in the round robin that starts on Friday at RSPC.
Semi Finals:
Thailand Polo
confirmed a place in the final by beating Jogo Polo 6 - 4 1/2. It was
sweet revenge for the Thailand team as they had been beaten by Jogo
Polo by a half goal on Monday. Today it was a much better team
performance as they peppered the Jogo goal from the start of the
match. At least five clear chances were missed before Carlos Pando and
Martin Espain eventually adjusted their scoring sights. Once they were
ahead, they were always in control of the match.
The first two chukkas of the match was played in a steady downpour.
Thailand
will face Royal Pahang Polo Club in the final. Royal Pahang overcame a
stubborn Ranhill Polo team 6 - 3. The match was evenly played, but
Royal Pahang had the better chances and converted at crucial moments.
Raul Laplacette had another outstanding match in midfield for Royal
Pahang, while World Cup winner Matias Vial Peres was in good form for
Ranhill Polo.
The
final will be played at Putrajaya on Friday 30th May as the Ampang
ground was again flooded as Kuala Lumpur was hit with a huge storm.
Saturday will see the round robin marches at RSPC.