| Fadhil Yunus |
BRUNEI Darussalam polo team warmed up in their preparations for the upcoming His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei’s 72nd Birthday Polo Tournament in style after an 8-7 win over the Pakistan Army polo team at the Royal Brunei Polo and Riding Club in Jerudong yesterday.
The Brunei team led by His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen and Her Royal Highness Princess ‘Azemah Ni’matul Bolkiah emerged winners of the High Commissioner of Islamic Republic of Pakistan Polo Cup 2018 after coming on top in the first edition of the match.
The visiting side wasted no time in making their presence known after a blistering start from Major Haseeb Mikhas fired them to an early lead.
Brunei, however, got into the mood straight away and levelled matters with the next goal of the game.
Pakistan’s Major Haseeb was in inspired form after driving forward for his second goal of the game from close range to guide his team into a 3-2 lead at the end of the first chukka.
The Brunei side, who won bronze in the 29th SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur last year, held their composure despite the resurgent Pakistan side as a run-up by Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Muda Bahar was followed with a successful conversion through a lofted ball.
to Brunei Darussalam Major General (Rtd) Tariq Rashid Khan
Brunei led for the first time with less than a minute of the second chukka remaining but Brigadier General Zulfiqar Ali had other ideas and pulled his side level with the last notable action of the period.
Continuing the quick start from the first chukka, Pakistan retook the lead after Zulfiqar drove the ball into goal but Brunei swiftly hit back to make it 5-5.
Nevertheless, Brunei finished strongly in the fourth chukka in their final preparations before they aim for glory in the His Majesty The Sultan of Brunei’s 72nd Birthday Polo Tournament.
The four-day tournament, which will run from July 10-13, will also feature Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines and Pakistan.