Polo - National
Master Paints defeat FG/Din Polo to reach Pink Polo Cup final
LAHORE (PR): Master Paints and Newage Cables emerging victorious on the fourth day of the Pink Polo Cup 2024 at the Jinnah Polo Fields Lahore on Friday.The exciting matches of the Pink Polo Cup 2024, continue at Jinnah Polo Fields, were witnessed and enjoyed by a good number of polo players, their families and polo lovers as well as Jinnah Polo Fields’ Secretary Major (Retd) Ali Taimoor.In the first match of the day, Master Paints defeated FG/Din Polo with a thrilling 9-7 victory. Iranian player Amirreza Behboudi scored all the nine goals for Master Paints, securing his team's spot in the main final. As a result, Master Paints will face Diamond Paints in the main final on Sunday. From the losing team, Raja Mikael Sami scored four goals, while Shaikh Muhammad Rafay, Shaikh Muhammad Farhad, and Sahar Yaqoubi scored one goal each.The second match of the day saw Newage Cables qualify for the subsidiary final after defeating Rijas Polo with a score of 5-2. For Newage Cables, brothers Alman Jalil Azam and Adnan Jalil Azam played excellent polo and banged in a brace each while Omer Asjad Malhi contributed one goal. For Rijas, both the goals were converted by Mumtaz Abbas Khan Niazi.
President of Pakistan Polo Cup: DS Polo clinch trophy
Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: DS Polo clinched coveted trophy in the 3rd President of Pakistan Polo Cup National Open Championship Finale 2024, outpacing FG Polo by 12-7 in the grand finale on Sunday. The thrilling final, held at the Jinnah Polo Fields in Lahore, was sponsored by Askari Bank, Habib Metro Bank, and Faysal Bank and Sitara Chemicals. Max Charlton was the standout player of the match, delivering an impressive performance by scoring seven goals for DS Polo. He was ably supported by teammates Ahmed Ali Tiwana, Daniyal Sheikh, and Nico Roberts, who each added a goal to the team's tally. FG Polo's effort was led by Mian Abbas Mukhtar with a hat-trick, while Raul Laplacette and Raja Mikael Sami contributed two goals each. The opening chukker saw both teams grappling to score, yet DS Polo broke through, notching a single goal to edge ahead 1-0. In the second chukker, FG Polo upped their game, successfully driving in three goals against DS Polo’s two, bringing the score to an even 3-3. DS Polo reclaimed the lead in the third chukker, outmaneuvering FG Polo with two goals to one, securing a narrow 5-4 advantage. DS Polo then took control in the fourth chukker, showcasing exceptional skill and teamwork to net an impressive five goals, extending their lead to a commanding 10-4. In the final and crucial fifth chukker, DS Polo further solidified their position by adding two more goals to their score, making it 12-4. Despite a spirited effort from FG Polo, who managed to string together three consecutive goals, reducing the gap to 12-7, it was insufficient to turn the tide of the match, culminating in a 12-7 victory for DS Polo. The match was expertly overseen by field umpires Nico Scortichini and Mark John Holmes, ensuring a fair and competitive finale, which was attended by a large audience of polo enthusiasts. Distinguished guests included Chief Secretary Punjab Zahid Akhtar Zaman, along with senior representatives from the sponsoring banks - Askari Bank, Habib Metro Bank, and Faysal Bank - and Sitara Chemicals. The event also featured a captivating display of archery, a parade of antique cars, and Harley-Davidson motorcycles, adding to the festive atmosphere. In a closely contested subsidiary final, Master Paints/Diamond Paints edged out BN Polo with a 9-8 victory. During the prize distribution ceremony, accolades were bestowed upon the standout performers of the tournament. Max Charlton received the Most Valuable Player Award for a Foreigner, Zakaria Dawood was recognized as the Emerging Talent, the Spirit of Polo Award was presented to Director Rijas Faisal Shahzad and Raja Temur Nadeem was honored with the Most Improved Player. The most improved player in low goal was Sufi Mohammad Haroon, in 0-2 category was Agha Adam, in 0-2 Bilal Noon, in 0-4 category Raja Mikael Sami, in foreigner player category was Juan Cruz Greguoli while the medium goal award went to Mian Abbas Mukhtar, each demonstrating remarkable improvement and skill.
National Open Polo: FG Polo clinch victory in nail-biting semifinal
Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: FG Polo narrowly overcame Master Paints/Diamond Paints with a tight score-line of 9-8 in an electrifying semifinal clash of the 3rd President of Pakistan Polo Cup National Open Championship 2024 at Jinnah Polo Fields on Thursday.The match was part of a high-profile event sponsored by Askari Bank, Habib Metro Bank, and Faysal Bank. The game was witnessed by a spirited crowd, comprising numerous families and spectators who joined the officials of Jinnah Polo Fields in witnessing the intense competition unfold. Raul Laplacette emerged as the hero for FG Polo, orchestrating the victory with an impressive tally of six superb goals. He was well-supported by Mian Abbas Mukhtar, who contributed two crucial goals, and Raja Mikayial Sami, who added one to their total. On the opposing side, Master Paints/Diamond Paints showcased their prowess with Amirreza Behboudi leading their charge with five fabulous goals, and Sufi Mohammad Haroon adding three to their tally. The match kicked off with both teams going toe-to-toe, maintaining a neck-and-neck competition until the end of the second chukker. However, Master Paints/Diamond Paints shifted gears and adopted a more aggressive playstyle, allowing them to secure a commanding 8-4 lead. As the fifth round commenced, FG Polo found themselves trailing by four goals. Undeterred, they orchestrated a remarkable rally, scoring five consecutive goals in a stunning comeback, clinching the match with a 9-8 victory.
President Pakistan Cup National Championship: FG Polo victorious
Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The Jinnah Polo Fields were alive with excitement as FG Polo team registered an easy victory over BN Polo with a score of 9-5 on the second day of the 3rd President of Pakistan Polo Cup (National Open Championship) Finale 2024, sponsored by Askari Bank, Habib Metro Bank, and Faysal Bank, here at Jinnah Polo Fields on Thursday. The match drew a large crowd of families and enthusiasts, all eager to witness the high-stakes competition. FG Polo, showcasing remarkable teamwork and strategy, secured their win with Raul Laplacette leading the charge. Laplacette, the star of the match, delivered an outstanding performance by netting seven goals, propelling FG Polo to 9-5 triumph. He was well-supported by teammates Andres Llorente and Mian Abbas Mukhtar, who contributed one goal each to the team's tally. On the opposing side, BN Polo's efforts were led by Hamza Mawaz Khan and Hilario Ruiz, each scoring two goals, with Santiago Loza adding one to their total. The match kicked off with FG Polo taking the reins early on, as they delivered a powerful start by netting two swift goals in the first chukker, establishing an early 2-0 lead. This initial momentum was further amplified at the start of the second chukker, with FG Polo extending their lead to a comfortable 3-0. However, BN Polo, undeterred by the early setback, mounted a vigorous comeback with two consecutive goals, narrowing the gap to a single point at 3-2. As the third chukker unfolded, the competition intensified, with both teams displaying exceptional skill and determination. The chukker was marked by an evenly matched battle, with each team managing to score one goal apiece. FG Polo maintained their slender lead at 4-3, setting the stage for a nail-biting continuation of the match. The fourth chukker turned the heat up further, with both teams adopting an aggressive approach in an attempt to seize control of the game. It was during this crucial phase that FG Polo demonstrated superior gameplay, outmaneuvering BN Polo to score four impressive goals. Despite BN Polo's efforts, which resulted in two goals, FG Polo extended their lead to 8-5, showcasing their tactical superiority and teamwork. In the fifth and final chukker, FG Polo managed to score another, cementing their triumph with a final score of 9-5. The match was expertly officiated by field umpires Nico Scortichini and Mark John Holmes, ensuring a fair and competitive environment. Anticipation now builds for the next match, where BN Polo will face off against Master Paints/Diamond Paints on Saturday.
National Open, Quaid-e-Azam Gold Cup: FG Polo lift trophy
Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: FG Polo clinched the coveted trophy of the Bank Alfalah National Open Polo Championship for Quaid-e-Azam Gold Cup 2024 after defeating BN Polo by 8-6 in the main final played at historic Aibak Polo Ground of the Lahore Polo Club on Sunday.The match was a showcase of skill and determination, with Raul Laplacette leading FG Polo with a remarkable performance, scoring six of the team's eight goals. Andres Llorrente contributed the other two, ensuring their team's dominance. BN Polo's Santiago Loza responded fiercely, achieving a hat-trick of goals, supported by Hamza Mawaz Khan with two goals and Santos Iriarte adding one to their tally. The final was a rollercoaster of emotions and skills, beginning with BN Polo's quick lead of 2-0. FG Polo, however, quickly narrowed the gap by the end of the first chukker and continued to build momentum, eventually overtaking BN Polo. Despite a strong comeback from BN Polo to level the score at 4-4, the decisive fifth chukker saw FG Polo unleash their prowess, outscoring their opponents to clinch the championship with an 8-6 victory. The match was expertly overseen by field umpires Mark Holmes and Nicolas Scortichini, with Juan Zubiaurre acting as the match referee. In the aftermath of their triumph, FG Polo Captain Mian Abbas Mukhtar expressed gratitude for the team's hard work and preparation, attributing their success to divine favor. The championship also saw Olympia/AZB Polo taking home the subsidiary final trophy, narrowly defeating Diamond Paints/Master Paints by a 4-3 margin. The Lahore Polo Club took the occasion to honor contributions to the sport, presenting awards to notable individuals including a lifetime achievement award to former President Lahore Polo Club Irfan Ali Hyder. Awards were also distributed to various club staff for their exceptional service. Highlighting individual excellence, Raja Mikayial Sami received the best Pakistani player of the year award, while Raul Laplacette was named the best foreign player. Other accolades included the highest goal-scorer of the tournament awarded to Max Charlton, and recognition for the best local and final's best mare, showcasing the integral role of equine talent in the sport.
National Open Polo Championship: BN Polo, FG Polo victorious
Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The Bank Alfalah National Open Polo Championship for Quaid-e-Azam Gold Cup 2024 witnessed spectacular victories for BN Polo and FG Polo in their respective matches at the Lahore Polo Club on Wednesday. BN Polo showcased a stellar performance to secure a win against Olympia/AZB Polo with a score of 9-7. The dynamic duo of Babar Naseem and Hamza Mawaz Khan led the charge, netting three goals each, with Santiago Loza adding two more and Santos Iriarte chipping in with one. Olympia/AZB Polo's counterattack was spearheaded by Abdul Rehman Monnoo, who scored three goals, while Ahmed Zubair Butt and Nicolas Corti each contributed two goals. The match kicked off with BN Polo quickly establishing a 2-0 lead, maintaining the momentum to double their advantage by the end of the second chukker. Olympia/AZB Polo mounted a formidable comeback, leveling the score at 4-4, before BN Polo narrowly edged ahead to close the chukker at 5-4. The fourth chukker saw both teams locked in a tight contest, but BN Polo managed to maintain a one-goal lead. The decisive fifth chukker was fiercely contested, with BN Polo outscoring their opponents to clinch the victory at 9-7. The day's second match was an equally intense affair, with FG Polo edging out Diamond Paints/Master Paints by a narrow margin of 8-7. Raul Laplacette was the hero for FG Polo, delivering an outstanding performance with seven goals, while Raja Mikayial Sami contributed one goal. Diamond Paints/Master Paints' effort was led by Martin Gandhara with four goals, Mir Huzaifa with two, and Raja Temur Nadeem adding one to the tally. Following these matches, the league phase of the tournament concluded, with FG Polo, BN Polo, and DS Polo tied at six points each atop the points table. A penalty shootout will determine the team advancing directly to the final, while the second and third-place teams will face off in the semifinals on Friday.
National Open Polo: Diamond Paints/Master Paints victorious
Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The National Open Polo Championship for Quaid-e-Azam Gold Cup witnessed an enthralling match as Diamond Paints/Master Paints outpaced Olympia/AZB Polo with an 8-5 win on Wednesday at the Lahore Polo Club Ground 1 on Wednesday. Juan Zabiaurre Canal led the charge for Diamond Paints/Master Paints, netting four outstanding goals, while Martin Gandara added three and Mir Huzaifa Ahmed scored one to secure their team's triumph. On the opposing side – Olympia/AZB Polo – Novillo Astrada displayed remarkable prowess on the field scoring four fabulous goals, while Nicolas Corti added to their tally with a skillful goal. The match kicked off with Diamond Paints/Master Paints quickly asserting their dominance, scoring two consecutive goals for an early lead. They continued their offensive push, extending their lead to 3-0. Olympia/AZB Polo managed to respond just before the second chukker concluded, narrowing the gap to 3-1. The teams traded goals in the third chukker, maintaining Diamond Paints/Master Paints' advantage at 5-3. Continuing their superior performance into the fourth chukker, Diamond Paints/Master Paints widened their lead further by scoring two goals against Olympia/AZB Polo's single goal, setting the stage for the final chukker at 7-4. The decisive fifth chukker saw Diamond Paints/Master Paints solidify their victory with an additional goal, despite a late effort from Olympia/AZB Polo, ending the match at 8-5. The match was expertly officiated by field umpires Mark Holmes and Abdul Sattar Khan Niazi, with Santiago Loza serving as the match referee. The event attracted a large crowd, including families eager to witness the gripping action on the second day of the prestigious National Open Polo Championship 2024, supported by Bank Alfalah at the historic Lahore Polo Club.
National Open Championship for Quaid Gold Cup: FG Polo win opener
Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: FG Polo Team clinched a decisive 8-5 victory against DS Polo Team in the opening match of the Bank Alfalah National Open Polo Championship for the Quaid-e-Azam Gold Cup 2024 held here on Tuesday at the Lahore Polo Club, marked the commencement of this year's premier tournament.The event attracted a considerable audience, with Lahore Polo Club President Malik Azam Hayat Noon, members of the executive committee, the secretary Lt Col (R) Aamir Umar, and numerous families in attendance, all watched and enjoyed the high-caliber polo action on display.FG Polo's performance was highlighted by the exceptional play of their seven-goal Argentinean star, Raul Laplacette, whose skillful handling of both mallet and polo pony captivated the audience. Laplacette was instrumental in the team's success, scoring five impressive goals. His teammates, Andres Llorente and Mian Abbas Mukhtar, also made significant contributions, with Llorente scoring twice and Mukhtar adding one goal to the tally. On the opposing side, DS Polo's English talent, Maxwell Charlton, single-handedly matched FG Polo's intensity by netting all five of his team's goals.The match began with FG Polo quickly establishing a lead through a successful 30-yard penalty conversion. However, DS Polo responded in kind, leveling the score 1-1 with a 30-yard penalty of their own. FG Polo managed to edge ahead with a field goal just before the first chukker ended, securing a 2-1 lead. The second chukker saw both teams exchanging goals, maintaining FG Polo's slender 3-2 lead.As the match progressed into the third chukker, FG Polo extended their lead with two additional goals, while DS Polo managed a single goal in response. Despite DS Polo narrowing the gap to 4-5 with a 60-yard penalty at the start of the fourth chukker, FG Polo unleashed a flurry of three consecutive goals to solidify their dominance at 8-4. A late penalty conversion by DS Polo brought the final score to 8-5, but it was not enough to overturn FG Polo's commanding lead.The match was officiated by field umpires Mark Homes and Abdul Sattar Khan Niazi, with Martin Gandara serving as the match referee. The championship continues with Diamond Paints/Master Paints facing off against Olympia/AZB Polo in what promises to be another captivating match at the Lahore Polo Club.
National Open Polo Championship for Quaid-e-Azam Gold Cup
Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The Bank Alfalah National Open Polo Championship for Quaid-e-Azam Gold Cup 2024 will get underway on Tuesday (February 13) at the Lahore Polo Club, marking the beginning of two weeks filled with thrilling polo action.The announcement was made by Malik Azam Hayat Noon, President of the Lahore Polo Club, alongside Syed Irfan Akhtar Gilani, General Manager Central East of Bank Alfalah, and key members of the LPC executive committee, including Mohamed Nasir Khan and Feroze Gulzar. The event has attracted a mix of international and local talent, including players and umpires, signaling a global showcase of polo prowess. This year's championship features five formidable teams, each comprising a blend of two international and two Pakistani players, promising an international flair to the matches. "The tournament will see these teams compete in a series of intense matches over the next fortnight, culminating in a grand finale on Sunday, February 25," said Noon. He expressed gratitude towards Bank Alfalah for their continued patronage of the championship, emphasizing the importance of such support in nurturing the noble sport of polo. The line-up for this premier polo event includes teams such as DS Polo, FG Polo, BN Polo, Diamond Paints/Master Paints, and Olympia/AZB Polo, with players hailing from polo heartlands like Argentina, England, and Spain. The tournament is not only a testament to the skill of national athletes but also a platform for international players to showcase their talents on Pakistani soil. Among the teams competing, Team DS Polo is represented by Daniyal Shaikh, Ahmed Ali Tiwana, Nico Roberts, and Max Charlton. Mir Shoaib Ahmed, Raja Temur Nadeem, Martin Gandara, and Juan Zubiaurre Canal form the lineup for Team Diamond Paints/Master Paints. Team FG Polo boasts talents such as Mian Abbas Mukhtar, Raja Mikayial Sami, Mario Gomes, and Raul Laplacette. Team Olympia/AZB features Ahmed Zubair Butt, Abdul Rehman Monnoo, Valentin Novillo Astrada, and Nicolas Corti, while Team BN Polo is composed of Babar Naseem, Santos Iriarte, Hamza Mawaz Khan, and Santiago Loza, showcasing a diverse array of skills and international experience across the board. The championship's opening match is set between FG Polo and DS Polo at 3:00 PM on Tuesday, with subsequent games unfolding over the course of the tournament, leading to the much-anticipated subsidiary and main finals at the Lahore Polo Club’s iconic Aibak Polo Ground on February 25. Syed Irfan Akhtar Gilani of Bank Alfalah said: "Promoting positive activities through sports is integral to our society. Bank Alfalah is committed to its corporate responsibility of sponsoring sports, and we look forward to continuing our support for the Lahore Polo Club and the broader game of polo in Pakistan."
Jinnah Gold Polo Cup: Olympia/AZB Polo, DS Polo claim wins
Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Olympia/AZB Polo players and DS Polo team have won their matches of the Jinnah Gold Polo Cup after thrashing their respective opponents on its second day at the Jinnah Polo Fields.The tournament's intensity was palpable as teams from Pool A, FG Polo and DS Polo, locked horns in a high-stakes match that ended in a dramatic 5-5 draw, while Olympia/AZB Polo narrowly edged out Master Paints/Diamond Paints with a 5-4 victory.The clash between FG Polo and DS Polo was a showcase of skill and resilience. DS Polo, with Max Charlton leading the charge by netting three goals and Nico Roberts adding two, initially dominated the game. Their early strategy paid off, securing a 3-0 lead by the second chukker and extending it to 5-0 in the third. However, FG Polo, driven by Raul Laplacette's hat-trick and a goal from Mario Gomez, mounted a remarkable comeback. Scoring two quick goals to close the third chukker and adding three more in the final chukker, they levelled the score to 5-5, turning the match into an unforgettable draw.In the day's second match, Olympia/AZB Polo faced off against Master Paints/Diamond Paints in a closely contested battle. The team, led by the duo of Novello Astrada and Nicolas Corti who scored two goals each, along with a single goal from Ahmed Zubair Butt, showcased exceptional teamwork. Despite Amirreza Behboudi's two-goal effort for Master Paints/Diamond Paints and their two-goal handicap advantage, Olympia/AZB Polo's strategic plays in the final chukker secured them a slender 5-4 win.
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