Malaysia’s quest for a second polo gold medal at the 30th SEA Games moved into top gear as they battled Brunei in a crucial qualifying game. Having edged Philippines by only ½ a goal on handicap in their opening game on Thursday, Malaysia had to face Brunei, who must have fancied their chances against Malaysia, having thrashed Indonesia 8-1 in their opener.
Keith Teh retained his spot in the Malaysian side, having stepped in to replace Dr Azfar in the fourth chukka on Thursday. Together with young Imran Moiz, they provided the man-marking that made space for Rashid Hasnan and Mohd Zulhelmie Nadzar (Lalo) to do their work.
The combination worked really well today. Malaysia took their time to get into gear, leading 1-0 in the first chukka. They were 4-1 up by half-time. Stretching their lead to 6-2 in the penultimate chukka, they drew away to win easily, 8-3 at the final bell.
Philippines had a shocking day. They had been expected to crush the Indonesians, who were playing on horses loaned from them. The horses the Indonesians were given presumably had not made the Philippines horse list. Yet the Filipinos instead capitulated to a team that appeared better mounted than them.
Indonesia made one change of personnel, with Rico Lianti replacing Dwira Roring. Acep Krisnander went to No 4 as they reshuffled the line-up. They never looked back. Striking first, they had the Philippines on the ropes throughout the match.
To be fair, it was as much Philippines refusal to win the game that gave it to Indonesia. The Philippines could not do much right today. Whiffing a penalty 2 spot hit from 5-yards out is about as shocking as it gets. That Patron Mikee Romero stood out as one of the best Philippines players in the game tells you how poorly the others performed today.
The result leaves Philippines 0 for 2, while Indonesia and Brunei are 1-1 in wins-loss. Malaysia has a perfect record of 2 wins in two games.
The B Division of the SEA Games Polo resumes on Sunday, with the final qualifying matches. Malaysia plays Indonesia. If Malaysia wins, it will confirm their place in Monday morning’s final. Indonesia will be trying to win to bring them level on points with Malaysia. If they do, it will put paid to Philippines chances of making Monday’s final.
Philippines must first hope that Malaysia beats Indonesia. Then the Philippines would have to beat Brunei by 4 goals to bring them level on points and ahead of the rest on goal difference.
From the Brunei-en point of view, with a superior goal difference, Brunei will hope that Malaysia not only beat Indonesia but that they themselves draw or beat Philippines, which will be enough to ensure they get to the final.
At the request of the hosts, PHISGOC had decreed that the two teams that do not qualify for the final will both receive bronze medals. Perhaps it was a clever move by the Philippines to ensure they won something in this division.
Related Links:
30SEAGPolo: Malaysia Struggles Past Philippines
30SEAGPolo: B Division
30SEAGPolo: Malaysia’s Gold Against All Odds
30SEAGPolo: Philippines vs Malaysia in the Final
30SEAGPolo: Philippines Rises
30SEAGPolo: Brunei and Malaysia win
SEA Games Polo: A Division
Argentina and The Philippines
