Malaysia qualified for the final of the A Division of the South East Asian Games Polo, beating a determined Brunei in a crucial qualifying game today. Philippines had already piled on the pressure and had qualified first when they beat Indonesia 6 – 4 1/2. Malaysia and Brunei knew what they had to do to qualify. Malaysia had to win by at least two goals to be sure, if not, Brunei would go through.
Giving away 1 1/2 goals in handicap, Malaysia finished each chukka of the first half down by half a goal. Finishing the 3rd chukka ahead by 1/2 at 6 – 5 1/2, Malaysia then held Brunei scoreless in the last chukka to draw away to an emphatic 8 – 5 1/2 goal win.
If Tengku Shazril was the star of the show, Rashid Hasnan was the man of the match for an improved second half performance and immaculate penalty taking. Malaysia always looked in control, once they realised the could never let Prince Bahar go unattended. Malaysia’s superior fitness told in the last chukka.
In an earlier match, Philippines took control of Indonesia in the last two chukkas to win 6 – 4 1/2 to assure themselves of a place in the final.
With three teams finishing on 6 points in the qualifying league, and with the who-beat-who rule unable to be applied, it came down to goal difference. Philippines, with +4.5 goals qualified first. Malaysia was second, with +2.5 goals. Brunei, also with 6 points, were unlucky not to qualify, with a +1 goal difference.
Related Links:
30SEAGPolo: Philippines Rises
30SEAGPolo: Brunei and Malaysia win
SEA Games Polo: A Division
Argentina and The Philippines
