In yesterday’s final of the Fortune Heights Super Nations Cup at Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club, team Hong Kong China defeated England by 11-8 and won the trophy for the second consecutive time.
At the very beginning, Hong Kong China took the lead by a margin of two goals. But England also took action and the first chukka ended with a draw. The following two chukkas continued similarly and at half time the score said 5-5. In the second half of the match, Hong Kong China really got started. Three goals during the first three minutes of the fourth chukka were the result. England also managed to score once, but Hong Kong China was successful two more times, 10-6. In the sixth and final chukka for a little while there was hope for team England, but in the end Hong Kong China played too strong. Just like in the previous year, England had to admit defeat.
John-Paul Clarkin (+8) after the match: “We had a game plan and although it was level at half time we didn’t change it, because we felt we were unlucky not to be ahead. We came through strong in the second half and deserved the win.”
New Zealander John-Paul Clarkin was named Most Valuable Player. “It could have been any one of these guys, to be honest. It was the team performance that won the day.” The award Best Playing Pony was given to Lawyer, ridden by team Hong Kong China.
Team USA was placed third. In the subsidiary final on Saturday, USA met Argentina. At half time, USA was adrift by 2-5, but in the second half of the match, the North Americans were unstoppable and scored one goal after another. In the end, USA defeated Argentina by 10-9.
At the award ceremony, Dr Richard Caleel, President of the Federation of International Polo, gave his thanks to all players, officials, ponies and helpers for all the dedication and support regarding the development of the sport of polo in China.
Ranking:
1. Hong Kong, China (+24)
Lucas Lalor (+6)
Santiago Cernadas (+6)
John-Paul Clarkin (+8)
John Fisher (+4)
Reserves: Bautista Sorzana (+6)
2. England (+22)
George Meyrick (+5)
Jack Richardson (+5)
Max Charlton (+6)
Tom Morley (+6)
Reserves: Jonny Good (+5)
3. USA (+24)
Carlos Gracida Jr. (+3)
Andres Weisz (+5)
Nicholas Roldan (+8)
Mike Azzaro (+8)
Reserves: Joel Baker (+2) and Jason Crowder (+6)
4. Argentina (+24)
Pablo Dorignac (+6)
Tomás Ruiz Guiñazú (+6)
Agustín Máiquez (+6)
Martín Tassara (+6)
Reserves: Pablo Llorente (+6)
Gallery:
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