MUHAMMAD SALEEM

LAHORE: Diamond Paints defeated Learning Alliance 9-4 ½ to clinch ‘the Royal Residencia Lahore Aibak Polo Cup 2016’ here at Lahore Polo Club on Sunday.

Santiago Cernadas was the highest scorer of the match as he struck five goals for Diamond Paints, while his team-mate Saqib Khan Khakwani hammered four goals to ensure the victory for the team.

Learning Alliance’s Chilean player Matias Vial Perez managed to score a hat-trick but failed to save his team from losing, Ahmed Ali Tiwana contributed with one goal. Learning Alliance had the handicap advantage of half a goal. Howard Smith and Ben Turner served as the field umpires while Max Charlton was the referee in the final.

On the other hand, Master Paints defeated Master Paints/ Habib Metro 4 ½ - 4 to win the subsidiary final.

Argentinean Juan Cruz Losada made a hat-trick for Master Paints scoring in the first three chukkers, keeping the pace with Master Paints/Habib Metro. Hamza Mawaz Khan also scored a goal for the winners. Hissam Ali Hyder and Pedro Gutierrez scored two goals each for Master Paints/ Habib Metro. Master Paints won the match with a half goal handicap advantage over their opponents.

Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq was the chief guest at the closing ceremony and gave away the prizes to the winners. Speaking on the occasion, Ayaz Sadiq said that sports activities are essential for the society and they also contribute to the economy of the country as they create jobs for people.