In a gripping match at the Lahore Polo Club, FG Polo secured a 7-6 victory over BN Polo with a sudden-death winner in extra time, the decisive strike coming in the sixth chukker of the 63rd Allied Bank National Open Polo Championship for the Quaid-e-Azam Gold Cup.
Raul Laplacette produced a match-defining performance, drilling in six magnificent goals to lead FG Polo, while Ahmed Ali Tiwana contributed a crucial single goal to complete the seven-goal tally for his side. Laplacette’s accuracy and composure under pressure proved decisive in the sudden-death finish.
BN Polo responded fiercely throughout the contest, with Tito Ruiz Guinazu delivering an impressive five-goal display and Lao Abelenda adding one. Despite their spirited play and tactical resilience, BN Polo fell just short as the game was settled in extra time.
The match was a showcase of top-tier polo, featuring fast-paced action, tactical ingenuity and exceptional horsemanship from both teams. Neither side yielded during regulation chukkers, reflecting the high competitive standards of the National Open Polo tournament and the prestige of the Quaid-e-Azam Gold Cup.
A large turnout of spectators and families created an electric atmosphere around the club grounds, underlining the event’s significance in Pakistan’s polo calendar. Senior officials from title sponsor Allied Bank Limited attended the match, along with President of Lahore Polo Club Malik Azam Hayat Noon, executive committee members, Secretary Maj Amjad Ghafoor (Retd), prominent polo lovers and several leading players who witnessed the dramatic finish.
