LAHORE, April 18: A last-gasp goal by Shaukat Malik and a three- goal rally mainly led by Azam Hayat Noon in the fourth chukker enabled Artex International to enter the final of the Guard Rice Cup polo tournament, defeating Guard Rice in a thrilling packed semifinal 4 1/2-4 on Friday.
Artex will meet SHV Energy in the final to be held on Sunday.
Guard were comfortably leading 4- 1 1/2 till the end of the third chukker before Artex fought back in the fourth chukker.
Artex held their half goal lead on handicap to command the first chukker 1 1/2-1 as both the teams scored a goal each. Ahmad Ali Tiwana who scored two goals for the losers, drew the first blood. Azam who struck three goals for the winners scored his first.
Guard came out with 3-1 1/2 lead in the second chukker when Malik Atif Yar Tiwana slammed a goal followed by a goal from Taimur Malik.
Ahmad scored his second, the lone goal of the third chukker to make it 4-1 1/2.
Starting the fourth chukker with a great determination, Artex scored three goals in a row to turn the table over the rivals. Azam scored back to back goals to complete his tally of three goals. But that was not enough as to complete the win Shaukat Malik converted a 60 yard penalty hit to score the decider.
Tri Star defeated Diamond Paints 5-2 to qualify for the subsidiary final.
Dr I A Khan was the chief scorer with three goals. Ahmad Nawaz Tiwana added two goals. Diamond scored their both the goals in the fourth chukker after conceding 5-0 lead. Mir Shoaib and Raja Aamir chipped in a goal each.
