LAHORE: Hamza Mawaz Khan struck six goals as Master Paints clinched the Maj Gen Saeed-uz-Zaman Memorial Polo Cup after overcoming PBG/Remounts 8-7½ in a thrilling final at the Fortress Stadium here on Sunday.

Master Paints got off to a flying start as Mumtaz Abbas Dabboo and Hamza scored to give them a two-goal lead before Lt Col Rabnawaz Tiwana pulled one back for PBG/Remounts, who had a half-goal handicap, before Hamza ended the first chukker with his second goal to make it 3-1.

Saqib Rider scored early on in the second chukker but Master Paints stepped up a gear with Hamza scoring twice and Ahmed Bilal also getting on the scoresheet to extend their side’s advantage to four goals.

Five goals came in the third chukker with Rabnawaz, Saqib and Nicolas Ruiz Guinazu scoring for PBG/Remounts and Hamza scoring another two for Master Paints.

Goals by Guinazu and Capt M. Humair Ghazi ensured a nervy finale but Master Paints held on to secure the victory.

In the subsidiary final, Raja Temur Nadeem’s five goals helped Polo D Sufi defeated Newage/Diamond Paints 6-5.

Published in Dawn, December 31st, 2018