Hong Kong Polo Teams, a legacy in the making, wins Hong Kong Challenge Cup 2016
The Hong Kong Polo Team (HKPT) have won the final of the Hong Kong Challenge Cup 2016. This victory at Korea Polo Country Club marks HKPT’s 5th international win, beating the Royal Salute Jeju and Korea BMW teams in a five chukka match.
Hosted by J.B. Lee, the Chairman of the Korea Polo Country Club, the polo matches were aired live for the first time on Facebook and YouTube. With the final match commentary narrated by seasoned English polo player Toby Copson. In terms of post event celebrations, Macey and Sons staged a live auction with proceeds going to HKPT’s charity Riding for the Disabled (RDA).
Patrick Furlong (CAPT) described the day as:
“What a result! Following a very tough last day of competition, against two very determined Korean teams, we fought hard for the HK Challenge Cup at the Korea Polo Country Club in Jeju. We had a strong start in the preliminary games on Friday. Kwan Lo was a constant threat to the opposition’s defense and was very quick on the ball with our counter attacks. Russell Tyre and James Bean worked tirelessly in midfield, keeping a very disciplined defense-attack format with good timing and covered each other during our opposition’s attack.
We are very happy with the end result, this is our second successive victory in Korea. I’m particularly proud of the team’s attitude, discipline, focus in difficult times and our ability to adapt game plan gave us the victory today.”
Dave Savage, President of Asia World Polo
“What an incredible couple of days and a nail biting finale! Host J.B. Lee and his team put on a spectacular event and it was a pleasure to be invited back to play against two strong Korean teams.
Once again we would like to thank all our sponsors for their ongoing support and in particular for this event, JetSolution, ALFA Investors and Macey and Sons – for attending in full force to cheer on our Hong Kong Polo Team to the final bell. I’d also like to thank Connexion D’Art, ALFA Investors and Macey and Sons for their generosity by supporting our after dinner Charity Auction for the Riding for the Disabled Association. Each step we take brings us a little closer to our dream of bringing polo back to Hong Kong and the Sport of Kings to the people.”
HONG KONG POLO TEAM | HONG KONG CHALLENGE CUP 2016
Patrick Furlong (CAPT) (2g)
James Bean (-1g)
Russell Tyre (0g)
Kwan Lo (-1g)
HONG KONG CHALLENGE CUP 2016 | MATCH SUMMARY
FINAL
HKPT 4 V Royal Salute Jeju Team 3 Final winning score
HKPT 3 V Korea BMW 0 win
HKPT 4 V Royal Salute Jeju Team 0 win
HKPT 3 V Korea BMW 0 win
On the first day, HKPT were off to a perfect start winning both their preliminary matches by a margin of 3 and 4 goals. Throughout the tournament, Korea BMW tightened their lines, and focused their game on the speed of their horses as well as tighter marking. Over two chukkas HKPT built a margin of 2 goals and over the last half, Korea BMW had a couple of clear chances, breaking away from HKPT’s marks, only to miss by inches.
The final game saw HKPT versus the Royal Salute Jeju team (who had beaten Korea BMW earlier). It was a great final, with an uncertain result until the very last few seconds. JB Lee and his son Rock scored early in the first chukka, keeping the tempo, anticipating HKPT’s mid-field, making it a struggle for Russell and James to keep pace with a very well mounted Royal Salute’s midfield. Out running HKPT, the Royal Salute left a 2 vs. 1 and 3 vs. 1 inside HKPT’s 60 yard mark. It was 3-0 to Royal Salute at the end of the first chukka, leaving a lot of work to do if HKPT were to turn it around. Slowing the ball on the second chukka, Pato Furlong (CAPT) controlled the pace of the match and disrupted Royal Salute’s long-passing game. Drawing their midfielders close, left Kwan and Russell more freedom, allowing HKPT to score 2 goals in quick succession. With only 3 minutes to play, Kwan hit the ball forward off a scrimmage, allowing Pato (CAPT) to break free whilst being chased by a very fast JB Lee. Russell then picked up the ball, scoring from a short distance – leveling the score at 3-3 with only 2 minutes to go. Rock from Royal Salute then missed a shot inside HKPT’s 60 yard line. Allowing Russell to seize an opportunity to score the match-winning goal through a narrow gap in between 2 Royal Salute’s defenders with only 10 seconds left to the final whistle. It was a fantastic comeback, showing great determination and a winning mentality from HKPT.
HONG KONG CHALLENGE CUP 2016 | match day sponsors
TOURNAMENT BRAND PARTNERS
JetSolutions | Aviation Partner
Macey and Sons | Auction Partner
ALFA Group | Main Team Partner
BRAND PARTNERS
Jaeger-LeCoultre | Luxury Watch Partner
VULT | Diamond Partner
Aquila | Official Sports Apparel Partner
Connexion d’Art | Communications Luxury Partner
Legend Sports Socks | Official Technical Footwear Partner
Champagne Armand de Brignac ‘Ace of Spades’ | Champagne Partner
UPCOMING MATCHES
1st – 2nd October | Hong Kong Polo Challenge Cup, Reignwood Polo Club, Beijing
3rd – 4th December 2016 | La Posta Cup, Thai Polo Club, Thailand