HONG KONG WINS THE HONG KONG POLO CHALLENGE CUP AT THE KOREA POLO COUNTRY CLUB
The HONG KONG POLO TEAM galloped to victory on Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th June in an exhilarating Hong Kong Challenge Cup tournament against the Korea BMW and Korea Royal Salute teams at the Korea Polo Country Club (KPCC).
The Hong Kong Polo Team reached the semi-final with a win against Korea BMW with a score of Hong Kong 4½ goals, BMW 2 goals. Hong Kong then went on to win the final against Korea Royal Salute with a score of Hong Kong Polo Team 5 goals, Korea Polo Country Club 3 goals.
Captain Patrick Furlong led the team in a thrilling contest against the established Korea BMW and Korea Royal Salute teams at the Korea Polo Country Club at the second instalment of the Hong Kong Challenge Cup. The Team was comprised of the very experienced Jonathan Gabler, Kwan Lo, Russell Tyre and Richard Cameron. The game marked the Hong Kong Polo Team’s second tournament of the season together as they continue their international tour. The team was well represented and supported by luxury brand sponsors: Headline sponsor Stanley Gibbons Investment, Jaeger LeCoultre and Royal Salute. CEO of Asia World Polo and instigator of the HONG KONG POLO TEAM, Dave Savage spoke of the team’s win:
“This weekend the Hong Kong Polo Team had a fantastic performance for the HK polo Challenge Cup at the Korea Polo Country Club (KPCC) on Jeju Island, South Korea. The team delivered an outstanding team performance across all lines, with a solid tactical plan and superb individual performances, particularly Jonathan
Gabler (‘Jonno’) winning Most Valuable Player for the tournament and Russell Tyre (Russ) playing his debut game for the Hong Kong Polo Team.”
TEAM PLAY
Korea Royal Salute, who had lost the previous day against BMW, reversed their result and won their match against BMW, lining themselves up for the thrilling final against Hong Kong. Team Captain Patrick Furlong spoke of the first chukka:
“Korea Royal Salute came out with great momentum following their win against BMW. They also adjusted their lines and came out aggressively, scoring in the first seconds of the chukka. At 3-3, that first chukka became a tough contest of wills, a game fought hard in the midfield and with no clear advantage to either team.”
The team arrived at the final chukka on an even score of 3-3, with all to play for. After a great collective effort, Kwan Lo scored an almost definitive 4-3 with two minutes remaining to give Hong Kong the minimum advantage. Korea Royal Salute fought back and got close to within the 30-yard defence line, but could not convert. Kwan himself scored the last and final goal just before the final whistle to make it a final result of 5-3 to HK. Captain Patrick Furlong proudly spoke of the win:
“It was a fantastic win for the team; the second successive win this year. I’m very pleased with how the team performed, demonstrating maturity and a cool head to deal with very tough opponents, and executing on the game plan superbly.”
PRESENTATION OF THE HONG KONG POLO CHALLENGE CUP
Dave Savage thanked sponsors Stanley Gibbons Investment, Jaeger-LeCoultre and Royal Salute and presented the two runner-up team prizes. Dave also commended their host Club President JB Lee for providing world-class polo facilities and hospitality; and awarded him an honorary membership of the Hong Kong Polo Association, courtesy of their President Mr. Paul Chow. JB Lee presented individual trophies to the winners, along with the Hong Kong Polo Challenge Cup, which is safely back in Hong Kong for another year.
In 1931, sponsor Jaeger-LeCoultre created the iconic Reverso watch, which was conceived as a watch capable of surviving the hard knocks of a polo game. At this thrilling KPCC match, Jaeger-LeCoultre showcased the beautiful The Grande Reverso 1931 Seconde Central, a timepiece that captures vintage elegance designed for a contemporary lifestyle. It strikes a perfect balance between creative momentum and profound respect for the historical watch- a model that asserts itself with due style, while respecting the elegant constancy of the legend.
All players were very impressed with the support and fit of their Legends Sports Socks throughout the 2-day tournament, which proved to play their part in adding high performance support and compression to this high impact sport. Team Captain Patrick Furlong commented that the wicking and cleverly integrated support helped his concentration on the game, as his feet were very comfortable in the boots.