Filipino-American Anthony Garcia erupted for six goals as Team Philippines outgunned Team Dubai, 13-9, in the Belo Polo Cup 2015 “Battle of the Titans” Sunday in Makati
Garcia, later named tournament MVP, fired half of the four Philippine goals in the second chukker for a 5-1 lead that sparked the home team’s breakaway.
Globalport owner Mikee Romero chipped in three goals to help wrap up the Philippines’ strong finish in the five-chukker match.
“It was a tough win,” said Romero, who helped organize the showdown, country’s first 17-goal polo match in 20 years.
“In a high-level game like this, it is important to have teamwork, and it showed.”
Niño Obregon, an Argentinian seven-goaler, scored a pair of goals in the first two chukkers and Miguel Diaz also delivered two.
Matthias Zabaleta paced Dubai with four goals.
In the side event, Team Yellow overpowered Team Blue, 8-2.
Sonny Borromeo led Yellow with three goals in the four-chukker match with Santi Juban and Stuart Tomlinson adding a pair of goals.
Coco Garcia also shone in Yellow’s stifling defense that held Blue to just two goals. Jasmine W. Payo