LA Sarita captured the Malaysian Open Polo Championships after a nail-biting 6-5 win over Ranhill Club at the Putrajaya Equestrian Park yesterday.

Argentina's Benjamin Araya was La Sarita's hero scoring five goals for the champions.

Ranhill set the early pace with two strikes from Huzaini Yunos in the first chukka.

La Sarita managed to pull one back through Araya in the second chukka but Ranhill retained their two-goal lead when Huzaini struck.

La Sarita clawed their way back into the match in the third chukka by scoring two quick goals through national show jumping athlete Quzier Ambak, and Araya to level the score at 3-3.
Araya struck his third goal to give La Sarita a 4-3 lead but minutes later he turned villain with an own goal.

However, the Argentine displayed his prowess again with a solo effort, giving La Sarita a 5-4 lead in the third chukka.

The fourth chukka was an exciting affair with both teams battling to increase their tally.

Ranhill managed to draw level at 5-5 with a goal from Huzaini.

Araya, who was named the Man of the Match, scored the winning goal for La Sarita in final minute of the chukka.

In the third-fourth match, the Royal Pahang Polo Club edged Thailand Polo 5-4.



Meanwhile, a Malaysian selection will face Punjab of India for the conveted Merdeka Cup at the same venue today. -- AJITPAL SINGH