?THE ?Polo gold medal makes a return to Malaysia after a 10-year wait.Malaysia defeated Thailand 9-8 in the final on Tuesday at the Putrajaya Equestrian Park to wrest the gold that was last won in the 2007 Games.

Shaik Reismann Mohamed Ismail (handicap 3), Tengku Ahmad Shazril Ezzani Tengku Suleiman (handicap 3) and Abdul Rashid Hasnan were instrumental in extending Malaysia’s lead to 7-4 after the second cukka was tied on 4-4.

The Thais, who scored through Thanasin Chuawangkham, Apichet Srivaddhanaprabha and Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha closed the gap in the fourth cukka but could not stop the Malaysians from running away with victory.

Sheik Reismann, who had also captained the team during the 2007 Games, said it was an honour to lead the team once again for the gold.

“We expected the game to be very rough and tough but we were steadily prepared for it. I am happy for my team as we trained since December last year. We have been through ups and downs together as we remained undefeated in polo,” said Sheik Reismann.

Brunei took the bronze after beating Singapore 10-8 yesterday.? ?

Brunei prince Pengiran Muda Bahar Jefri was adjudged the Most Valuable Player.Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah presented the prizes.

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