Chasing their dream of winning the prestigious title for the fifth time in a row, eight-goal-handicap Thailand A lived up to supporters' expectations and trounced five-handicap Malaysia 10-5.5 in the curtain-raiser on Sunday.

Against Thailand B, who carried a handicap of three, Thailand A scored four goals in the first two chukkas, thanks mainly to the superb skills and fine combination of the father-and-son duo, who scored two goals apiece.

Aiyawat, who underwent three weeks of training with world champion Adolfo Cambiaso in Argentina, maintained his top form in the third chukka, scoring another goal. Vichai also proved that old age poses no problem in playing the sport of kings by driving the ball into the goal for a 6-3 win.

With two straight wins, Thailand A topped Group A and secured a place in the final, where they will go up against Singapore, the Group B winners. Singapore registered their first win in the tournament after beating Brunei 8-6.5 on Monday. Six-goal-handicap Singapore yesterday continued their impressive form to crush the Philippines 10-4.5.

Today, Thailand B take on Malaysia. The winning team will take on the Philippines in the third-place play-off over four chukkas at the Siam Polo Park in Pattaya tomorrow.

Channel 11 will televise the final match live on Saturday from 4.30pm to 6pm. The showdown will be over six chukkas at the VR Sport Park in Bangbor, Samut Prakan. The annual meet serves as a warm-up for the SEA Games, which will be held in Nakhon Ratchasima from December 1 to 15.