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Published on January 28, 2008

Dubai, the US and Thailand comprise Group A, with Group B consisting of Australia and Brunei. Only the top teams after the preliminaries will battle it out on February 2.

The Americans jumped to a 2.5-goal advantage before the hosts, powered by the Argentinian trio of Lujan Lucas, Yanez Gustavo and Anc Santos, who all  have a handicap of six, stormed back with two goals to narrow the gap. However, shortly before the end of the first chukka, the US scored again.

Thailand, fielding only one local player in Aiyawatt Raksriaksorn, performed magnificently in the second chukka, in which they scored three goals. Thailand closed the second chukka with a 7-4.5 lead andcontinued their form in the third. Despite Argentinian Adolfo Casabal's brilliant offensive play for the US, Thailand stretched the lead to 9-6.5.

The US launched a wave of attacks in the final chukka, but the Thais held their nerves. Today is a rest day. Tomorrow, the US face Dubai while Brunei will take on Australia. The first match will start at 3.30pm.

The Nation