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Published on February 1, 2008

The home side, the Cup holders since the inception of the tournament in 2003, took the handicap advantage over the visitors, with Anc Santos, who carried the tournament's highest handicap of 6, being a major force of the team.

Having a handicap of 8 against Thailand's 12, Dubai were given two points to lead initially 2-0, but the hosts struck early to make it 1-2 in the first chukka.

In the second, Thailand scored twice, while Dubai managed once to leave the score at 3-3. Dubai upped the tempo and made the most of their offence to make it 4-3 in the third.

In the thrilling fourth chukka, Thailand poured everything to make amends. They pummeled the visitors by scoring four times. Dubai scored a late goal and eventually went down 5-7. With straight two wins including the scintillating 9-6.5 win over the USA in the first tie, Thailand now top Group A.

In Group B, Brunei, who beat Australia 7-6 on Tuesday, repeated the trick by beating the rivals 10-8 to top the pool.

In Saturday's final, Thailand will take on Brunei, while Australia will play Dubai in the third-place play-off.

Today is a rest day. The third-place play-off starts at 3.30pm tomorrow, followed by Thailand v Brunei at 4.30pm.

Preechachan Wiriyanupappong

 The Nation