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Candy Land defeated Rice Guard eight and a half to eight goals to win the Nurpur Cup Polo Tournament in Lahore. The one and a half goal advantage due to their low handicap proved decisive for Candy Land in the end.

Witnessed by a large gathering at the Lahore Polo Ground, Vishal Singh -- the five-goal player from India -- showed his class in the main final as he scored four goals to spur Candy Land and outshine Dhruvpal Godara, who scored six goals in the match.

It was all Vishal in the opening chukker as he scored both his team\'s goals. He had to make a long chase for his first strike while his second was an excellent solo effort. However, Guard Rice hit back with two goals through Dhruvpal Godara and Raja Samiullah as the first chukker ended all square.

The same story was repeated in the second chukker with both the teams scoring two goals each. Ahmed Ali Tiwana converted a penalty hit near the goal post and Vishal netted his third as Candy Land took a 4-2 lead. Their joy was short-lived with Dhruvpal making no mistake on two penalty hits -- the second coming from a lofted hit from 60 yards.

Cheered on by the crowd, Guard Rice took control of the proceedings in the third chukker. Raja Samiullah made a fine solo run to score while Dhruvpal continued his good work with a 40-yard penalty conversion.

Candy Land responded with three goals in the fourth chukker -- Asif Tiwana scoring twice and Vishal adding his fourth personal goal. But the advantage was negated as Guard Rice fought tooth and nail with Dhruvpal finding the target twice. He first converted a 60-yard penalty hit with a lofted shot and then scored another in field play, netting the goal from a distance of 100 yards with a fine strike.

It was 8-7 in Guard Rice\'s favour at the end of the stipulated time but the one and half goal advantage held by Candy Land gave them the victory.

Chairman Noon Group of Companies Malik Manzoor Hayat was the chief guest at the prize distribution ceremony.

Teams:
Candy Land: Vishal Singh (5), Asif Tiwana (3), Ahmed Ali Tiwana (2), Tanvir Tariq (0). Guard Rice: Dhruvpal Godara (5), Raja Samiullah (4), Dr Iftikhar Simba (2), Taimur Ali Malik (2)