The Gold Cup (Dubai Open) continued on Wednesday February 16, at Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club, that saw wins by UAE Polo and Dubai Wolves by CAFU against Abu Dhabi and AM Polo, respectively. The Dubai Open forms part of the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series, the most prestigious polo event in Asia and the Middle East, held under the Patronage of HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai.
The tournament sees eight teams, up to 18 goals, battling for the coveted trophy. The finals are set to be played on Saturday, March 5.
Following a 1-all in the first chukka, it was Abu Dhabi who took the lead in the second chukka over UAE Polo. But in the third chukka, Sheikha Maitha and her boys managed to outscore their contenders 3-0, to grab a 5-3 advantage. However Abu Dhabi managed to make a comeback, with goals by Jero del Carril and Santiago Cernadas, but luck was on UAE Polo’s side and at the end of the day they claimed a 9-6 win.
The second game, saw AM Polo earning an early lead over Dubai Wolves by CAFU in the first chukka, but the Wolves replied quickly from the second chukka onwards, by widening their advantage until reaching their momentum in the fourth chukka when they took a 5-goal lead. While Alejandro Muzzio put AM Polo back on the scoreboard again, the damage was already done – the Wolves scored three more goals to secure the 12-8 victory.
GOLD CUP (DUBAI OPEN) – WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 16
UAE POLO 9-6 ABU DHABI
UAE POLO: Sheika Maitha 0, Lukin Monteverde 5, Tommy Beresford 6, Jacinto Crotto 7.
ABU DHABI: Faris Al Yabhouni 0, Segndo Amadori 4, Jerónimo del Carril 7, Santiago Cernadas 7.
Score UAE Polo: 1-1, 2-3, 5-3, 8-3, 9-6.
Top Scorer: Tommy Beresford (7 goals)
DUBAI WOLVES by CAFU 12-6 AM POLO
DUBAI WOLVES BY CAFU: Habtoor Al Habtoor 1, Alfredo Cappella 8, Toly Ulloa 6, Charles Cooney 3.
AM POLO: Sheikha Alia 0, Pablo Urquiza 4, Benjamín Urquiza 6, Alejandro Muzzio 8.
Score Dubai Wolves by CAFU: 0-2, 4-3, 7-4, 9-4, 12-8.
Top Scorers: Carlos Ulloa, Alfredo Cappella and Alejandro Muzzio (5 goals each).
The Gold Cup (Dubai Open) will be back on Saturday February 19:
2pm: Habtoor Polo vs. Bangash Dodson & Horrell.
4pm: Ghantoot vs. Zedan.
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THE GOLD CUP (DUBAI OPEN) IS STREAMED LIVE ON POLOLINE TV.