Habtoor Starts The Gold Cup With A Great Victory

Mohammed Al Habtoor won

Habtoor Polo defeated Mahra by 6 goals to 5 in their first match of the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series 2013.

Despite leading the game from the second chukka till the end, the Silver Cup champions had to work really hard to win the match.

Mahra Polo played their best game of the season and fought till the end of the game.

No goals where scored in the first chukka but in the second period Habtoor Polo quickly took the lead with two goals from Guillermo Cuitino and one by Ezequiel Martínez. The reaction of Mahra came in the last minutes with goals by Agustín Canale and Fernando Bordieu.

It was in the third chukka when Habtoor showed their best polo taking a three goal advantage, one of them scored by Mohammed Al Habtoor in a great individual action, that seemed to give them strengh for the last period.
But Mahra never gave up and battled to keep a close distance in the scoreboard.

In the last chukka, Ezequiel Martinez added a new goal for Habtoor and despite the continuing effort of Mahra they close the match by winning 6 goals to 5.

The Gold Cup continues next thursday with the match between Bin Drai and Zedan from 3 pm in the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club.

Six teams are taking part of the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series: Habtoor Polo; Mahra Polo; Zedan Polo; Bin Drai Polo; Abu Dhabi Polo and Ghantoot Polo.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, the tournament has grown in tandem with the city of Dubai.

With its exciting mix of top-class sportsmanship and glamour, it has earned a reputation as one of the most prestigious events on the international polo calendar. It’s also one of the most important annual tournaments in the region and always attracts a high profile crowd. This year it looks set to be more popular than ever and some of the most respected names from the world of polo have confirmed their participation.

As always the Dubai Polo Gold Cup series promises the very best in sportsmanship, entertainment of the highest level and an atmosphere unlike any other polo event.

“I am proud to see Dubai playing host to yet another top polo event,” said Mohammed Al Habtoor, the Chairman of the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series during the presentation of the tournament last sunday 27th January. “Each year the event reaches new heights. Dubai has quickly gained popularity and found its place on the Polo world stage. In 2012 the Dubai Gold Cup Series was recognised by the World Polo Tour (WPT). We have been privileged to attract some big names to the event year after year. Of course it is lovely to see many familiar faces (players, officials and spectators), but it is also great to see new faces on and off the field. This year we have upped the stakes by increasing the handicap from 15 to 16 goals. This means the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series (Dubai Open) is now the highest handicapped tournament in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. A great achievement! Last year I was fortunate to lead my team to victory.”

Emirate:  Dubai

Date: Feb 27, 2013

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