Habtoor Polo Remains Unbeaten In The Gold Cup

Mohammed Al Habtoor’s team defeated Zedan by 7 goals to 6 in overtime and Bin Drai won their game against Mahra 14 goals to 9.

We had an exciting afternoon at the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club with two great polo matches for the Gold Cup tournament.

Bin Drai and Habtoor Polo where the winners of the matches played today. Saeed Bin Drai´s team defeated Mahra by 14 goals to 9 while Mohammed Al Habtoor´s team made the same against Zedan by 7 goals to 6 in overtime.

The match between Bin Drai and Mahra was full of exciting moments and goals. The game played by this two teams is, until the moment, the top scored match in the Dubai Polo Gold Series 2013.

Mahra made a great half time, taking a difference of three goals at the end of the second chukka (7-4). But a great reaction by Bin Drai turn things over and the scoreboard had them as leaders during the second half of the game.
A great performance by Juan José Brane, with 8 goals, four in the last chukka, made things easier for Bin Drai´s victory.

In the second match of the day, Habtoor Polo and Zedan brought another great game to the crowd in the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Team.

With a constant coming and going in the actions and the goals both teams brought great polo to the main field of the club.

Nachi Heguy in Zedan and Ezequiel Martínez for Habtoor had outstanding performances this afternoon.

With a one goal difference in the fourth chukker, Heguy took the game to overtime after scoring a great goal.

But in the extra chukker it was Martínez turn to answered with another great move to give Habtoor Polo the victory and a good chance to reach the semifinals of the Gold Cup.

The Gold Cup returns on Monday with two new matches. At 2.30 Habtoor Polo will face Bin Drai and at 4 pm Abu Dhabi plays against Zedan, both matches will be held at 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: Mar 3, 2013

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