Ghantoot Wins And Joins The Leaders Of The Gold Cup

The victory against Mahra by 8 goals to 3 also puts them on the top of the qualyfing list with Habtoor Polo, Bin Drai and Abu Dhabi

Ghantoot defeated Mahra by 8 goals to 3 in the only match of the day for the Gold Cup.

This victory gives Ghantoot good chances to qualify to the semifinals in four places that will be decided in the last two days of the qualifying round.

Despite the effort of Mahra Team, Ghantoot was superior from the first chukker till the end and deserved the victory.

Juan Zubiaurre from Ghantoot was the mvp and top scorer of the match with five goals.

The Gold Cup has four places reserved for the semifinals and five teams with chances to get through. Four of them are better positioned: Habtoor Polo, Abu Dhabi, Bin Drai and Ghantoot, with two victories each.

Zedan, with their triumph against Abu Dhabi yesterday, has to win his next match against Bin Drai, to be held on Thursday, to have a possibility to reach the semifinals.

The final matches will be decisive and for sure full of emotion. On Thursday, Zedan will play against Bin Drai and on Friday, Abu Dhabi will face Mahra and Habtoor against Ghantoot.

Six teams 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 6, 2013

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