Habtoor, Abu Dhabi And Ghantoot Make Their Way To The Semifinals

In today’s matches, Abu Dhabi defeated Mahra by 6 goals to 3 and Habtoor was victorious over Ghantoot by 8 goals to 7 in overtime.

The qualyfing round of the Gold Cup came to an end this afternoon with two good polo matches which resulted in Habtoor Polo, Ghantoot and Abu Dhabi qualyfing to the semifinals of the tournament.

In the first game of the day, at the main field of the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, Abu Dhabi defeated Mahra by 6 goals to 3 and made their way to the semifinals with this victory.

Mahra, as in almost all the tournament, made a good start but couldn´t maintain this level and Abu Dhabi over-powered them in the last two chukkers of the game.

In the second match, Habtoor Polo had to go into overtime to defeat Ghantoot by 8 goals to 7, thanks to a great goal from Nacho Bello.
It was an exciting match, with great goals, one of them scored by Mohammed Al Habtoor, in a match which could have gone either way.

Habtoor were leading for most of the match but the Ghantoot team reacted well later in the game to force the game to overtime.
After missing three good chances to score finally it was Nacho Bello who, in a great individual play, scored for Habtoor and gave the victory for his team.

The semifinals of the Gold Cup will be held next Monday at the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club.
Habtoor will face Abu Dhabi from 2.30 and Bin Drai play against Ghantoot at 4 pm.

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 9, 2013

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