Bin Drai Wins And Steps Into The Semifinals Of The Gold Cup

Bin Drai defeated Zedan by 7 goals to 6 and qualyfied to the semifinals of the Gold Cup.

It was an exciting match, with great polo level and goals.

Zedan made a great start taking the score to 3 goals to 1 but a quick reaction by Bin Drai, who had in Salvador Ulloa the MVP of the game, tied the score at 3 in the end of the first seven minutes of the match.

Amr Zedan´s team, with Nachi Heguy leading the actions, maintained a one goal difference through the second and third chukka til Bin Drai managed to tie the game and start the last chukka with a 5 goal apice.

Juanjo Brane, with two goals gave Bin Drai the victory and the ticket to the semifinals of the Gold Cup.

Tomorrow two great matches will be held at the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club.
Abu Dhabi will face Mahra from 2.30 and Habtoor Polo play against Ghantoot at 4 pm in the last qualyfing matches of the Gold Cup.

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 7, 2013

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