Ghantoot claimed the IFZA Gold Cup, the most prestigious polo tournament in Asia and the Middle East, following a 11-7 victory against UAE Polo, after and impressive comeback that saw them trailing halfway in the third chukka. From then on, and as they did in their previous games, they displayed a spectacular performance that allowed them to get a significant goal advantage, in order to secure a formidable win, and earn a very well deserved title.
Meanwhile, Bangash took the Subsidiary Bentley Cup after defeating Dubai Wolves by CAFU, in the day’s opening match. The finals of the IFZA Gold Cup were played at Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club. The tournament saw eight teams, up to 18 goals, compete.
GHANTOOT – ROAD TO THE FINAL
12-9 vs Habtoor
13-8 vs Bangash
12-10 vs IFZA Mahra
13-9 vs Habtoor (Semifinal)
11-7 vs UAE Polo (Final)
MORE DETAILS:
GHANTOOT: Nasser Al Shamsi 1, Cesar Crespo 4 (4 goals), Pablito Llorente 6 (1), Marcos Araya 7 (6). Total: 18.
UAE POLO: HH Sheikha Maitha 0, Lukin Monteverde 3, Tomas Panelo 7 (7 goals), Guillermo Willington 7. Total: 17.
Score Ghantoot: 1-3, 2-4, 8-4, 8-5, 11-7.
MVP: Cesar Crespo.
BPP: Jota Pichot. Player: Cacu Araya.
Tournament top scorer: Benjamín Panelo (36 goals)
BENTLEY CUP FINAL: BANGASH 10-7 DUBAI WOLVES BY CAFU
Bangash Polo: Haider Bangash 0, Federico Von Potobsky 5, Benjamin Panelo 6 (8 goals), Jacinto Crotto 7 (2). Total: 18.
Dubai Wolves by CAFU: Habtoor Al Habtoor 1, Kian Hall 3 (1 goal), Tommy Beresford 6 (3), Alejandro Muzzio 8 (3). Total: 18.
Score Bangash: 2-2, 4-4, 5-5, 7-6, 10-7.
The next leg of the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series will be the Dubai Challenge Cup, for teams up to 10 goals, and due through March 13-20.