Abu Dhabi ran out the champions of the Ghantoot International Polo Championship, following an impressive 10-6 win over Ghantoon, in the championship match that took place at Ghantoot Racind & Polo Club, on Friday MNarch 8. In addition to the title, the final was a rematch for Faris Al Yabhouni’s lineup, who lost to Ghantoot 12-7 in the tournament’s opening day.
Abu Dhabi seized the rains from the very start, with three unanswered goals by Santiago Laborde, who was very accurate on penalty conversion. But Ghantoot were not about to give up – they made a great comeback in the second chukka, and closed the gap to just one goal. From then onwards, it was Abu Dhabi who re-gained control, earning considerable differences. Abu Dhabi’s decisive man was Santiago Laborde, the match MVP and top scorer (eight goals).
THE GHANTOOT INTERNATIONAL POLO CHAMPIONSHIP WAS STREAMED LIVE ON POLOLINE TV.
Ghantoot International Polo Championship – Final – Friday March 8
ABU DHABI 10-6 GHANTOOT
ABU DHABI: Faris Al Yabhouni 0 (1 goal), Santiago Laborde 6 (8, 5 de penal), Félix Esaín 6 (1), Alfredo Cappella 8. Total: 20.
GHANTOOT: Nasser Al Shamsi 1, Cesar Crespo 6, Pablo Llorente 6 (2 goals), Marcos Araya 7 (4 penales). Total: 20.
Score Abu Dhabi: 3-0, 3-2, 6-3, 8-5, 10-6.
Umpires: Matías Baibiene & Peter Wright. Third man: Jason Dixon.
MVP: Santiago Laborde.
MVP Amateur: Faris Al Yabhouni.
BPP: Dolfina Dulce. Player: Santiago Laborde.
BPP presented by the AACCP: Jota Yessica. Player: Marcos Araya.
RELIVE THE FINAL OF THE GHANTOOT INT. POLO CHAMPIONSHIP: ABU DHABI VS GHANTOOT (POLOLINE TV)