Bhansali claimed the Dubai Challenge Cup, third leg of the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series, following a win over El Basha on Wednesday at the Al Habtoor Polo Resort, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The initial moments of the match unfolded with intense energy as both teams were determined to score and maintained strong defensive plays. Bhansali Polo’s Gonzalo Santamarina exhibited exceptional skill, consistently contributing to his team’s score and establishing stability early on receiving help from his teammates. Meanwhile, Tomás Iriarte of El Basha Polo made sure they answered back. The match remained tightly contested and highly charged, with a narrow score gap, resulting in the win for Bhansali Polo by 6.5 goals to 5.
Prior to the main final, the Subsidiary Final saw Habtoor and Power Horse PBS facing off for the Trophy. Right from the outset, the intensity of competition was palpable, with Alvaro Scherb notching the first goal for Power Horse. Displaying remarkable consistency, Scherb maintained his stellar performance, backed by solid teamwork from his companions. Despite the relentless efforts of Power Horse – PBS Polo, Habtoor Polo demonstrated exceptional teamwork, managing to level the score and executing a solid defensive strategy, ultimately securing victory.
Mr. Mohammed Khalaf Al Habtoor, Chairman of the UAE Polo Federation, honored and presented the awards to the teams of the day: Manuel Pérez was named the Most Valuable Player, while Azul was chosen as the Best Playing Pony.
FINAL DUBAI CHALLENGE CUP: BHANSALI 6.5-5 EL BASHA POLO
BHANSALI: Rishi Bhansali 0, Manuel Perez 2, Gonzalo Santamarina 5, Ariel Ponzi 2.
EL BASHA POLO: Hani Jabshe -1, Justo Cuitiño 3, Tomás Iriarte 4, Juan Cruz Guevara 4.
Match Progression Bhansali Polo: 1.5-1, 3.5-3, 4.5-4, 6.5-5.
MVP: Manuel Pérez.
BPP: Azul. Played by Gonzalo Santamarina.
SUBSIDIARY FINAL: HABTOOR 6-4.5 POWER HORSE PBS
HABTOOR: Khalaf Al Habtoor -1, Habtoor Al Habtoor 1, Juanji Diaz Alberdi 3, Juan Jauretche 7.
POWER HORSE PBS: Petra Spanko 0, Alvaro Scherb -1, Tomás Palacios 3, Santiago Laborde 6.
Match Progression Habtoor: 0-1.5, 2-2.5, 4-3.5, 6-4.5.