The Dubai Gold Cup, the highlight of the season in the Middle East, kicked on Wednesday February 5, with two games, at Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The tournament sees six teams up to 20 goals, in participation.
Dubai Wolves, recent winners of the Silver Cup, opened fire in the first contest against Bangash. Haider Bangash’s lineup, who haven’t earned a victory yet, showcased a changed of positions within the lineup, with Genaro Ringa as the back and Tomás Fernández Llorente, as number three. However, and although they had an advantage in the fourth chukka, Dubai Wolves, led by Benja Panelo, bounced back – it was Benja who produced enough goals to secure his team a 10-9 win.
Up next came the derby of the Middle East, UAE vs. Habtoor. The latter were the dominant force thoroghout the first half, but UAE was far from giving up – under the command of Lukin Monteverde and Rocho Torreguitar, they made an impressive comeback, and at the end of the day, they beat Habtoor 12-10.
Last but not least, Ghantoot clashed against the new Jehangiri foursome, a lineup that include the hightest rated players of the tournament – 9-goaler Gonzalito Pieres and 8-goaler Alejandro Muzzio. However, it was Ghantoot who seized the reins from the start, making things complicated for their contenders. Ghantoot won by an impressive 11-6 score, a remarkable start for a team who dream to win the Gold Cup after several years.
THE DUBAI GOLD CUP WILL RESUME ON THE WEEKEND, AS FOLLOWS:
- Saturday February 8
Habtoor Polo vs Dubai Wolves
- Sunday February 9
Ghantoot vs UAE
Jehangiri vs Bangash
THE DUBAI GOLD CUP IS STREAMED LIVE ON POLOLINE TV HERE.