The Dubai Silver Cup, one of the most remarkable polo competitions in the Middle East, resumed on Wednesday January 22, with a double matchdate. It’s worth to remind that both games should were scheduled to play on Tuesday June 21, but they were postponed due to the shocking news of the passing of two of the most beloved personalities of polo, Rufino Laulhé and Martín Garrahan.
With everyone still very moved by the tragic events, the tournament went ahead. Following a one minute silence observed as a tribute to Rufo and Chochan, Ghantoot and Dubai Wolves opened fire. Ghantoot had a very strong start, claiming a quick three goal advantage in the first chukka. However, Habtoor bounced back, and managed to tie by the end of the first chukka. The match was very tight in the second chukka, but in the remaining chukkas, Ghantoot made a spectacular comeback, to claim a four goals advantage, to earn their second consecutive win. Dubai Wolves, with a 2-1 record, need a win in their next match,
Habtoor and UAE met up in the second match; both lineups needed a win after losing their previous games. UAE dominated from the start – led by formidable performances delivered by Teo Lacau and Lukin Monteverde, UAE earned an impressive 11-3 advantage in the fourth chukka. Although Habtoor tried their best to overcome the result, the damage had already been done; HH Sheikha Maitha and her boys secured a 14-6 win that gives them hopes to reach the final.
The Dubai Silver Cup will continue on Saturday January 25, with the following order of play:
2pm: UAE vs Ghantoot
4pm: Bangash vs Dubai Wolves
THE DUBAI SILVER CUP IS STREAMED LIVE ON POLOLINE.TV.