The season at the United Arab Emirates is in full swing. Following the Emirates Polo Championship International, the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club is hosting the last 12-goal tournament, the EMAAR Cup, that kicked off on Tuesday February 11. The championship match is due on Sunday February 23, the day after the decisive game of the Dubai Gold Cup.
Bin Drai and El Basha opened fire, in a contest that had two leveled chukkas. Bin Drai, who received 0,5 goal on handicap, took off in the third chukka; under the command of Aiti Garros they reached a 6-4.5 advantage. Mohammed Bin Drai sealed the deal in the last chukka, and Bin Drai were victorious 7.5-7.
In the second game, Abu Dhabi clashed against newcomers Equiti. Although the latter demonstrated to be up to the task, and claimed a 4.5-4 lead. Faris Al Yabhouni and Co. bounced back in the third chukka, led by the Bello-Delfino duo. By the start of the last chukka, Abu Dhabi were 8-4.5 up, enough to seize the reins and maintain everything under control to secure a 9-6.5 win.
Last but not least, Lamar met up with AM Polo. Alya Al Maktoum’s lineup took control of the scoreboard and by half time they were 4.5-2 up. But the second half was a very different story. Lamar made an impressive comeback, under the command of Chulo Guerrero and Santos Iriarte; at the end of the day, Rayyan Al Ajaji’s team won 6-5.5.
The EMAAR Cup will resume with the following order of play:
- Friday February 15
Abu Dhabi vs Lamar
- Saturday February 16
Bin Drai vs Noon
AM Polo vs Equiti
THE EMAAR CUP IS STREAMED LIVE ON POLOLINE TV HERE.