The second matchdate of the Emirates Polo Championship International was split between Wednesday January 29 and Thursday January 30, at Ghantoot Racing & Polo, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Both days featured a single match each and an unexpected situation – AM Polo advanced to the semifinals without even playing.
Bin Drai and El Basha clashed on Wednesday. Having the two of them lost their previous games, they needed a win to maintain their hopes to earn a spot in the semifinals. The Bin Drai family lineup dominated the contest, and, with one chukka remaining, they were 9.5-2 up. Bin Drai slowed down in the last chukka, while El Basha managed to get closer in the scoreboard, but the efforts didn’t pay off. At the end of the day, Bin Drai were victorious 9.5-6.
The second matchdate was closed on Thursday with a hard fought and very close contest between Ghantoot and Abu Dhabi. Both lineups exchanged the leadership thoroghout the four chukkas of play, and with only seconds left in regulation time, Ghantoot and Abu Dhabi were tied at 7-all. But all was said and done when Juan Ambroggio converted a 30-yards penalty to secure Ghantoot a narrow 8-7 win as well as a ticket to the semis. It’s worth to notice that Ghantoot’s Juan Ambroggio and Abu Dhabi’s Bauti Bello delivered a fantastic performance – between the two of them, they produced a total of twelve out of the fifteen goals.
The follow-up would have been the clash between AM Polo and Lamar, but due to a personal decision, Rayyan Al Ajaji’s foursome decided not to play. As a consequence, Alya Al Maktoum and her boys claimed the points and stepped into the semifinals. However, Lamar will be able to play their last game on Sunday, to search for a place in the tournament’s next stage.
The Emirates Polo Championship International will continue on Sunday February 2, with the following order of play:
Bin Drai vs Abu Dhabi
Lamar vs El Basha
Ghantoot vs AM Polo
THE EMIRATES POLO CHAMPIONSHIP INTERNATIONAL IS STREAMED LIVE ON POLOLINE TV HERE.