By Alejandra Ocampo
The Standard Chartered Gold Cup, the most important tournament of the Dubai Gold Cup Series, continued as Habtoor and Abu Dhabi qualified for the final of the Bentley Cup. The series, hosted at Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club, is revered throughout Asia and the Middle East.
First up, Habtoor claimed a 10-8 win over Bangash to secure a place in the final. Mohammed Al Habtoor’s team maintained the lead throughout the five chukkas of play, thanks to Facundo Sola’s six goals. (Score Habtoor: 2-1, 5-3, 6-4, 7-6, 10-8).
Next, Abu Dhabi worked hard to defeat Dubai Wolves. The match was forced into extra chukka, but in the end Alfredo Cappella managed to score the golden goal and secure Abu Dhabi’s place in the Bentley Cup final. (Score Abu Dhabi: 0-2, 3-6, 4-6, 6-7, 8-8, 9-8).
STANDARD CHARTERED GOLD CUP SEMIFINALS
The much anticipated semifinals of the Standard Challenge Gold Cup are set for Tuesday March 3. Four teams will fight for a place in the championship match.
Ghantoot will take on AM/UAE at 2:30pm, before UAE face Zedan at 4:15pm.
The finals of the Gold Cup (Dubai Open) are set for Friday, March 6.
ALL GOLD CUP MATCHES ARE STREAMED LIVE VIA POLOLINE TV.
STANDARD CHARTERED GOLD CUP: TEAMS AND FIXTURES
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The Gold Cup, the most important tournament of Asia and the Middle East, was established in 2009. Over the last decade, the competition has become one of the most prestigious of the international polo calendar. The Gold Cup also awards points for the WPT Championship Cup category of the World Polo Tour.