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Early Wins for Bangash Polo and Ghantoot Polo Teams at the IFZA Gold Cup 2021

17. February 2021

16 February 2021, Dubai, UAE: The IFZA Gold Cup 2021 kicked off to a blistering start having four teams compete on the first day of the tournament.

The first match of the tournament showed strong gameplay from Bangash Polo team with the opening goal from Benjamin Panelo followed by another from its Patron – Haider Bangash. The following chukkers saw IFZA-Mahra Polo team struggle to close in on the 5 goal lead of Bangash by halftime. The golden chukker for IFZA-Mahra Polo was on the fourth as the team demonstrated an amazing comeback with 4 consecutive goals from Isidro Strada and the scores were tied at 8 goals. The last chukker was a race for the win with Bangash Polo team defending and extending their lead until the end at 12 goals to 9.

Match Progression: 2 – 1 | 5 – 2 | 8 – 3 | 8 – 8 | 12 – 9
Top Scorer: Benjamin Panelo, 7 goals

Ghantoot Polo‘s debut game in the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series 2021 was against Habtoor Polo. The first chukker was on almost equal footing having 2 goals each from Facundo Sola and Nasser Al Shamsi and a penalty goal from Pablo Llorente. Ghantoot Polo took off at the second chukker with 3 goals from Marcos Araya and they kept their lead until halftime.

With 7 minutes left on the clock, Habtoor Polo tried to close the gap in scores but was maintained by Ghantoot Polo as they delivered runaway goals that sealed their first win in the tournament.

Match Progression: 3 – 2 | 6 – 3 | 8 -5 | 9 – 6 | 12 – 9
Top Scorers: Marcos Araya & Facundo Sola, 6 goals

The IFZA Gold Cup 2021 will continue on the 17th of February on Field 3 with a match between Dubai Wolves by CAFU and Zedan Polo teams at 14:00 followed by UAE Polo and Abu Dhabi teams at 16:00.

Images: Tony Belot and Khalil Ali / ShineTV

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16 February 2021, Dubai, UAE: The IFZA Gold Cup 2021 kicked off to a blistering start having four teams compete on the first day of the tournament. The first match…

Asia, Polo News

UAE Polo Claims the Polo Masters Cup 2021

15. February 2021

12 February 2021, Dubai, UAE: The second tournament of the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series declared its new champion on the grounds of Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club.

With a total of eight participating teams, the tournament concluded with Bin Drai Polo team against Altamira Polo team at the Subsidiary Final and, UAE Polo against Battistoni at the Final.

Bin Drai Polo team had taken the lead early with two goals from Rashid Bin Drai. Altamira shortened the gap in scores by the end of the second chukker with goals from Santos Iriarte and Guillermo Cuitinho. However, Bin Drai carved a two-goal advantage by the end of the penultimate chukker which was enough to seal the win at 5 goals to 4.

Match Progression: 2 – 0 | 3 – 2 | 5 – 3 | 5 – 4

The Final Match saw two teams rush to score the first goal on the first chukker with Tomy Iriarte breaking the lead for Battistoni Polo team on the next chukker. This initial lead was beaten with three consecutive goals from Benjamin Panelo shifting the lead to UAE Polo team by halftime. The penultimate chukker saw excellent goals from both teams courtesy of Rashid Al Abbar for UAE Polo and two back to back goals, mid-field, from Raja Abuljebain for Battistoni.

With a two-goal lead at the beginning of the last chukker, Battistoni raced for the win. However, the penalty shot from Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the last goal from Lucas Monteverde Jr. closed the game with a 3.5 goal lead for UAE Polo and ultimately winning the Polo Masters Cup 2021.

Match Progression: 0 – 0 | 3 – 1.5 | 6 – 4.5 | 8 – 4.5

Mohammed Al Habtoor, Vice Chairman and CEO of Al Habtoor Group awarded the teams with Raja Albujebain as the Most Valuable Player and Cynthia, ridden by Benjamin Panelo, as the Best Playing Pony.

Images: Tony Belot Photography and Khalil Ali/ Shine TV

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12 February 2021, Dubai, UAE: The second tournament of the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series declared its new champion on the grounds of Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club. With…

Asia, Polo News

Bin Drai and Altamira Polo Teams to Compete at the Subsidiary Final of the Polo Masters Cup 2021

11. February 2021

10 February 2021, Dubai, UAE: The first game between Bin Drai Polo and Ankora Polo teams opened with a goal from Gregorio Gelosi for Bin Drai. The team had created a significant 3.5 goal lead by the end of the second chukker. It was a slow first half for Ankora which continued until the end of the third chukker. Ankora inched its way closer to Bin Drai with 3 goals from Ricardo Garros Jr. during the last chukker.

However, Bin Drai‘s early lead was enough to secure the win and ended the game at 6 goals to 5.5.

Match Progression: .5 – 1 | 1.5 – 5 | 2.5 – 6 | 5.5 – 6
Top Scorer: Gregorio Gelosi and Ricardo Garros Jr., 5 goals

The last of the qualifying matches of the Polo Masters Cup 2021 had Altamira Polo beat Alem with a 4 goal lead. Altamira dominated the match from the first chukker with Ed Banner Eve scoring most of the goals for Alem. The last chukker was a race for Alem to close the 6 goal gap with a goal from Louisa Farrington and Banner. The game settled at 11 goals to 7.

Match Progression: 4 – 1 | 7 – 2 | 10 – 6 | 11 – 7
Top Scorer: Guillermo Cuitinho and Ed Banner Eve, 5 goals

The Polo Masters Cup 2021 is sponsored by Al Nahda Contracting & Trading Co. Ltd. – waterproofing and coating specialists since 1972. Al Nahda Contracting & Trading has completed over 3,000 civil works projects and thoroughly understands the needs of contractors, consultants and clients working meticulously to ensure that the correct systems and designs are utilized at all times.

Images: © Khalil Ali / Shine TV

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10 February 2021, Dubai, UAE: The first game between Bin Drai Polo and Ankora Polo teams opened with a goal from Gregorio Gelosi for Bin Drai. The team had created…

Asia, Polo News

Double Wins on the Second Day of the Polo Masters Cup 2021

10. February 2021

09 February 2021, Dubai, UAE: The first game of the afternoon was between UAE Polo and AM Polo teams.

UAE Polo started strong from the first chukker and had AM Polo attempt to reduce the gap in scores through the remaining chukkers. Notable goal contributions from Lucas Monterverde Jr. who scored a total of 7 goals. UAE Polo team triumphed over AM Polo with a five-goal lead and scored its second win in the tournament.

Match Progression: 4 – 0 | 7 – 2 | 10 – 4 | 11 – 6

Battistoni Polo faced La Berta Polo during the second half of the afternoon with Tomy Iriarte delivering the opening goal for Battistoni that was matched by Habtoor Al Habtoor Polo for La Berta. Alessandro Barnaba closed the first chukker at 2.5 goals. Battistoni Polo broke into a 3.5 goal lead by half time and widened its lead by the end of the penultimate chukker with goals from Maxi Malacalza and Tomy.

Raja Abuljebain‘s neck shot on the fourth chukker ended the game with a win for Battistoni Polo team.

Match Progression: 2.5 – 2 | 5.5 – 2 | 8.5 – 4 | 10.5 – 6

Photo credit: Khalil Ali / Shine TV

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09 February 2021, Dubai, UAE: The first game of the afternoon was between UAE Polo and AM Polo teams. UAE Polo started strong from the first chukker and had AM…

Asia, Polo News

Habtoor Al Habtoor Welcomes CAFU as Sponsor of Dubai Wolves

8. February 2021

07 February 2021, Dubai, UAE: Habtoor Al Habtoor – patron of the Dubai Wolves Polo Team – announced that CAFU is the team sponsor of Dubai Wolves in the IFZA Silver Cup 2021 (January 22nd to February 5th), and the IFZA Gold Cup 2021 scheduled to take place from February 14th to March 5th. Habtoor Al Habtoor is the son of Polo Patron and Emirati Businessman Mohammad K Al Habtoor, Vice Chairman & CEO of Al Habtoor Group.

CAFU is a Dubai-born start-up and technology-enabled car service designed entirely around the consumer’s needs, transforming the way a car is run and operated. Launched in 2018, and recognised as ‘App of the Year’ at Entrepreneur Middle East’s Enterprise Agility Awards 2019, CAFU uses technology and innovation to drive simplicity by delivering pure convenience to customers through services that range from refuelling to car wash and maintenance – anytime and anywhere they are needed.

Habtoor Al Habtoor thanks his new sponsor, saying “I am grateful for the confidence that CAFU has placed in my team by way of this sponsorship during the region’s two most important polo tournaments. This synergy further reinforces the strength of the Dubai Wolves team for this season, there is no doubt in my mind that the lineup that we have chosen for the team has never been more on point in history, all we see over yonder is glory.”

“As a Dubai-born and pioneering company, we at CAFU are delighted to lend our support not just to a sport that’s close to the hearts of our inspiring leadership, but also to Dubai Wolves who are an exemplary team. We wish Mr. Habtoor Al Habtoor and the rest of the Dubai Wolves team the best, and look forward to an exciting tournament”, said Antonio Al Asmar, General Manager, CAFU.

The ‘Dubai Wolves by CAFU’ features young athletes making their mark in the sport of polo:

Habtoor Al Habtoor – Handicap: 1
Kian Hall – Handicap: 3
Tommy Beresford – Handicap: 6
Alejandro Muzzio – Handicap 8

© Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club

Some the world’s best and homegrown polo players have confirmed their participation in the Dubai Polo Gold Cup (DPGC) Series’ major tournaments. Al Habtoor commented: “The fact that all teams carry a handicap of 17 to 18 goals adds a new dimension to the DPGC Series, and a recognition of it being on a par with high-level tournaments in the world.”

The DPGC Series is held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai. Eight teams are participating at the IFZA Silver Cup and IFZA Gold Cup tournaments at Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club.

The eight participating teams are:

• Abu Dhabi Polo Team (Patron: Faris Al Yabhouni)
• Bangash Polo Team (Patron: Haider Bangash)
• IFZA Polo Team (Patron: Rashid Al Habtoor)
• Dubai Wolves by Cafu (Patron: Habtoor Mohammad Al Habtoor)
• Ghantoot Polo Team (Patron: HH Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan)
• Habtoor Polo Team (Patron: Mohammed Al Habtoor)
• UAE Polo Team (Patron: HH Sheikha Maitha Bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum)
• Zedan Polo Team (Patron: Saudi businessman Amr Zedan)

07 February 2021, Dubai, UAE: Habtoor Al Habtoor – patron of the Dubai Wolves Polo Team – announced that CAFU is the team sponsor of Dubai Wolves in the IFZA…

Asia, Polo News

Aref Al-Awani crowns Ankora as the champion of the Sultan Bin Zayed Polo Cup

4. February 2021

ABU DHABI: Ankora edged past Abu Dhabi in a thrilling final of the Sultan Bin Zayed Cup, which took place at the Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club on Monday.

The nail-biting clash saw both the teams battled hard until the dying minutes of the game where Ankora finally emerged winner after overcoming their rivals 6-5.

The inaugural edition of the Sultan Bin Zayed Cup was held under the patronage of Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club, in memory of Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed.

Sheikh Sultan was younger brother of the President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who served as the President’s Representative and died in 2019.

HE Saeed Bin Hoofan Al Mansoori, Vice Chairman of Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club, Zayed Khalifa Zayed Al Aboudi Al Zaabi, Executive Director of Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club, congratulated the winners as they were crowned by HE Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and attendance of HE Amr Zedan, Chairman of the Saudi Polo Federation.

Earlier, in the subsidiary final, riding high on Ramero Cordero’s impressive four goals, Ghantoot B beat Anningsley Park Farm Polo 7-6.

The Abu Dhabi Sports Council was the governing partner of the tournament in collaboration with Emirates Polo Association, while Capex.com, Yas International Properties LLC, Yas International Holding, Alpine Rent A Car, Zone Waste Management and Recycling, Ateeq Farriers Best Choice, Midad Printing and Advertising, Amal Foods, and Wisdom Veterinary Medicines were the official sponsors of the Sultan Bin Zayed Cup.

Numbers of fans watched the action live through Ghantoot Polo and Racing Club’s YouTube channel, while the Abu Dhabi Sports channels broadcast the final live.

© Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club

For replays on Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/grpcuae

ABU DHABI: Ankora edged past Abu Dhabi in a thrilling final of the Sultan Bin Zayed Cup, which took place at the Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club on Monday. The…

Asia, Polo News

Habtoor Polo and UAE Polo to Compete for the IFZA Silver Cup 2021 Trophy

3. February 2021

02 February 2021, Dubai, UAE: The IFZA Silver Cup 2021 semifinals concluded with a win for Habtoor Polo and UAE Polo teams on the grounds of Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club.

Dubai Wolves by CAFU had a strong start with Alejandro Muzzio scoring the first goal against Habtoor Polo and ended the first two chukkers with a one-goal lead. The Wolves increased their lead to three with goals from Muzzio and Kian Hall during the third chukker. Habtoor Polo‘s 9-goaler, Facundo Sola, narrowed this gap by scoring three goals combined with the team‘s strong defense.

With two minutes left on the clock, Facu managed to even the scores and finally, he sealed Habtoor Polo‘s spot at the final with a goal and ended the game with 9 goals to 8.

Match Progression: 1 – 2 | 3 – 4 | 4 – 7 | 7 – 8 | 9 – 8
Top Scorer: Facundo Sola, 8 goals

The second match of the afternoon opened with a goal from Benjamin Panelo for Bangash Polo team followed by a series of penalties awarded that led to UAE Polo grab the initial lead in the game. UAE Polo kept its 1.5 half goal lead until the end of the third chukker with the majority of the goals coming from Guillermo Willington but with Benja delivering goals that kept the scores close.

The last two chukkers determined the win for UAE Polo as Tomas Panelo and Lucas Monteverde Jr. scored a total of six goals closing the game with a 6.5 goal advantage.

Match Progression: 3.5 – 2 | 4.5 – 3| 6.5 – 5 | 9.5 – 6 | 12 – 6.5
Top Scorer: Benjamin Panelo, 5 goals

The IFZA Silver Cup 2021 final is scheduled on the 5th of February, Field 1. Catch the action live or watch it online on Pololine TV’s livestream:

Hildon Cup Subsidiary Final: Zedan Polo vs. IFZA – Mahra Polo
IFZA Silver Cup 2021 Final: Habtoor Polo vs. UAE Polo

Images: © Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club

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02 February 2021, Dubai, UAE: The IFZA Silver Cup 2021 semifinals concluded with a win for Habtoor Polo and UAE Polo teams on the grounds of Al Habtoor Polo Resort and…

Asia, Polo News

Line Up is Set for the Semifinals of the IFZA Silver Cup 2021

1. February 2021

30 January 2021, Dubai, UAE: The last of the qualifying matches concluded with a win for UAE Polo and Habtoor Polo teams.

The afternoon opened with a fast goal from Lucas Monteverde Jr. followed by another from Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum – patron of the UAE Polo team. The team showed complete dominance throughout the game with Zedan Polo team scoring its first goal on the third chukker, notably from Jeronimo del Carril followed by another from Simon Prado.

The last two chukkers saw Tomas Panelo and Lukin deliver goals for the team that set a 7.5 goal lead at the final chukker.

Match Progression: 2.5 – 0 | 5.5 – 0 | 7.5 – 3 | 9.5 – 5 | 12.5 – 5
Top Scorer: Tomas Panelo, 7 goals

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30 January 2021, Dubai, UAE: The last of the qualifying matches concluded with a win for UAE Polo and Habtoor Polo teams. The afternoon opened with a fast goal from…

Asia, Polo News

Back to Back Wins for Bangash Polo Team at the IFZA Silver Cup 2021

1. February 2021

29 January 2021, Dubai, UAE: The fifth day of the IFZA Silver Cup 2021 qualifiers was a victorious day for Bangash Polo team as it smashed the competition and closed the game at 11 goals to 7.5.

Haider Bangash, the team‘s patron, delivered the opening goal followed by another from Benjamin Panelo. IFZA-Mahra Polo team level the game with a goal from Ricardo Garros*, penalty shot from Isidro Strada and an excellent pass that allowed Segundo Amadori to score. Benja‘s created a massive 7.5 goal advantage for Bangash Polo during the next two chukkers. IFZA-Mahra Polo rushed to close in on Bangash Polo team at the last chukker. But the gap in scores was enough to secure Bangash Polo team its second win in the tournament.

Match Progression: 2 – 0.5 | 4 – 3.5 | 7 – 3.5 | 11 – 3.5 | 7 – 3.5
Top scorer: Benjamin Panelo, 9 goals

The last qualifying matches of the IFZA Silver Cup 2021 are scheduled on the 30th of January, Field 3 with a game between Zedan Polo and UAE Polo teams at 14:00 followed by Habtoor Polo against Dubai Wolves by CAFU at 16:00. Catch the action live or watch it online on Pololine TV’s livestream.

* Jacinto Amadori replacement due to injury (day 4 match) – Ricardo Garros (+5)

* Segundo Amadori replacement due to injury (day 5 match)- Tuki Guinazu (+4)

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29 January 2021, Dubai, UAE: The fifth day of the IFZA Silver Cup 2021 qualifiers was a victorious day for Bangash Polo team as it smashed the competition and closed…

Asia, Polo News

Abu Dhabi set up title showdown with Ankora in Sultan Bin Zayed Cup

1. February 2021

A dominant Abu Dhabi team continued their red-hot form as they defeated Ghantoot A to enter the final of the Sultan Bin Zayed Cup being played at the Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club.

The inaugural edition of the Sultan Bin Zayed Cup is being held under the patronage of Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club.

The tournament is being held in memory of Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed, younger brother of the President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who served as the President’s Representative and died in 2019.

With Hugo Barabucci and Elena Venot spearheading the attack, Abu Dhabi gained upper hand after quickly establishing lead which they never relinquished during the entire match. Continuing his fine form, Barabucci scored two more in the third chukker to help Abu Dhabi stretch their lead to 5-2.

Ghantoot tried to stage a comeback when Ali Al Marri and Yosuf Bin Desmal Ghantoot scored in the last chukker but it was too late.

Tomorrow February 1, is the Grand Finals of Sultan Bin Zayed Polo Cup 2021, Sub final starts at 2 pm (GST).
Please watch us live on YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/user/grpcuae/videos

Venot’s superb field goal proved to be the last nail in the coffin as Abu Dhabi secured the ticket for final with a 6-4 win over their rivals.

The dynamic duo of Barabucci and Venot combined for six goals, leading Abu Dhabi to another victory at the Sultan Bin Zayed Field 2.

In the other semi-final, Ankora routed RA Noon 8-3.5 on the Sheikh Zayed Field. It was an easy win for Ankora, thanks to the impressive offensive performance of Ricardo Garros, who scored five goals, while Ankora’s superb defensive skills held RA Noon to just 3.5 goals.

Garros was well supported by Khalid Alomran, who scored a brace.

Abu Dhabi will take on Ankora in the final scheduled to be held on Monday. In the subsidiary final, Ghantoot B will face Anningsley Park Farm.

The Abu Dhabi Sports Council is the governing partner of the tournament in collaboration with Emirates Polo Association, while Capex.com, Yas International Properties LLC, Yas International Holding, Alpine Rent A Car, Zone Waste Management and Recycling, Ateeq Farriers Best Choice, Midad Printing and Advertising and Amal Foods are the official sponsors of the Sultan Bin Zayed Cup.

Fans can catch the action live through Ghantoot Polo and Racing Club’s YouTube channel, while the Abu Dhabi Sports channels will broadcast the final live on Feb.1.