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Double Victories on the Last Day of Dubai Open 2021 Qualifiers

24. February 2021

– Abu Dhabi Polo will play at the Semifinals
– Quarterfinal line-up in place

23 February 2021, Dubai, UAE: The IFZA Gold Cup 2021 concluded its qualifying matches with a win for Abu Dhabi Polo and Dubai Wolves by CAFU teams.

Jeronimo del Carril opened the afternoon with a goal and secured an early lead for Zedan which the team kept past halftime. The determining chukker had seen both teams rush to secure the win. Abu Dhabi Polo scored a total of 4 goals at the final chukker and secured its spot at the semifinals of the tournament.

Match Progression: 1 – 2 | 2 – 3 | 2 – 3 | 4 – 5 | 8 – 6
Top Scorers: Faris Al Yabhouni and Gonzalo Deltour, 3 goals

The last match of the afternoon had seen Habtoor Al Habtoor, patron of Dubai Wolves by CAFU deliver the opening goal. The teams were at a tie by the end of the second chukker at 2 goals each courtesy of Habtoor and Lucas Monteverde Jr. for UAE Polo. The Wolves had carved a 2 goal advantage by halftime and continued to extend its lead through to the last seconds of the game. The match ended at 12 goals to 4 in favour of the Wolves.

Match Progression: 1 – 1 | 2 – 2 | 5 – 3 | 8 – 4 | 12 – 4
Top Scorers: Habtoor Al Habtoor and Alejandro Muzzio, 5 goals

The IFZA Gold Cup 2021 Quarterfinal is scheduled on Friday, 26 February on field 1:

14:00 Habtoor Polo vs. Dubai Wolves by CAFU
16:00 Bangash Polo vs. UAE Polo

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– Abu Dhabi Polo will play at the Semifinals – Quarterfinal line-up in place 23 February 2021, Dubai, UAE: The IFZA Gold Cup 2021 concluded its qualifying matches with a…

Asia, Polo News

Pivotal Win for Ghantoot Polo and Bangash Polo Teams at the IFZA Gold Cup 2021 Qualifiers

23. February 2021

– Ghantoot Polo secures a spot at the Semifinals
– Bangash Polo and Habtoor Polo teams advance to the Quarterfinals

22 February 2021, Dubai, UAE: The Dubai Open 2021 is slowly whittling the line up for the quarterfinal and semifinals. The fifth day featured two matches with the first one between Ghantoot Polo and IFZA-Mahra Polo teams.

The game was one-sided in the first half as Ghantoot Polo commanded a 6-goal lead. IFZA-Mahra Polo however managed to narrow the gap in scores by the penultimate chukker. The final minutes of the game saw Isidro Strada and Jacinto Amadori attempt to level the game but, the significant goal lead of Ghantoot Polo was enough to seal the win at 12 goals to 10.

Match Progression: 4 – 0 | 6 – 0 | 9 – 3 | 11 – 7 | 12 – 10
Top Scorer: Pablo Llorente, 7 goals

Each carrying a victory under its belt, Habtoor Polo and Bangash Polo teams delivered an exciting game for the spectators at Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club. Federico von Potobsky claimed the first goal with an open backhand shot and Benjamin Panelo ended the chukker at 2 goals for Bangash Polo. Facundo Sola closed the gap in scores during the second with two goals but an excellent defensive play by Haider Bangash led to another goal

from Potobsky, keeping Bangash Polo on the lead. Habtoor Polo managed to steal the lead during the third chukker that surpassed by strong defense from Bangash during the penultimate chukker.

The final chukker was a race for the Habtoor Polo team to close in on its opponent and incurred several penalties in the process. Felix Esain delivered a critical goal for Habtoor Polo from 100 yards, that was matched by 2 goals from Benja that closed the game with a win for Bangash at 9 goals to 6.

Match Progression: 2 – 0 | 3 – 2 | 3 – 4 | 7 – 5 | 9 – 6
Top Scorer: Benjamin Panelo, 5 goals

The IFZA Gold Cup 2021 will continue on the 23rd of February on Field 3:
14:00 IFZA – Zedan Polo vs. Abu Dhabi Polo
16:00 UAE Polo vs. Dubai Wolves by CAFU

Images: © Khalil Ali / ShineTV

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– Ghantoot Polo secures a spot at the Semifinals – Bangash Polo and Habtoor Polo teams advance to the Quarterfinals 22 February 2021, Dubai, UAE: The Dubai Open 2021…

Asia, Polo News

Abu Dhabi Polo and UAE Polo Teams Notch Up a Win in the Dubai Open 2021 Qualifiers

22. February 2021

20 February 2021, Dubai, UAE: The fourth day of the IFZA Gold Cup 2021 was action-packed with two matches between Abu Dhabi and Dubai Wolves by CAFU followed by UAE Polo and Zedan Polo teams.

Gonzalo Deltour scored the first goal for Abu Dhabi Polo followed by another one from Alfredo Cappella which gave the team a 1 goal lead by the end of the first chukker. Not far behind, Kian Hall from the Dubai Wolves by CAFU tied the scores by mid chukker only to be matched by a goal from Deltour. Abu Dhabi Polo‘s teamwork during the third chukker resulted in a goal from each player, including its patron – Faris Al Yabhouni, and earned the team a 4 goal lead. The Wolves managed to make an excellent comeback during the last two chukkers as they tied the scores at 8 with the back to back goals from its Patron – Habtoor Al Habtoor, Tommy Beresford and Hall. Cappella however snatched the win close to the end of the game and the Abu Dhabi Polo team remained undefeated at the IFZA Gold Cup 2021 qualifiers.

Match Progression: 2 – 1 | 3 – 2 | 7 – 3 | 8 – 5 | 9 – 8
Top Scorers: Alfredo Cappella, Gonzalo Deltour, Tommy Beresford, 3 goals each

A critical match followed as both UAE Polo and Zedan Polo teams needed to earn their first win in the tournament. UAE Polo had established its lead from the first chukker with an opening goal from Guillermo (Temy) Willington. The UAE Polo team was well on the lead with Lucas Monteverde Jr. scoring a total of 4 goals by the end of the second chukker. Zedan Polo team owned the third and fourth chukker as it inched its way closer by cutting the gap in scores. Jeronimo del Carril from Zedan Polo team created a tie in the first 30 seconds of the final chukker. Tomas Panelo and Temy matched this with a goal each which were enough to seal the win for UAE Polo team.

Match Progression: 3 – 2 | 6 – 2 | 7 – 5 | 7 – 6 | 9 – 8
Top Scorer: Jeronimo Del Carril, 5 goals

The IFZA Gold Cup 2021 will continue on the 22nd of February:

14:00 IFZA – Mahra Polo vs. Ghantoot Polo
16:00 UAE Polo vs. Dubai Wolves by CAFU

Images: © Khalil Ali / ShineTV

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20 February 2021, Dubai, UAE: The fourth day of the IFZA Gold Cup 2021 was action-packed with two matches between Abu Dhabi and Dubai Wolves by CAFU followed by UAE…

Asia, Polo News

Dubai Wolves by CAFU and Abu Dhabi Polo Dominate at the Dubai Open 2021 Qualifiers

18. February 2021

17 February 2021, Dubai, UAE: The second day of the IFZA Gold Cup 2021 (Dubai Open) saw two teams scorch their way through their matches with commanding goal leads.

Dubai Wolves by CAFU faced Zedan Polo and scored the first goal by Alejandro Muzzio. Zedan Polo team was leading the game until the end of the second chukker with the majority of goal contributions from Jeronimo del Carril. By halftime, the Wolves had carved a 4 goal lead with a flurry of goals by the fourth chukker and a last-second goal from its patron – Habtoor Al Habtoor. The final chukker had Zedan Polo attempt to close the gap in scores only to be met with 2 goals from the Wolves that ended the game at 12 goals to 7.

Match Progression: 1 – 2 | 3 – 4 | 6 – 5 | 10 – 6 | 12 – 6
Top Scorer: Tommy Beresford, 6 goals

The heated match between Abu Dhabi Polo and UAE Polo teams was neck and neck until the penultimate chukker. On its first match in the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series 2021, Abu Dhabi Polo team claimed the first goal courtesy of Gonzalo Deltour. The second chukker had seen a couple of long-range goals from Alfredo Cappella and Bautista Beguerie whilst UAE Polo‘s

Lucas Monteverde Jr. matched these with 2 notable goals. The next chukkers aw several penalties and yellow cards issued and the scores were tied by the end of the fourth chukker. Abu Dhabi Polo team owned the last seven minutes of the game and added 4 goals winning the match at 12 goals to 8.

Match Progression: 2 – 1 | 5 – 4 | 7 – 7 | 8 – 8 | 12 – 8
Top Scorers: Gonzalo Deltour, 6 goals

The next qualifying matches of the IFZA Gold Cup 2021 are scheduled on the 19th of February, Field 1. Ghantoot Polo will face Bangash Polo at 14:00 and Habtoor Polo will play against IFZA-Mahra Polo at 16:00.

Images: Tony Belot and Khalil Ali / ShineTV

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17 February 2021, Dubai, UAE: The second day of the IFZA Gold Cup 2021 (Dubai Open) saw two teams scorch their way through their matches with commanding goal leads. Dubai…

Asia, Polo News

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

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

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

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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…