IFZA Silver Cup

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UAE Polo Team Takes Home The IFZA Silver Cup 2023 Title

6. February 2023

04 February 2023, Dubai, UAE: The last match of the IFZA Silver Cup 2023 took place on the grounds of Al Habtoor Polo Club with the clash of two strong contending teams of the tournament.

The subsidiary final of the IFZA Silver Cup was a smashing match between the teams of IFZA Habtoor Polo and Dubai Wolves by CAFU.

The match kicked off with the opening goal from Juan Jauretche, but the Dubai Wolves by CAFU caught up quickly and tied up the match at 1, as the both the teams displayed great skill in playing the defense. During the 2ndchukker, both the teams showed great expertise but it was IFZA Habtoor Polo who kept possession of the ball and the 2nd chukker finished with IFZA Habtoor Polo leading with at 3 to 2 score. It was at the start of the 3rd chukker, the team patron of the Dubai Wolves by CAFU came through and got a beautiful shot tying the match at 3 goals. The IFZA Habtoor Polo didn’t fall short, and Bautista Bayugar took the lead for the team. Not long after Carlos Ulloa levelled the game with only 20 seconds left on the clock. Towards the last chukker, it was Bayugar who came through and took his team towards winning the Subsidiary Match.

Match Progression:

1 -1 | 3 -2 | 4 -4 | 5 – 6 | 7 – 6

Top scorer: Bautista Bayugar – 4 goals

At the final match, AM Polo took the lead and kept it until the end of the 2ndchukker, with the score 5 – 3. During the 3rd chukker, Lucas Monteverde Jr. scored the first goal for UAE Polo team. Benamin Urquiza and Isidro Strada finished the 3rd chukker with great sportsmanship shown by both the teams. At the 4th chukker, UAE Polo made a comeback with 4 back to back goals for their team and found themselves with an advantage towards the end with 8 – 7 score. It all boiled down to the final chukker where we saw both the teams score one goal each. With a 30-yard penalty, AM Polo levelled up the game, as both the teams had their eyes at the Silver Cup. With only 28 seconds left of the final match, UAE Polo team scored another goal which AM Polo was unable to defend, and in the end it was UAE Polo team that won the IFZA Silver Cup 2023 trophy.

Match Progression:

0 – 4 | 3 -5 | 4 -7 | 8 – 7 | 10 – 9

Top scorer: Isidro Strada – 6 goals

Mr. Martin Pedersen Chairman of IFZA and CEO of Bin Drai Capital Saeed Bin Drai, awarded the teams of the day, with Isidro Strada with the most Valuable Player, Nobu as the Best Playing Pony, and Sensata as the Best Playing Pony for Argentine breed.

04 February 2023, Dubai, UAE: The last match of the IFZA Silver Cup 2023 took place on the grounds of Al Habtoor Polo Club with the clash of two strong…

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Line Up Is Set for IFZA Silver Cup 2023 Final

3. February 2023

02 February 2023, Dubai, UAE: The last of the qualifying games took place on the grounds of Al Habtoor Polo Club with a clash of sticks among four formidable teams.

UAE Polo took the lead with Faisal Yabroudi scoring 2 goals by the end of the first chukker. During the second chukker, the UAE Polo team carved further a 2 goal lead, having 5 goals to 1. The Bangash Dodson & Horrell team delivered two back to back swift and smooth goals by Ignacio Negri but UAE Polo kept a 2 goal lead by halftime. The game levelled during the penultimate chukker with both teams having 6 goals each as each player demonstrated a skilled play. The last chukker saw Haider Bangash scoring for the team, but not long after the UAE Polo players took quick strides and finished the game with 10 to 7 score, which earned the UAE Polo team its well-deserved spot at the IFZA Silver Cup 2023 final.

Match Progression:

UAE Polo vs. Bangash Dodson & Horrell Polo

3 – 1 | 5 – 1 | 6 – 4 | 6 – 6 | 10 – 8

Top Scorer: Lucas Monteverde Jr., 4 goals

The Dubai Wolves by Cafu took the advantage in the first chukker as Carlos Ulloa opened the afternoon match with 3 consecutive goals. The next chukker didn’t see much of the Dubai Wolves by Cafu as Bautista Bayugar scored two goals followed by one from Juan Jauretche which levelled the game. Both the teams picked up the pace in the succeeding chukkers, but it was IFZA Habtoor Polo team leading the game with, 8 to 7 score. It was a fight for the win at the last chukker, with the Wolves giving it their all. However, the back to back goals by the patron of IFZA Habtoor Polo – Mohammed Al Habtoor – ensured the team’s victory at 11 to 9 score.

Match Progression: IFZA Habtoor Polo vs. Dubai Wolves by Cafu

1 – 3 | 4 – 4 | 7 – 6 | 8 – 7 | 11 – 7

Top scorer: Bautista Bayugar & Carlos Ulloa, 5 goals each

The IFZA Silver Cup 2023 final will be on the 4th of February on Field 01, at Al Habtoor Polo Club.

02 February 2023, Dubai, UAE: The last of the qualifying games took place on the grounds of Al Habtoor Polo Club with a clash of sticks among four formidable teams.…

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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…

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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

Images: © Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club, © TonyBelotPhotography / Shine TV

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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…

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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)

Images: © Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club

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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…

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Zedan Polo and Bangash Polo Teams Win on the Fourth Day of the IFZA Silver Cup 2021

27. January 2021

26 January 2021, Dubai, UAE: It was an action-packed afternoon with two qualifying matches on the grounds of Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club.

The first match saw IFZA-Mahra Polo grabbed the lead with Segundo‘s Amadori‘s back to back goals during the first chukker. Zedan Polo levelled the game with a foul shot from Jeronimo del Carril and one goal Simon Prado. On the same pace, both teams managed to keep the gap in scores with a goal from Amr Zedan by half time. Zedan‘s team took off scoring in consecutive goals during the last two chukkers from Manuel Plaza and Jeronimo. The game ended with a final score of 10 goals to 6.5 in favour of Zedan Polo team.

Match Progression: 0 – 2.5 | 2 – 2.5 | 4 – 4.5 | 8 – 5.5 | 10 – 6.5

Top scorer: Jeronimo del Carill, 4 goals

Match Replay

The next match saw a quick start and lead for the Bangash Polo Team as Federico Potobsky and Benjamin Panelo scored 3 goals in the first chukker. Dubai Wolves by Cafu caught up with Bangash with a notable off-side, neck shot from Tommy Beresford. The remaining chukkers had both teams neck and neck, with each score matched by the other team. Bangash Polo team inched its way to victory with a shot from Benja and sealed by Federico at the last seconds of the game.

Match Progression: 3 – 1 | 5 – 4 | 6 – 6 | 7 – 7 | 10 – 8

Top scorer: Tommy Beresford, 6 goals

Match Replay

The IFZA Silver Cup 2021 continues on the 29th of January on Field 1 with a game between Bangash Polo and IFZA-Mahra Polo teams at 14:00.

Images: © Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club

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26 January 2021, Dubai, UAE: It was an action-packed afternoon with two qualifying matches on the grounds of Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club. The first match saw IFZA-Mahra Polo…

Asia, Polo News

Habtoor Polo Defeats UAE Polo at the IFZA Silver Cup 2021 Qualifiers

26. January 2021

25 January 2021, Dubai, UAE: The action continued on Field 3 of Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club as two teams went head to head on the third day of the IFZA Silver Cup 2021.

Both teams struggled to score a goal during the first chukker and it was Facundo Sola who delivered the opening goal for Habtoor Polo team. Mohammed Al Habtoor, the team‘s patron, gave the team a further advantage as he scored another goal during the second chukker. Goal shy until past halftime, UAE Polo‘s demonstrated offence throughout the game had the team score its first goal at the penultimate chukker courtesy of Tomas Panelo.

UAE Polo had its work cut out for them as Habtoor Polo carried with them a 3.5 goal advantage. Guillermo Willington added two goals for the team but the gap in scores plus the 30-yard penalty shot from Facu were enough to seal the win at 7 goals to 3.5.

Match progression:

0 – 0.5 | 3 – 0.5 | 4 – 0.5 | 5 – 1.5 | 7 – 3.5

Top scorer: Facundo Sola, 2 goals

The qualifying matches of the IFZA Silver Cup 2021 will be on the 26th of January on Field 3. Zedan Polo will face IFZA-Mahra Polo at 14:00 and another game at 16:00 between Dubai Wolves by Cafu and Bangash Polo teams.

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25 January 2021, Dubai, UAE: The action continued on Field 3 of Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club as two teams went head to head on the third day of…

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Dubai Wolves by Cafu Chalks Up a Win at the IFZA Silver Cup 2021 Qualifiers

25. January 2021

23 January 2021, Dubai, UAE: The second day of the IFZA Silver Cup 2021 delivered a thrilling match between Zedan Polo team and Dubai Wolves.

Zedan Polo team had a strong start as Geronimo Del Carril scored the first goal and had 4 goal advantage by the end of the second chukker. The Dubai Wolves by Cafu made an impressive comeback at the third chukker with two goals from Alejandro Muzzio. Habtoor Al Habtoor, patron of the team, showed grit as he ended the third chukker with a goal, closing in on Zedan Polo.

The excitement kicked up a notch with an excellent pass from Habtoor that allowed Muzzio to score the goal that placed the teams tied at 6 goals. The Dubai Wolves took off at the final chukker with back to back goals and it was the goal from Habtoor that sealed the win for the team at 10 goals to 7.

Match progression: 1 – 2 | 1 – 5 | 4 – 5 | 6 – 6 | 10 – 7

Top scorer of the match: Geronimo del Carril, 5 goals

The IFZA Silver Cup 2021 continues on the 25th of January with a match between Habtoor Polo and UAE Polo teams at 16:00.

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23 January 2021, Dubai, UAE: The second day of the IFZA Silver Cup 2021 delivered a thrilling match between Zedan Polo team and Dubai Wolves. Zedan Polo team had a…

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Dubai Polo Gold Cup Announces the IFZA Silver Cup 2021 Tournament Fixture at the Press Conference

19. January 2021

• International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) onboard as the Title Sponsor of the tournament
• Al Shirawi Contracting LLC joined as Main Sponsor

18 January 2021, Dubai, UAE: The Dubai Polo Gold Cup (DPGC) organization officially kick-started its high-goal season with the Silver Cup’s annual launch during the customary press conference and live draw which took place on Monday, January 18th at the Al Habtoor Polo Resort.

On its 11th year, the Silver Cup is part of the DPGC Series held under the Patronage of HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai.

Five tournaments fall under the umbrella of the prestigious DPGC Series:

• IFZA Silver Cup (18 goal handicap), which will run from January 22nd to February 5th
• Polo Masters Cup (6-8 goal handicap) on February 7th to 12th
• IFZA Gold Cup (18-goal handicap) from February 14th to March 5th
• Dubai Challenge Cup (8-10-goal handicap) from March 13th to 20th
• Dubai Cup (6-8 goal handicap) from March 31st to April 9th, 2021.

The DPGC Series in the UAE is one of only five tournaments worldwide played in the WPT Championship Cup category. It is on a par with world-class events held in Argentina, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States. The DPGC series started in 2009 with tournaments carrying a handicap of 10-12 goals and has grown to host teams playing in 18-goal handicap matches.

Mohammed K. Al Habtoor, founder of the DPGC Series and patron of the Habtoor Polo team, said: “We are in high spirits about hosting our high-goal season after a long withdrawal from sporting events in the past year. We will be seeing new and returning faces on the polo field in the coming days. Top-ranking World Polo Tour players, including Facundo Sola (ranked no. 18 in the world), Alfredo Capella Barabucci

(ranked no. 27), who are both 9-goal handicap players; Alejandro Muzzio (ranked no. 30), and many others who have come directly from the Argentine Open will be playing on our fields,”He added: “We very grateful for the continued support of our sponsors, partners and the unbeatable enthusiasm of six polo teams participating in the Silver Cup 2021 tournament. I am particularly honoured to welcome International Free Zone Authority as the Title Sponsor of the Silver Cup 2021. Having the backing of one of the UAE’s leading Free Zone Authorities in our quest of delivering world class polo in the Middle East is a great testament to our tournament’s success.”

Martin G. Pedersen, Chairman of IFZA, states: “Both the Silver Cup and the Dubai Gold Cup bring a particular group of people together – people who have incredible skills and mastery of the sport – to Dubai’s dynamic landscape. In a similar manner, IFZA has a long-standing dedication to excellence in what we do, with skills and knowledge that continuously improve the way we and our customers to do business from the UAE. Our position as the Free Zone of choice for businesses here and abroad makes this collaboration with these world-class tournaments a win-win proposition.”

„A tournament that is globally recognised and that puts UAE at the forefront of the international polo circuit, Al Shirawi too, with its world-class services helps put UAE on the global stage, with respect to the construction and services industry. „A sport that exuberates strength and stability through its very form, needs support by a brand that mirrors the exact same values, which makes Al Shirawi Contracting Company L.L.C an apt fitment as the main sponsor for the esteemed event.

After having made a mark in the construction industry with our expert waterproofing services, we will now be playing a crucial role in the service industry with our excellent Futureproofing services. Our futureproofing services and our global partner MAXON Technologies‘ anti-corrosive coating together form a strong bond that helps preserve your built assets so that they stay as sturdy and magnificent as they are today. Being one of the leading players in the construction and service industry, our collaboration with such eminent events marks us on the global map and makes this event a grand success,” stated by Pramodh Idicheria, COO, Al Shirawi Group.

The final of the Silver Cup will be played on Friday, February 5th, 2021 at the grounds of Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club.

The list of six participating teams in the Silver Cup 2021 includes:

• UAE Polo Team (Patron: HH Sheikha Maitha Bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum)
• Bangash Polo Team (Patron: Haider Bangash)
• Dubai Wolves Polo Team by Cafu (Patron: Habtoor Al Habtoor)
• Habtoor Polo Team (Patron: Mohammed Al Habtoor)
• IFZA Polo Team (Patron: Rashid Al Habtoor)Zedan Polo Team (Patron: Amr Zedan)

The final of the Silver Cup will be played on Friday, February 5th, 2021 at the grounds of Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club.

The list of six participating teams in the Silver Cup 2021 includes:

The Silver Cup is played under the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) banner, with strict international supervision according to the HPA rules and provision of its umpires. The tournament falls under World Polo Tour’s WPT Cup Category. The Silver Cup winners are awarded 60 points, finalists with 30 points, semi-finalists with 15 points and the rest of the players with 8 points.