Julius Baer Gold Cup: Wins for Abu Dhabi & UAE Polo

The Julius Baer Gold Cup continued with two qualification matches at Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club. Abu Dhabi beat Mahra 10-8, while UAE defeated Desert Palm 10-9 with a last second goal.

Abu Dhabi got off to an early lead, with goals from the team’s patron, Faris Al Yabhouni, and Guy Gibrat. Mahra were close on their tail, and the second chukka concluded 2-all. A string of goals scored by Alfredo Cappella gave Abu Dhabi a 4-goal advantage. The last chukker saw Mahra push back, with individual goals from three of its players. In spite of Mahra’s efforts, Abu Dhabi still held the advantage to take the win, 10-8. 

An exciting match ensued between UAE and Desert Palm. After a series of goals scored from both teams, UAE reached half time with a 5-4 advantage. Rufino Bensadon and Bartolome Castagnola scored goals for Desert Palm in the fourth. The intensity of the match increased as the fifth; with only a few seconds left on the clock, Tomas Panelo scored to secure the win and UAEs place in the semifinals.

UAE have qualified directly for the Julius Baer Gold Cup semifinals, while Abu Dhabi and Desert Palm will play the quarterfinals.

 

ABU DHABI 10-8 MAHRA

Abu Dhabi: Faris Al Yabhouni 1 (1 goal), Guy Gibrat 5 (2), Alfredo Cappella 9 (6), Santiago Gómez Romero 4 (1).

Mahra: Khalaf Al Habtoor 1, Diogo Gallego 5 (2 goals), Jaime García Huidobro 7 (3), Pelayo Berazadi 5 (3).

Score Abu Dhabi: 2-0, 2-2, 5-3, 9-5, 10-8.

 

UAE POLO 10-9 DESERT PALM

UAE Polo: HH Sheikha Maitha 0, Matías Benoit 6 (1 goal), Tomás Panelo 4 (5), Alejandro Muzzio 8 (4).

Desert Palm: Camilo Castagnola 5, Rashid Albawardi 2 (1 goal), Rufino Bensadon 5 (3), Bartolito Castagnola 6 (5).

Score UAE Polo: 2-1, 3-3, 5-4, 6-8, 10-9.

 

The Julius Baer Gold Cup continues on Tuesday:

2pm: Zedan vs Dubai Wolves

4pm: Ghantoot Polo vs. Habtoor Polo

 

THE DUBAI GOLD CUP SERIES IS STREAMED LIVE ON POLOLINE TV HERE.

 

Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series:

-Silver Cup (18-goal): January 25 – February 8.

-Polo Masters Cup (10-goal): February 10-15.

-Julius Baer Gold Cup (18-goal): February 18 – March 8.

-Dubai Challenge Cup (18-goal): March 15-30.

-Dubai Cup (8-goal): April 2-12.

 

JULIUS BAER GOLD CUP: Fixture & Teams

 

PICTURE GALLERIES: