UAE defeated Bhansali by a narrow 7-6 score, and won the UAE Polo Federation Cup, hosted by the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The final took place on Saturday January 17, and the tournament saw eight teams up to 12-goals, in participation.
It’s worth to note that UAE and Bhansali reached the decisive match after winning over El Basha and Noon, respactively, in semifinals.
Both teams already clashed in the opening game of the tournament, with Bhansali victorious. And seemed that the story would be repeated, at least until the third chukka – although by a very close gap, Bhansali managed to remain in the lead until the third chukka. But UAE reached their momentum in the last chukka, through a remarkable performance delivered by Lukin Monteverde, who played alongside his younger brother, Lucero. UAE bounced back and at the end of the day they secured the 7-6 win and the title.
UAE POLO FEDERATION CUP – FINAL – SATURDAY JANUARY 17
UAE 7-6 BHANSALI
UAE: AlYa Al Maktoum 0, Lucero Monteverde 0, Lukin Monteverde 9, Fermín Prado 3. Total: 12.
Bhansali: Rishi Bhansali 0, Ariel Ponzi 2, Tom Brodie 4, Gonzalo Santamarina 6. Total: 12.
Score UAE: 1-3, 3-5, 5-6, 7-6.
Umpires: Matías Baibiene & Tarquín Southwell.
Third Man: Tim Ward.
MVP: Lukin Monteverde.
BPP: Gato, ridden by Lucero Monteverde.
RELIVE THE FINAL OF THE UAE POLO FEDERATION CUP ON POLOLINE TV HERE.