The Standard Chartered Gold Cup (Dubai Open), the most important tournament of the Dubai Gold Cup Series, continued today, with debut wins for Habtoor and title holders UAE.

 

In the first match of the day, Habtoor got off to a strong start against Zedan, claiming a quick 4-1 lead in the first, thanks to goals by  Min Podestá (3) and Facundo Sola (1). Juan Jauretche hit a powerful neck shot to score Zedan’s single goal.

 

Zedan bounced back in the second, outscoring Habtoor 3-0 with two great goals by Amr Zedan, followed by a conversion from Santiago Laborde which tied the match 4-all. The score was also even by half time (6-6). Both teams fought hard in the second half, displaying great team play, showcasing strong performances from Facundo Sola, Santiago Laborde, and Juan Jauretche.

 

However, the tide turned in the fourth chukka, when Mohammed Al Habtoor’s boys widened their advantage. Sola sped down the field, finding goal, before passing the ball to Felix Esain in the next play, allowing him to score a fantastic goal. Jauretche scored once again for Zedan, but by the start of the fifth and final chukka, Habtoor had a three gol advantage (10-7). It was in that last chukka that Min Podestá who scored twice to secure Habtoor’s 12-8 victory and their debut win.

 

Next up, title holders UAE took on Bangash. Sheika Maitha’s team dominated the action from the start, scoring four quick goals straight off the bat. UAE’s control continued throughout the first half, and by the end of the third they had secured a 8-4 advantage. Their victory was secured in the next chukka, as they claimed a decisive 12-4 advantage. Bangash, led by Federico von Potobsky, were unable to stop the defending champions on their path to victory.

 

The finals of the Gold Cup (Dubai Open) are scheduled for March 6.

 

ALL GOLD CUP MATCHES WILL BE STREAMED LIVE BY POLOLINE TV HERE.

 

The Gold Cup resumes on Friday, February 21: 

 

2pm: Abu Dhabi vs. AM/UAE

4pm: Ghantoot vs. Dubai Wolves

 

HABTOOR 12 vs. ZEDAN 8

Habtoor: Mohammed Al Habtoor 0, Felix Esain 2 (1 goal), Facundo Sola 9 (6), Min Podestá 7 (5, 1 penal).

Zedan: Amr Zedan 0 (2), Manuel Plaza de Ayala 6, Juan Jauretche 6 (3), Santiago Laborde 6 (3).

Score Habtoor: 4-1, 4-4, 6-6, 10-7, 12-8.

 

UAE 13 vs. BANGASH 6

AM/UAE: Sheikha Maitha 0 (2), Benjamín Panelo 4 (1), Tomás Panelo 6 (5), Tomás Beresford 6 (5, 2 penalties).

BANGASH: Manuel Elizalde 6, Federico von Potobsky 5 (4, 2 penales), Juan Ambroggio 6 (2), Haider Bangash 0.

Score UAE: 4-0, 7-2, 8-4, 12-4, 13-6

 

IMAGES:

Standard Chartered Gold Cup, Day 2

 

REWATCH:

Habtoor vs. Zedan

 

UAE vs. Bangash

 

The Gold Cup, the most important tournament of Asia and the Middle East, was established in 2009. Over the last decade, the competition has become one of the most prestigious of the international polo calendar. The Gold Cup also awards points for the WPT Championship Cup category of the  World Polo Tour.

 

STANDARD CHARTERED GOLD CUP: TEAMS AND FIXTURES