DUBAI POLO GOLD CUP SERIES

Despite a close nal game against IFZA Habtoor Polo, UAE Polo claimed the ultimate win to take the prestigious Dubai Gold Cup, reports Bushra Malik

The high-goal polo season in the UAE began with the Silver Cup tournament, followed by the Gold Cup at 20-goal handicap for the rst time in its history. Both tournaments showcased the best polo teams of the season in a thrilling competition for the highly sought-after Dubai Polo Gold Cup (DPGC) Series trophy.

The series is recognised and certi ed by the World Polo Tour (WPT) and played under the WPT Championship Cup category, which is one of the highest competitions in terms of points. The Gold Cup is the only tournament in the UAE to be played in this category, and ranks alongside world-class tournaments held in Argentina, Spain, UK and America. The DPGC Series is one of the most important annual tournaments in the region attracting, as it does, VIPs, local and international media and many celebrities.

The nal of the IFZA Silver Cup saw AM Polo take on UAE Polo on 4 February 2023 at Al Habtoor Polo Club. AM Polo took an early lead and retained it until the end of the second chukka, with the score 5-3. In the third chukka, Lucas Monteverde Jr. scored the rst goal for UAE Polo and in the fourth, UAE Polo got on top with four unanswered goals and found themselves with an 8-7 advantage. It all came down to the nal chukka where both teams scored one goal each, with AM Polo levelling up the game with a 30-yard penalty. Tables turned in the last 20 seconds of the match as UAE Polo scored another goal and emerged as the winners of IFZA Silver Cup 2023.

The nal of the IFZA Gold Cup was played on 4 March 2023 on the grounds of Al Habtoor Polo Club. This nal match of the Dubai Open 2023 was eagerly awaited, as it featured two of the strongest line-ups in the IFZA Gold Cup 2023 tournament – the UAE Polo and IFZA Habtoor Polo teams.

Ahead of the tournament, the CEO & vice chairman of Al Habtoor Group, Mohammed Al Habtoor said, ‘We look forward to welcoming the players, their families, and the fans to enjoy this thrilling display of athleticism, and experience our commitment to advancing the sport of kings that has made us a source of pride for the United Arab Emirates.’

The nal match began, and Tommy Beresford nicked the rst goal for UAE Polo. Shortly after, Juan Jauretche and Bautista Bayugar both scored for IFZA Habtoor Polo. The second chukka opened with two back-to-back goals from Bayugar and two from Tommy Beresford, and ended with the teams tied at four goals all. The next two chukkas saw a quick exchange of goals, but UAE gradually secured their advantage and took the lead with one goal at the end of the penultimate chukka.

With seven minutes remaining in the match, UAE Polo had their work cut out, but

Lucas Monteverde Jr. and Tommy Beresford managed to create a three-goal cushion in the middle of the chukka. Bayugar managed to close the de cit with a goal for IFZA Habtoor Polo, but in the end, it was Lucas Monteverde Jr. who scored the nal goal, securing a decisive 10-7 win for UAE Polo and making them the two-time champions of the IFZA Gold Cup 2023.

Tommy Beresford was awarded Most Valuable Player; Nova, ridden by Lucas Monteverde Jr., received the award for Best Playing Pony; and Open Pollera won Best Playing Pony of Argentine Polo Breeding.