Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge – Day Two
The Cartier teams were battling among themselves in the first match on day two of the Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge. Cartier White had one change to their line up from yesterday – Ahmed Al Habtoor stepped in for his cousin Khalaf who was delayed by his studies at university. Unfortunately for them a change in line up did not mean a change in fortune and they went down 8-4 to Cartier Red. The combination of Matias Zavaleta and Martin Valent in this team has been impressive and with patron Clive Reid scoring too, Cartier Red are definitely candidates for anyone’s shortlist.
After suffering a defeat by Abu Dhabi yesterday, the Guards team, featuring 10-goaler Pablo MacDonough, were eager to put up a stronger performance today. This they achieved, keeping the highly regarded Desert Palm squad at bay for much of the match. Consistent team-work though allowed Desert Palm to chip away at Guards’ lead – they had been 4-1 up the end of the first chukka – and Rashid Albwardy’s team took a 6-5 lead with only minutes left in the fourth and final chukka. This leaves Amr Zedan and HRH Prince Abbas bin Ali bin Nayef’s quartet still looking for their first win.
The best though was saved until last. A thrilling match between Faris Al Yabhouni’s Abu Dhabi squad and HH Sheikha Maitha’s UAE team. Played on the Hotel Ground with a dramatic sunset as a backdrop, this match went into extra time and a golden goal scenario. UAE were looking for their first win – essential if they wanted a chance to make Saturday’s final – and Lucas Monteverde delivered. He converted a penalty after several minutes of play in an extra, fifth chukka to win the match 8-7 for the Sheikha.
So with no games tomorrow, all the teams will have a chance to review their strategy as there is still all to play for. With six teams competing for the first time, this 10th anniversary tournament is turning into the competition of the series.
Cartier Red: Clive Reid (0); Martin Valent (2); Tariq Albwardy (1); Matias Zavaleta (7).
Cartier White: Ahmed Al Habtoor (-1); Rashid Al Habtoor (0); Joaquin Pittaluga (7); Nacho Gonzalez (6).
Desert Palm: Alan Meeker (0); Rashid Albwardy (2); Tom Brodie (2); Diego Cavanagh (8).
Guards: HRH Prince Abbas (0); Amr Zedan (0); Pablo Casero (2); Pablo MacDonough (10).
UAE Polo Team: Sandra Schneider (-1); HH Sheikha Maitha Al Maktoum (0); Santiago Stirling (4); Lucas Monteverde (9).
Abu Dhabi: Faris Al Yabhouni (0); Nasser Al Shamsi (1); Ernesto Oscar Trotz (4); Alfredo Cappella (7).
Next games – Tuesday 17th February at Desert Palm
14.00 Abu Dhabi v Cartier White on the Hotel Ground
15.15 Desert Palm v UAE Polo Team on the Hotel Ground
16.30 Cartier Red v Guards on the Clubhouse Ground