More fast paced-action on Thursday 3rd July as the British Open Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup continued with 2 more exciting qualifying round matches and our first extra chukka of the tournament.
Match 1:
First up a flowing and running game for UAE against La Magdeleine. Despite a strong start, which no doubt rattled the established UAE side, La Magdeleine were unable to maintain their momentum, UAE overtaking in the 3rd chukka to take a lead they would hold on to until the end of the match. While La Magdeleine did not struggle for possession, racking up an impressive 20 shots on goal, it was all down to the conversion percentage as UAE slotted home 10 out of 16 of their shots to goal from the field – a 62% accuracy rate compared to La Magdeleine’s 45%. UAE were unstoppable from the 3rd chukka on, Lukin Monteverde an attacking force to be reckoned with, and rode to their 3rd win of the tournament, remaining unbeaten so far.
Match 2:
The second match of the day gave us the first overtime of the tournament with Fran Elizalde slotting home an incredible one-shot goal to take the win for Kazak who celebrated their second win of the tournament. Kazak had the lead throughout the game having started with a strong first chukka. La Dolfina/ Marques de Riscal were hot on their tails throughout, coming back in the 2nd to pile on the pressure. Both teams accurate from the field and penalty line saw the 6th chukka end in a draw, pushing the match into overtime which Kazak won, Fran Elizalde picking up a neat neckshot pass from Nico Pieres and hitting it one time through the goal to seal the victory.
Watch all Gold Cup matches here: https://cowdraypolo.co.uk/cowdray-tv/
Image credit Mark Beaumont
Stats provided by International Polo Academy