The UAE Polo team has secured a place in the semi final of the IFZA Silver Cup with victory in their qualifying game against Zedan Polo team.
Goals from Lucas Monteverde Jr and Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum – patron of the UAE Polo team – secured a thrilling 12.5 – 5 victory, which sees them through to the next stage, where they will meet Bangash Polo on Tuesday (2nd February).
In the other qualification game of the day Habtoor Polo booked their place in the semi final with an impressive 11-6 win over Dubai Wolves by CAFU. The two teams will clash again in the semi final.
Victorious: UAE Polo team defeated Zedan Polo team en route to the semi final
The Silver Cup is now in it’s 11th year as part of the DPGC Series held under the Patronage of HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai. In total, five tournaments fall under the umbrella of the prestigious DPGC Series: IFZA Silver Cup (18 goal handicap, January 22nd to February 5th) Polo Masters Cup (6-8 goal handicap, February 7th to 12th), IFZA Gold Cup (18-goal handicap, February 14th to March 5th), Dubai Challenge Cup (8-10-goal handicap, March 13th to 20th), Dubai Cup (6-8 goal handicap, March 31st to April 9th.)
The series, taking place at Dubai’s Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club, is one of only five tournaments around the world that’s played in the WPT Championship Cup category. Since 2009, the DPGC series has seen its tournaments carry a handicap of 10-12 goals and has now grown to host teams playing in 18-goal handicap matches.
Speaking at the press conference announcement ahead of the Silver Cup Mohammed K. Al Habtoor, founder of the DPGC Series and patron of the Habtoor Polo team, said: “We are in high spirits about hosting our high-goal season after a long withdrawal from sporting events in the past year. We will be seeing new and returning faces on the polo field in the coming days. Top-ranking World Polo Tour players, including Facundo Sola (ranked no. 18 in the world), Alfredo Capella Barabucci (ranked no. 27), who are both 9-goal handicap players; Alejandro Muzzio (ranked no. 30), and many others who have come directly from the Argentine Open will be playing on our fields.”
He added: “We very grateful for the continued support of our sponsors, partners and the unbeatable enthusiasm of six polo teams participating in the Silver Cup 2021 tournament. I am particularly honoured to welcome International Free Zone Authority as the Title Sponsor of the Silver Cup 2021. Having the backing of one of the UAE’s leading Free Zone Authorities in our quest of delivering world class polo in the Middle East is a great testament to our tournament’s success.”
The final of the Silver Cup will be played on Friday, February 5th, 2021 at the grounds of Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club.
