Hosts Ghantoot grab Emirates Polo Championship International crown

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Hosts Ghantoot clinched the first major trophy of the season following their victory in the final of the Emirates Polo Championship International.

They defeated Bangash by 10 goals to 7.5 in a thrilling final that took place at the magnificent greens of Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club in Abu Dhabi.

The event was held under the patronage of Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club.

Fede Von Potobsky and Nico Corti Maderna were on target in the opening chukka as Bangash established an early lead. Ghantoot drew the level, with Kian Hall completing a brace.

Bangash, led by Corti Maderna, scored two more goals in the following chukka to gain upper hand in the match. Skipper Nasser Al Shamsi, Hall, and Marcos Araya scored one each in the third chukka to give Ghantoot a 6-3 lead.

Araya’s brace helped the hosts stretch their lead by the end of the penultimate chukka. Von Potobsky added two more in the final chukka of the game, but Hall’s fourth goal ensured an easy victory for Ghantoot.

Earlier in the subsidiary final, Abu Dhabi registered a 9-7.5 win.

Hamad Abdelrahman Alshaikh, Executive Director of the Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club, congratulated Ghantoot, winners of the Emirates Polo Championship International.

He expressed his happiness over the success of the prestigious event.

Saeed Bin Hoofan Al Mansouri, Vice Chairman of Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club, Hamad Abdelrahman Alshaikh and other dignitaries were present during the presentation ceremony.

The tournament was held in line with UAE’s Covid-19 precautionary and preventive measures, and the club management followed the highest standards of health and safety norms to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

The Emirates Polo Championship International took place in association with Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Emirates Polo Association. It was supported by Capex.com, Ghantoot Equestrian Supplies, Yas Mall and Equusir.GCC.