A thrilling final sees Abu Dhabi lift the first polo trophy of the season
In an exciting final match, Abu Dhabi defeated Zedan 7-3 to walk away with the prestigious Silver Cup trophy on February 17, 2012.
The second annual Dubai Silver Cup tournament, which this year took place from February 3 – 17, was played at the Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club and attracted bigger crowds than ever, despite the colder than usual weather conditions.
Abu Dhabi, who were the winners of the Gold Cup in 2011, were captained by Faris Al Yabhouni.
Alfredo Cappella, who was named the MVP (‘Most Valuable Player’) of the final, secured the win for the team in the final sprint. During the last two chukkers he took a considerable advantage in the scoreboard by seven goals to three.
His teammate, Sebastián Borghi who achieved four goals, was the top scorer in the final. Meanwhile the team’s number 3 player, Pato Neves, had to be replaced in the second chukker by Francisco Elizalde, a Habtoor Polo team player, who played superbly alongside the Abu Dhabi´s players and helped them to secure the trophy.
The final match started with a goal advantage by Nachi Heguy on behalf of Zedan. However Abu Dhabi responded in the second chukker with Capella and Borghi, evening out the score to 2-2.
In the third chukker, Abu Dhabi took the lead thanks to two new goals by Borghi and from then on, the advantage was clearly on the side of Abu Dhabi.
In the last chukker, Cappella, Borghi and Elizalde scored impressive goals – resulting in a final 7-3 victory. In an afternoon match played earlier that day, the Mahra Polo Team won the Subsidiary final, defeating Habtoor Polo by 6-4. Nachi Heguy´s Riña mare was named the ‘Best Playing Pony.
The KBL Dubai Gold Cup 2012, which followed the Dubai Silver Cup 2012 tournament, began on February 24. It ends on March 9, 2012.