Ghantoot emerged victorious in a closely contested final against Habtoor, securing a 7-6 win to claim the Ghantoot International Polo Championship. The championship match took place on Saturday, 8th March, at the Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The final was played under artificial lights to accommodate Muslim players observing Ramadan.
Habtoor, having yet to secure a title this season in the UAE, was determined to clinch the championship. Despite the teams being evenly matched, Ghantoot proved to be a formidable opponent. Habtoor held a one-goal advantage at the end of the fourth chukka, but Ghantoot turned the tide in the fifth chukka with two crucial goals from Gonzalo Ferrari and Juan Ambroggio.
However, Mohammed Al Habtoor and his team were relentless. In the final moments of regular play, Bartolomé Bayugar scored a dramatic goal with just six seconds remaining, levelling the score at 6-6 and forcing an extra chukka. In overtime, Ghantoot was awarded a foul, leading to a decisive 30-yard penalty, which Marcos Araya successfully converted, sealing a 7-6 victory and securing the championship title.
Ghantoot International Polo Championship – Final Results (8th March)
Ghantoot 7-6 Habtoor
Ghantoot Team:
- Nasser Al Shamsi 1
- Juan Ambroggio 5 (1 goal)
- Gonzalo Ferrari 7 (2 goals)
- Marcos Araya 7 (3 goals)
Total: 20
Habtoor Team:
- Mohammed Al Habtoor 0 (1 goal)
- Bartolomé Bayugar 5 (2 goals)
- Bautista Bayugar 8 (3 goals)
- Juan Jauretche 7
Total: 20
Match Score Progression: 1-1, 2-3, 2-3, 4-5, 6-6, 7-6
Officials:
- Umpires: Matías Baibiene & Peter Wright
- Third Man: Santiago Torreguita
Awards:
- Most Valuable Player (MVP): Gonzalo Ferrari
- Best Playing Pony (BPP): Atrevida, ridden by Gonzalo Ferrari