Players of IFZA-Mahra Polo and Bin Drai Polo in action during the opening match of the Dubai Challenge Cup at the Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club on Friday.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The Dubai Challenge Cup -- fourth tournament of the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series -- kicked off with two back-to-back games at the Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club on Friday.

The first match between IFZA-Mahra Polo and Bin Drai Polo teams opened with a goal from Bautista Alberdi that was matched by Segundo Amadori that ended the chukker with one goal for each team. IFZA-Mahra Polo grabbed the lead with two penalty shots from Jacinto Amadori in the first half of the second chukker, however, the Bin Drai team was able to keep the scores at a tie with the last goal from Rashid Bin Drai.

Past halftime, Bin Drai created a 1-goal advantage and the game ended with a goal from Gelossi that gave Bin Drai Polo team a head start in the tournament.

Baylandi Polo team faced Dubai Wolves Polo in the second half of the afternoon with an equal start as both teams delivered a goal each by the end of the first chukker. The Dubai Wolves had a half goal advantage in the game, which gave them the lead until halftime. Guillermo Cuitinho had shown his class as he had shifted the lead to Baylandi Polo team with two goals, which Ed Banner Eve followed through with two more goals at the final chukker that sealed the win for Baylandi Polo team at six goals to 4.5.

The next round matches of the Dubai Challenge Cup will take place on Monday. Tratok/Hesketh Polo will meet UAE Polo while Battistoni Polo square off against AM Polo. Eight teams are participating in the tournament.