Players of Habtoor Polo and Dubai Wolves by CAFU in action during the opening match of the Bentley Emirates Silver Cup 2020.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The opening day of the Bentley Emirates Silver Cup 2022 kicked off with an exciting start on the grounds of Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club.

Before the first match of the tournament, spectators witnessed a friendly game of kids polo that showcased the skills of aspiring young polo players of Al Habtoor Polo Academy. Mohammed Al Habtoor, Chairman of the UAE Polo Federation, awarded the players with gifts from Black Hound Sports Dubai.

The anticipated match between Habtoor Polo and Dubai Wolves by CAFU opened with a goal from Carlos Ulloa for the Wolves. The goal was matched by Bautista Bayugar and closed the first chukker in a tie. Habtoor Polo had taken the lead by the next chukker and managed a 2-goal lead midway through the third chukker.

With the Wolves on the prowl, Alfredo Cappella's goal pass allowed Ulloa to tie the match again.

The penultimate chukker had Matias Gonzales score a goal for Habtoor Polo, but Charles Cooney flicked a goal under his pony's tail kept the game tied at 4 goals. Habtoor Polo kicked up speed with back-to-back goals from Bayugar and Matias Gonzales during the final chukker. The Dubai Wolves by CAFU closed in on its opponent with an under the neck shot from its patron — Habtoor Al Habtoor.

However, with the limited time, Habtoor Polo kept their lead and ended the game at 7 goals to 6.

The qualifying matches of the Bentley Emirates Silver Cup 2022 will continue on the Monday on Field 3 of Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club.