Sport | Other Sports
Ghantoot to seek revenge over Al Manassa
Multi title-winners Ghantoot will seek to avenge their loss in Friday's league game with a victory over Al Manassa in today's final of the Emirates Open Polo Championship.
- By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
- Published: 22:40 December 20, 2008
- Image Credit: Abdul Rahman/Gulf News
- Al Manassa and Ghantoot teams in action during the Emirates Open Polo Championship at Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club in Abu Dhabi on Friday.
Abu Dhabi: Multi title-winners Ghantoot will seek to avenge their loss in Friday's league game with a victory over Al Manassa in today's final of the Emirates Open Polo Championship.
Al Manassa completed their league engagements with all–win record after they registered a 11–7 win over Ghantoot and the two teams clash again in a five–chukka final today at the Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club.
Friday's encounter was a lack–lustre affair as the two teams took it lightly, though the crop of UAE national players did excel.
Al Manassa led 2–1 after the first chukka but Ghantoot over–powered them in the second chukka when they slammed four goals while Manassa also scored twice.
However, Al Manassa turned their 4–5 deficit into a handy 8–5 lead and later wrapped up the match at 11–7 after the fourth chukka.
Ali Al Merri, a two–goal handicap player, scored five goals for the winners, his best–ever performance in a major event here and fellow Emirati Nasser Al Daheri chipped in with two goals.
David Bernal, Al Manassa's 6–goal player who scored six in their first match, took a back seat scoring three in Friday's win and promised more in the final today. "Both teams are equally–balanced and Ghantoot will be a much tougher opponent in the final," he said.
For Ghantoot, Nasser Al Shamsi scored four goals while Lucas Labat scored twice and Juan Ramon added one.
"You can expect a much better display in the final. We have played many finals and we are confident," said Ghantoot skipper Al Shamsi.
Sport Editor's choice
-
Winning Desert Classic close to McIlroy's heart
Joint-leader draws inspiration from girlfriend's personal pursuit of perfection
-
Top teams hold on to their positions
Of the strugglers, Emirates continue their climb up the table after some superb performances while Sharjah drop
-
Staking a claim
Mendip bounces back to his best form to win middle leg of Al Maktoum Challenge
