Dubai: Zedan Polo became the first team to qualify for the McLaren Cup semi-finals with an all-win record following a 10-8 win over Bin Drai Polo at the Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club (DPEC) on Friday.
Led by patron Amr Zedan and another outstanding performance by Pablo Mac Donough, Bin Drai found it tough to match their opponents.
Zedan were off to a quick start pumping in three unanswered goals to lead 3-0 at the end of the first chukka. In the second, they managed three more and Bin Drai finally got a goal towards the end of the second chukka to finish 6-1.
Bin Drai tried their best in the third chukka by firming up their defence and scoring a couple of goals but still trailed 3-6. The penultimate chukka witnessed seven goals with Zedan adding four and Bin Drai slotting in three for a 10-6.
Bin Drai then relaxed a bit in the final chukka and held on for a 10-8 win in the end.
In the day’s earlier match, Desert Palm 1 registered their first win after three matches with a 7-5 result over UAE Polo. The match was closely-fought with the first chukka tied 2-2 and then Desert Palm 1 broke away for a 3-2 and 4-3 lead in the next two chukkas and then 5-4 at the end of the fourth to finally hold on for a 7-5 win.
