October 25, 2019

Asia, Europe, North America, Personalities & Clubs, Polo News, South America

U.S. Polo Assn. Sponsors the First Edition of the Ladies Charity Cup 2019

25. October 2019

Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club will host its first Ladies Charity Cup on 02nd November 2019 in partnership with its title sponsor, U.S. Polo Assn. and in association with Pink Caravan, a Pan UAE breast cancer initiative. The Exhibition Cup brings together the strength of women in the Sport of Kings in support of breast cancer awareness.

The afternoon will be filled with activities for everyone to enjoy – two polo matches featuring some of the region‘s well-known polo players, charity lunch and auction, fun activities, competitions with amazing prizes, food and entertainment for all.

Mohammed Al Habtoor, Vice Chairman and CEO of Al Habtoor Group says, „Hosting our first-ever Ladies Charity Cup is a proud moment for us. Through the collective support of the playing teams, our staff and all the guests joining us on the day, we give our contribution to breast cancer awareness advocacy on behalf of the hundreds of thousands of women who are diagnosed with every year.“

“We love that we can use the beautiful sport of polo to bring fans together at this exciting event while supporting a cause that impacts so many of us and our families,” added J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global Licensing, the exclusive worldwide licensor for the USPA’s global licensing program and parent organization to the U.S. Polo Assn. brand. “Today, women are making such a huge, positive impact on both the sport and on our brand, so we are supporting events such as this around the world as part of own Women’s Initiative Program.”

Dr Sawsan Al Madhi, Director General of FOCP and Head of the Pink Caravan‘s Medical and Awareness Committee said: “As an organisation dedicated to promoting and raising cancer awareness in the UAE, we believe in the power of partnerships to expand the scope of our work to improve the standards of breast cancer screening and treatment within the UAE, and highlight the critical importance of early detection.

“We are delighted to be joining hands with well-known U.S. Polo Assn. to further our goals for this worthy cause and extend the benefits of our work to a larger population across the UAE. Such meaningful collaborations reflect on our nation’s humanitarian spirit, and will boost our efforts in bringing early detection to the forefront and to serve as a key resource for cancer patients, their families and caregivers.”

A portion of the proceeds raised will be donated to benefit Pink Caravan under the non-profit organization Friends of Cancer Patients.

About Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club

The Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club is a state-of-the-art polo and equestrian community devoted to equine sports and is the home ground for the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series. Check out the Polo and Riding School 2019 – 2020 calendars for upcoming international-standard tournaments, competition and events. For more information: contacts@alhabtoorpoloclub.com | +971 4 4362222

About U.S. Polo Assn.

U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the nonprofit governing body for the sport of polo in the United States founded in 1890, making it one of the oldest sports governing bodies. With a global footprint of $1.7B and worldwide distribution through 1,100 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores, department stores, independent retailers and e-commerce, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel for men, women and children, as well as accessories, footwear, travel and home goods in 180 countries worldwide.

About Pink Caravan

Pink Caravan, a Pan UAE breast cancer initiative that falls under Friends of Cancer Patients’ umbrella “Kashf” for early detection of cancer. Launched in 2011 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Pink Caravan has garnered widespread recognition locally, regionally, and internationally, and therefore, has appointed ambassadors from different walks of life to promote and advocate its mission.

About Friends of Cancer Patients

Friends of Cancer Patients is committed to help cancer patients and their families get through their long and arduous journey of cancer treatment. Since its inception, FoCP has delivered moral and financial support to cancer patients and their families, irrespective of their nationality, gender, age, religion or ethnicity.

Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club will host its first Ladies Charity Cup on 02nd November 2019 in partnership with its title sponsor, U.S. Polo Assn. and in association with…

Europe, Polo News

10 Years Ascona Polo Club

25. October 2019

Polo thriller at its best and double-digit results in almost all matches of the polo classic Ascona Polo Cup, which celebrates its 10^th anniversary this year.

It was a breathtaking and even final between the two finalists Engel & Völkers Ascona and team sponsor newcomer The Winston/Hotel Maloja Kulm: The six players from five nations, who faced each other here, could not have been more different. The Frenchman Constant Jacquot and the Argentinian 4-goaler Carlos Genes were in top form at the side of Gerardo Cosentino from Liechtenstein, who had already won the Ascona Polo Cup for sponsor Porsche last year and who now played with his team in the colours of Engel & Völkers.

The Brazilian Marcus Schalldach played together with the German Caroline Juls and the 6-goaler Santiago Schweizer from Argentina for the new sponsor The Winston/Hotel Maloja Kulm, who took part in the tournament as team sponsor and catering partner for the first time. Fighting stakes in the first two chukkers brought Engel & Völkers, who had started with one goal ahead because of the teamhandicap, in the first round to a 4-1 lead. But Marcus Schalldach and his team held against it and caught up with powerful defensive and cleverly used scoring chances to 4 – 4, before they took the lead themselves. Marcus Schalldach had already played in 2015 in Ascona and won here. In the jubilee year he was now awarded as the “Most Valubale” player of the tournament. Cosentino turned several penalty into goals. The last regular chukker seemed to end in a draw when Carlos Genes shot the 11-10 for Engel & Völkers just a few seconds before the final bell. Fast-paced, exciting, acclaimed – a final that did credit to the anniversary tournament at the only Swiss Polo Club south of the Alps. These polo highlights were even crowned by the breathtaking Player’s Party on Friday at the Isola do Brissago.The teams CAT Financial Products and Porsche Ticino faced each other in the “small final” in the game for the third place. With Reto Gaudenzi and Valeriy Mishchenko on one position, Tito Gaudenzi and Adrian Laplacette “old polo champions” met the tournament organiser and president of the Polo Club Ascona, Matteo Beffa, who played together with Frank Kirschke and the 4-goaler Tomi Astelara. After Tito Gaudenzi had already delivered a sensational game on Saturday, he was also the powerhouse of the team together with Astelara on Sunday. Only very close with 10-11 (the same score on the scoreboard as in the final), Beffas team finally had the nose in front and secured third place.

Arena polo is particularly worth seeing at the old Ascona airport. A treat for the spectators, who can watch the games from a high position. In addition, the special flooring makes the matches fast and the horses’ grip secure. The first match of the day for the 5^th place of the 10th Ascona Polo Cup already showed this. Here, Team Styger & Partner with the Swiss Cédric Schweri and Stefan Locher together with the 6-goaler Joao Naves from Brazil relegated the opponent Team Ascona-Locarno with Vivian Sauter, Gabriel Eckenstein and Juan Marenda to 6^th place with a final score of 13-11.

The elegant and entertaining “Black & Gold” Gala Dinner was hosted in the VIP area during the polo matches on Saturday night. After the first match of the final day, the charity games sponsored by the Styger Foundation for Children were followed by the polo audience at the elegant polo Sunday brunch created by Hotel Maloja Kulm. The proceeds of almost 40,000 Swiss francs this year go 100% to the Elisa Foundation in Locarno (Fondazione Elisa Locarno), which supports seriously ill children and their families.

As in previous years, the experienced referee Mark Holmes from Cambridge was responsible for the smooth and fair course of the game. Jan-Erik Franck “The Voice of Polo” enthused the audience as commentator of the matches. On the final Sunday he had the sympathetic support of the well-known Swiss presenter Sandy Altermatt (RSI), who introduced the Italian audience to the Who is Who and the most important polo rules. Jan-Erik Franck: “It was great to be here in Ascona again after a year’s break. Ascona has long since become a highlight and “jewel in the crown” for the European Polo Circuit. An absolutely international tournament with players from almost every continent. The surroundings here in the enchanting Ticino on Lake Maggiore do the rest to make Ascona an unforgettable polo destination. I look forward to the 11th edition of the Ascona Polo Cup next year”.

www.poloclubascona.ch

RANKING

1. Engel & Völkers Ascona (+7)
Gerardo Cosentino (+1)
Constant Jacquot (+2)
Carlos Genes (+4)

2. The Winston / Hotel Maloja Kulm (+8)
Caroline Juls (0)
Marcus Schalldach (+2)
Santiago Schweizer (+6)

3. Centri Porsche Ticino (+6)
Matteo Beffa (+1)
Frank Kirschke (+1)
Tomi Astelara (+4)

4. CAT Financial Products (+7/+6)
Reto Gaudenzi (+1) / Valery Mishchenko (0)
Tito Gaudenzi (+3)
Adrian Laplacette (+3)

5. Styger & Partner (+8)
Stefan Locher (+1)
Cédric Schweri (+1)
Joao Naves (+6)

6. Ente Turistico Lago Maggiore / Municipio di Ascona (+5)
Vivian Sauter (+1)
Gabriel Eckenstein (+1)
Juan Marenda (+3)

© Thomas Wirth

Polo thriller at its best and double-digit results in almost all matches of the polo classic Ascona Polo Cup, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. It was a breathtaking…

Europe, Lifestyle, Polo News, Travel & Food

Ritz-Carlton Hotel

25. October 2019

A new highlight on the Adriatic coast: The Ritz-Carlton heralds a new era with the construction of a luxury hotel and elegant residences and villas on the Luštica peninsula in Montenegro. 2020 is the sales start for the noble properties.

The hotel and residences are part of a mixed-use complex of spacious villas, well-kept gardens, a yacht club and a spacious beach bay. The hotel will comprise 120 rooms and suites, the residences part 180 apartments and 48 villas. The first section is expected to be completed in 2023 and the final section in 2028. The properties are scheduled for sale in 2020.

„Montenegro has quickly become a popular destination in the Mediterranean region thanks to the breathtaking views of the Adriatic coast,“ said Carlton Ervin, Chief Development Officer for Europe at Marriott International. „The agreement to open The Ritz-Carlton, Montenegro is a clear sign that our luxury brands are in demand in this beautiful region. The combination of the impressive nature of the country and the legendary service of our brand makes Montenegro the perfect destination for The Ritz-Carlton guests“. The Ritz-Carlton Montenegro is to be built in a prime location on the western tip of the Luštica peninsula with panoramic views of the Adriatic. The journey to the Tivat International Airport takes about 30 minutes, to the international airport of Dubrovnik two hours. Alternatively, the facility, which is located directly on the coast, can also be reached in style on board a yacht via the planned hotel‘s own boat landing stage.

The designs for the elegantly designed rooms and suites foresee feel-good refuges, designed in a simple, typical regional style and discreetly equipped with modern technology – each with the focus on highlighting the natural beauty of the destination. Low-rise buildings that blend seamlessly into the landscape and provide guests, residents and visitors alike with an optimal view of the sea and sunset also contribute to this. The impressive Adriatic scenery also skilfully sets the scene for the other planned offerings, including a main and two specialty restaurants, a beach bar, indoor and outdoor pools, a saltwater lido pool, a first-class spa and fitness room, as well as well-equipped Ritz Kids and Teen Clubs.

Spacious outdoor areas with views offer ideal venues, complemented by creative and flexible catering options. Activities such as mountain biking and hiking are also planned. In addition, there is the educational, interactive programme „Ambassadors of the Environment“, jointly developed by Jean-Michel Cousteau‘s Ocean Futures Society and The Ritz-Carlton, which focuses on the exceptional nature reserves surrounding the site. Guests of all ages will be encouraged to explore the conservation of natural resources for future generations.

„The success of this project, which brings the legendary The Ritz-Carlton brand to Montenegro, is the result of the strong commitment of all stakeholders – from our company, Marriott International and the Government of Montenegro,“ said Mohamed Al Sager, Chairman of Al Yasra. „This is not only an economic success, but also a personal one. I immediately fell in love with the natural beauty of the country during my first holiday here and knew that I wanted to be involved in the future development of Montenegro. What once began as a dream is now a great project that takes shape and form.“

www.RitzCarlton.com

© Thomas Wirth

A new highlight on the Adriatic coast: The Ritz-Carlton heralds a new era with the construction of a luxury hotel and elegant residences and villas on the Luštica peninsula in…

Europe, Polo News

Engel & Völkers Berlin Maifeld Polo Cup 2019

25. October 2019

Visitor record and heartbeat final at the German Polo High Goal Championship at the Berlin Maifeld: Team Riller & Schnauck wins the championship title.

At the end of August, eight international teams again competed for the title of the German High Goal Championship on the historic Maifeld in front of the Berlin Olympic Stadium. After exciting qualifying matches on the polo grounds of the Prussian Polo & Country Club in Phöben, Team Riller & Schnauck and defending champion Engel & Völkers finally faced each other in the final.

Engel & Völkers with Daniel, Caesar and Caspar Crasemann as well as Heinrich Dumrath had already delivered strong matches in the qualification and secured their entry into the final by a golden goal in the match against Team Hotel Gaijin of Caesar Crasemann on Saturday. Maximilian Singhoff, Max Bosch, the Englishman Max Charlton and Christopher Kirsch started for Riller & Schnauck. A team that could combine great experience with speed and great talent. With the 6-goaler Max Charlton and outstanding teamplay by Christopher Kirsch, Riller & Schnauck worked their way up from a 4-1 deficit to a 5-5 tie in the third chukker, which was considered impossible. In the fourth chukker, the Englishman brought his team into the lead. Engel & Völkers was two goals behind, in the last minute Caesar Crasemann caught up to 7-8 as the final score so that Team Riller & Schnauck claimed the championship title 2019.

Third place went to Team Carfactory with Robert Kofler, Alexander Hauptmann, Santiago Marambio and Moritz Gädeke. After a 4-4 equaliser by the Argentinian Manuel Elizalde from Team Hotel Gaijin in the fourth chukker, Moritz Gädeke, co-organiser of the tournament and German national player, scored the 5-4 for Carfactory in the fifth extra-chukker with a golden goal. Clarissa Marggraf from Team Hotel Gaijin was awarded as Most Valuable Player of this year‘s Engel & Völkers Maifeld Cup.

Oliver Winter, President of the German Polo Association (DPV), presented a special tribute to his brother Thomas Winter in front of the tournament audience. Thomas Winter was honored for his achievements and outstanding commitment to the sport of polo. The multiple German Champion plays with the highest German handicap, is co-founder of the Hamburg Win Polo School and is active as a youth trainer, trainer and referee. His long-time supporter and friend Albert „Atti“ Darboven personally gave the laudation on Thomas Winter‘s successful polo career and his great commitment to the sport.

Sylvia Gädeke, President of the Prussian Polo & Country Club Berlin-Brandenburg e.V. and organizer of the Engel & Völkers Maifeld Cup: „We would like to thank the numerous committed partners and helpers for a great tournament experience. We thank the players for their great commitment and fantastic polo moments here on the Maifeld and of course also the numerous spectators. The anticipation of the Maifeld Cup 2020 is already great“.

RANKING

1. RILLER & SCHNAUCK (+12)
Maximilian Singhoff (0)
Max Bosch (+3)
Max Charlton (+6)
Christopher Kirsch, TC (+3)

2. ENGEL&VÖLKERS (+10)
Caesar Craseman (+3)
Caspar Crasemann (+3)
Heinrich Dumrath (+3)
Daniel Crasemann, TC (+1)

3. CARFACTORY (+12)
Robert Kofler, TC (+1)
Alexander Hauptmann (+2)
Santiago Marambio (+6)
Moritz Gädeke (+3)

4. HOTEL GAIJIN (+12)
Clarissa Marggraf (0)
Nico Wollenberg, TC (+1)
Manuel Elizalde (+6)
Eduardo Anca (+5)

5. ALLIANZ KUNDLER (+12)
Mathias Grau, TC (0)
Goffredeo Cutinelli (+2)
Gaston Maiquez (+7)
Ignacio Brunetti (+3)

6. GETRÄNKE LEHMANN (+11)
Kutlay Yaprak, TC (0)
Agustin Kronhaus (+3)
Adrian Laplacette (+6)
Lukas Sdrenka (+2)

7. PERRIER-JOUËT (+12)
Ivan Weiss, TC (0)
Thanee Schröder (0)
Horacio F. Llorente (+6)
Dario Musso (+6)

8. PLUSQUADRAT (+11)
Vanessa Schockemöhle (0)
Patrick Maleitzke, TC (+3)
Joaquin Copello (+3)
Santos Anca (+5)

The Tournament

Since 2010, the 112,000 square metre area has been the venue for the annual Engel & Völkers Berlin Maifeld Cup, which used to be also the German High Goal Polo Championship. In 2016 the Maifeld hosted the European Polo Championship, which Ireland won. The Engel & Völkers Berlin Maifeld Cup has long since become one of the most popular polo events in Germany, attracting thousands of polo fans every year.

www.maifeldpolocup.de

© Thomas Wirth

Visitor record and heartbeat final at the German Polo High Goal Championship at the Berlin Maifeld: Team Riller & Schnauck wins the championship title. At the end of August, eight…

Polo News

Africa Youth Tour

25. October 2019

For two weeks, young polo players from Africa toured in the United Kingdom.

2019 is the 150^th year anniversary of the game of polo in the United Kingdom. As part of the celebrations, the organisers of the “150Polo” invited the Poloafrica Development Trust to send a team from South Africa on tour to England. In collaboration with the U.S. Polo Assn., the two-week trip culminated in a game played at the world-famous Guards Polo Club in June, at the same day as the Royal Windsor Cup Final. The Poloafrica Development Trust was founded by Catherine Cairns, a management consultant, who made a polo destination out of the Uitgedacht Farm in the Free State in South Africa. “We are thrilled to partner with PoloAfrica,” said J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global Licensing Inc.

www.poloafrica.com