Asia

The team defends its title as the tournament champion for the third year

19 March 2022, Dubai, UAE: The fourth tournament of the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series concluded with two exciting matches on the grounds of Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club.

Juan Jauretche and Pablo Urquiza exchanged goals at the start of the Subsidiary Final and ended the first chukker with two goals each for Hesketh and AM – Ankora Polo teams. The half goal advantage kept AM – Ankora at the lead by the end of the second chukker but Tomas Palacios Bacque had taken Hesketh ahead of its competition as he closed the fourth chukker with 3 goals from penalty. The goal difference was enough to secure the win for Hesketh Polo at 7 goals to 4.5.

Match Progression: 2 – 2.5 | 3 – 3.5 | 7 – 3.5 | 7 – 4.5

Lucas Monteverde Jr. had taken the lead early for the UAE Polo team and carved a significant goal advantage by halftime. Rashid Al Abbar placed Bangash Polo on the scoreboard with Federico von Potobsky closing the gap in scores during the penultimate chukker. The last chukker was a dash for the win with Bangash seemingly in line for the trophy as its patron, Haider Bangash saved a low penalty shot from Potobsky. However, Lukin snatched the victory for UAE Polo with a goal from range and the game ended at 7.5 goals to 7.

Match Progression: 2.5 – 1 | 5.5 – 2| 5.5 – 4 | 7.5 – 7

Mohammed Khalaf Al Habtoor, Vice Chairman and CEO of Al Habtoor Group and Martin Pedersen, Chairman of International Free Zone Authority, awarded the teams of the day. Lucas Monteverde Jr. was the Most Valuable Player and Nocherita, owned by Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, as the Best Playing Pony.

 

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Dubai, United Arab Emirates – 1st March 2022: The region’s Polo event of the season, Emaar Polo Cup 2022, returns for its third edition at Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club this 12th March from 2 PM onwards. With an impressive total of AED 120,000 in cash and branded gift prizes, the medium-goal tournament will witness prominent polo teams compete to reach the grand finale on 12th March 2021. Sponsored by Emaar, the event is the first of its kind in the region to offer cash prizes to its players.

The Emaar Polo Cup 2022 is a medium-goal polo tournament and in previous years represented by prominent members of the Royal Family, including HH Sheikh Falah bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s Ghantoot Polo Team, HH Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s UAE Polo Team, HH Sheikha Alya Al Maktoum’s AM Polo Team, Bangash Polo Team, Abu Dhabi Polo Team, Zedan Polo Team, and Bin Drai Polo Team. Over the past decade, these teams played against the highest level of skilled athletes and managed to proudly secure wins from low to high-goal polo tournaments in the region and abroad. This year, there will be junior Polo teams that will compete for the junior title. 

The Emaar Polo Cup 2022 tournament is free entry to the public and will offer delectable food and beverage specials through Asado Brunch at the Terrace, Ala Carte Menu at Dubai Polo Bar, and Picnic Basket for the picnic area. Dubai Polo Bar will offer an array of gastronomical delights and beverages at AED 325 per person non-alcoholic and AED 425 for the house package. There is something fun for the little ones too, with exciting kids’ activities and Live DJ Ivan Minuti to keep the spectators entertained on the half-time break.

The highly anticipated event will witness visitors taking part in the Best Dressed Ladies gift sponsored by Clarins and OnlyRoses. The first 50 guests to arrive at the Brunch receive Palmers Skincare gifts and Blu Chocolate, and additionally, the players will receive special gifts from Ralph Lauren, De L’Arta, Rude Health, Flowers.ae, Stick & Ball ME. 

Emaar Polo Cup is a prestigious tournament that plays a significant role in Emaar’s portfolio of leisure and entertainment events. Emaar is the proud sponsor and host for this momentous tournament that witnesses iconic teams battle it out at Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club for an unforgettable experience.

The clash of sticks continued on the fourth day of the Dubai Open 2022 at Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club.

Alfredo Cappella marked the scoreboard first with a penalty shot for the Dubai Wolves by CAFU but UAE Polo had the lead at the end of the first chukker. The team widened the gap in scores during the second from the penalty shots by Tommy Beresford. The Wolves scrambled for goals during the third chukker with Charles Cooney closing it at 5 goals for the team. UAE Polo had full possession of the game as they marked the penultimate chukker with an astounding 8-goal lead. The Dubai Wolves by CAFU made attempts for redemption at the fifth chukker and managed to score in 4 back to back goals, however the significant lead was enough to earn UAE Polo team their second win in the tournament.

Match Progression: 3 – 2 | 6 – 2 | 8 – 5 | 13 – 5 | 13 – 9
Top scorer: Tommy Beresford, 8 goals

The next match was between Abu Dhabi Polo and AM Polo teams. Segundo Amadori scored first for Abu Dhabi Polo during the second chukker but the Urquiza‘s from AM Polo nicked the lead by the end of it. Jeronimo del Carril‘s consecutive goals during the third and Santiago Cernadas‘ evasive shots at the fourth chukker shifted the lead to Abu Dhabi Polo. AM Polo rushed to steal the win as the opponent had a 2 goal advantage mid of the final chukker. Pablo Urquiza squeezed in 1 goal but AM Polo was beaten by the buzzer and Abu Dhabi Polo won the game at 6 goals to 5.

Match Progression: 0 – 0 | 1 – 3 | 4 – 3 | 5-  4 | 6 – 5

The next round of qualifying matches will be on the 22nd of February between Habtoor Polo and Zedan at 14:00 followed by Bangash Dodson & Horrell against Ghantoot Polo at 16:00.

Images by Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club
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Both teams inch a leg up on their competition as they scored their second win in the Gold Cup 2022 tournament.

Bangash Dodson & Horrell nicked the first goal of the afternoon. Habtoor Polo matched that goal with successive goals from which closed the first chukker at a 3 goal advantage. Haider Bangash, the team patron, scored one for his team with Federico von Potobsky‘s pass from the throw-in. Bautista Bayugar placed Habtoor Polo at a comfortable 5 goal lead by halftime. The penultimate chukker saw   Bangash Dodson & Horrell get back in the game and narrowed the gap to 3 goals. The team closed in Habtoor Polo early in the last chukker but Juan Jauretche nailed the team‘s 11th goal – enough to secure the team‘s second victory.

Match Progression: 4 -1 | 6 – 2 | 8 – 3a | 9 – 6 | 11 – 9
Top scorer: Bautista Bayugar, 6 goals

It was a close start for the next match between Zedan Polo and Ghantoot Polo with the first chukker ending at 3 goals to 1. Tomas Panelo from the Zedan Polo team drove the advantage up to 4 goals by the end of the second. The gap in scores did not improve during the next minutes with the near goal saves and misses. The penultimate chukker had seen Amr Zedan, the team patron, deliver the ball close to goal and Gonzalo Ferrari finishing it for the team. At this point Zedan has a 4 goal advantage that Ghantoot Polo was not able to beat and the game ended with a final score of 10 goals to 6.

Match Progression: 3 – 2 | 6- 2 | 7 – 3 | 9 – 5 | 10 – 6
Top scorer: Tomas Panelo, 7 goals

The Dubai Open qualifying games will continue on the 20th of February, Field 3 of Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club.

14:00
UAE Polo vs. Dubai Wolves by CAFU

16:00
Abu Dhabi Polo vs. AM Polo

 

Phots by Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club
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16 February 2022: The qualifying matches of the Dubai Open 2022 are well underway, with the second day featuring Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series Polo against Abu Dhabi Polo and Dubai Wolves by CAFU versus AM Polo.

Lucas Monteverde Jr. scored first for UAE Polo with Segundo Amadori settling the first chukker at 1 goal each. Abu Dhabi Polo team took the lead by the end of the second chukker with goals from Jeronimo del Carril but UAE Polo managed a 5-goal advantage in the next two chukkers. The final chukker saw Abu Dhabi make a comeback as Jero and Santiago Cernadas narrowed the gap in scores. However, the lead UAE Polo had was enough to seal the win for the team at 9 goals to 6.

Match Progression: 1 – 1 | 2 – 3 | 5 – 3 | 8 – 3 | 9 – 6
Top scorer: Tommy Beresford, 7 goals

AM Polo showed early dominance in the next match as the first chukker closed at 2 goals to nil. Dubai Wolves by CAFU made up for its slow start with back to back goals during the second. The third chukker was a scuffle for the Wolves to extend their lead and the team successfully carved a 3-goal advantage with its Patron – Habtoor Al Habtoor – picking up a long-range pass from Alfredo Cappella. The team kept the momentum during the penultimate chukker, ending it with a 5-goal lead. Alejandro Muzzio placed AM Polo back on the scoreboard with consecutive goals during the final chukker.

But the commanding lead of the Dubai Wolves by CAFU plus the additional goals it landed earned them their first win in the tournament.

Match Progression: 0 – 2 | 4- 3 | 7 – 4 | 9 – 4 | 12 – 8
Top scorers: Carlos Ulloa, Alfredo Cappella, Alejandro Muzzio, 5 goals

The Dubai Open matches will continue on the 19th of February on Field 1 of Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club.

14:00
Habtoor Polo vs. Bangash Dodson & Horrell Polo

16:00
Ghantoot Polo vs. Zedan Polo

 

Photos by Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club
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Habtoor Polo, fresh from its glory at the Silver Cup 2022, faced the defending champions of the Gold Cup – Ghantoot Polo – on the grounds of Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club.

Marcos (Cacu) Araya opened the match with a goal for Ghantoot and, Mohammed Al Habtoor, the patron of the Habtoor Polo team, closed the first chukker with a 1-goal advantage. The team continued the streak of goal shots and extended its lead with 2 goals. Cacu placed Ghantoot back on the scoreboard during the third chukker but Bautista Bayugar managed to keep the lead to Habtoor Polo‘s side by halftime. The penultimate chukker saw the team carve a 4-goal lead which Ghantoot closed in on but did not manage to beat. The game ended with a final score of 8 goals to 7 in favour of Habtoor Polo.

Match Progression: 2 – 1 | 4 – 1 | 6 – 4 | 8 – 4 | 8 – 7
Top scorers: Bautista Bayugar and Marcos Araya, 5 goals

Bangash Dodson & Horrell Polo team took the lead quickly from Zedan Polo at the second match of the day. Amr Zedan, the patron of the opposing team shifted the advantage by the end of the second chukker and the team kept its lead through halftime. Benjamin Panelo from Bangash levelled the game during the fourth chukker with penalty shots. His brother, Tomas Panelo, saw to it that the final chukker belongs to the Zedan Polo team as he scored 3 goals and the team took their first win in the tournament.

Match Progression: 1 – 2 | 3 – 2 | 3 – 5 | 5 – 5 | 8 – 6
Top scorers: Tomas Panelo & Benjamin Panelo, 5 goals

The next round of qualifying matches will be on the 16th of February, Field 3 of Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club.

 

Photos by Tony Belot and Shine TV

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12 February 2022, Dubai, UAE: The afternoon opened with a penalty shot from Ernesto Trotz at the subsidiary final of the tournament. Estancia Lamar Polo team dominated the first half of the game against El Basha Polo and maintained a 3-goal advantage at the end of the third chukker. Tommy Beresford for El Basha Polo managed to close the gap in scores during the last chukker, but the win still fell in the hands of Estancia Lamar as the game ended with a final score of 6 goals to 5.

Match Progression:  2 – 0 | 5 – 2 | 6 – 3 | 6 – 5

The final featured a match between Bin Drai Polo and Ankora Polo teams, and Raul Laplacette closed the first chukker with a 1-goal lead for Bin Drai. Laplacette‘s consecutive goal shots placed the team in a comfortable lead by halftime.Ricardo Garros for Ankora Polo nicked 2 goals for the team, but the advantage stayed on Bin Drai‘s side. Mohammed Bin Drai stole the ball and converted it to a point making Ankora‘s work cut out for them at the last chukker of the game. Faisal Yabroudi‘s last-second goal sealed the win for Bin Drai at 9 goals to 6.

Match Progression:  2 – 1 | 6 – 3 | 7 – 5 | 9 – 6

Philippe D‘Amat, General Manager of Al Habtoor Polo Resort hotel awarded the teams of the day. Pico Flor was the Best Playing Pony ridden by the tournament‘s Most Valuable Player – Ricardo Garros.

 

Photos by Khalil Ahli
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* All tournaments are subject to the regulations and guidelines issued by the authorities.

ABOUT DUBAI POLO GOLD CUP SERIES

Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series (DPGC) was founded in 2009 by Mohammed Al Habtoor, patron of the Habtoor Polo team and Chairman of the UAE Polo Federation DPGC Series started out with one tournament – the Gold Cup (Dubai Open) – and has grown into a series five premier Polo Tournaments in the Middle East – the Silver Cup, Gold Cup, Polo Masters Cup, Dubai Challenge Cup and the Dubai Cup. The tournaments under the DPGC are recognized by World Polo Tour (WPT), ranking it among the best polo tournaments worldwide. The Gold Cup is one out of the four tournaments in the world that is played in the WPT Championship Cup category, on a par with world-class events held in Argentina, Spain, United Kingdom and the United States.

The DPGC Series is one of the most important annual tournaments in the region having its home ground in the Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club, annually attracting VIP’s, dignitaries, local and international media, society figures, and famous personalities.

As a result of the continued collaboration and partnership between Richard Mille, Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) the Saudi Polo Federation (SPF), Richard Mille is delighted to present the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo, the first modern polo tournament in the world to be staged in the desert. Taking place on 11 – 12 February, the iconic event will bring together polo patrons and professionals from around the world who will partake in an exhilarating global event that celebrates the highest levels of talent, sportsmanship, and dedication in the international polo community. 

Organised by RCU in partnership with the SPF and Richard Mille, the event marks the second season of the enthralling two-day tournament, which was first introduced by RCU in 2020. An avid supporter of the prestigious sport and the development of polo in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Richard Mille played a pivotal role in the inaugural season of the Desert Polo tournament as the official Timekeeper of the event. 

Sharing a unified vision with RCU and SPF to establish the historic city as a premier destination for polo enthusiasts worldwide, Richard Mille has deepened its involvement with the pioneering tournament as Title Sponsor and Timekeeper. As a result, the high-profile annual event will now be known as the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo. 

Pablo Mac Donough, one of the world’s greatest polo players, will be playing in the tournament alongside his teammates Adolfo Cambiaso, Pelon Stirling and Juan Martin Nero in a specially built arena close to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra. A member of the Richard Mille family and partner of the brand since 2011, the 10-goal polo icon will wear his RM 53-01 Tourbillon Pablo Mac Donough throughout the entirety of the tournament as he leads one of four teams through the action-packed games of the tournament. Comprising of invited guests and patrons, each of the four competing teams will showcase the precision, speed and teamwork demanded by the ‘King of Sports’ as they compete for the chance to win the first-ever Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo Trophy. 

“The 2020 tournament was a milestone event for both Richard Mille and the Saudi Polo Federation. Hence, we wanted to deepen our involvement this year as we are committed to supporting the development of the sport in Saudi Arabia. This year’s event is certain to be nothing short of remarkable as we will have the chance to witness some of the best polo players in the world in action as they compete against the iconic backdrop of the AlUla terrain. It is an exciting moment for the global polo community. I’m looking forward to watching the games and seeing who will win the first-ever Richard Mille AlUla Desert Trophy,” commented Peter Harrison, CEO of Richard Mille EMEA. 

“We are incredibly honoured to have this partnership with Richard Mille for yet another season of AlUla Desert Polo. As a global supporter of this powerful sport, it’s a perfect match as two iconic master pieces meet between progress and tradition. I also look forward to welcoming back Richard Mille partner, Pablo Mac Donough who will be returning to AlUla to lead the Richard Mille Polo team in our tournament. I am sure he will inspire many of our young Saudi players as the great role model he is.” Commented Amr Zedan, President of the Saudi Arabia Polo Federation. 

 

About Winter at Tantora

Winter at Tantora festival is considered as the Kingdom’s first-ever music and cultural festival. This year, it will run from 21 December 2021 to 12 February 2022. It will offer both international and local visitors an exciting six weeks of music, cultural events and equestrian events. Winter at Tantora is the first part of AlUla Moments festivals which include three other distinguished festivals of AlUla Arts festival, AlUla Skies, and AlUla Wellness festival. 

About Saudi Polo Federation 

The Saudi Polo Federation (SPF) was established in July 2018 as a means of developing the sport across the Kingdom and establishing international best practice from grass roots to elite levels. Aligned with key government stakeholders such as the Ministry of Sports, the SPF works to further establish Saudi polo in a global context, continuing the work already undertaken by Saudi’s private polo patrons on the international stage. 

Chaired by renowned Saudi polo player and businessman, Amr Zedan, the SPF seeks to encourage the sport among young Saudi men and women in accordance with the goals set out in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, while reflecting the transformational journey taking place in Saudi Arabia. 

www.richardmille.com

 

Photos by Royal Commission of AlUla
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3 February 2022, Dubai, UAE: A chance to defend its title as the tournament champion will be in the hands of Habtoor Polo as they take on UAE Polo again this Saturday, 5 February, at Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club.

At today‘s semifinals, Habtoor Polo took the lead and settled the chukker with one goal to nil. AM Polo managed to switch the advantage to their side with penalty goals from Benjamin Urquiza. The game was levelled during the third chukker with both teams having 4 goals each. Habtoor Polo carved a 3-goal lead at the penultimate chukker as each player demonstrated a skilled play. The team extended their lead at the last minutes of the game and closed it with a final score of 10 goals to 6.

Match Progression: 1 – 0 | 2 – 3 | 4 – 4 | 8- 5 | 10 – 6
Top Scorer: Bautista Bayugar, 5 goals

The next spot at the final was a battle between UAE Polo and Zedan Polo teams. The game started on equal footing as the first chukker ended with a tied score. Tommy Beresford and Sheikha Alia Al Maktoum gained the lead for UAE Polo at the end of the second chukker. It was a short-lived advantage as Tomas Panelo and Gonzalo Ferrari displayed gameplay that levelled the game at 6 goals by halftime. Both Tomas and Gonzalo had two runaway goals during the fourth chukker

that extended Zedan Polo‘s lead, only to be matched by Tommy‘s precise penalty shots.

Early in the final chukker, Zedan Polo carved a 2 goal lead that Tommy threatened at last second. Both teams were tied at 11 goals with a penalty issued in favour of UAE Polo. The 60-yard penalty went slightly off the goal but Sheikha Alya‘s swift assist beside the goal post earned the team its well-deserved spot at the Bentley Emirates Silver Cup 2022 final.

Match Progression: 1 – 1 | 4 – 3 | 6 – 6 | 9 – 9 | 12 – 11
Top Scorer: Tommy Beresford, 7 goals

The winner of the Bentley Emirates Silver Cup 2022 will be lifting the coveted trophy on the 5th of February, Field 1 of Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club.

Final Day Agenda:

12:00 – Picnic Gates Open
13:45 – Flag Parade
13:55 – Team Presentation
14:00 – Hildon Cup: Dubai Wolves by CAFU vs. Bangash Dodson & Horrell Polo
15:20 – Cheerleader Show
15:35 – Find the Gold Coins                           
15:55 – Team Presentation with Bentley Cars | UAE National Anthem
16:00 – Bentley Emirates Silver Cup Final: Habtoor Polo vs. Zedan Polo
17:20 – Trophy Ceremony
18:20 – LED Light Show

Photos by Tony Belot
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27 January 2022, Dubai, UAE: The qualification matches of the Bentley Emirate Silver Cup 2022 continued on the grounds of Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club.

The first chukker of the game between AM Polo and Zedan Polo teams ended in a tie at 2 goals. Tomas Panelo took the lead for Zedan by the end of the second but, AM Polo’s Benjamin Urquiza and Alejandro Muzzio carved a 2-goal advantage by halftime. Sheikha Alia Al Maktoum, patron of AM Polo sealed a seeming win for the team as she widened the lead by the end of the penultimate chukker. The last minutes of the game saw the Sheikha Alia deliver two more goals which kept AM Polo undefeated in the tournament.

Match Progression: 2 – 2 | 2 – 3 | 5 – 3 | 8 – 5 | 10 – 6
Top scorer: Benjamin Urquiza, 6 goals

The next match between two teams competing to earn their first win saw Bangash Dodson and Horrell Polo dominate Clinova – Scone Polo. NicolasCorti Maderna for Bangash secured the lead early in the game. Clinova – Scone Polo nicked two goals at the third chukker. As the match ensued, Bangash Dodson and Horrel further extended the lead that sealed the win at 7.5 goals to 4.

Match Progression: 2.5 – 0 | 3.5 – 0 | 4.5 – 2 | 7.5 – 2 | 7.5 – 4

The next match of the Bentley Emirates Silver Cup 2022 will be on Field 1 with Habtoor Polo competing against UAE Polo at 15:00 followed by penalty shoot-outs at 16:45.

 

Photos by Khalil Ahli 
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