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AL HABTOOR LEAVE IT LATE TO OVERCOME GRITTY BANGASH

17. March 2020

Facunodo Sola hits match-winning hat-trick in 5^th chukker.

Al Habtoor’s leading player Facuno Solo could not have hit peak form at a better time as he scored a stunning hat-trick in a tense final chukker to help hs team defeat a gritty Bangash 12-9 in the 20^th HH President of the UAE Polo Cup at the Al Habtoor Polo Resort on March 16.

Both team were lock at 8-goal each at the end of the fourth chukker, but it was Al Habtoot who came out stronger in the decider to strike four goals without conceding any, for a resounding victory. It was their second of the six-team 18-goal handicap tournament, following their 14-12 victory over the UAE Polo Team in an earlier game. One of the UAE’s leading polo clubs and tournament organisers, Al Habtoot comprise a strong team lead by Mohammed Al Habtoor, Felix Esian, Martin Podesta and the mercurial nine-handicapper, Solo. “I am delighted with the way the team performed under pressure,” said Al Habtoor. “The whole performance was very good right from the start. “We also won a tense match against UAE Polo Team which shows that we can handle the pressure. By playing this way and staying positive will also help the team to perform better. Overall out performance was solid and we look forward to our next match against Abu Dhabi (March 21).

“A win there will put us in a strong position in the tournament,” Despite losing two games on the trot Haider Bangash remained up-beat and said: “Full marks to our players for putting up such a spirted performance for the second consecutive match. “We lost both matches narrowly, which means that we can still mix it with the top teams. Perhaps we need to look at some things in our strategy and hopefully raise our game in the coming matches. Bangash play Desert Palm Polo Team in their third league match on March 21.

The ‘President of the UAE Cup’ offers a lucrative purse of AED 500,000.

The final of the tournament scheduled for March 27. All games are being held at the state-of-the-art Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club in Abu Dhabi which was founded by HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and is run under the patronage and directives of his son, The Chairman of Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club HH Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

FORTHCOMING MATCHES

Tuesday, March 17

2.30pm Ghantoot vs Abu Dhabi

4.30 Desert Palm vs UAE

Friday, March 21

3.30pm Ghantoot vs UAE

Saturday, March 22

2.30pm Desert Palm vs Bangash

4.30pm Al Habtoor vs Abu Dhabi

Tuesday, March 24

Semifinals

Friday, March 27

Final

AT A GLANCE

What: HH President of the UAE Polo Tournament

When: March 11-27

Where: Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, Abu Dhabi

Teams: 6 Polo Teams

Tournament Handicap: 18 Handicap

Watch it Live: www.presidentpolocup.ae

Notes: Crowd Cancelled

EVENT SPONSORS AND PARTNERS

Governing Partner: Abu Dhabi Sports Council
In association with: Emirates Polo Association
Event Sponsors:
YAS Capital Investments
YAS International Properties LLC
YAS International Development
YAS International Holding
YAS International Investment
La Roche Pharmacy
Official Car:
Premier Motors – Maserati

Official website: www.presidentpolocup.ae
Official social media: www.instagram.com/ghantootpolo

© Thomas Wirth

Facunodo Sola hits match-winning hat-trick in 5th chukker. Al Habtoor’s leading player Facuno Solo could not have hit peak form at a better time as he scored a stunning hat-trick in…

Asia, Polo News

Hosts Ghantoot rally late for exciting victory over Bangash

16. March 2020

HH President of the UAE Cup 2020 gets off to a busy start.

Hosts Ghantoot Polo Team went on a blistering attack in the fifth and final chukker to overcome a two goal deficit and defeat Bangash 9-8 on an action-packed opening day in the 2020 HH President of the UAE Polo Cup on Wednesday.

Ghantoot trailed their rivals 6-8 with less than seven minutes to play, but two goals each by their Argentinian professionals, Pablo LLorente and Marcos Araya, helped them turn impending defeat into a highly rewarding victory.

Both Llorente and Araya totally four goals each for the match played on a 18-handicap format over five chukkers. The star player for Bangash was the irresistible Manuel Elixalde who scores six of his team’s eight goals in a dominating display of high-quality polo at the Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club. All the six participating teams were in action on a fun-filled opening day featuring competitive matches. Meanwhile, Al Habtoor’s Facundo Solo was in red-hot form scoring as many as 11 times in his team’s 14-13 victory over UAE Polo Team. The top scorer for the UAE was veteran Tomas Beresfors who struck eight goals in a match that could have gone any way.

The UAE were led by Her Highness Sheikha Maitha Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and also featured Benjamin and Tomas Panelo. In the day’s third match Abu Dhabi Polo Team dominated Desert Palm for most of the 35 minutes of action for a 8-3 victory. The leading scorer for the winners was Martin Donovan with four goals while Ramiro Cordero, Martin Valent and Manuel Toccalino scored a goal apiece for Desert Palm. The ‘President of the UAE Cup’ offers a lucrative purse of AED 500,000. The final of the tournament scheduled for March 27.

All games are being held at the state-of-the-art Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club in Abu Dhabi which was founded by HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and is run under the patronage and directives of his son, HH Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Mr Zayed Alaboudi Al Zaabi, Ghantoot’s Managing Director congratulated the winners and wished the losers good luck for the remaining matches. “We could not have hoped for a better start to this prestigious tournament, which is held in the name of HH Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE.

AT A GLANCE

What: HH President of the UAE Polo Tournament

When: March 11-27

Where: Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, Abu Dhabi

Teams: 6 Polo Teams

Tournament Handicap: 18 Handicap

Watch it Live: www.presidentpolocup.ae

Notes: Crowd Cancelled

EVENT SPONSORS AND PARTNERS

• Governing Partner: Abu Dhabi Sports Council

• In association with: Emirates Polo Association

• Event Sponsors:

• YAS Capital Investments

• YAS International Properties LLC

• YAS International Development

• YAS International Holding

• YAS International Investment

• La Roche Pharmacy

• Official Car:

• Premier Motors – Maserati

Official website: www.presidentpolocup.ae
Official social media: www.instagram.com/ghantootpolo

© Thomas Wirth

HH President of the UAE Cup 2020 gets off to a busy start. Hosts Ghantoot Polo Team went on a blistering attack in the fifth and final chukker to overcome…

Asia, Polo News

Ghantoot set to host 20th edition of ‘HH PRESIDENT OF THE UAE CUP’  with half million prize money!

10. March 2020

The Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club (GRPC) are leaving no stone unturned as it prepares to host the 20^th edition of the ‘HH President of the UAE Polo Cup’, one of the most highly anticipated, High handicap polo tournaments in the Middle East.

As many as six teams, comprising some of the best Emirati and international players, will be seen in action in the tournament. The ‘President of the UAE Cup’ offers a lucrative purse of AED 500,000. The first match will be played on Wednesday, March 11 with the final scheduled for March 27. The tournament will be held over a league format with the teams with the highest wins contesting the Grand Final.

All games will be held at the state-of-the-art Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club in Abu Dhabi which was founded by HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and is run under the patronage and directives of his son, HH Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

“The sport of polo in the UAE is going in the right way,” said HH Sheikh Falah in his address. “It is a historical occasion for Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club to celebrate the 20^th Anniversary of HH President of the UAE Polo Cup. “We are extremely proud of what has been accomplished at our club and the way the sport of polo has been supported, organized and carried forward into the new decade,” he added. “Creating a legacy is critical to any sport and this landmark year for the HH President of the UAE Polo Cup is testimony to what can be achieved if we do this together. This speaks volumes for the sport’s future in the country.”

HE Zayed Alaboudi Al Zaabi, Ghantoot’s Executive Director, echoed HH Sheikh Falah’s view and said: “Since it was founded in 1994, the Ghantoot Racing & Poloc Club has invested into the successful model created by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and which has been passionately carried forward by HH Sheikh Falah bin Zayed.

“Through their collective vision, the club has grown steadily from humble beginnings into a proud and permanent headquarters for top-level polo in the country,” added Al Zaabi. “It gives me great pleasure to announce that Ghantoot is all set to host the landmark 20^th edition of the HH President of the UAE Polo Club at the magnificent Ghantoot Polo Club, which is the only Royal Polo Club in the UAE,” said Al Zaabi. “We can all look forward to two weeks of high-quality polo from some of the best exponents of the game in the UAE, together with some of the leading players from Argentina, and around the world. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our patrons, partners, sponsors and not least the fans for being with us over the past 20 years. “Good tuck to all the teams participating. I’m sure you will enjoy this just as much as well will watching you play.”

The 2019 edition of the HH President of the UAE Cup was won by Desert Palm who defeated the UAE Polo Team 10-8 in a thrilling final. Hosts Ghantoot Polo Team earned a consolation prize when they defeated Abu Dhabi Polo Team 9-8 in the sub-final.

AT A GLANCE

What: HH President of the UAE Polo Tournament
When: March 11-27
Where: Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, Abu Dhabi
Teams: 6 Polo Teams
Tournament Handicap: 18 Handicap
Watch it Live: www.presidentpolocup.ae

EVENT SPONSORS AND PARTNERS

Governing Partner: Abu Dhabi Sports Council
In association with: Emirates Polo Association
Event Sponsors:
YAS Capital Investments
YAS International Properties LLC
YAS International Development
YAS International Holding
YAS International Investment
La Roche Pharmacy
Official Car:
Premier Motors – Maserati

Official website: www.presidentpolocup.ae
Official social media: www.instagram.com/ghantootpolo

© Thomas Wirth

The Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club (GRPC) are leaving no stone unturned as it prepares to host the 20th edition of the ‘HH President of the UAE Polo Cup’, one…

Asia, Polo News

Habtoor Polo and Abu Dhabi Polo Teams Will Go Head to Head at the Bentley Cup 2020

4. March 2020

It was a double-action day at the Bentley Semifinals of the Standard Chartered Gold Cup 2020 tournament. Four teams competed at the grounds of Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club that resulted to a win for Habtoor Polo and Abu Dhabi Polo teams.

Habtoor Polo demonstrated a strong start until halftime while maintaining a two-goal advantage. Bangash Polo was able to close in on Habtoor by the end of the fourth chukker with goals from its patron – Haider Bangash and Frederico Potobsky created a tie early on the final chukker. Habtoor Polo matched this with two goals, and Facundo Sola’s 10th goal sealed the for Habtoor Polo team.

The second match opened with a goal from Juan Zubiaurre that was followed by a score from Habtoor Al Habtoor, patron of the Dubai Wolves team. The next chukker saw the Wolves took off and secured a three-goal advantage over Abu Dhabi Polo team. The match took an exciting turn when Martin Donovan delivered three goals in the next two chukkers. Alfredo Cappella started the last chukker with a goal. Juan Gris Zavaleta took the lead with a penalty shot, but Cesar Crespo levelled the game.

Tied at 8 goals, both teams raced to gain the lead that resulted in a sixth chukker. The strike for the golden goal was taken by Cappella within the first 10 seconds, and Abu Dhabi Polo claimed victory at 9 goals to 8.

Match Progression: 2 – 1 | 5 – 3 | 6 – 4 | 7 – 6 | 10 – 8
Top scorer: Facundo Sola, Habtoor Polo, 6 goals

Match Progression: 0 – 2 | 3 – 6 | 4 – 6 | 6 – 7 | 8 – 8 | 8 – 9
Top scorer: Martin Donovan, Abu Dhabi Polo, 4 goals

www.alhabtoorpoloresortandclub.com

© Thomas Wirth

It was a double-action day at the Bentley Semifinals of the Standard Chartered Gold Cup 2020 tournament. Four teams competed at the grounds of Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club…

Asia, Polo News

Queen’s Cup Pink Polo 2020

25. February 2020

Queen’s Cup Pink Polo 2020 concludes with memorable elegance as outstanding female riders win The Queen Mother’s royal cup

For the 12^th consecutive year, the highly anticipated all-female charity polo tournament Queen’s Cup Pink Polo 2020 once again concluded on a high note. Organized by Dr. Harald Link, president of B.Grimm and Thailand Equestrian Federation, and Nunthinee Tanner, vice president of Thailand Equestrian Federation in association with U.S. Polo Assn., the Queen’s Cup Pink Polo 2020 was a tournament to win The Queen Mother’s royal cup and raise fund for The Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer Foundation on Saturday 22 February 2020 between 12pm to 6pm at Thai Polo & Equestrian Club Pattaya.

Nunthinee Tanner, vice president of Thailand Equestrian Federation, head of the organizing team, said that, “breast cancer is the number one cause of death of Thai women, and the casualty keeps increasing. A lot of breast cancer patients struggle with this illness without help or support, while many lack funding for treatment and spend their lives without home or caretakers. The charity Queen’s Cup Pink Polo that has been held for the past 12 consecutive years plays a crucial role in providing support for breast cancer patients through The Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer Foundation. We truly hope that with this all-female polo tournament, polo will be recognized and known more widely to the public and that women can come together to play sport and support a good cause.”

Contenders for this year’s tournament included four international teams, namely Marengo, La Familia, Ethiopian Airlines and the home team Thai Polo. The last two teams entered the semi final at 4.45pm to compete for The Queen Mother’s royal cup.

Besides the thrill on the polo pitch, Queen’s Cup Pink Polo 2020 also included a string of Saturday fun such as performance by RPCA Black Pipe Band and Yorkshire terrier parade by Yorkshire Terrier Club Thailand, led by Khun Namhom, HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya’s dog.

As sport spirits were high, so was the fashion of the distinguished celebrity guests who were all dressed in pink accented with the signature accessory of the polo tournament – hats of different shapes and styles. At the opening ceremony, Nunthinee Tanner, Thailand’s first lady polo player and head of the tournament organizing team, gracefully led riders into the pitch, followed by a parade of Thailand’s top celebrities. After the second chukka, the tradition of Stomping Divots commenced to smoothen the grassy pitch and erase the horses’ footprint. The stomping was also delightfully joined by female spectators of all ages. This year, luxury supercar McLaren led the riders into the pitch of Queen’s Cup Pink Polo 2020 for the final round.

The event culminated to the award presentation of Best Dress Award and Best Hat Award for guests with stunning outfit and hat respectively. Winner of Best Dress Award Men was Chalin Hattakijkowit, while Peerapatra Chaovalit won the Best Dress Award Women. As for the Best Hat Award, the winner was Narisa Kubota. Last but not least was the award ceremony for the winning team of Queen’s Cup Pink Polo 2020, which was La Familia that beat Marengo at 7-5. The event concluded with magnificent firework show that capped off the yearly polo showdown with memorable fun and extravagance.

12 years on and the Queen’s Cup Pink Polo never loses its style, fun and grandeur. Most importantly, it’s the unique event where the guests get the chance to enjoy professional polo in warm, inviting atmosphere and at the same time raise fund for a good cause every year.

Photos: Dominic James

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Photos: Thai Polo

[ngg src=”galleries” ids=”1014″ display=”basic_thumbnail” thumbnail_crop=”0″]www.thai-polo-club.com

© Thomas Wirth

Queen’s Cup Pink Polo 2020 concludes with memorable elegance as outstanding female riders win The Queen Mother’s royal cup For the 12th consecutive year, the highly anticipated all-female charity polo…

Asia, Europe, North America, Polo News

World Polo League Founders Cup Begins Friday With Tripleheader at Valiente

21. February 2020

After a successful All Star Challenge season-opener, the World Polo League season continues Friday with the Founders Cup.

Three games will open the second tournament of the season at Valiente Polo Farm. Scone will make its season debut against J5/La Dolfina Breeding at noon on Field 3; Valiente plays Alegria at 2 p.m. on Field 2; and Seminole Casino meets Richard Mille at 4 p.m. on Field 1.

Ten teams, including new team sponsors Amaala, Scone and STM, will compete in the first of three WPL tournaments offering major prize money. Scone competed last year in the WPL‘s inaugural season.

The WPL is coming off a successful opening and fun All Star Challenge where Valiente defended its title with a new lineup.

Valiente (Bob Jornayvaz 2, Poroto Cambiaso 4, Diego Cavanagh 9, Adolfo Cambiaso 10) led for most of the game to defeat SD Farms (Sayyu Dantata 2, Santi Torres 7, Guillermo Terrera 8, Juan Martin Zubia 8), 12-10. Poroto Cambiaso, 14, the only returning player off last year‘s winning team, has now won back-to-back tournament titles. His father, Adolfo, was Most Valuable Player of the game.

„We have seen some great polo,“ WCT Commissioner Dale Smicklas said. „We have seen some thrilling games and some expected results as well as some upsets. And there is so much more ahead of us.“

Team sponsors and rosters for the Founders Cup are:

Amaala (25): Nacho Figueras 6, Tincho Merlos 7, Facu Llorente 7, Juan Bollini 5.

Alegría (25): Henry Porter 3, Matias Magrini 7, Fred Mannix 7, Nachi du Plessis 8.

Casablanca (25): Grant Ganzi 3, Rodrigo Andrade 8, Hilario Ulloa 10, Juancito Bollini 4.

J-5 La Dolfina Breeding (23): Gonzalo Ferrari 4, Isidro Strada 7, Jerónimo Del Carril 7, Robertito Zedda 5.

Richard Mille (26): Camilo Castagnola 7, TBA 2, Barto Castagnola 7, Pablo Mac Donough 10.

Scone (23): David Paradice 0, Poroto Cambiaso 4, Diego Cavanagh 9, Adolfo Cambiaso 10.

SD Farms (25): Sayyu Dantata 2, Santi Torres 7, Guillermo Terrera 8, Juan Martin Zubia 8.

Seminole Casino Coconut Creek (24): Melissa Ganzi 0, Lucas James 8, Alejandro Novillo Astrada 8, Nic Roldan 8.

STM (26): Robert Strom 5, Pablo Spinacci 6, Corcho Zavaleta 7, Nacho Novillo Astrada 8.

Valiente (27): Bob Jornayvaz 2, Gringo Colombres 8, Sebastian Merlos 9, Jejo Taranco 8.

Last year‘s Founders Cup winner was Grand Champions. In one of polo‘s biggest upsets, Grand Champions knocked off Valiente, 12-11, in overtime at Valiente.

In front of an overflow crowd, Argentine 10-goaler Juan Martin Nero scored the winning goal in the first two minutes of overtime to upset previously unbeaten Valiente (Bob Jornayvaz, 2, Agustin Nero, 6, Santi Torres, 6, Adolfo Cambiaso, 10). Nero was MVP.

Playing together for the first time in the tournament, Grand Champions finished the eight-team 26-goal tournament undefeated at 4-0. Nero and teammates Rodrigo Andrade, Grant Ganzi and Juancito Bollini earned $60,000 in prize money.

2020 WORLD POLO LEAGUE SCHEDULE

Founder‘s Cup Feb 19 – Mar 1

Friday 2/21 12 p.m. Scone vs J5 La Dolfina at Valiente 3

Friday 2/21 2 p.m. Valiente vs Alegria at Valiente 2

Friday 2/21 4 p.m. Seminole vs Richard Mille at Valiente 1

Saturday 2/22 12 p.m. SD Farms vs Casablanca at SD Farms field

Sunday 2/23 10:30 a.m. Amala vs Winner Valiente/Alegria at GCPC 1

Sunday 2/23 4 p.m. STM vs Winner Scone/J5 La Dolfina at GCPC 2

Mar. 4-22, Palm Beach Open

Mar. 28-Apr. 18, Triple Crown of Polo

Apr. 6-12, U.S. National Mixed Doubles Polo Championship

© Thomas Wirth

After a successful All Star Challenge season-opener, the World Polo League season continues Friday with the Founders Cup. Three games will open the second tournament of the season at Valiente…

Asia, Polo News

Thai Polo Open 2020

23. January 2020

This year’s Thai Polo Open saw six teams from across Asia play – Thai Polo, Jogo Polo, Royal Pahang (HIS Polo), La Familia, 22BR and Tang Polo. Hosted by Harald Link at the Thai Polo Equestrian Club, Pattaya.

This 14-goal tournament is fought over two weeks culminating in Saturday’s final event which saw three matches played, all really closely fought with the 5/6th play-off being a 4 vs 4 goal draw played in the morning and leading to the afternoon’s entertainment.

The 3rd, 4th play-off held in front of a packed crowd who had just enjoyed show jumping and a delicious lunch, resulted in an intense match to watch with both teams running equal scores all the way to the last moment 9 vs 9. Tournament umpires Jose Ignacio Araya and Matias Baibiene had their work cut-out as the match went from end-to-end. With La Familia’s, Matias Vial scoring a golden goal in an extra chukker beating Royal Pahang with a final score of 10 vs 9.

The final fought between Thai Polo (Harald Link 0, Juan Manuel García Grossi 3, Martin Joaquin 4, Facundo Fernández Llorente 7. Total 14), and Tang Polo (Shilai Liu 0, Diego Gómez 4, Toly Ulloa 5, Darío Musso 5. Total 14) opened with Tang Polo scoring 3 goals to 0 in the first chukker, thanks to Darío Musso and Toly Ulloa, this left Thai Polo on the back-foot with a lot to make up.

By the end of the third chukker the scores where back to 5-4 to Tang Polo with goals from Thai Polo’s Martin Joaquin and Juan Manuel García Grossi and two more goals from Toly Ulloa.

The final chukker saw both teams fight hard to win, Martin Joaquin scored a goal from a penalty, Facu had control of the game and looked like he could get Thai Polo back into the lead but was stopped time and time again. Harald Link scored a crucial goal from a 30-yard penalty to bring the scores to level at 7 vs 7. It looked like the match would go into an extra chukker as time ran out but Diego Gomez got the ball from a throw in, passed it to Toly who broke away from the pack and charged down the field to score the final goal for Tang Polo and win the Thai Polo Open 2020 for China.

Stats

TANG POLO 8 vs 7 THAI POLO

TANG POLO – Shilai Liu 0, Diego Gómez 4, Toly Ulloa 5, Darío Musso 5. Total 14

THAI POLO – Juan Manuel García Grossi 3, Martin Joaquin 4, Facundo Fernández Llorente 7, Harald Link 0. Total 14

Chukker Score 2-0, 3-1, 5-4, 8-7

Tournament Umpires – José Ignacio Araya and Matías Baibiene

MVP – Harald Link

BPP – Mamuschka. Martín Joaquín

LA FAMILIA 10 vs 9 ROYAL PAHANG

La Familia – Imran Moiz 0, Ignacio Ithurburu 3, Andrés Vial 5, Matías Vial 6. Total 14

Royal Pahang – Andy Harrison 0, Amran Selamat 2, Tomás Fernández Llorente 7, Tomás Gándara 5. Total 14

FIFTH PLACE: JOGO POLO 4-4 22BR

Jogo Polo – Rodrigo Castro 0, Khairy Jamaluddin 0, Isidro Strada 7, Bautista Ortiz de Urbina 6. Total 13

22BR – William Zhao 1, Claude Haberer 0, Agustín García Grossi 7, Pedro Fernández Llorente 5. Total 13

Photos: Dominic James
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©Thomas Wirth

This year’s Thai Polo Open saw six teams from across Asia play – Thai Polo, Jogo Polo, Royal Pahang (HIS Polo), La Familia, 22BR and Tang Polo. Hosted by Harald…

Asia, Polo News

Team Amaala under Nacho Figueras Take 7-3 Victory in AlUla Desert Polo from Cambiaso’s Team AlUla

20. January 2020

Nacho Figueras led Team Amaala to a 7-3 Grand Final victory in the two-day AlUla Desert Polo tournament on Saturday against Team AlUla to take Saudi Arabia’s first official polo title – 2020 AluUla Desert Polo Champions.

The tournament was staged in the historic UNESCO World Heritage Site of AlUla and organised through a partnership of the Royal Commission for AlUla and the newly formed Saudi Polo Federation.

Forming part of the Winter at Tantora festival, running from December 19, 2019 to March 7, 2020, AlUla Desert Polo is one of 12 weekends of cultural and sporting activities taking place in the ancient site.

Players from all over the world took to the Desert Polo Arena, including team members of the world famous La Dolfina polo outfit from Argentina including ten goalers Adolfo Cambiaso, Pelon Stirling and Pablo Mac Donough as well as six goal player and the face of Ralph Lauren Black, Nacho Figueras.

The specially built Desert Polo Arena, was situated in the heart of AlUla, an area of historical, cultural and archeological significance and surrounded by towering sandstone outcrops, framing the on-pitch action for the assembled VIP guests.

The third-place playoff was won by Team Al Nahla Bentley with HRH Sheikha Alya Al Maktoum scoring three of the side’s four goals and earning Most Valuable Player, for a 4-2 victory over Richard Mille.

Figueras, who was part of the winning Team Amaala said: “It’s an amazing place with an amazing history, an amazing heritage and an amazing first tournament for the Saudi Polo Federation. I’m very honoured to be here and I’m delighted that we were able to win.

“This country is going through a transformation and there are amazing years to come.”

Saudi Polo Federation chairman, Amr F Zedan, who played on Team Richard Mille during the tournament said: “I see this event as a launching pad for the future. We have big plans for polo in Saudi Arabia that include the establishment of development programmes and the construction of facilities to assist in building a polo infrastructure in The Kingdom.

“We would like to thank all of our guests and players and crucially sponsors for their support here this weekend. It means a lot that our friends from the international polo community are completely on board with what we are trying to achieve.”

Ranking:

1. Amaala
1. HSH Prince Carl von Oettingen-Wallerstein
2. George Spencer Churchill
3. Nacho Figueras

2. AlUla Team
1. HRH Prince Abbas bin Ali Bin Nayef
2. Mohammad Al Habtoor
3. Adolfo Cambiaso

3. Al Nahla Bentley
1. Sheikha Alya Al Maktoum
2. Saad Audeh
3. Pelon Stirling

4. Richard Mille
1. HRH Prince Sultan Alfaisal
2. Amr Zedan
3. Pablo Mac Donough

[ngg src=”galleries” ids=”1011″ display=”basic_thumbnail” thumbnail_crop=”0″]

Nacho Figueras led Team Amaala to a 7-3 Grand Final victory in the two-day AlUla Desert Polo tournament on Saturday against Team AlUla to take Saudi Arabia’s first official polo…

Asia, Polo News

La Dolfina Polo Stars Arrive in World Heritage Site AlUla Ahead of Inaugural Desert Polo

17. January 2020

Argentine Greats Cambiaso, Mac Donough, Stirling & Nero Highlight New World First

AlUla Desert Polo, the first polo event to be organised by the new Saudi Polo Federation, gets underway tomorrow (Friday) at the specially built Desert Arena in the ancient UNESCO World Heritage Site of AlUla.

With players from the famous Argentinian side La Dolfina taking to the sands, AlUla Desert Polo, a world first, promises to be a thrilling spectacle in one of the most unique locations ever to host the Game of Kings.

Part of the Winter at Tantora festival, organised by the Royal Commission for AlUla and staged in northwestern Saudi Arabia, AlUla boasts a spectacular landscape of giant red-tinged sandstone outcrops. Set against this awesome backdrop, ten-goal players Adolfo Cambiaso, Pelon Stirling, Juan Martín Nero and Pablo Mac Donough will take to the field alongside talented and high profile amateur players as they bid for the very first AlUla Desert Polo Champions title.

Adolfo Cambiaso, who enjoyed a leisurely hit around at the ancient site of Hegra with his teammates on Wednesday said: “This location is simply breathtaking. Polo has taken me all over the world but this is the first time I’ve been given the opportunity to play at a world heritage site.

“This is an important event in Saudi Arabia’s sporting history and I hope that young people in Saudi Arabia will take a look at AlUla Desert Polo and want to get involved in the sport.”

Saudi Polo Federation chairman, Amr F Zedan, who is the patron of Zedan Polo Team and will play in the match said: “In Saudi Arabia we are taking steps to develop a stronger sporting culture in our society and this is one reason why the Saudi Polo Federation was founded.

“We are very excited about the start of this tournament and can’t wait to welcome polo friends from all over the world to the opening of AlUla Desert Polo.”

AlUla Desert Polo will feature four teams of three players including: Team AlUla, Team Amaala, Team Al Nahla and Team Richard Mille.

The weekend’s teams consist of:

AlUla Team
1. HRH Prince Abbas bin Ali Bin Nayef
2. Mohammad Al Habtoor
3. Adolfo Cambiaso

Richard Mille
1. HRH Prince Sultan Alfaisal
2. Amr Zedan
3. Pablo Mac Donough

Al Nahla Bentley
1. Sheikha Alya Al Maktoum
2. Saad Audeh
3. Pelon Stirling

Amaala
1. HSH Prince Carl von Oettingen-Wallerstein
2. George Spencer Churchill
3. Nacho Figueras

Tickets and packages can be purchased on experiencealula.com ; holidaysbysaudia.com or almosafer.com/en/winter-at-tantora

The Winter at Tantora festival will take place from December 19, 2019 – March 7, 2020 in AlUla, Saudi Arabia. Details about the festival, its line-up and exceptional surroundings can be found at experiencealula.com with tickets on sale now. To stay up to date, please follow @WinteratTantora #DesertPolo on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

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© Thomas Wirth

Argentine Greats Cambiaso, Mac Donough, Stirling & Nero Highlight New World First AlUla Desert Polo, the first polo event to be organised by the new Saudi Polo Federation, gets underway…

Asia, Polo News

Dubai Polo Gold Cup Welcomes Standard Chartered Bank as the Title Sponsor of the Prestigious Gold Cup 2020

13. January 2020

Standard Chartered Bank has been announced as the Title Sponsor of the Dubai Polo Gold Cup (Dubai Open) Tournament in 2020. The Dubai Open is the most coveted trophy of the five tournaments under the umbrella of the prestigious Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series.

The highly anticipated Standard Chartered Gold Cup 2020 will run from 16 February to 6 March, with participation from some of the world’s top teams and players, making it a stellar highlight on Dubai’s 2020 polo calendar.

The Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series tournaments, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, has grown to become the region’s premier set of polo competitions attracting VIPs, celebrities, society figures, corporate executives and members of the press from around the world.

The Dubai Open — now in its eleventh edition — is certified by the World Polo Tour (WPT) since 2012 and played under the banner of the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA), adhering to its rules and provision of its umpires. It is also part of the WPT Championship Cup, considered the highest competition in terms of points and awards.

“We are honoured to welcome Standard Chartered Bank as our Title Sponsor of the Gold Cup 2020. Such a prominent partnership is aligned with our quest in keeping UAE at the forefront of the international polo playing scene over the past 10 years” said Mohammed K. Al Habtoor, Vice Chairman and CEO of Al Habtoor Group.

Commenting on the sponsorship, “At Standard Chartered Private Bank, we are very pleased to be the title sponsor of the Standard Chartered Gold Cup 2020.

This prestigious tournament perfectly matches with the DNA of our brand and our strategy to drive the acceleration of our business growth in the MENA region.” said Ali Hammad, Market Head, Private Banking, Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

“The partnership will contribute to develop and strengthen the presence of our brand in this region and especially in the UAE, one of our main markets.” He added.

Standard Chartered Private Bank
Standard Chartered Private Bank provides private banking services to clients across Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Europe, through onshore booking centres in Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai, India, London, and Jersey. We also offer global Trust and Fiduciary capabilities through our Singapore centre.

Our aspiration to be the private bank of choice among generations of entrepreneurs is built on Standard Chartered’s inherent strengths: a heritage of some 160 years in international banking, a presence in 60 of the world’s most dynamic markets, and a strong understanding of growth markets. Through our global team of around 1000 employees, our relationship managers, investment advisors and product specialists have a deep understanding of our footprint markets and client needs, enabling them to connect our clients to an extensive range of wealth opportunities across our network.

For more information, please visit: www.sc.com/privatebank

Dubai Polo Gold Cup
The Dubai Polo Gold Cup (DPGC) was founded in 2009 by Mohammed K. Al Habtoor, patron of Habtoor Polo team. Year on year, the tournament has reached new heights. In 2012, the Gold Cup was recognized by the World Polo Tour (WPT. In 2014, the Gold Cup tournament was credited the highest competition in terms of points within the WPT Challenge Cup category, elevating it to 50 points for the winner. 2015 saw the Gold Cup upgraded from ‘Challenge Cup’ to the highly coveted ‘WPT Cup’, resulting in winners receiving 60 points. In 2017, the tournament was moved up to WPT Championship Cup – the highest competition in terms of points, awarding its winners 80 points. The Silver Cup and the Dubai Challenge Cup are ranked under the ‘WPT Challenge Cup’ category – with winners receiving 50 and 20 points respectively. The DPGC is proud to be the only tournament series with this exclusive accreditation in the GCC and MENA Region, ranking it among the best polo tournaments worldwide.

For more information: http://dubaipologoldcup.com/