Coutts Polo at the Palace defending champions, Team Buenos Aires, celebrate victory number two tonight after a thrilling performance against home team Coutts Abu Dhabi in a nail biting 6-4 victory.
After a cautious start from both teams in the weekend’s finale, 2012 winners Team Buenos Aires were first to find their stride with exceptional play from Guillermo Cuitino, whose long-range shooting took his team into half-time four goals ahead. Despite a spirited fight-back performance from Facundo Castagnola, whose attacking play brought his team within two goals, Coutts Abu Dhabi missed out on the title for a second year with Team Buenos Aires shooting four unanswered goals in the second chukka.His Highness Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, presented the cherished Coutts Cup to Cuitino and fellow Buenos Aires team members Habtoor Al Habtoor and Santiago Gomes Romero, who was also awarded this year’s ‘most valuable player.’
“After a spectacular plate final with Faberge Team London and Maserati Team Milan going 8 – 8 into extra time, only a wonder goal from Mario Gomez Duran could separate the two teams,” comments Rory Heron, City Events CEO. “Today’s game was the perfect end to an enchanting weekend of world-class sport, fashion and gastronomy in the most iconic of settings, the Emirates Palace.”
Coutts team Abu Dhabi’s loss against their Argentinean rivals for the second year running was a bitter pill to swallow in front of their home crowd, who had travelled from across the United Arab Emirates to watch the showdown unfold. Meanwhile, sell-out audiences in the VIP Polo Garden enjoyed Maserati test-drive experiences and delectable picnic boxes designed by Emirates Palace’s master chefs in the comfort of the Palace’s sumptuous grounds. Post-play entertainment in the pool-side Breeze Lounge provided the perfect antidote to a day of fast-paced action, with international DJ Fabrizio Marra setting the tone for a glamorous evening.
Michael Cinders, a long-term UAE resident, was soaking up the stray rays of sun in the VIP Polo Garden: “This year’s event was quintessentially Abu Dhabi. Today’s dramatic finals had me on tenterhooks throughout. I’m looking forward to attending next year’s event already.”
Coutts Polo at the Palace 2013 was organized by City Events, who organize the City Polo series. For more information visit www.citypoloseries.com
The standings:
1. Team Buenos Aires (+9)
Mohammed Al Habtoor (0)
Santiago Gomes Romero (+3)
Guillermo Cuitino (+6)
2. Team Coutts Abu Dhabi (+10)
Sam Instone (0)
Matias Machado (+4)
Facundo Castagnola (+6)
3. Team Milan (+10)
Rashid Al Habtoor (0)
Mario Gomez Duran (+4)
Nacho Gonzalez (+6)
4. Team London (+10)
Stuart Wrigley (0)
Gonzalo Yanzon (+4)
Rob Archibald (+6)
Gallery:
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