Albwardy

Europe, Polo News

King Power Gold Cup 2019

29. October 2019

In the final of the King Power Gold Cup 2019 at the Cowdray Park Polo Club the teams VS King Power of Top Srivaddhanaprabha and Ali Albwardy‘s Team Dubai faced each other.

To commemorate their beloved patron Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, who died in a helicopter crash at Leicester City FC Stadium in October 2018, Team King Power put the VS addition in front of his name. For VS King Power, Vichai‘s son ‚Top‘ Srivaddhanaprabha played alongside Polito Pieres, Marcos di Paola and Juan Martin Zubia. Team Dubai started with 16-year-old Camilo Castagnola, team captain Rashid Albwardy, Bartolomé Castagnola and Ignacio du Plessis.

After VS King Power took the lead in the first chukker, the brothers Camilo and Bartolomé Castagnola scored three goals in the second run. With only one goal from Polito Pieres for VS King Power, the chukker ended with a 4-3 lead for Team Dubai. A fast and tough third Chukker equalised VS King Power, but Bartolomé Castagnola scored two goals to make Dubai 6-4 at the end of the first half.

In the fourth chukker, VS King Power was able to follow through with some successful actions to equal the score of 6-6. Another fantastic goal by Top Srivaddhanaprabha and a 30-yard penalty by Polito Pieres brought VS King Power into the lead 8-6. VS King Power also remained dominant in the fifth chukker and extended his lead to 10-7. But in the sixth round, the tide turned and Team Dubai passed their opponent 11-10 after scoring four goals. From now on, Rashid Albwardy and his team-mates did not let this lead be taken away.

With 13-12 Dubai finally won the King Power Gold Cup 2019. Jon Rudkin, director of Football for Leicester City FC, presented individual prizes to all players, referees and commentators before handing over the coveted Gold Cup to Rashid Albwardy.

www.cowdraypolo.co.uk

© Thomas Wirth

In the final of the King Power Gold Cup 2019 at the Cowdray Park Polo Club the teams VS King Power of Top Srivaddhanaprabha and Ali Albwardy‘s Team Dubai faced…

Europe, Polo News

Thrilling final of the King Power Gold Cup 2019

25. July 2019

Two exciting semi-Finals between VS King Power and Park Place and Dubai and Scone Polo saw victories for Top Srivaddhanaprabha’s VS King Power team and Ali Albwardy’s Dubai taking them to Sunday’s Final. The two sides last met in a Gold Cup Final at Cowdray Park in 2014.

VS King Power, who have added VS to the team’s name in memory of Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha who lost his life in a helicopter crash at Leicester City FC stadium in October 2018, altered their line-up for the Final. Vichai’s son ‘Top’ Srivaddhanaprabha played at number 1 as usual, but Polito Pieres took the number 2 slot, Marcos di Paola moving up to 3 and Juan Martin Zubia playing at Back. Dubai kept their line-up unchanged with 16 year old Camilo Castagnola at 1, Rashid Albwardy at 2, Bartolomé Castagnola at 3 and Ignacio du Plessis at Back.

Chukka 1 opened with Pieres immediately on the attack, his first attempt at goal going wide. A couple of minutes of frantic action resulted in a penalty being awarded to Dubai which Camilo Castagnola sent from 30 yards to secure the opening goal of the match for his side. A lovely steal by Polito was the making of goal number 2, with Zubia picking up the ball and sending it between the posts. Polito won the ball from the throw in and tore all the way to Dubai’s end to make it 2-1 for King Power to close the chukka.

Camilo and Bartolomé Castagnola produced three goals in chukka 2, and, with just one from Pieres for VS King Power, the chukka ended with Dubai 4-3 ahead. A fast and tough chukka 3 saw a spot penalty awarded to KVS King Power right in front of Dubai’s goal, which Polito sent through to equalize, but Bartolomé answered with two goals for Dubai and at the end of the first half the score stood at 6-4 in Dubai’s favour.

The massive crowd went out to tread-in, so large in fact that the commentators’ cries for them to return to their seats were swamped by the excited spectators’ comments. When the fourth chukka got underway, a fantastic piece of play saw Polito Pieres leave the ball for Zubia who obliged with a huge lofted shot to score goal number 11 for VS King Power. Rashid Albwardy won the ball from the throw-in but di Paola grabbed it back, Zubia stopped Bartolomé from snatching it while Marcos came through and passed to Top who made a superb goal to even the scores on 6-6. Another fantastic goal from Top and King Power were ahead. A 30 yard penalty awarded to King Power just as the chukka was drawing to a close enabled Polito Pieres to extend the lead to 8-6.

A frantic fifth chukka saw spot penalties produce a goal for each side before a fantastic shot, hit from way back, saw Polito Pieres take VS King Power on to 10-7. His next goal came from a 60 yard penalty and it was 11-7 in VS King Power’s favour. Dubai won the next throw-in but with Bartolomé challenged by Pieres, his young brother coolly slipped through and scored, the chukka ending at 11-8 to VS King Power. The sixth chukka opened with a swift goal from Camilo, then it was his brother’s turn to shoot a mighty goal. Camilo won the ball from the throw-in and there was a scramble in front of VS King Power’s goal which resulted in a whistle. Bartolomé calmly sent the ball through the posts from 60 yards and it was 11-11. The excitement in the crowd was palpable. VS King Power won the throw-in and Polito scored to take his side into the lead again. Top saved the ball from Dubai’s next attempt at goal, but, aided by the power of du Plessis, Bartolomé was able to find a way through and even the scores at 12-12 before the whistle blew.

The match went into a seventh chukka and started with a throw-in. Away went Zubia with the ball, but du Plessis was having none of it and struck out for the other end. Top made a great clearance, the ball taken on by Marcos di Paola, Polito Pieres and then Zubia who raced away to Dubai’s goal only to send the ball wide. In came the ball from the back line and off down the boards raced Bartolomé, the wonderfully intuitive combination with his brother which we have seen throughout this Gold Cup tournament coming to the fore as Camilo dived forward with the ball and put it through. Dubai had won the King Power Gold Cup on a score of 13-12 in truly breathtaking finish.

Jon Rudkin, Director of Football for Leicester City FC, presented individual prizes to all players, the tournament umpires and commentators before handing the coveted Gold Cup to Rashid Albwardy, son of the Dubai patron. The Most Valuable Player of the match award went to Polito Pieres of VS King Power, Open Chacota, owned and played by Top Srivaddhanaprabha, was voted Best Playing Patron’s Pony, and Rebalde, owned and played by Camilo Castagnola, was awarded Best Playing Pony of the match, with a rug presented by The Hon Lila Pearson.

Following the match, Ali Albwardy, patron of Dubai said, “It was such an exciting match. I’m proud of all the boys in this young team, they played fantastically – in fact, both teams had a wonderful match. The game was entertaining to watch, hard, fast and exactly what polo should be. I thank Cowdray Park Polo Club for their fantastic organization of the tournament.”

www.cowdraypolo.co.uk

Photo: Mark Beaumont

Two exciting semi-Finals between VS King Power and Park Place and Dubai and Scone Polo saw victories for Top Srivaddhanaprabha’s VS King Power team and Ali Albwardy’s Dubai taking them…

Europe, Polo News

Cartier Queen’s Cup 2019

7. May 2019

Guards Polo Club has announced that 12 teams will be playing in the 2019 Cartier Queen’s Cup Tournament (21 May – 16 June).

One of the world’s most prestigious polo tournaments, featuring the sport’s finest high-goal players and their impressive strings of ponies. Three weeks of 22-goal polo culminates in a stunning final, historically played in the presence of HM The Queen.

The teams include the defending champions, Michael Bickford’s La Indiana. His team will not only feature 10-goal star Facundo Pieres but also Brazil’s top player, Rodrigo Andrade. This impressive duo experienced success in this tournament in 2013 with Zacara and will be keen to repeat that feat in 2019. There are several other familiar names in the mix – 2018 finalists, Andrey Borodin’s Park Place, again featuring tournament top scorer Juan Britos – and 2011 winners, the Carmignac family’s Talandracas team. Spencer McCarthy’s Emlor, winners of the 2018 Cartier Trophy (sub final) are hoping to go even further this year by fielding a strong combination of Alfredo Bigatti, Agustin Merlos and Fred Mannix Jnr.

Rashid Albwardy’s Dubai makes a welcome return and will be looking to secure their seventh win in this competition. The Middle East is also represented by HH Sheikha Maitha’s UAE Polo Team, featuring Guillermo Caset and Santiago Toccalino. It is good to see Top Srivaddhanaprabha and his VS King Power team back in this high-goal mix too. Guards patrons Alessandro Bazzoni (Monterosso) and Hilali Noordeen (Casa La Vista Ibiza) are also returning to contest for honours in this world-class contest.

Corinne Ricard is the only lady patron in the mix, bringing her Murus Sanctus Polo Team to play the high-goal this season. This year she can call on the impressive, high-goal experience of Gonzalo Pieres. Fellow Frenchman Jean-Francois Decaux is bringing some of the sport’s big guns to his La Bamba de Areco matches – 10-goaler Juan Martin Nero and 9-goaler David Stirling – ensuring they will deliver some fast-paced polo.

The final team to this list is a new name to the 22-goal polo here in the UK – David Paradice’s Scone Polo. This Australian is no stranger to the game at the highest level though and with Nico Pieres and England captain James Beim in Scone shirts, they definitely warrant being on anyone’s shortlist.

The matches start on Tuesday 21 May – full schedule will be published at www.guardspoloclub.com

Draw Cartier Queen’s Cup 2019 (Photo: Tony Ramirez, Images of Polo)

Guards Polo Club has announced that 12 teams will be playing in the 2019 Cartier Queen’s Cup Tournament (21 May – 16 June). One of the world’s most prestigious polo…

Asia, Polo News

LIVESTREAM: Albwardy brothers meet in today’s final

14. December 2018

POLO+10 LIVESTREAM of the Beach Polo Cup Dubai 2018:
Watch here from 6pm (UAE time / 3pm Central European)

Dynamic kick off of the Tonino Lamborghini Residences Dubai – Beach Polo Cup Dubai 2018, presented by Oriental Pearls.

Glamour, thrilling matches and excitement take center stage when the biggest beach polo tournament in the world kicked off yesterday evening under floodlight at Dubai Marina. The uniquely set up polo arena was extended this year with a huge public grandstand which offers the audience free entry to the polo action. The chukkas of the two days competition will be TV broadcasted in 77 countries.

In front of an enthusiastic crowd the beach polo matches with four teams and players from seven countries started after a glamorous red carpet reception with the dynmic encounter of Altaaqa Global and HILLS Advertising L.L.C, featuring team captain Tariq Albwardy, Sam Instone from the UK and Ramiro Cordero, newly based in the UAE as instructor at the Desert Palm Polo Club. After a 4-4 score at the end of the second chukka, HILLS Advertising L.L.C could take the lead and dominate the game against team captain Faris Al Yabhouni, Michael Nseir from Lebanon and Santiago Gomez Romero from then on. What a powerful drive! With a 12-5 final score, Tariq Albwardy’s team proofed their clear advantage and qualified for the final.

In the second match of the day team Tonino Lamborghini Residences with Rashid Albwardy (TC) Saoud Khoory and Maxi Malacalza from Argentina met team Lindt Chocolate. The „sweetest“ teamsponsor of the Beach Polo Cup 2018 presened the first ever female player in the tournament, Dr Sabine Schaffer from Austria, playing alongside her teammates Jan Bladen and Tomy Iriarte. With two goals apiece after the first chukka, team Tonino Lamborghini Residences broke the tie and got up to a cracking start in the second chukka. Though team Lindt did not give up the fight, Rashid Albwardy and his team remained in the driving seat and gained their ticket for the final with a 10-5 final score.

In the matchbreak the audience was surprised by sparky and powerful artistic horse actions in a spectacular lightshow. Gaby Katiela, Tournament Director of the Beach Polo Cup Dubai: „With the new grandstand and free entry we want to contribute to the public and demonstrate how pure and dynamic, fun and thrilling beach polo is. People cheered up and supported the teams and we invite everyboday to pass by and enjoy the finals today.“

Today, doors open at 5pm and polomatches start at 6pm. With their teams Tonino Lamborghini Residences and HILLS Advertising L.L.C, the two Albwardy brothers will meet in the final and play for the trophy. Before the big showdown, Lindt and Altaaqa Global will compete for the third place.

„We expect thrilling matches and an awesome After Party. Watch the Matches LIVE from 6 pm on TV or Livestream!“

www.beachpolocup.com

POLO+10 LIVESTREAM of the Beach Polo Cup Dubai 2018: Watch here from 6pm (UAE time / 3pm Central European) Dynamic kick off of the Tonino Lamborghini Residences Dubai – Beach Polo…

Asia, Polo News

The electrifying polo experience in Dubai starts tomorrow

11. December 2018

The Tonino Lamborghini Residences Dubai Beach Polo Cup Dubai 2018, presented by Oriental Pearls, starts on Wednesday evening with the glamorous Player’s Presentation at the Desert Palm Polo Club.

Then, on Thursday 13^thand Friday 14^thDecember, the following two action packed polo days with thrilling matches guarantee excitement at the stunning purpose built polo arena at the Skydive Dubai. The brothers Tariq and Rashid Albwardy from the Desert Palm Polo Club return as the 2017 title defenders. This year, they will compete in different teams for the coveted trophy. Three consecutive years, Tariq Albwardy and his team made it to the very top of the podium. Next weekend, he will play for Team Hills Advertising L.L.C alongside Sam Instone from the UK, who is a very well known player in Dubai and the Argentinean Ramiro Cordero, new local instructor and professional 5-goaler at the Desert Palm Polo Club.

The captain of Team Tonino Lamborghini Residences Dubai, Rashid Albwardy, will of courseplay to win as well and to relegate his brother Tariq to second place. Together with Saoud Khoory (UAE), who starts in the Dubai Beach Polo Cup for the fourth time and Maxi Malacalza from Argentina, this young team has agreed to take on the big task to emerge victorious.

Also a well known face at the Beach Polo Cup in Dubai ist the UK based polo expert, player and commentator Jan-Erik Franck. He is already very much looking forward to the uniqie polo setting at the Dubai Marina: „Last year, tournament directors Gaby and Sam Katiela have once again raised the barr making the Beach Polo Cup Dubai 2017 an exceptional and amazing experience. The atmosphere in the stands and the action on the field was electrifying and enjoyed by everyone. We are excited to get the 2018 matches started.“

This year, the programm of the 2018 polo spectacle will be extended by a holiday market which offers a colourful choice of gifts, handcrafts and souvenirs. Gaby Katiela: „Tension is rising and we cannot wait to let the first bell start the polo action on Thurday evening under the arena’s floodlight. Many thanks to all our sponsors,partners and friends for supporting this event which we think is going to be a milestone in Dubai’s polo performance.“

The matches will be livestreamed on the Website
www.beachpolocup.com and www.poloplus10.com

The Tonino Lamborghini Residences Dubai Beach Polo Cup Dubai 2018, presented by Oriental Pearls, starts on Wednesday evening with the glamorous Player’s Presentation at the Desert Palm Polo Club. Then, on…

Asia, Polo News

The Beach Polo spectacle returns to the Dubai Marina

6. December 2018

A thrill of anticipation: The Tonino Lamborghini Residences Dubai Beach Polo Cup Dubai 2018, presented by Oriental Pearls, December 13th – 14th.

One of the most spectacular Polo Events in the world is coming up in Dubai on 13th and 14th December 2018. For more than a decade the Beach Polo Cup Dubai has been a part of the prestigious sporting events calendar in the region. Due to an immense transformation of the event and growth in the vibrant city of Dubai over time, tournament organisers Gaby and Sam Katiela have shifted the date to December last year. Now, the Beach Polo Cup in Dubai is constantly pushing the limits at the purpose built arena at Skydive Dubai.

Four polo teams featuring local as well as players from all over the world will compete for the Beach Polo Cup Trophy 2018. Fun thrilling and exciting polo matches capture the imagination of the enthusiastic audience and the elegant atmosphere in front of the stunning backdrop of Dubai’s skyscrapers creates a unique and unforgettable polo experience.

Last year’s winners Tariq and Rashid Albwardy from the Desert Palm Polo Club are competing against each other in different teams this year (Team Hills and the Title Sponsor Team Tonino Lamborghini Residences Dubai). The sons of Ali Albwardy have participated in the major polo tournament worldwide and are experienced and successful players since many years.

Team Lindt welcomes the first ever female player of the Beach Polo Cup Dubai, Dr. Sabine Schaffer from Austria. She plays together with Jan Bladen (Switzerland/England) and Argentinean Tomas Iriarte.
Team Altaaqa global is fearturing Faris Al Yabhouni, who is Emirati Owner & Patron of the Abu Dhabi Polo Team. He is this year’s “Newbie” to the Beach Polo Cup Dubai. Al Yabhouni is playing alongside his teammates Rashed Al Sayegh (UAE) and the 4-Goaler Santiago Gomez Romero from Argentina. “Santi” is returning to Dubai for the 7th year and will be a great tactical support for his team.

This year, the organisers surprise visitors and guests with a new idea. “We are delighted to announce the Beach Polo Cup Dubai will be hosting a Holiday Market for the first time. The market will offer fun and interesting trends, arts & crafts, jewelry, holiday gift ideas, toys, home decor, health & wellness products and of course anything related to horse and rider.” During the polo matches the half time shows will amaze the guests again as every year.

The Beach Polo Cup Dubai 2018 will once again be held under the Patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council. Beach Polo was played in 2004 for the first time ever on the sands of Dubai. “Beach Polo in a way changes the perception of traditional Polo as it is more relaxed and accessible to a huge audience and as well younger people. Beach Polo offers a modern take on an old and privileged social experience.”

www.beachpolocup.com
#bpcdxb

Teams: Tonino Lamborghini Residences Dubai Beach Polo Cup Dubai 2018, presented by Oriental Pearls