Dubai Polo Silver Cup starts on Saturday February 2nd - Definitely worth watching - Here is the schedule

Here is the prize - The Dubai Polo Silver Cup

And here is the schedule! Top Class 16 goal action!

The Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series 2013 in its Fourth Year of Success

One of the most prestigious polo events in the region announced at press conference

 The Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series 2013 (Dubai Open) 16 Goal Handicap was announced at a press conference, at the Habtoor Grand Beach Resort and Spa at 10am today.

This is the fourth year in a row that the much anticipated event will be held. It takes place at the Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club at the Arabian Ranches in Dubai. 

The tournament will kick off with the Silver Cup, beginning February 2 and ending February 16. The Gold Cup will commence on February 25 and will end on March 15, 2013.

There will be six teams competing at this year’s Dubai Polo Gold Cup series; a draw will be held at the press conference to determine which teams will compete against each other. All of the team patrons attended including Mohammed Al Habtoor of Habtoor Polo; Rashid Al Habtoor of Mahra Polo; Amr Zedan of Zedan Polo; Saeed Bin Drai of Bin Drai Polo; Faris Al Yebhouni of Abu Dhabi Polo; and HH. Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan of Ghantoot Polo.                              

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, the tournament has grown in tandem with the city of Dubai. 
With its exciting mix of top-class sportsmanship and glamour, it has earned a reputation as one of the most prestigious events on the international polo calendar. It’s also one of the most important annual tournaments in the region and always attracts a high profile crowd. This year it looks set to be more popular than ever and some of the most respected names from the world of polo have confirmed their participation.
As always the Dubai Polo Gold Cup series promises the very best in sportsmanship, entertainment of the highest level and an atmosphere unlike any other polo event.

“I am proud to see Dubai playing host to yet another top polo event,” message by Mohammed Al Habtoor, the Chairman of the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series. “Each year the event reaches new heights. Dubai has quickly gained popularity and found its place on the Polo world stage. In 2012 the Dubai Gold Cup Series was recognised by the World Polo Tour (WPT). We have been privileged to attract some big names to the event year after year. Of course it is lovely to see many familiar faces (players, officials and spectators), but it is also great to see new faces on and off the field. This year we have upped the stakes by increasing the handicap from 15 to 16 goals. This means the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series (Dubai Open) is now the highest handicapped tournament in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. A great achievement! Last year I was fortunate to lead my team to victory.”

 

GODOLPHIN POLO SECURE LANDMARK WIN IN DUBAI

HH Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum made history in Dubai with a storming victory over Hungary in the inaugural 16-goal Emirates Cup in Dubai.

A dominant force throughout the ten-day tournament at Desert Palm, Sheikha Maitha’s Godolphin Polo excelled in the final to seal a landmark victory that firmly establishes both patron and team as serious contenders for future glory as the UK high-goal season beckons.

A much anticipated thriller, the final was the highlight of a glittering afternoon of polo at Ali Albwardy’s Desert Palm estate.

Rashid Albwardy opened Godolphin’s account in the opening minutes with Ollie Cudmore following suit to put Godolphin two up by the end of the first chukka.

Andras Tombor’s Hungary found the form they were searching for in the second chukka with a neatly converted penalty but Ollie wasted no time redressing the balance in Godolphin’s favour to move Sheikha Maitha’s quartet ahead 3-1.

Hungary bounced back again though and by half-time Godolphin were just one goal ahead, 3-2.

Godolphin widened the gap in the third chukka which closed, after seven minutes of end-to-end play at full pelt, 5-2.

Bringing the audience to its feet on the terrace Hungary stormed into the fourth chukka pushing to the wire and sending three goals between the Godolphin posts. Time was not on Hungary’s side however and an immaculate penalty conversion by Godolphin sealed the deal 6-5 at the end of a match packed with drama and skill.

Earlier in the afternoon Great Britain beat Iraq by just one goal in the final of the UAE Nations Cup. Iraq opened strongly with patron Musab Alwandawi scoring the only goal in the first chukka. Great Britain replied and then pushed hard in the second to go 3-2 up by half-time and, notably thanks in no small part to young Henry Porter who at just 13 was playing superbly in his first final, the Brits ultimately rode out winners at 4-3.

The EFG International Most Valuable Player trophy was awarded to Zedan Polo patron Amr Zedan and the Equestrio Best Playing Pony rug was secured by HH Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s Salins played by Lucas Monteverde.

Ghantoot Claim Second Title Of Season In Emirates Open Home Team Triumph In Local Derby 9-4

Bin Drai Wins Sub Final

Ghantoot Polo beat city neighbours Abu Dhabi Polo 9-4 this evening (Friday) to become the Emirates Open Polo Champions at their home tournament.

That achievement marks the second tournament that the team, based at Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, have won this season, after they also claimed the Golden Polo Cup last month.

Ghantoot Polo’s Emirati player, Ali Al Marri commended his teammates’ performance in the four-side competition, which took place at the Royal Abu Dhabi club all last week.

“We didn’t get the best of starts, but after our opening game we really got our competition heads on and came together as team,” he said. “Each time we came out onto the field we have played better and better and we are pleased with the way that we gelled today.

“We wanted to play open and attacking polo and we think we achieved that. Every game in this tournament has been a tough fight against very skillful and accomplished players, so we are over the moon with that victory.”

Facundo Sola opened the scoring for Ghantoot Polo in the first chukker, and went on to score another six times, while Juan Zubiaurre Canal and Al Marri also scored once.

For Abu Dhabi, Juan Amberggio and Juan Jose Stroni both scored twice to give them their total of four.

In the sub final, held earlier in the day, Bin Drai Polo beat Saif Polo 7-5.

All matches in the Emirates Open Polo Championship, which was run under the patronage of HH Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, are presented by Supporting Sponsor, Aigner Watches and Jewellery and held in partnership with Abu Dhabi Sports Council.

HE Saeed Bin Houfan Al Mansouri, Vice Chairman, Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club said: “We have been lucky enough to enjoy a very high standard of play during this tournament and we woukd like to extend our thanks to our presenting sponsors, Aigner Watches and Jewellery, and the teams who took part.

“It is very gratifying that Ghantoot emerged the winners from this, our second competitive tournament of the season and we feel it bodes well as we look forward to the other competitions that we have scheduled for the rest of the year.

“As is usual during our big tournaments, we opened our doors to members of the public and we hope that as the season progresses we will continue to attract spectators to come and learn more about the game of kings.”

SWISS BANK DESERT WIN

EFG’s man in the saddle Bob the marvel Mehm was absolutely the man of the moment today as he led EFG Switzerland to victory in the subsidiary final of the Royal Salute UAE Nations Cup at Desert Palm in Dubai.

The win was decisive with Switzerland dominating from the outset. Bob Mehm started as he finished with a goal in the opening minute.

By half-time the Swiss quartet were up 2-0 and by the end of the third chukka the UAE squad were fighting to redress a three-goal lead with the raiders ahead 3-0.

Mehm sent a fourth goal firmly through his rivals posts and Tim Bowen landed another before the UAE opened their account.

Alec White found his mark right on the final bell to put a second goal on the scoreboard for the UAE but it was too little too late to prevent the Swiss team riding out victorious 5-2.

On Friday proceedings will open with the final of the Nations Cup between the UK and Iraq followed by the much anticipated high-goal thriller final of the Emirates Cup between HH Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin
Rashid Al Maktoum’s Godolphin Polo and Andras Tombor’s Hungary.

Match Report on Abu Dhabi qualifying for the Emirates Open Polo Championship on Friday 25th January at Ghantoot

Abu Dhabi Polo Team qualified for the finals of the Emirates Open Polo Championship by winning against Bin Drai Polo Team 7-3. Ghantoot Polo Team beat Saif Polo Team 10-5 and will therefore compete with Abu Dhabi Polo Team on Friday 25^th January in the Finals of the Emirates Open Polo Championship.

Faris Al Yebhouni, captain of Abu Dhabi Polo Team expressed his deep appreciation to participate at this prestigious championship to His Highness Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nayhan and to the Board of Directors at Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club.

Abu Dhabi Polo Team dominated the play from the outset. The team started off on a strong foot and played hard from the very beginning. With their elaborated and tactical teamwork Abu Dhabi Polo Team managed to score every time they got a hold of the ball.

Juan Ambroggio commented: “We took our chances, connected well on the defense and on changing directions, made quick moves and scored.”

Tariq Fatheldin added: “We are very happy and very honored to have made it to the finals. All participating teams are well matched and we hope for the best on Friday.”  

Abu Dhabi Polo Team has made headlines in the past years by winning the UAE’s most prestigious tournaments such as the Dubai Polo Gold Cup in 2011 and the Silver Cup in 2012.  Abu Dhabi Polo Team is the brainchild of Faris Al Yebhouni who is also the captain of the team.

Emirates Polo Championship Day 3 Photographs

ENJOY THESE WONDERFUL PICTURES OF THE ACTION

FROM THE EMIRATES POLO CHAMPONSHIP DAY 3 AT GHANTOOT

COME TO THE FINAL ON FRIDAY - CLICK HERE FOR INFO

Emirates Open Polo Championships Decide Friday's Finalists

Day 3 of the Emirates Open Polo championship 2013 at Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club proved to be a significant one as the Finalists for Friday's Showpiece were decided.

It was a tense afternoon of Polo with three teams competing for the final places. In game 1 Abu Dhabi Polo Team Beats Bin Drai Polo Team by 7 goals to 3 goals. Not only the result but the four goal defeat was to prove vital later when working out the finalists as Goal Difference was vital and was what essentially cost the Dubai based place in the Emirates Open Grand Final on Friday.

To make sure the final was an all Abu Dhabi affair Ghantoot had to defeat the promising Saif team and with a positive goal difference and in a thrill a minute game they did just that. The end result was Ghantoot Polo 10 - Saif Polo 5

On Friday 25th January Ghantoot will Face Abu Dhabi Polo team in the Final of Emirates Open Polo Championship 2013.

And Bin Drai Polo team will face  Saif Polo Team in the sub-final.

 For More Information on the Final Please SEE THIS POST

Below are the tables for the qualifying rounds of this Tournament

Qualifying Bases on Scores
S no	Team	Goal Score	Goal Against	Total
1	Abu Dhabi	13	9	+4
2	Ghantoot	9	9	0
3	Bin Drai	6	9	-3

		Points Table
S no	Team	Game Played	Won	Lost	Points
1	Abu Dhabi	3	2	1	4
2	Ghantoot	3	2	1	4
3	Bin Drai	3	2	1	4
4	Saif Polo	3	0	3	0

SHEIKHA MAITHA LEADS GODOLPHIN TO FINALS

Godolphin Polo and Hungary booked their places in the final of the Emirates Cup in two storming performances at Desert Palm.

An absolute showcase of polo in Dubai and worthy reflection of the standard of polo in the Emirates, the afternoon’s highlight was the semi-final showdown between HH Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al
Maktoum’s Godolphin Polo and Ali Albwardy’s Desert Palm.

Anticipated as the ‘match of the day’ the encounter lived up to expectations, delivering fast and furious end-to-end action from the outset.

Sheikha Maitha opened the Godolphin account scoring within the opening seconds of the game. Desert Palm were quick to reply but at half-time the teams were inseparable at 1-1.

Desert Palm moved one up in the third chukka thanks to a loftily converted penalty from Ollie Cudmore but Sheikha Maitha’s quartet replied almost instantly to level the match once again and a goal in the closing seconds put them one ahead at 3-2.

Desert Palm equalised and then pushed ahead and with just three minutes left to play the home team led 4-3. But Godolphin were far from done. Coming back hard they converted a penalty to equalise before following up
rapidly with a field goal that put victory within sight. Desert Palm attacked hard but time was not on their side and as the final bell sounded Godolphin enjoyed possession and victory 5-4.

Earlier in the afternoon Hungary secured their place in the finals in a thriller against Zedan Polo. Riding out victorious at 6-4 Andras Tombor’s squad sealed the deal with a storming field goal in the closing seconds of a
match that set the fast tone for the stormer that followed.

In the morning’s Nations Cup match Iraq defeated the UAE 5-4 confirming the UK’s final slot. EFG Switzerland went on to defeat the UK in the afternoon but the Brits’ final was secure. They will meet Iraq on Friday.

Thursday will see subsidiary finals played in both Emirates and Nations Cups with Zedan Polo playing Desert Palm and EFG Switzerland lining up against the UAE.

Are you Coming to the Emirates Open Polo Championships at Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club?

Abu Dhabi Polo – looking good when winning the first round at Emirates Open Polo Championship in Ghantoot, Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Polo triumphed in the first round of the Emirates Open Polo Championship 8-6 over Saif Polo Team. Four teams contested the 2013 edition of the Emirates Open Polo Championship – Bin Drai Polo Team, Ghantoot Polo Team, Saif Polo Team and Faris Al Yebhounis’ Abu Dhabi Polo Team.

Abu Dhabi Polo Team established themselves as the team to beat taking their opening match against Saif Polo 8-6. Abu Dhabi showed great tactical teamwork and coordination skills among their team members, which led to their ultimate success.

Juan Ambroggio, team player of Abu Dhabi Polo commented:

“We are very happy about the outcome of the game - it was better than we thought as it was our first game.  We lost a bit of control in the 3^rd chukka but stayed tight and through tactical teamwork we managed to gain control again. The field in Ghantoot was fantastic and one of the best I ever played at – it was truly amazing to play under the floodlights and the whole atmosphere there helped a lot. It was a very cool experience. “

He added: “Abu Dhabi Polo Team has a great vibe and the relationships among the players are very solid - we truly complete each other! We are immensely motivated and know that there is still room for improvement. We are a very young team and we play hard every game!”  

Abu Dhabi Polo Team has made headlines in the past years by winning the UAE’s most prestigious tournaments such as the Dubai Polo Gold Cup in 2011 and the Silver Cup in 2012.  Abu Dhabi Polo Team is the brainchild of Faris Al Yebhouni who is also the captain of the team.

Emirates Open Polo championship 2013 Results

Game 3: Ghantoot Polo team beat Abu Dhabi Polo team by 7 Goals to 6 Goals.

Game 4: Bin Drai Polo team beats Saif Polo team by 7 Goals to 5 Goals( Saif Polo Team has 1 extra goal because of handicap difference before the start of the game.

DESERT PALM DOMINATE IN DUBAI THRILLER

The sixth day of the Emirates Cup concluded with a thriller between Desert Palm and La Campana that saw the home team ride out the winners 9-6 at the end of a match packed with drama and skill.

Proceedings finished with La Campana putting their sixth goal on the board but Desert Palm had been the dominant force throughout with a notably skilful contribution from HH Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum who stood in for captain Tariq Albwardy from the second chukka.

One very memorable moment of many came when Sheikha Maitha deftly put the equaliser through La Campana’s posts to redress a one-goal deficit and bring Desert Palm level at 3-3 just minutes after mounting up for the home team.

By the end of the chukka Desert Palm were two up, 6-4, andby  the time the third chukka closed the quartet enjoyed a three-goal lead, 8-5.

Kristian Petersson’s team fought hard until the last but Desert Palm’s defence was tight and just a goal apiece in the final chukka saw them ride out winners at 9-6.

Earlier in the day Zedan Polo became the only team so far to hold the might that is Godolphin Polo this week when they secured a 4-3 win over Sheikha Maitha’s team in the closing seconds of a match that had been a cat and mouse affair throughout.

In the UAE Nations Cup, now in its second day, Iraq defeated EFG Switzerland 6-3 while the UK narrowly triumphed by one goal over defending champions the UAE, 5-4.

With Tuesday a rest day, play will resume in both tournaments on Wednesday.

TWICE IS NICE FOR UAE

Desert Palm secured the win that they needed on the fifth day of qualifiers in the Emirates Cup, beating the home team Desert Palm 7-6 in a match that went to the wire. The win was the first of two for the Emirates as the UAE home team went on to open their title defence in the Nations Cup with a similar victory.

Inseparable for most of the 16-goal match in the morning Hungary and Desert Palm toyed with each other from chukka to chukka. One pulling ahead and the other levelling almost on the whistle again and again.

Not until the closing minutes of the fourth chukka did the home team seal the deal with an accomplished field goal from Martin Valent in the final seconds.

Next up, Iraq and the UK opened proceedings for the Royal Salute UAE Nations Cup in the afternoon with ‘even Stevens’ once again the order of the day. Tied at 4-4 on the final bell, neither team was able to find the goals needed for a win.

The UAE fared more decisively against EFG Switzerland with Ali Albwardy’s squad securing a 7-6 win on the bell as they opened their title defence.

On Monday Emirates Cup action continues with Godolphin Polo taking on Zedan Polo in the morning followed by La Campana lining up against Desert Palm.

In the afternoon the Nations Cup continues with the UK playing against four-time champions the UAE and EFG Switzerland riding out against Iraq.

GODOLPHIN HAT-TRICK IN EMIRATES CUP QUALIFIERS

HH Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s Godolphin Polo remain unbeaten in the Emirates Cup with a third win delivering a hat-trick in the qualifiers of the 16-goal tournament at Desert Palm in Dubai.

The blue-shirted quartet triumphed 4-3 over Andras Tombor’s Hungary at the end of a match that they dominated from the outset despite Hungary’s best efforts and very good form.

Godolphin moved ahead 2-1 at the beginning of the second chukka with a second field goal. Hungary, with Desert Palm-based Matias Machado leading the attack, replied to level the proceedings by half-time but by the beginning of the fourth chukka Godolphin were one up once again, 3-2.

As the minutes ticked away the action was end-to-end but goals remained elusive until the closing moments. As Hungary equalled an extra chukka appeared to be one the cards but Sheikha Maitha’s squad sealed the deal
from a final penalty to win 4-3.

It was a first defeat for Andras Tombor’s team and a thirdco nsecutive win for Godolphin.

Sunday sees 16-goal action continue in the Emirates Cup with Zedan Polo playing Hungary in the morning followed by the opening matches of the Royal Salute UAE Nations Cup in the afternoon.

Scapa Navy Cup secured by Bin Drai Polo

In an exciting final Bin Drai Polo won the Scapa Navy Final with a defeat of the Liberia Polo team. They won by 5 goals to 3.5 and after a slow start were always comfortable. In an exciting game to watch they just had too much strength.
In the subsidiary final Dr A Polo saw off F2Z Polo in the tightest of games by 5-4. The advantage went backwards and forwards and in the end Dr A held their nerve.
The day was opened by the a friendly sponsored by Martin McColl between two teams from the Dubai Equestrian and Polo Club. They shared the game with a four all draw.
IT was an excellent day and the large crowd thoroughly enjoyed the action.

GODOLPHIN SECURE SECOND WIN

HH Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s Godolphin Polo enjoyed their second win in the Emirates Cup on Friday afternoon.

In a closely fought match against Desert Palm the Godolphin quartet maintained the upper hand throughout and at half-time enjoyed a two-goal lead with Desert Palm yet to open their account.

Finding form in the third chukka Desert Palm sent one through the Godolphin posts before quickly following it up with a second goal to level the proceedings.

The fourth chukka hinted at the possibility of an extra chukka as tight defence and solid play on both sides made goals hard to come by.

The day was Godolphin’s though as they broke the deadlock in the closing minutes to secure a 3-2 victory.
Tomorrow Godolphin play Hungary, also unbeaten to date, and Zedan Polo will take on La Campana.

ZEDAN LEADS CHARGE AT DESERT PALM 2013

Amr Zedan led his Zedan Polo to a 7-5 win over the home team Desert Palm on the second day of the 16-goal Emirates Cup at Desert Palm in Dubai.
Zedan dominated play from the outset in a match that saw Desert Palm, led by Queen’s Cup winner Tariq Albwardy, play strongly throughout but never quite find the goals needed to beat rivals on flying form throughout.
Early goals came from penalties with Zedan establishing a 4-0 lead before Desert Palm opened their account, also from a penalty. Zedan sent another two goals through the Desert Palm posts before the home team replied, but some decisive passing in the closing minutes of the second chukka produced a 6-3 half-time score.
The third chukka produced just one goal apiece despite some storming end-to-end action.
In the fourth chukka the score remained unchanged for most of the chukka until Desert Palm made a neat 60-yard penalty conversion to close the gap to 7-5. Both sides then missed opportunites to convert deftly defended penalties and as the final bell sounded Zedan Polo rode out convincing winners.
In the afternoon’s opener Andras Tombor’s Hungary enjoyed a second consecutive win, this time 7-3 over Kristian Petersson’s La Campana.
Desert Palm will play Godolphin today January 17th.

GODOLPHIN WIN OPENER IN EMIRATES CUP 2013

HH Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed Al Maktoum’s Godolphin polo team rode out the winners of a closely fought thriller on the opening day of the Emirates Cup at Desert Palm in Dubai.
A new 16-goal tournament that is running consecutively with the established Dubai showcase, the Royal Salute UAE Nations Cup, the Emirates Cup opens the Emirati high-goal season for 2013.
The opening day’s action saw Andras Tombor’s Hungary defeat Amr Zedan’s Zedan Polo 5-4 in an extra chukka after the two teams proved inseparable at full-time.
Sheikha Maitha then led her Godolphin squad to a 7-6 victory over Kristian Petersson’s La Campana. The nail-biter saw the two teams evenly matched throughout with the scoreboard reflecting tit-for-tat action on the field as each side replied almost instantly to attack and goals from the other.
For Godolphin Rashid Albwardy, Lucas Monteverde and Ollie Cudmore rode out for Sheikha Maitha while Rudolfo Ducos, Juan Martin Garcia Labore and Matias Logioco were n the saddle for Kristian Petersson.
Tomorrow’s action will see Hungary line up against La Campana while the home team, Desert Palm, takes on Zedan Polo.

Come and watch the Polo at Arabian Ranches this Friday 18th January 2013 for the Scapa Navy Finals

Scapa Navy, the official sponsor of the Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club 2012-2013 Polo League
requests the pleasure of your company on Friday 18th January 2013

Match Schedule:
2.00 pm - 3.00 pm - Members Challenge
3.00 pm - 4.00 pm - Subsidiary Final Polo League
4.00 pm - 5.00 pm - Polo League Finals
5.30 pm - Prize Presentation on the Palermo Terrace
Trophies presented by Scapa Navy

Brunch will be served between 12.30 pm - 3.00 pm
AED250 pp or AED399 pp with beverages

Car Parking between the two fields on the Picnic Area will be AED100 per vehicle

Reservations via Email: info@poloclubdubai.com or Tel: +971 4 361 8111

Don’t miss this exciting event to witness some of the finest Polo being played in the region and top action on the Polo field!