Coutts
Polo at the Palace defending champions, Team Buenos Aires, celebrate victory
number two last Saturday 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
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