HH President of UAE Polo Cup 2014
One of Bin Drai & Desert Palm will win The Tournament Title
Abu Dhabi, 22 January 2014, Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, chairman of the Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club, the 14th HH President of UAE Polo Cup semi-final matches have been held on 22nd January amid intense rivalry between the four polo teams. Both Bin Drai and Desert Palm polo teams qualified to the Grand final, while the Sub final will be played between Abu Dhabi polo and UAE Polo on Friday, 24th January 2014.
Already being successful in the first stage of the tournament, Bin Drai polo got hold of a place in the grand final, after defeating Abu Dhabi polo at the semifinal by 9 - 6, the best player of the game was Raul Laplacette scoring 6 goals. Fully energized with high performance, the second semifinal round has been won by Desert Palm polo against UAE Polo scoring 8 - 5, upon which UAE Polo is going to play for third place playoff against Abu Dhabi Polo on 24th January.
The event was attended by best riders, officials and equestrian enthusiasts, including Mr. Ahmed Ali Al Nuaimi, managing director of Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club, H.E Saeed bin Hofan Al Mansouri, Ghantoot Club Vice-chairman.
The game between Bin Drai Polo and Abu Dhabi Polo featured a lot of passion and competitive spirit for the final round. From the beginning, Bin Drai polo dominated first chukka by a wonderful margin, 3 - 1. Alfredo Cappella of Abu Dhabi polo team scored the first goal in the second minute, followed by two minutes later by a goal for Bin Drai Polo by Raul Laplacett. Bin Drai Polo continued to take the lead in the second chukka by scoring one more goal by Manuel Llorrente, moving the result up to 4 - 2. In the third chukka, game went crazy toppingly in spite of the result, as team Abu Dhabi scored another goal by Alfredo Cappella, the gap narrowed however the Bin Drai one miute later Took the lead a gain with large margin by two more goals to become 6 - 3.
During the fourth chukka, Raul Laplacette added 3 more goals, thereby earned the victory for his team Bin Drai polo. Thus, Bin Drai polo secured firmly a place in the championship game.
On the second semi-final, UAE polo squared off against its rival Desert Palm Polo through a game divided into four chukka. Amid passion and healthy play, Desert Palm Polo took the advantage as brilliant Santiago Laborde was the best scorer in the game, which granted preference to his team to win and qualify to the final, by 8 - 5.
“I am so pleased by qualifying to the final, especially after a hard-fought 9 - 6 win over a highly competitive team like Abu Dhabi. With well-organized players, our team won the game in a worthily manner” said Mohammad Bin Drai.
“Uprightly, our team played well, despite we were so near to win, but good fortune was not in our side. The game was totally thrilling through the four chukkas” said H.H Shaikha Maitha, Leader of UAE Polo Team. Thus means, UAE Polo and Abu Dhabi polo will fight for third place in the sub-final game, to be held on 24th January.
“Both Semi-finals are breath-taking, highlighting the importance of this tournament played by world best players in polo world. Because of high preparations and best management, of Ghantoot Club and our kind partners, HH President of UAE Polo Cup fan base extended greater than before. Even International polo organizations described the cup as one of the best polo tournament over the world” said Mr. Ahmed Al Nuaimi.
Third-fourth game will be played at 3 PM, and the final grand at 5 PM. Abu Dhabi Sport and Dubai Sport broadcast both games live.
Among the family activities on offer during the Final Day will be shows supported by Sheikh Mohammed Sports and Physical Fitness Programme, Dubai Police dog show, DJ music and adventure games. Also on the itinerary are a performance by the Abu Dhabi Police Band, military sky dive show and a show by the UAE National Aerobatic Team – Al Fursan. The venue will host a picnic area, children’s entertainment playground and a food court, making it an ideal setup for adults and children to spend a special day. There’ll be a drawing of admission tickets to win valued presents.
Following is the schedule of events for the Final Day:
1:00pm Gates Open
1:00pm to 3:00 pm Family Recreational Activities
3:00 pm Subsidiary Polo Match
4:15 pm National Anthem by Abu Dhabi Police Band
4:30pm to 5.00pm UAE Parachute Team Show, UAE National Aerobatic Show by Al Fursan.
5:00pm Presentation Ceremony
5:15pm Final Polo Match
6:30pm Prize Distribution Ceremony and Public Raffles Prizes
The club’s doors are open to public for free during the tournament days, including the Final Day, from 1.00pm.
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