Led by Nasser Al Shamsi of the Ghantoot Polo Club team, the match started with offensive control and a strong game performance. He showed an advanced performance level right from the beginning of the season and after an aggressive attack and wasting no chances to score, Nasser Al Shamsi scored the first goal of the match in the third minute against the Abu Dhabi team — 0.5/1. With the continued pressure of the Ghantoot Polo Club team from the starting few minutes of the polo match, even after making some efforts, Cesar Crespo missed the opportunity for the second goal, and with the intense attacks of the Ghantoot team, the Abu Dhabi players only defended their own goal without initiating the attack. Perhaps, this is one of the Abu Dhabi team’s methods to study the gameplay of their opponent, and then they attack the team. In the seventh and last minute of the match, the referee announced the end of the first half after Santos Iriart snatched the ball, taking it solo and scoring the second goal for the Ghantoot Polo Club team leading by 0.5/2.
Ghantoot claimed the Emirates Polo Championship International for a second year in a row! Ghantoot narrowly defeated Abu Dhabi by 7 goals to 6.5 at Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on Saturday, December 17, to claim the title. The contest has been played for 22 years now, and is one of the most important competitions of the season at the club.
The tournament, played is played under the patronage of HH Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Chairman of the club, saw three teams, between 10 and 12 goals, compete.
Ghantoot, led by Marcos “Cacu” Araya, dominated the match. But Abu Dhabi bounced back in the last chukka, scoring several goals to close the gap. It was too little, too late, however, and Ghantoot ended up taking the win taht allowed them to retain the title.
EMIRATES POLO CHAMPIONSHIP INTERNATIONAL – FINAL – SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17
GHANTOOT -7 ABU DHABI – 6.5
GHANTOOT: Yousef Bin Desmal 1, Nasser Al Shamsi 1, Oscar Colombres 3, Marcos Araya 7. Total: 12.
ABU DHABI: Faris Al Yabhouni 0, Martín Miguel Ordinas 3 (3 goles), Estanislao Abelenda 3 (3), Hugo Barabucci 4 (2). Total: 10.
Score Ghantoot: 2-1.5, 5-1.5, 7-2.5, 7-6.5.
MVP: Marcos Araya.
BPP: Marisa, ridden by Marcos Araya.
]]>The Ghantoot Polo Club Team have retained their title as the champions of the 21st edition of the Emirates Polo Championship Cup, for two consecutive years. The final match of this most awaited annual polo championship event was held at the Sheikh Zayed Main Stadium at Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club.
The equestrian polo cup tournament in the club was not only centered to hosting the matches but it also include the establishment of various festive paragraphs, the Emirates Heritage Club’s establishment of the Heritage Village exhibition, in addition to the Police Dogs Unit participation under the supervision of the Police Dogs Unit at the Abu Dhabi Police General Command (K9), and last but not the least, the exciting shows of the International Horse Show Troupe with the participation of the Abu Dhabi Police music.
To determine the third and fourth place in the match, the Emirates Polo Team was outperformed by the Abu Dhabi Polo Bronze Team by the score of 9 – 7.5. The Abu Dhabi team’s Hugo Barbucci has scored five goals, three goals for Amadouri, and one goal for Thomas. On the other hand, Her Highness Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed Rashid scored Al Maktoum with two goals, one goal for Sheikha Alia Al Maktoum, and four goals for Jacinto Croto, for the Emirates Polo team.
EMIRATES POLO CHAMPIONSHIP INTERNATIONAL – FINALS – THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30
Ghantoot 10-7.5 Bangash
Ghantoot: Yousof Bin Desmal 1, Nasser Al Shamsi 1 , Kian Hall 3, Marcos Araya 7.
Bangash: Rayyan Al Ajaji 0, Federico von Potobsky, Facundo Kelly 5, Nicolás Corti Maderna 5.
Gameplay images: Bangash Team vs Ghantoot Polo Team
SUBSIDIARY FINAL
Abu Dhabi 9-7.5 UAE Polo
Abu Dhabi: Faris Al Yabhouni 0, Segundo Amadori 4, Tomás Iriarte 4, Hugo Barabucci 4.
UAE Polo: Sheikha Maitha 0, Sheikha Alia 0, Pablo Urquiza 4, Jacinto Crotto 7.
Gameplay images: UAE Polo Team vs. Abu Dhabi Polo Team
EMIRATES POLO CHAMPIONSHIP INTERNATIONAL – TEAMS:
GHANTOOT: Nasser Al Shamsi 1, Yousof Bin Desmal 1, Kian Hall 3, Marcos Araya 7.
UAE POLO TEAM: Sheikha Maitha 0, Sheikha Alia 0, Pablo Urquiza 4, Jacinto Crotto 7.
ABU DHABI: Faris Al Yabhouni 0, Segundo Amadori 4, Hugo Barabucci 4, TBC.
BANGASH: Haider Bangash 0, Facundo Kelly 2, Federico Von Potobsky 5, Nicolás Corti Maderna 5.
For more images taken from the polo matches, visit this page:
Emirates Polo Championship International
The first major tournament of Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club’s calendar — the Emirates Polo Championship International — will kick off on December 21. Top teams from across the UAE and some international players will take part in one of the most-anticipated polo events of the country. The final of the 21st edition of the championship is scheduled for December 30. The Emirates Polo Championship International will be held under the generous patronage of Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club.
The tournament carries a handicap of 10-12 goals and will see the participation of many young faces and, of course, the creme de la creme of UAE players.
Ghantoot Polo, UAE Polo, Abu Dhabi Polo and Bangash Polo are the four teams taking part in the tournament.
“With the Emirates Polo Championship International, we are happy to have attained another milestone as we are hosting the 21st edition of the event,” said Hamad Abdelrahman Abdalla Al Shaikh, Executive Director of Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club.
“This achievement would not have been possible without the support of Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, sponsors and team patrons.
“We are looking forward to witnessing some exciting matches at the Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club’s Sheikh Zayed Polo Field,” he added.
Hosts Ghantoot will face Bangash while UAE Polo lock horns with Abu Dhabi on opening day of the Emirates Polo Championship International.
The tournament will take place in line with UAE’s Covid-19 precautionary and preventive measures, and the club management has decided to follow the highest standards of health and safety norms to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
The Emirates Polo Championship International takes place in association with Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Emirates Polo Association and is supported by Capex.com, Ghantoot Equestrian Supplies, Yas Mall and Equusir.GCC.
AT A GLANCE
What: Emirates Polo Championship International
When: December 21-30
Where: Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club, Abu Dhabi
Teams: Four teams
GHANTOOT: Nasser Al Shamsi 1 HCP, Yousof Bin Desmal 1 HCP, Kian Hall 3 HCP, Marcos Araya 7HCP.
UAE POLO TEAM: Sheikha Maitha 0 HCP, Sheikha Alia 0 HCP, Pablo Urquiza 4 HCP, Jacinto Crotto 7 HCP.
ABU DHABI: Faris Al Yabhouni 0 HCP, Segundo Amadori 4 HCP, Hugo Barabucci 4 HCP.
BANGASH: Haider Bangash 0 HCP, Facundo Kelly 2 HCP, Federico Von Potobsky 5 HCP, Nicolas Corti Maderna 5 HCP
]]>Ghantoot Polo Team Crowned as the Emirates Polo Association Cup Champion
The Abu Dhabi Polo players appeared more determined to compensate and return to the spirit of the polo match, during the start of the second half but the Ghantoot Polo Club team was determined for something else as they have tightened their control of the game to neutralize the Abu Dhabi team’s strength so that Manuel Tokalino could score the third goal for the team after a ball pass by Cesar Crespo and take a lead by 0.5/3. After multiple attempts by both polo teams, the Ghantoot pro player Manuel Tokalino outperformed as usual, scoring the second and fourth goals for the team (0.5/4). After their rapid performance, the game was stopped to replace the horses as they were facing fatigue. When the game was resumed, the Abu Dhabi team rose to snatch the polo ball after throwing it by the referee which led them to score the first goal by their player Batista Garcia (1.5/4). The excitement of the match continues and it went on igniting with strength, speed, and the outstanding performance of the polo players all throughout the match.
When the whistle blew, the third half have witnessed, a solid rebound for the players of the Ghantoot polo team and the scorer Manuel Tokalino. He set off in a quick, singular offense move, yet had no luck getting it, and after numerous frictions, Manuel Tokalino was injured by a slight physical injury. Because of this, he needed to stop playing. The emergency vehicle interceded in the competition, and afterward he continued playing with similar fervor, speed, trade of assaults, and solid execution. And once again the game was stopped to replace horses.
The injury didn’t keep him from scoring, so Manuel Tokalino progressed to score the third (full go-around) and 6th goal objective for Ghantoot from a penalty kick at 30 yards, and the difference in score increased to (1.5/6). Ghantoot squandered one opportunity after a speedy attack by Nasser Al Shamsi to strongly attack the Abu Dhabi team and from a solitary attack by a polo expert.
The fourth half witnessed many quick attacks, legal frictions and many opportunities, and this half characterized the calm, anticipation and caution from both teams. And as usual, Manuel Tokalino shows his skills by playing the ball with the buck to reach his colleague Santos Iriart and control it quickly heading to the goal, scoring his second and seventh goal for Ghantoot (2.5/7).
Because of the speed and strength of the game, the referee stopped again to replace the tired horses. Then Ghantoot lost an opportunity from a penalty kick played 60 yards away by Manuel Tokalino to bounce and attack the Abu Dhabi team through the player Hugo Barbucci and pass it to Batista Garcia, who scored the third goal of the Abu Dhabi team, with the announcement from the referee of the end of the fourth inning, with a score (3.5/7), for Ghantoot.
The final and the fifth inning of the game was filled with the tactical performance of the Ghantoot players to maintain their lead and strive to win the title. The Ghantoot team took the initiative to attack quickly from the start but missed an opportunity for the Ghantoot captain, Nasser Al Shamsi. The attacks continue to push the ball to make a goal. The pressure from the Ghantoot players and their good control over the game, in the presence of defensive efforts for Abu Dhabi players, and from a penalty kick at some 40 yards for the Ghantoot team, striker Manuel Tokalino scored the fourth and eighth goal for his team 3.5/8.
The difference increases further, and the two teams exchange attacks; friction and direct contact is done, but within the limits of the law. And from a quick, organized attack and a strong shot by the Ghantoot team, the scorer Manuel Tokalino returns and scored his fifth goal and ninth for the 3.5/9 team. A minute later, his colleague Santutz Ariart added the tenth goal for Ghantoot 3.5/10.
CORONATION
At the end of the final match of the championship, His Excellency Major General Dr. Ahmed Nasser Al Raisi – President of the Emirates Equestrian and Racing Federation, His Excellency Saeed bin Hofan Al Mansoori Naei, President of the Club, accompanied by His Excellency Zayed Khalifa Zayed Al Aboudi Al Zaabi, Executive Director of the Club, and Mr. Ahmed Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Emirates Equestrian and Racing Federation, The Abu Dhabi team’s players were honored with the second-place silver cups, while the champion, the Ghantoot Polo Team, was honored with the Gold Cups for its players, while Nasser Al Shamsi, captain of the Ghantoot Polo Team, received the Emirates International Polo Championship Cup amid applause and joy from the champion team’s players.
His Excellency Zayed Khalifa Zayed Al Aboudi Al Zaabi presented the trophy of the Ghantoot Horse Racing and Polo Club memorial to His Excellency Major General Dr. Ahmed Nasser Al Raisi, for their care, support and participation in the championship activities.
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Unstoppable Ghantoot made the 20th anniversary of Emirates Polo Championship International special with a sublime performance in the final.
The hosts produced another flawless performance and thumped Abu Dhabi team 10-4 ½ at the Sheikh Zayed field to retain the coveted title.
The 20th edition of the Emirates Polo Championship International was being held under the patronage of Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club. Organised by Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club in association with Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the championship was supported by Capex.com and Paris Reverie.
Making their intentions clear, Ghantoot’s fearsome foursome quickly established the lead through skipper Nasser Al Shamsi and Santos Iriarte’s goals.
Shamsi added one more and Manuel Toccalino scored two field goals as Ghantoot were 4-1 by the end of the second chukker. The Argentine put another through the posts after successfully converting a penalty. Bautista Garcia opened the account for Abu Dhabi in the third chukker.
Taking control of the match with perfect team play, Ghantoot defended solidly and attacked with pace and power in the next two chukkas.
Toccalino and Iriarte knocked two goals each as Ghantoot claimed a 10-4 ½ victory over Abu Dhabi (who received 0.5 goal on handicap).
The winners also collected a cheque of $60,000 out of a total cash prize of $100,000. Faris Al Yabhouni and Hugo Barabucci scored one apiece for Abu Dhabi.
Toccalino, who is famous for his scoring prowess and all-around game, ended the event as top scorer with 13 goals. He was named Best Professional Player, while the Best Local Player award went to Shamsi.
Hailing the support of Sheikh Falah, Ghantoot captain Shamsi said: “We are happy to win this prestigious title again. This was the first major tournament of the season for us and our performance here will give a boost for the upcoming events.”
Prizes were distributed in the presence of Major General Dr Ahmed Nasser Al Raisi, Chairman of the Emirates Equestrian and Racing Federation and Saeed Bin Hoofan Al Mansouri, Vice Chairman of Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club. Dr Raisi was the chief guest. The next event lined up on the club’s calendar is Sultan Bin Zayed Cup, which will take place in January 2021.
Finally, there’s some good news for polo enthusiasts in Abu Dhabi as Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club management announced the partial return of spectators, starting from the next tournament.
It will be the first time that the fans will be allowed at the Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club since the sporting activities were suspended in March due to the coronavirus. The polo matches were resumed at the club in November behind closed doors.
Zayed Khalifa Zayed Al Aboudi Al Zaabi, Executive Director of Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club, said: “We are pleased to announce the partial return of spectators. The number of fans will be capped at a maximum of 30 per cent.
“In these difficult times, it is important to bring more hope and passion back into the lives of fans. The spectators will make return to the club in our next tournament which is Sultan Bin Zayed Cup.
“Social distancing will be mandatory for spectators and additional precautionary measures, such as the wearing of masks must be implemented in accordance with local regulations,” Zaabi added.
The club’s move follows the recent announcement made by Abu Dhabi to resume all economic, tourism, cultural and entertainment activities within two weeks. Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee for the COVID-19 Pandemic has announced that it has started working with all concerned and relevant authorities to fully resume economic, tourism, cultural and entertainment activities in the emirate within two weeks.
Zaabi also expressed delight over the success of the Emirates Polo Championship International.
“We are proud to have reached another milestone as we celebrated two decades of this event. This achievement would not have been possible without the support of sponsors and team patrons.”
Read more: Ghantoot retains the title of the Emirates International Polo Championship (21st edition)
]]>The Ghantoot Polo team have outclassed the Abu Dhabi Polo team in another power-packed performance to storm into the finals of the Emirates Polo Championship International 2020.
The Emirates Polo Championship International’s 20th edition is being held under the generous patronage of Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, chairman of Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club.
The championship is being held in association with Abu Dhabi Sports Council and supported by Capex.com and Paris Reverie, with a total winning prize purse of $100,000 up for grabs which carries a handicap of 10-12 goals.
Ghantoot polo has dominated the match as Manuel Toccalino fired three goals in the opening chukker. Skipper Nasser Al Shamsi has succeeded in converting a field goal and Manuel Toccalino has added one more score as Ghantoot stretched their lead to 5-0.
To take the match beyond Abu Dhabi’s reach, Cesar Crespo of Ghantoot polo team then scored in the last two chukkers of the tournament. The captain of the Abu Dhabi polo team, Faris Al Yabhouni, who received 0.5 goals on handicap, opened the account for the team during the third chukker of the came, but it was too late. At the end of the tournament, Ghantoot emerged as winners by a margin of 7-1.5 at the Sultan Bin Zayed field earning their second consecutive victory and the ticket for the finals.
“We started the campaign with two successive wins, which motivated the team for the final. Our strategy for the final is to play aggressively in the clash against Abu Dhabi on Tuesday”. Ghantoot skipper, Shamsi, said.
“Honestly speaking, we were itching to play competitive games since COVID-19 brought a premature end to the last season. Going into the tournament, we were a little bit scared as other teams had already played one or two events in the new season.”
“Since the start, we played as a unit and through the collective team efforts we are in the final,” Shamsi added.
Meanwhile, the Abu Dhabi team battled past Bin Drai to reach the final, bouncing back from their drubbing at the hands of Ghantoot. They defeated Bin Drai 7-6 ½ in a hard-fought match.
Bin Drai polo team bowed out of the polo tournament after failing to win a single match in three outings. The unbeaten polo teams Ghantoot and Abu Dhabi will now lock horns in the prestigious Emirates Polo Championship International finals that is scheduled to be held on Tuesday.
The polo match between Bin Drai and Abu Dhabi proved to be a thrilling encounter wherein both teams have tried their best to outwit each other. During the first two chukkers of the tournament, Bin Drai and Abu Dhabi polo team faced some anxious moments. Later, Maix Malacalza’s brace one each from Yabhouni and Bautista Garcia, put Abu Dhabi polo team ahead by the score of 6-2.
In the last chukker, Tariq Al Habtoor, Bautista Alberdi and Rashed Bin Drai converted one goal apiece to bring their team back into contention. Both the teams matched fire-with-fire till the end as the scores were leveled and it was now anyone’s match heading into the dying moments of the encounter.
Confident about his team’s chances in the finals, Yabhouni said: “Both the teams have equal chances of winning the title. It will be a fun playing against Ghantoot as we have nothing to lose”. Garcia’s goal in the end made the difference and turned the tide in Abu Dhabi’s favour.
Yabhouni added: “Each game is different as we lost the first match but made a comeback strongly in the next game. Our horses are in better shape. The key to success in the final will be a better coordination among the players”. With no fans to spectate the tournament, hundreds of polo enthusiasts have watched the action via live streaming on Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club’s social media platforms and in live transmission through Abu Dhabi sports channels.
Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club has always been a popular spot for players and fans of the game but due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on mass gatherings, events are taking place without spectators. To keep the fans interested, the management of the club runs a lot of online competitions offering handsome prizes and surprises which enables them to stay involved.
After the Emirates Polo Championship International, the next event lined up on the club’s calendar is the Sultan Bin Zayed, which will take place in January 2021.
Established as the top polo event in the Middle East, the HH President of the UAE Polo Cup will take place from March 12 to March 26 and bring the curtain down on the club’s season. The two-week long tournament is famous for attracting top stars from across the globe.
]]>The first major of the season and one of the most-anticipated events on Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club’s calendar, the Emirates International Polo Championship, will kick off on Dec.8 with the grand final scheduled for a week later on Dec.15.
Passion, tradition, legacy and sporting elegance will take centre stage as the Emirates International Polo Championship, which will be held under the generous patronage of Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club, turns 20.
The draw ceremony for the prestigious competition was held at Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club on Sunday in the presence of Zayed Khalifa Zayed Al Aboudi Al Zaabi, Executive Director of the club; Nasser Al Shamsi, captain Ghantoot, and representatives of other teams.
Three teams — Ghantoot Polo, Bin Drai and Abu Dhabi Polo — will lock horns during the championship, which has attracted the best players over the years and is known to deliver the highest quality of polo.
The tournament carries a handicap of 10-12 goals and will see the participation of many young faces and, of course, the creme de la creme of UAE players. All the participating three teams boast a mix of the best Emirati and international players. A total cash prize of $100,000 is up for grabs at the Emirates International Polo Championship, widely regarded as one of the region’s most important polo tournaments. Bin Drai, led by Mohammed Bin Drai, will face the Ghantoot team in the opener on Tuesday. The match will kick off at 4pm.
Ghantoot will be in action on Dec.10 when they square off against the Abu Dhabi Polo team. Later, Bin Drai takes on Abu Dhabi Polo on Dec.12. “We are proud to have reached another milestone as we celebrate two decades of medium-goal polo in the UAE with the Emirates International Polo Championship,” said Zaabi.
Hailing the vision of Sheikh Falah and his support, Zaabi added, “It is a historical occasion for Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club to celebrate the 20th anniversary of one of the top events of our calendar. Good luck to all the teams participating.
“We look forward to seeing some thrilling matches being played on the Sheikh Zayed Polo Field at the Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club.”
“This achievement would not have been possible without the support of sponsors and team patrons,” Zaabi emphasized.
The tournament will take place behind closed doors in line with UAE’s Covid-19 precautionary and preventive measures, and the club management has decided to follow the highest standards of health and safety norms to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
The Emirates International Polo Championship takes place in association with Abu Dhabi Sports Council and is supported by Capex.com and Paris Reverie.
“There are not many teams in the competition, but those taking part are strong enough to make the tournament interesting. Looking at the capabilities of participating sides it is difficult to predict who will win the title as all of them are even,” said Ghantoot skipper Shamsi.
“Emirates International Polo Championship will be the first major event at Ghantoot and in Dubai which will be played according to the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) rules. These rules and umpire supervision make it a polo spectacle,” added the talented high-goal Emirati player based in Abu Dhabi.
Polo enthusiasts can catch the action live as the matches will be transmitted through Abu Dhabi sports channels, in addition to the transmission of all matches via Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club’s social media platforms along with the website.
AT A GLANCE
- What: Emirates International Polo Championship
- When: December 8-15
- Where: Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club, Abu Dhabi
- Teams: Three teams
Participating Teams
- Ghantoot Polo: Nasser Al Shamsi, Yousef Bin Desmal, Cesar Crespo and Manuel Toccalino
- Bin Drai: Mohammed Bin Drai, Bautista Alberdi, Rashed Bin Drai and Gergorio Gelosi
- Abu Dhabi Polo: Faris Al Yabhouni, Bautista Garcia and Hugo Barabucci
The 19th Emirates Polo Championships International kicks-off on Saturday, December 7 at the Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club with five top teams battling it out over the next two weeks. Who are the players to keep an eye on and who are the favorites to lift the prestigious trophy on December 20?
For many, the Emirates Polo Championships International signals the proper start of the UAE Polo scene. It is a high-profile event that provides fantastic action, close matches, upsets, and also produces some unsung heroes, like it did last season when Argentine’s exciting Tommy Panelo picked up the coveted Professional Player of the final award.
This year’s event has its share of star players, both from the UAE and overseas, with several big-name players from Argentina, ready to showcase their polo skills.
The five participating teams are Abu Dhabi Polo Team led by long-time polo enthusiast and supporter, Abdullah Bin Desmal’s Ghantoot Polo Team, Abu Dhabi Polo Team led by Faris Al Yabhouni, H.H Sheikha Alyaa Al Maktoum and the Al Habtoor Polo Team, Desert Palm Polo Team led by Rashid Al Bawardy and Heider Bangash’s Mahra Bangash Polo Team.
The two highest rated polo players in the 10-12 handicap event are Santiago Cernadas (7) who represents a strong-looking Al Habtoor Team, and Ghantoot’s six-handicapper Manuel Toccalino.
A total cash prize of $100,000 is up for grabs, with the winning team collecting $60,000 and the runner-up $40,000.
The Emirates is widely regarded as one of the region’s most important polo events as it attracts some of the world’s top professional players.
The Teams
Ghantoot Polo Team:
- Abdullah Bin Desmal 0
- Mateo Lalor Bengolea 2
- Esteban Costas 4
- Manuel Toccalino 6
- Total Handicap 12
AM / Al Habtoor Polo Team:
- H.H Sheikha Alyaa Al Maktoum (-1)
- Habtoor Al Habtoor 1
- Santiago Cernadas 7
- Tomas Iriarte 4
- Total Handicap 11
Desert Palm Polo Team
- Rashid Al Bawardy /
- Cachilo Marty Hgguy 2
- Martin Valeny 5
- Sam Intstone 0
- Ramiro Cardero 5
- Total Handicap 12
Mahra / Bangash Polo Team
- Heider Bangash 0
- Tariq Al Habtoor 1
- Tuki Ruiz Guinazu 4
- Federico Von Potobsky 5
- Total Handicap 10
Abu Dhabi Polo Team
- Faris Al Yabhouni 0
- Sergio Damian Quiroga 2
- Hugo Barabucci 4
- Martin Donovan 5
- Total Handicap 11
At A Glance
- What: UAE Polo Championship International
- When: December 7th to 20th,, 2019
- Where: Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club
- Watch all the polo games live : www.grpc.ae – via Polocam TV
Contact Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club:
- Telephone: +971 (50) 2333915
- EMAIL: marketing@grpc.ae | Nesrine Bengra
- FOR MORE INFO: www.grpc.ae
- Official social media: www.instagram.com/ghantootpolo
EVENT SPONSORS
Governing Partner
Official Sponsor
- Yas International Properties
- Yas International Holding
- Yas International Investment
- Yas International Development
- Yas Capital Investment
- La Roche Pharmacy
Official Car: Premier Motors – Maserati
Sponsors:
- Cassells Al Barsha Hotel
- Bin Ham Travels
THRILLING TRIUMPH FOR SHAIKH MAITHA’S UAE TEAM IN 18TH EMIRATES OPEN POLO FINAL.
Gallant Ghantoot narrowly beaten by Tommy Panelo’s golden-goal in extra chukker.
Argentine teen sensation Tommy Panelo delivered the performance of a lifetime to help Shaikha Maitha Bint Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s UAE Polo Team overcome a gritty Ghantoot in a cliffhanger final of the 18th Emirates Open Polo Championship International on Friday evening.
Panelo, 18, scored an incredible eight goals, including the ‘golden goal’ match-winner in the sixth and extra chukker at the Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, to gift the UAE Team victory by 10 goals to nine.
With the scores tied at 9-9 at the end of the fifth and final chukker, it was down to the sudden-death tie-breaker, where the UAE players, led by the tireless Shaikha Maitha, held their nerve to prize out a remarkable victory.
“This is an amazing feeling,” said an emotional Panelo. “To win such a prestigious tournament is unbelievable.
“Shaikha Maitha is a great team leader and continually inspired us to raise our game, from the start of the tournament. I felt great today, full of confidence, and I think that helped me deliver such a strong effort.
“”I could not have done this without the support from such talented players like Fede Pobosky and Nacho Acuna. Polo is not an individual sport; it’s all about team work, and I think that’s where we excelled,” he added.
“But full credit to the Ghantoot Polo Team. They played a fantastic game today and I believe that we were just as good as each other on the day. In the end we got a little bit lucky. But, yes, it was an honour and privilege to play against guys like Yousef (Bin Dasmal), Bautastia (Beguiere), Cesar (Crespo) and Martin (Donovan).
Panelo picked up the Professional Player of the Final award, while Bin Dasmal was adjudged the Best Emirati Player of the Final.
“Congratulations to Shaikha Maitha and her team,” said Bin Dasmal. “They played a good strategic game. We lost to them earlier but we came here determined to do better. The whole team played a fantastic match, it was touch and go all the way. But in sport there is only one winner and today it was UAE Polo Team.”
The chief guest at the final as Shaikh Sultan Bin Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, son of HH Shaikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Founder and Chairman of the Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club.
Also in attendance was Shaikh Khalid Bin Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy National Security Adviser.
UAE had beaten Ghantoot 8-6 in the opening game of the tournament two weeks ago, but it appeared that the hosts had found the formula to gain revenge when they led their rivals 4-2 midway through the second chukker, 5-4 in the third, and 9-8 in the fifth.
However, every time the UAE stormed back with goals by Panelo, who struck a back-hand beauty in the fifth, and Pobosky.
It was a masterful display by both teams that had the large crowd on the edge of their seats or rushing forward to watch the action close on the sidelines.
Ahmed Al Nuaimi, Managing Director of the Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, said: “Congratulations to the UAE Team and Her Highness Shaikha Maitha on winning the 18th emirates Open Polo Championship International.
“It was a delight to see the positivity and skills that they brought to Ghantoot today. It was clear for all to see that they were well prepared, fired up and gave one hundred percent.
“Ghantoot is proud to have hosted such a high quality tournament which featured some of the best polo players in the world, and the UAE. We will continue to support the sport of polo and we look forward to the New Year with great enthusiasm,” he added.
“I also would like to thank all our sponsors for their continuous support for without their backing Ghantoot Polo & Racing Club will not be able to host such prestigious and exciting events.
“I take this opportunity to wish all of them, our patrons, players, officials and fans, a very happy 2019!.”
Abu Dhabi Sports Council was the Governing Partner and Premier Motors Masters, the Official Car.
RESULTS
Final
- UAE Polo Team beat Ghantoot Polo Team 10-9 (Golden Goal)
- UAE: Tommy Paneol 8, Fede Pobosky 2, Nacho Acuna 1
- Ghantoot: Bautista Beguerie 3, Cesar Crespo 2, Martin Donovan 2.
SPONSORS
- Governing partner: Abu Dhabi Sports Council
- Official car: Premier Motors Maserati
- Official Hotel: Golden Tulip Al Jazira
- Official partner: Sobha Realty
- Official partner: Ahmed al maghribi
- Official sponsor: Noor Al Wasl Clinic
- Official sponsor: Avisa General Trading
- Official sponsor: Bin Ham Travels
- Official sponsor: Premier Events and Management
- Official sponsor: Monviso Italian Mineral Water
TEAMS
- UAE Polo Team
- Abu Dhabi Polo Team
- Ghantoot Polo Team
- Al Habtoor Polo Team
- Desert Palm Polo Team
At A Glance
- What: Emirates Open Polo Championship International
- When: December 8 to 21
- Where: Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club
FORTHCOMING EVENTS AT GHANTOOT
- January 25: Red Crescent Charity Polo Match
- March 13-25: HH President of UAE Polo Cup
- April 6: British Polo Day
Habtoor, UAE draws first blood in Emirates Open Polo Championship International.
Dubai: The much-anticipated Emirates Open Polo Championship International got off to a thrilling start under brilliant sunshine and perfect playing conditions at the Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club.
The opening day’s action in the 15-handicap tournament, featuring five star-studded teams, saw Habtoor Polo Team take on Desert Palm Polo Team in the first match of the afternoon, while UAE Polo Team clashed with hosts Ghantoot Polo Team in the second match.
Both Habtoor and Desert Palm looked well prepared, but it was the latter who grabbed the early advantage when they led by two goals to one at the end of the first of six chukkers.
However, Habtoor raised the stakes in the second with Justo Cuitino and Marcos Araya scoring a brace.
Well-struck goals by Juan Pedro and Ramiro Cordero ensured Desert Palm stay in the hunt as the second chukker ended with Habtoor up 5-4.
Pedro and Cordero were also the goal scorers in the third as Habtoor failed to find the target.
Rashed Al Bawardi opened his account for the tournament when he struck in the fourth chukker, with the match looking evenly poised.
The turning point came in the fifth chukker when Habtoor Al Habtoor and Araya, pumping in a brace as Desert Palm drew a blank.
In the sixth and final chukker, with the second tied at 8-8 Argentinian Araya showed why he is regarded as one of the best players on the circuit when he scored the match-winner that clinched a thrilling victory for Habtoor Polo Team.
Argentinie’s Federico Von Potobsky was the star as the Shaikha Maitha Bint Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum UAE Polo Team dominated Ghantoot for a two goal victory.
Potobsky pumped in five goals in all, including three beauties in the fourth chukker, to ensure his team would go away with the winner.
Although he was outscored by Martin Donovan, who scored six goals, the hosts Ghantoot had to settle for defeat, which means that they must defeat Habtoor Polo Team in their second league match on Friday, to keep their title hopes alive.
Desert Palm will also be looking to beat Abu Dhabi Polo Team when they play their second match on Wednesday, a day when the opening day’s winners, UAE and Habtoor meet in a much-anticipated game.
Results
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Match 1. Habtoor Polo Team beat Desert Palm Polo Team by 9 goals to 8 |
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Scores: |
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Match 2, UAE Polo Team beat Ghantoot Polo Team by 8 goals to 6 |
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Scores: |
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Fixtures
- Wednesday, December 12
- 2:00pm Desert Palm vs Abu Dhabi Polo Team
- 4:00pm UAE Polo Team vs Habtoor Polo Team
- Umpires: P.W Wright/ M. Lopez Vargas
- Referee: Santiago Torreguitar
EVENT SPONSORS
- Governing Partner: Abu Dhabi Sports Council
- Official Car: Premier Motors – Maserati
- Official Hotel: Golden Tulip Al Jazira
- Official Sponsor: Sobha Realty
- Official Sponsor: Ahmed Al Maghribi
- Official Sponsor: Acacia Advanced Medical Center
- Official Supporter: Noor Al Wasl Clinic
- Official Supporter: Beverly Hills Medical One Day Surgery
- Official Supporter: Bin ham Travels
- Official Supporter: Premier Events & Management
TEAMS
UAE Polo Team
- Shaikkha Maitha Binto Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum
- Nacho Acuna 4
- Tommy Panelo 4
- Feck Potobsky 6
Abu Dhabi Polo Team
- Faris Al Yabhouni 0
- Santiago Gomez 4
- Guy Gibrat 5
- Hugo Barabucci 5
Ghantoot Polo Team
- Yousef Bin Dasmal 1
- Bautista Beguerie 4
- Cesar Crespo 4
- Martin Donovan 5
Al Habtoor Polo Team
- Habtoor Al Habtoor 1
- Tomas Iriarte 4
- Justo Chitinio 3
- Tomas Beresfor 6
Desert Palm Polo Team
- Rashid Al Bawardi 2
- Juan Pedro Marty Heguy 2
- Maxi Malacalza 3
- Ramiro Cordero 5