The Beach Polo Cup Dubai 2018

Glamour, thrills and excitement took center stage yesterday as the largest Beach Polo tournament in the world kicked off under a floodlit arena at Skydive Dubai. 

 

Held under the Patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Sports Council for the 4th consecutive year, the Tonino Lamborghini Residences Dubai Beach Polo Cup Dubai 2018 Presented by Oriental Pearls started its 9th tournament in spectacular style. 

 

In front of an enthusiastic crowd, Team Altaaqa Global vs Team Hills Advertising – featuring team captain Tariq Albwardy – competed in the first match of the evening. After a 4-4 score at the end of the second chukka, Team Hills Advertising took the lead and dominated the game against Team Altaaqa Global team captain Faris Al Yabhouni, Michael Nseir from Lebanon and Santiago Gomez Romero. With a 12-5 final score, Tariq Albwardy’s team proved their clear advantage and qualified for today’s final.

 

In the second match of the evening, Team Tonino Lamborghini Residences Dubai, featuring Rashid Albwardy as team caption, Saoud Khoory and Maxi Malacalza from Argentina faced Team Lindt. Dr Sabine Schaffer from Austria, the first female to play in the tournament, playing alongside her teammates Jan Bladen and Tomy Iriarte. With two goals apiece after the first chukka, Team Tonino Lamborghini Residences Dubai broke the tie and got up to a cracking start in the second chukka. Although 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 treated to a powerful and captivating artistic horse and lightshow. Gabriela Noser-Katiela, Event & Tournament Director of the Beach Polo Cup Dubai said, “With the new grandstand and free entry we want to demonstrate how dynamic, fun and thrilling Beach Polo is. Our guests gave fantastic support to the teams last night and we invite everybody to pass by and enjoy the finals today!”

 

Doors open at 5pm today with the first polo match starting at 6pm. Team Tonino Lamborghini Residences Dubai and Team Hills Advertising – and therefore the two Albwardy brothers – will play head to head in the final and play for the coveted trophy. Before the big showdown, Team Lindt and Team Altaaqa Global will compete for the third place.