Glamour, thrilling matches, and excitement took the center stage when the biggest beach Polo tournament in the world, Beach Polo Dubai, kicked off on 13th December under floodlight at Dubai Marina. The uniquely set up Polo Arena was extended this year with a huge public grandstand. The two-day competition which was broadcasted in 77 countries saw players from 7 countries participating in the tournament. In the front of an enthusiastic crowd, four teams competed for the trophy.
the dynamic encounter of Altaaqa Global and Hills Advertising L.L.C started after a glamorous red carpet reception. The combat between Altaaqa Global and Hills Advertising L.L.C, featuring team captain Tariq Albwardy, Sam Instone from the UK and Ramiro Cordero, newly based in the UAE as an instructor at the Desert Palm Polo Club. Team Altaaqa Global, featuring Faris Al Yabhouni, Michael Nseir, and Santi Gomez Romero gave a tough competition to the Hills Advertising team. The score was leveled at 4 – 4 at the end of the second chukker. Hills Advertising took the lead and dominated the game after the second chukker and winded up the first match of the tournament with a score of 12 – 5. Tariq Albwardy’s team qualified for the finals to be played on the next day.
In the second match of the day Team Tonino Lamborghini Residences, playing with Rashid Albwardy, Saoud Khoory and Maxi Malacalza, met against Team Lindt Chocolate. The first ever female player in the tournament, Dr. Sabine Schaffer along with her teammates Jan Bladen and Tomy Iriarte played for the Team Lindt Chocolate. With two goals apiece after the first chukker, team Tonino Lamborghini broke the tie and got up to a cracking start in the second chukker. Though team Lindt Chocolate didn’t give up the fight, Team Tonino Lamborghini remained in the driving seat and drove past team Lindt Chocolate with a final score of 10 – 5 and got their ticket to the final.
It promised to be the most exciting final in the 9-year-old history of the Beach Polo Cup Dubai, and it was. Rashid Albwardy, Saoud Khoory, and Maxi Malaclaza playing in the colours of the title sponsor Tonino Lamborghini finally emerged victorious with a tight score of 7 – 6. Rashid’s brother, Tariq Albwardy, Sam Instone and Ramiro Cordero played for the opponent team, Hills Advertising L.L.C. Team Hills Advertising had put pressure on their opponents from the very first bell and took the lead from the beginning to chukker number 3. Team Tonino Lamborghini started catching up at a score of 5 – 5 and it was in the last chukker that Rashid Albwardy’s team came back strong and scored from each and every opportunity they got. The final score was 7 – 6 and Team Tonino Lamborghini were the winners. Maxi Malacalza was the Most Valuable Player.
