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

Abu Dhabi Sports Council
Emirates Polo Association

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