The Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge reached its conclusion at Desert Palm on Friday 24 February 2012, and the watchmaker’s own team finally claimed the trophy that carries its name. Team Cartier beat the defending holders, Desert Palm, 10-9 in a final that went down to the wire. It was Cartier’s first victory in the event.
The two line-ups
On paper this was an even contest. Adding the listed ratings, both sides came out at 12 goals.
- Team Cartier: Adriano Agosti (Switzerland, 0), Mohammed Bin Drai (UAE, -1), Francisco Elizalde (Argentina, 6) and Juan Jose Brane (Argentina, 7).
- Team Desert Palm: Tariq Albwardy (UAE, 1), Faris Al Yabhouni (UAE, 0), Martin Valent (Argentina, 5) and Alfredo Capella (Argentina, 6).
The mix is typical of Gulf polo: local players at the lower handicaps, supported by two experienced Argentine professionals on each side. The result is a game decided by teamwork between the amateurs and the pros, which is why a single goal can matter so much.
Awards and presentation
Mohammed Bin Drai was named Most Valuable Player, a nice result for a UAE player on the winning side. The best playing pony award went to Sybarita, ridden by Juan Jose Brane in the final chukka. Adriano Agosti received the trophy on behalf of the team.
The tournament is held under the patronage of HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein. She could not attend the final day, so Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum presented the prizes. Also on hand were Charlotte Casiraghi, Cartier chief executive Bernard Fornas and Louis Ferla, managing director of Cartier Dubai. Afterwards a donation was made to the Riding for the Disabled Association of Dubai, which is based at Desert Palm.
Side matches
The Desert Palm Trophy programme also featured two other teams. Team Julius Baer lined up with Amr Zedan, Saad Audeh, Pancho Marin Moreno and Rodolfo Ducos, while Team CNN fielded Gary Shepherd, Kassem Shafi, Vieri Antinori and Hissam Ali Hyder.
Why it matters
Dubai has become one of the most important winter polo centres, and events like this are a useful way to keep players and ponies sharp while the European season is still some months away. For fans in Britain, the Gulf season is also a first look at the names we will see again when the summer circuit begins at Guards and Cowdray.
A 10-9 final is the sort of scoreline that keeps spectators on their feet until the last bell, and Cartier will be pleased to have finally won their own party.
Sources: Europa Star
