the pioneering modern polo tournament set against the breathtaking backdrop of the desert, made a triumphant return to the limelight this afternoon with two brilliant matches kicking off this year’s highly anticipated third edition.
Live from AlFursan Equestrian Village, celebrity audiences and avid fans experienced yesterday a memorable afternoon of sporting excellence in the ancient oasis. The same thrilling blend of action, elegance, and skill that saw the competition become a major event in the international equestrian calendar was on full display for everyone to enjoy – with two teams sealing impressive victories.
The first match saw Saudia overcome opponents SAB in a pulsating encounter featuring polo royalty. Adolfo Cambiaso – the greatest polo player in history – starred alongside Sayuu Dantana and Melissa Ganzi to secure an 8-5 win against a side boasting David Stirling, Alessandro Barnaba, and HRH Prince Sultan bin Khaled Al Faisal.
“It was amazing out there – a really fun game to be involved in,” Cambiaso declared immediately following Saudia’s win. “The horses are in excellent condition and the field has never been better – the Royal Commission for AlUla has done a really great job.”
This year marks the popular Argentine’s third consecutive appearance in AlUla. Having seen the evolution of Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo first-hand, he also spoke of the tournament’s upward trajectory and why it’s so special.
“There’s even more improvements since last time,” he explained. “The field is so good right now that polo can be played harder and faster. There are also more teams – the number has doubled and so has the standard. The best players are here and we love the competition. It’s fantastic to be involved.”
The competition Cambiaso alluded to was again on full display shortly afterward in the opening day’s second match. Audiences were treated to a match sure to live long in the memory as Dadan edged out AlUla in a 14-goal thriller.
Mia Cambiaso, Nacho Figueras, and HSH Eugen Carl Oettingen Wallerstein lined up for the winners, who overcame AlUla’s Poroto Cambiaso, Nicky Sen, and HRH Prince Salman bin Mansoor bin Nassir Al Saud by a narrow 8-6 scoreline.
The day one proceedings at Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo, held in partnership with the Saudi Polo Federation (SPF), have set the scene for unforgettable competition in the days ahead. As the action unfolds amidst the picturesque AlUla landscape, spectators can anticipate a weekend filled with elite horsemanship, fierce competition, and the unmistakable spirit of the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo that has become synonymous with innovation and excellence in the world of polo.
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