In an exhilarating final showdown at AlFursan Equestrian Village in AlUla, Team Saudia emerged as the champions of the 2024 Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo tournament, securing a thrilling 9-5 victory over Richard Mille. The final played out in the stunning grounds of the AlUla Desert, giving an additional depth to the championship.
Celebrating their well-deserved victory, the trio from Team Saudia—Adolfo Cambiaso, Sayuu Dantana, and Melissa Ganzi—lifted the Desert Polo trophy high in the air. The trophy presentation was an exciting moment, with Abeer Al Akel, Acting CEO of the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), and Amr Zidan, Chairman of the Saudi Polo Federation (SPF), bestowing the honor upon the winning team.
Adding to the excitement, the subsidiary final took place on the fourth and final day, where AlUla secured the third-place position with a commendable 5-3 win against Tayma. The tournament spanned four days and featured action-packed matches with the participation of 24 players and eight teams. The 2024 Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo championship showcased a highlight reel of unique performances and remarkable moments, capturing every part of this sporting event.
The post-final presentation ceremony was a moment of recognition for outstanding players, with Dantana receiving the Men’s Best Player award, Ganzi honored as the Women’s Best Player, and Cambiaso awarded the Top Scorer title. Additional awards included Pablo Mac Donough for Best Goal, HRH Prince Hamza bin Abbas for Most Promising Player, and Johanna Hanbury for Sportsmanship.
Faisal Bin Dowees, CEO of SPF, credited the tournament’s success to the robust attendance of spectators and emphasized the enduring connection of the local community with equestrian sports, rooted in a history spanning thousands of years. Bin Dowees expressed optimism about the sustained interest in polo, eagerly anticipating the creation of more opportunities for people to participate and compete in future editions.
Bin Dowees extended heartfelt thanks to HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Minister of Sports & Chairman of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, and SPF Chairman Amr Zidan for their pivotal roles in the success of the championship. Ziad AlSuhaibani, Chief Sports Officer at RCU, expressed gratitude to partners, friends, players, official sponsors, and enthusiastic audiences, acknowledging their collective efforts in ensuring the tournament delivered an outstanding spectacle. The third edition of the championship left an incredible mark, creating the importance that will showcase the sport’s growth and popularity in the region.
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