History was made in Dubai yesterday as the crowds at the Desert Palm witnessed the highest-ever rated women’s polo match – an All-Star game that saw a showdown between the very best in the world, moments after Team UAE successfully defended their title at the Ralph Lauren International Ladies Polo Tournament.
The second edition of the ladies-only tournament saw Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum lead Team UAE to an 8-4 victory over Team Europe in yesterday’s final before the top Emirati player triumphed in the All-Star game alongside world No1 Nina Clarkin, Argentinean ace Marianela Castagnola and Great Britain’s Lucy Taylor.
In an exciting finale that wrapped up three days of high-quality competition, the All-Star game showcased women’s polo at its very best as the four players on each team combined to a total of a 27-goal handicap – the highest ever achieved in a ladies match.
With the world’s top two players, Clarkin and Sunny Hale, on opposite sides, the match was always going to be a thrilling affair.
“The All-Star game was Maitha’s idea,” said Castagnola, Argentina’s No1 player.
“At one point she even said ‘I can sit this one out and let the others play’ but she can cope with this level. So it’s amazing. It was her idea and she made it possible.”
Sheikha Maitha, who scored twice in her side’s 5-2 win over All-Stars B, said she was happy to take part in this historic moment.
“They are my idols, these are the women who have paved the way so playing alongside them is an honour,” said Sheikha Maitha.
Earlier in the day, Hale scored four goals to guide Team UAE to victory over Team Europe – captained by Clarkin and which included the tournament’s guest of honour, Princess Azemah of Brunei.
Sheikha Maitha and Castagnola provided two goals each in a nail-biting contest that saw Europe’s Anne-Marie Cavanagh fall off her horse in the opening chukka.
UAE opened up a 7-4 lead by the end of the third chukka and Europe were unable to launch a comeback similar to the one they pulled off against North American on day two, as they eventually succumbed to the host team.
“We like each other. We became a good team and that’s the main thing, this is a team sport. Maitha’s attitude is about playing for the team, so that’s the difference,” said Castagnola.
“The idea was to bring better players, increase the level and it happened. Ralph Lauren have been so professional, they showed a lot of respect for all of us and that’s the key. For us it’s really motivating.”
Just like last year, the tournament helped raise funds for Dubai Cares – a philanthropic organisation that works on improving children’s access to quality primary education in developing countries.
“It’s always a pleasure if you can bring sport and charity together. You’re doing what you love and giving back at the same time,” said Sheikha Maitha.
“Dubai Cares is a charity that is close to my heart. It’s about education and provides fundamentals like food, water and shelter and the environment to give people a chance to learn.”
On their part, Ralph Lauren have promised to continue supporting the event as they hope it grows bigger and bigger in the upcoming years.
“We are very happy to sponsor this event through Ralph Lauren, together with Etoile Group and Chalhoub Group,” said Ingie Chalhoub, chairman of Etoile Group, the owners of Ralph Lauren in the UAE.
“It’s all about the empowerment of women in the region and Dubai is taking the lead in that kind of empowerment and Sheikha Maitha is really taking a lead in that way where she is showing the way to ladies in the region.
“I’m very, very proud because through this event we have been able to support Dubai Cares and their initiatives.
“We believe so much in education and we want to support all third world countries to be really able to get that kind of education.
“Through last year’s donations we’ve been opening schools with the help of Dubai Cares in Nepal and we’re adamant on making sure that this grows bigger and bigger every year.”
