The UAE Polo Team pulled off arguably the result of the tournament as they beat previously untouchable Cartier Red 6-5 to reach the final of the Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge.
Desert Palm have also made today’s showpiece after they triumphed 12-8 over Abu Dhabi in the other semi-final.
The UAE recovered from injuries to two of their stars, Her Highness Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Uruguayan Santiago Stirling, during the match to seal a dramatic win against the Clive Reid-led Cartier Red, who had gone through the tournament unbeaten.
Sheikha Maitha was forced to retire in the first chukka just a few minutes into the last-four clash after a collision. Stirling was also forced off the field when he was hit in the elbow by a stray ball.
Sheikha Maitha’s replacement was regular amateur player Musab Al Wandawi, while after going down in the second chukka, Stirling was replaced by four-goal professional Facundo Llorente, who just happened to be watching this semi-final at Desert Palm.
The substitutions changed the dynamic of the UAE team and also appeared to unsettle Cartier Red.
In fact they struggled to produce consistent polo and although Matias Zavaleta regularly levelled the scores, the UAE Team always replied with a goal to keep themselves ahead.
After much frantic action in the Cartier Red goalmouth, with the scores level at 5-5, Lucas Monteverde scored the winner to ensure the UAE’s passage through to the final.
Stirling praised the work of the replacements.
“It was a really tough match but both substitutes did a superb job and played a heavy part in the win, they were amazing,” he said.
“Cartier Red were in form but I was not surprised by our win.
“The horses were feeling fresh and we have a good team so I knew we could win if we had a good day, which we did.”
Englishman Reid was disappointed not to make the final on the 10th anniversary of the tournament, established by his friend Ali Albwardy, but he’s enjoyed his week in Dubai.
“The match was interesting but not great as the other team had two injuries which slowed the game down,” said the 56-year-old.
“The game was nicely played though and in good sportsmanship.
“It was very close and unfortunately we lost, but it could have gone either way.
"We lost it in the fifth chukka but we could have won it with 40 seconds left in the fourth chukka. I think if we’d have scored we would have gone on to win it.
“To have won all our games previously and then lose this one in the fifth chukka is, of course, disappointing.”
He believes Desert Palm will start today as favourites but with the Desert Palm Trophy still to play for himself, his tournament isn’t yet over.
“We’ve still got work to do but I think in the main final Desert Palm are favourites, but finals are funny things,” he said.
Reid added: “It’s been a great week, I’ve really enjoyed it and seeing everyone involved in the sport from around the world. It’s what the game is all about.”
Although the second semi was clearer cut, it was an equally tense game. Abu Dhabi were without their patron Faris Al Yabhouni, who was nursing an injury, Nasser Al Dhaher taking his place.
Desert Palm, also unbeaten, looked like they would wipe the floor with Abu Dhabi as they led 7-2 at half-time. Abu Dhabi got back into the game in the second half though, with
Alfredo Cappella and Ernesto Trotz putting in strong performances, but Desert Palm held firm to set up a showdown with the UAE.
