This season’s Polo Masters took on a unique format, with three teams competing for the ultimate title in a thrilling Round Robin showdown. This setup offered a dynamic and engaging display of polo, allowing each team a fair chance to showcase their skills.
In a Round Robin format with three teams, each team faces the others once in a series of shortened matches—typically two chukkers per game. The matchups follow this sequence: Team A vs Team B, Team B vs Team C, and Team C vs Team A. At the end of the round, the team with the most wins is crowned the overall winner. In the event of a tie, goal difference (goals scored minus goals conceded) is used as the deciding factor. This format ensures balanced competition and keeps the action fast-paced and exciting.
Here’s a look at how the matches played out during the Round Robin on April 10, starting with the opening round:
Chukker 1 & 2
Mount Loftus vs Habtoor Polo
0 - 2 | 2 - 3
Chukker 3 & 4
Mount Loftus vs Bhansali Polo - Ankora
1 - 3.5 | 3 – 3.5
Chukker 5 & 6
Habtoor Polo vs Bhansali Polo - Ankora
0-3 – 0 | 2 – 5.5
The grand finale of today’s Polo Masters saw the teams return to the field for one last round of high-stakes action, with scores from previous matches carried forward—making every goal in this final stage even more crucial.
The final clash between Habtoor Polo and Mount Loftus delivered an electric atmosphere, as both sides came out with fierce determination, showcasing sharp offense and disciplined defense. All three teams gave it their all, each aiming to claim the coveted Polo Masters title.
In the end, it was Bhansali Polo – Ankora who emerged victorious, securing the championship with a stunning display of teamwork, strategy, and sheer talent. Led by their patron, Rishi Bhansali, the team dominated throughout the tournament. Bhansali was instrumental in the win, contributing a total of seven goals across all matches and steering his team to a well-deserved triumph.
Match Progression:
Chukker 1 & 2
Mount Loftus vs Habtoor Polo
2 - 4 | 5 - 6
Chukker 3 & 4
Habtoor Polo vs Bhansali Polo - Ankora
4 - 6.5 | 5 – 7.5
Chukker 5 & 6
Mount Loftus vs Bhansali Polo - Ankora
4 - 7.5 | 4 – 8.5
Mr. Lukas Tremmel, General Manager at Al Habtoor Polo Resort honored and presented the awards to the teams of the day; Rishi Banshali was the Most Valuable Player, Lamar Aleta ridden by Khalid al Omran and owned by Ryaan Alajaji as the Best Playing Pony.