Dubai: The much-awaited, The President of the UAE Polo Cup, the most prestigious polo tournament in the country, got off to a wonderful start in beautiful playing conditions at the Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club on Wednesday.

In the opening match of the ‘Royal Signature’ event, Ghantoot ADS Securities, representing the host club, defeated UAE Polo Team by eight goals to seven, before Desert Palm Polo Team upset strongly fancied Abu Dhabi Polo Team 9-8 in an absolute thriller.

The two-week long event has attracted some of the leading polo players in the UAE and from around the world.

Watching the action on the opening day was Sheikha Maitha Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, an avid polo player and patron.

“What a fantastic start to such a prestigious tournament,” said Sheikha Maitha.

“I think all of us present really enjoyed the action on the field and the evening was a great success as well.

“Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club really know how to put on a good show and the grounds are in great condition. I would thoroughly recommend a day at Ghantoot to any polo enthusiast and I thought overall the sport was very well represented at the Royal venue,” Sheikha Maitha added.