The Emirates team, under the leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, won the Julius Bayer Golden Ball Cup title yesterday, after winning the final against Al Habtoor team led by Mohammed Al Habtoor.
The final match was attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, businessman Khalaf Al Habtoor and Julius Baer Middle East CEO Ruijis Burger.
The UAE team ended the first half with a 3-2 lead and then moved back in the second half to 6-3. They continued their lead in the third game, which ended by five goals, 8-3, but Al Habtoor improved. The fourth half, which reduced the gap to 9/6.
The fifth half saw the tenth and final goal of the UAE team, while Al Habtoor scored two goals in a row to narrow the gap to only two goals to end the game 10/8.
Emirates player Alejandro won the title of Best Player, and his Miles won the Best Horse Award.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Maktoum praised the organization and technical level of the Cup in general and the final in particular. "We are delighted with this wonderful celebration and thank Al Habtoor Group for this remarkable activity. We also congratulate Her Highness Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum win the Cup », stressing that everyone came out a winner in the evening, which reflected the development of the game in the UAE.
After the ceremony, Khalaf Al Habtoor presented a commemorative gift to Sheikh Mohammed bin Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in appreciation of his sponsorship of the closing ceremony of the Julius Baer Cup. The award was crowned by one of the Italian photographers. It was presented to Her Highness Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said: "We are delighted that we have won one of the strongest tournaments in recent years, and my happiness is greater that we have a strong team, stronger horses and a professional body. "The team's development from one game to the next appeared more homogenous until it reached that level."
She wished that the UAE team would continue their successful career during the President's Cup and crown the title of this big tournament.
The closing ceremony of the Julius Bayer Cup, which began at 10 am, was organized by the Organizing Committee in coordination with the Al Habtoor Polo and Equestrian Resort and Club. The program included a presentation of Bentley cars and other high fashion shows and horseback riding shows to the Al Habtoor Equestrian Academy.
The final of the Bentley Cup was held at 2 pm, and brought together Zidane team led by Amr Zidan and the Dubai Wolves team led by Yusuf bin Dasmal, as the final smile for Zidane, winning 8/7.
The final of the Bentley Polo Cup, the culmination of Zidane's team, took place at the expense of the Dubai Wolves team 8-7.