SimplyAbuDhabi XII

3 3 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I The teams now change ends only after each quarter, not after every chukka (period of play) and a clearly marked scoring line, beyond which the score doubles, means the players are encouraged to take stunning long-shots. The match launched in spectacular style with the ‘Palace dash’, a surefire contender for the most exciting kick-off in any sport, that saw the two opponents race at full speed from opposite ends of the polo field to get to the ball first. The play then proceeded with caution from both teams in the weekend’s finale - 2012 winners Team Buenos Aires were first to find their stride with exceptional play from Guillermo Cuitino, whose long-range shooting took his team into half-time four goals ahead. Despite a spirited fight-back performance from Facundo Castagnola, whose attacking play bought his team two goals, Coutts Abu Dhabi missed out on the title for a second year with TeamBuenos Aires shooting four unanswered goals in the second chukka, culminating in a 6 - 4 victory. His Highness Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, presented the cherished Coutts Cup to Cuitino and fellow Buenos Aires team members Habtoor Al Habtoor and Santiago Gomes Romero, who was also awarded this year’s ‘most valuable player.’ Rory Heron, CEO of City Events, the organisers of the tournament, said, “Today’s game was the perfect end to an enchanting weekend of world-class sport, fashion and gastronomy in the most iconic of settings, the Emirates Palace.” Coutts team Abu Dhabi’s loss against their Argentinean rivals for the second year running was a bitter pill to swallow in front of their home crowd, who had travelled from across the United Arab Emirates to watch the showdown unfold. Fortunately, the disappointment was salved by the other spectacular diversions at the event. The iconic jeweller Fabergé set a prestigious tone by creating an exclusive design for one of their signature bejewelled egg pendants in celebration of UAE National Day. Established in 1842, Fabergé has been the most revered name in jewellery ever since Peter Carl Fabergé became official goldsmith to the Russian Imperial Court, creating exquisite jewels and objects, including the legendary series of lavish and ingenious Imperial Easter Eggs.