The eighth edition of the Sir Winston Churchill Cup took place at Habtoor Polo Resort and Club, set in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The contest, a tribute to the most remarkable statesman of the United Kingdom and an avid polo player, the legendary Sir Winston Churchill, kicked off on Saturday December 6, and saw four teams between 8 and 10 goals, in participation (Habtoor, El Basha, RGF and Al Faisal).

The finals were played on Saturday December 13, with Habtoor and El Basha going head-to-head for the title; it’s worth noting Habtoor and El Basha played a rematch of the opening game, with the former victorious by a narrow 6-5. Although El Basha had a stronger start, earning wide advantages in the two first chukkas, Habtoor managed to bounce back and took the lead in the third chukka. However, El Basha replied in the fourth chukka, when they tied at 7-all, to send the game into and extra chukka; that’s when Habtoor earned the 8-7 win. And, like in the league contest, it was another hard fought win for Habtoor, indeed.

In the meantime, the Subsidiary went to Al Faisal, who defeated RFG 6-2.5.

SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL CUP – FINAL – SATURDAY DECEMBER 13

HABTOOR 8-7 EL BASHA (EXTRA CHUKKA)

Habtoor: Khalaf Al Habtoor, Liam Karger, Juan Cruz Guevara, Marcos Panelo.

El Basha: Hani Jabsheh, Elouan Badarello, Santos Iriarte, Tomás Iriarte.

Score Habtoor: 2-3, 2-4, 7-5, 7-7, 8-7.

Umpire: César Gómez Romero.

MVP: Marcos Panelo.

BPP: Triunfo Milhoja, owned by Hani Jabsheh.

Awards were presented by Mr. Martin G. Pederson, CEO of IFZA.