Ghantoot Al Basti captain Nasser Al Shamsi believes the UAE team and Zedan pose the biggest threat to their chances of winning the HH President of UAE Polo Cup.

Ghantoot Al Basti play their opening qualification match of the eight-team tournament against Bin Drai in Pool A at Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club (GRPC) today, before the UAE face Al Habtoor in the Pool’s second game of the day.

The tournament comprises two matches each day, and will adhere to the Hurlingham Polo Association rules.

The top two teams from each pool will reach the semi-finals and the Grand Final will take place on January 24.

Al Shamsi said: “We have a good chance as well as any of the other teams who have a good chance. It’s difficult to say which teams can win the tournament. 

"For example, the UAE Polo team has one player who is nine-handicapped (Lucas Monteverde) and Zedan has some strong players especially Pelon Stirling.

“I think these players will make a huge difference to their teams.”

Among the teams for the 16-goal handicap tournament, are ADCB Polo from Ghantoot, who will be led by captain Facunda Sola.

His team will play defending champions Zedan, Desert Palm and Abu Dhabi in Pool B.

Sola said: “We are very excited. I am very enthusiastic to play in this tournament in preparation for the World Cup in Dubai.

“I am representing Ghantoot and for them it’s a home tournament and we want to win.”