The British Ladies Open Championships took place on Saturday the 19th of July, with defending champions UAE Polo Team taking on King Power, in front of a packed crowd on Lawns 1.
Riding out at 1 for UAE was Her Highness Sheikha Miatha (3), with Dayna Waechter (3) at 2, Micaela Saracco (6) at 3, and 10-goaler Hazel Jackson at Back. Ploy Binsaeng (1) wore the number 1 shirt for King Power, with Catalina Lavinia (7) at 2, Lia Salvo (8) at 3, and Sarah Wiseman (6) at Back.
The Ladies Open showcased exceptional play from some of the world’s top female polo talents. King Power took an early lead in the first half, but a determined comeback from the UAE side saw them reclaim the title with a 9-7 victory
The first chukka saw an evenly matched start from both sides, with Salvo opening the scoring with a 40-yard penalty to put King Power on the board. Jackson quickly responded with a field goal, leaving the score level heading into the second chukka. King Power dominated the second chukka with a brilliant team goal, finished by Salvo after a precise pass from Wiseman. Just before the buzzer, Salvo capitalized on an interception and converted it into another goal, giving King Power a 3-1 lead. The third chukka brought a spirited comeback from UAE. Jackson scored within the first minute, but Salvo quickly responded with a near-side shot under pressure. The battle intensified as 10-goaler Jackson continued to push with another field goal, only for Lavinia to answer back with a breakaway goal. However, Waechter produced two incredible back-to-back goals just before the buzzer, bringing the score to 5-5 at half-time.
Half-time marked a turning point for UAE, who returned with renewed energy in the fourth chukka. Field goals by Jackson and Saracco, along with strong defensive play, held King Power scoreless and gave UAE a 7-5 lead heading into the final chukka. The last chukka opened with yet another field goal by the unstoppable Jackson. Though Salvo responded with back-to-back goals to keep King Power in contention, a final breakaway goal by Saracco in the dying moments secured a 9-7 victory for UAE.
Her Highness Sheikha Maitha stepped forward to receive the British Ladies Open Trophy from Mariya Dykalo, Artistic Executive Designer at Aspinal of London. The Gusbourne Most Valuable Player award was presented to Micaela Saracco in recognition of her outstanding performance. The Cowdray Vikings Best Playing Pony rug was awarded to Irenita Tipada, played by Lia Salvo and owned by King Power.
