Inaugural Fortune Heights Super Nations Cup
to be hosted from 1 to 5 October 2012 at the Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club
It was formally announced at a press conference that the inaugural Fortune Heights Super Nations Cup 2012 will take place from 1 to 5 October 2012 at the Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club, China’s most extensive polo facility. Team draws also took place at the press conference.
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Results of the team draws: Professional Team 1st Semi – Final (1 October 2012) Hong Kong China vs USA 2nd Semi – Final (2 October 2012) England vs Argentina |
U16 Team 1st Semi – Final (1 October 2012) Argentina vs USA 2nd Semi – Final (2 October 2012) England vs South Africa |
Fortune Heights Super Nations Cup 2012 will see a gathering of the world’s leading polo nations in Tianjin. This 24-goal tournament, one of the highest-goal international tournaments in the world, will see four professional teams from Argentina, England, Hong Kong China and the United States compete. An international youth exhibition tournament will take place on the same match days.
Fortune Heights Super Nations Cup 2012 will be hosted by the Federation of International Polo (FIP) and the Tianjin Sports Bureau. Established in 1982, FIP aims to promote and enhance the sport of polo globally and unite international polo associations across the world. In his speech today, Mr. Alejandro Taylor, FIP’s Executive Committee Member and Treasurer said: “We wanted to inspire young people in China. We want to see polo participation at every level and at every age, as we’ve seen happened in many countries around the world. We believe that China has every potential to become a polo power house of the future if we lay the foundations right; the foundations, we believe, are in place. We hope to come back in 10, 15 years’ time and be able to say that these were the moments that we captured the imagination of people in China and the Asian region and challenged them to fashion their futures through the beautiful game of polo.
The youth exhibition tournament, conceived to inspire the young people of China and the world on the benefits and exuberance of polo, will see representation from Argentina, England, South Africa and the United States.
Today’s press conference was graced by Mr Huang Weimian, Vice-Director of Tianjin Sports Bureau and attended by Mr. Peter Abisheganaden, Tournament Director appointed by FIP, representatives of FIP and Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club. Representatives of the four professional teams also made a special trip to Tianjin especially for the team draw. They include: Mr. Alberto Zubiaurre, representing Argentina and the Association Argentina de Polo, Mr. Andrew Tucker representing England as Polo Team Chef d’Equipe, Mr. Rowland Wong representing Hong Kong China as Vice Chairman of Hong Kong Polo Development and Promotion Federation and Dr. Richard Caleel representing the United States as Governor At Large of the United States Polo Association.
In his address, Mr. Fred Zhou, General Manager of the Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club, thanked the Tianjin Sports Bureau, FIP, as well as all international representatives and guests. Mr. Zhou said: “We are very pleased to be presenting the Fortune Heights Super Nations Cup 2012 here in Tianjin and look forward to nurturing the love for polo by bringing more exciting tournaments and programmes to Tianjin, lifting its profile further internationally.”
On display during the press conference was the Fortune Heights Super Nations Cup Trophy. Design of the trophy was commissioned to Asprey, one of Britain’s finest jewellers and silversmiths. This jeweller was once the destination for crowns , coronets and sceptres for royal families around the world. Holder of the Royal Warrant of appointment to H.R.H The Prince of Wales , the designers at Asprey drew inspiration for the Fortune Heights Super Nations Cup Trophy from the traditional Chinese Gu vase and decorative cloud designs from Chinese artworks to create this magnificent polo trophy. The meticulously hand engraved trophy comprises of an exquisite silver gilt central section and lacquered wooden base.
To celebrate the tournament, an Opening Gala Dinner will take place on 1 October 2012. The glamorous dinner will feature Bordeaux first-growth Château Margaux and a menu specially created by award-winning Chef Edward Voon, Director of Kitchens at the Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club.
In addition to dinner and the excellent selection of wine, invited guests will also be privy to two exclusive mini concerts by Tsai Chin and Fei Yuqing at the event’s exquisite concerts on 1 & 3 October.
During the 5-day tournament, title sponsor Fortune Heights will present the Fortune Heights Polo Living Showcase at the venue that will feature the luxurious and exquisite polo lifestyle of the low density residential zone of Goldin Metropolitan.
Due to limited number of seats, admission to Fortune Heights Super Nations Cup 2012 is by invitation only. A small number of VIP private boxes in the specially constructed double-deck marquee may be available upon request. Guests may visit the event website for more information: www.supernationscup.com