Winter at Tantora festival: First desert polo tournament kicks off

Saudi Arabia’s first desert polo tournament kicks off on Thursday. (SPA)
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Updated 10 February 2020
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Winter at Tantora festival: First desert polo tournament kicks off

  • The AlUla region provides the perfect natural stage to witness some of the greatest polo stars on the planet in action

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s first desert polo tournament kicks off on Thursday amid the spectacular surroundings of the AlUla UNESCO heritage site.
The three-day event, organized by the Royal Commission for AlUla and the Saudi Polo Federation, is part of the Winter at Tantora festival and will feature leading international polo players competing in a desert environment — a world first.
Competitors include Argentine Pablo Mac Donough, leading a La Dolfina team fresh from an 11th victory at the Argentinian Open.

As one of the long-term supporters of this prestigious sport, Richard Mille will be the official timekeeper and title sponsor of the exclusive event.

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The Royal Commission for AlUla in cooperation with Saudi Polo Federation breaks new ground with the staging of the first desert polo tournament in the Kingdom.

“We are proud to be part of this significant event and to support the continuous development of polo in Saudi Arabia. The AlUla region provides the perfect natural stage to witness some of the greatest polo stars on the planet in action. We are really looking forward to the tournament and wish all its participants the best of luck” said Peter Harrison, CEO of Richard Mille EMEA.

For his part, Saudi Polo Federation Chairan Amr F. Zedan said: “Richard Mille has always had a strong connection with the world of sport and we are delighted to partner with such a prestigious brand as we continue to proactively promote this exciting and beautiful sport in the Kingdom.    


Rabiot double lifts Milan after early scare at Como

Updated 16 January 2026
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Rabiot double lifts Milan after early scare at Como

  • Milan are second in the standings on 43 points, three behind rivals Inter Milan and three clear of Napoli in third, while Como are sixth with 34 points

COMO, Italy: AC Milan came from behind to earn a 3-1 victory at Como on Thursday, with Adrien Rabiot scoring twice to keep the away side in the Serie ​A title race.
Milan are second in the standings on 43 points, three behind rivals Inter Milan and three clear of Napoli in third, while Como are sixth with 34 points.
Como made the brighter start and took the lead after 10 minutes when Marc-Oliver Kempf rose to head home a corner.
Despite the hosts controlling much of the first half, Milan struck ‌in stoppage ‌time as Christopher Nkunku calmly converted ‌from ⁠the ​penalty spot ‌after Kempf was penalized for pushing Rabiot.
Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan produced a series of strong saves to keep Como at bay after the break before Milan took the lead in the 55th minute when Rabiot knocked the ball in from close range.
Como were denied an equalizer as Nico Paz saw his effort from outside ⁠the box crash against the crossbar. Milan then sealed the win two minutes ‌from time when Rabiot caught the Como ‍defense off guard with a ‍low strike from distance that crept into the bottom corner.
“This ‍was a team victory, we showed our mentality,” Rabiot told DAZN after being named Man of the Match.
“We suffered a lot in the first half, but we talked during the break, came out with ​a different mentality, we all came out fighting for the three points.
“We gave something extra and I am ⁠very happy to score two goals, obviously, but above all I’m pleased with the mentality of the team.”
While Rabiot provided the goals, another Frenchman, goalkeeper Maignan, made his mark with a string of crucial saves.
“We knew that playing here would be difficult, we were well-prepared. We started a little sluggish and they scored, but we managed to keep the game open, and then all together started to play as a team,” Maignan said.
“We know these are great nights for Milan with an atmosphere like this. ‌We suffered, we used up a lot of energy and left it all on the field.”