5th to 8th May, 2009
Souissi Polo Club de Rabat, Morocco

The Royald Guard of Morocco hosted the second version of the King Mohammed VI International Polo Tournament, which ran from the 5th to the 8th of May, 2009 at the Souissi Polo Club in Rabat.

A show of international polo ensued, with an exhibition of well played matches put on for the audience. With morocco beating France in the first game, and America beating Nigeria in the second, the final was to be between America and France.

Thursday was an off day for players, and the President of the FIP, Patrick Guerrand-Hermes hosted all players and invited guests at his ranch for lunch with a beautiful display of traditional Moroccan dance, followed by an enchanting evening spent at the beach.

The players met the General of the Royal Guards on the morning on the final day, and he expressed gratitude to the players for accepting the invitations to Morocco, and helping to promote the game of Polo in Morocco. He said "There are no winners or losers, only polo. Polo is the winner, and we hope this will leave a lasting memory for all of you".

The final saw the Moroccan team face the American team, swiftly taking the lead 3-0 in the first chukka. A further 2 goals by Gonzalo Novillo Corvalan widened the scores to 5-0 by the second chukka. Down by so much, the Americans made a fiery attempt at goal, which went wide. The third chukka hit off with another determined strive by Ignacio Tejerina, this time successful, and the scores became 5-1 providing a small glimpse of hope for the Americans, which was quickly shattered by the Moroccans with another goal, maintaining the initial goal gap, at 6-1. Swift retaliation by Ignacio Tejerina, and the scores were 6-2 by the end of the 3rd chukka. His Royal Highness Crown Prince Moulay Rachid arrived in time to watch the 4th chukka, and both teams played like it was their last game, with gallant attempts by the Americans to close the score gap, and very competitive polo ensued. A penalty goal by Ignacio Tejerina brought the scores up to 6-3, however, the Moroccans went on to score 2 consecutive goals, and the game ended with Morocco triumphant, with an 8-3 win.

The international language of Polo brought teams from varying continents together for a mutual cause, and the Moroccans ensured a hitch free intricately organised week, that will indeed not be forgotten. Each team was presented with equal size silver trophies, which further exemplified the "no winners, or losers. Only polo" attitude of the tournament, with the winning team also receiving a hand made royal moroccan saddle.

The evening ended with a well-crafted elegant 5 course dinner hosted by the the Majesty Mohammed VI to mark the occasion of the tournament.
(Note courtesy of Uneku Atawodi)