China's premier polo tournament, the Royal Salute China Open, will begin on Friday and run through Sept 23 at the Tang Polo Club in Beijing.

It will be divided into three classes - 0-4 goals, 4-8 goals and 16 goals - and will include some of the world's best players.

"This tournament is very new, but it has been recognized by the Federation of International Polo, as well as some of the top nations in the sport," said Liu Shilai (pictured), founder of the Tang Polo Club.

After successfully holding the first China Open last year, Liu said he intends to continue.

Youth groups and amateur groups will be included in 2013, and the professional group will be expanded from two levels to four (4, 8, 16 and 22).

More importantly, he is aiming to create an all-Chinese team by developing some of the more impressive rising riders.

"Currently, we still do not have an all-Chinese team to compete in high-level international tournaments," said Liu, the top player in China. "But we have some young and promising guys and under the guidance of foreign coaches, they will grow up to the pro level in the next few years."

The Tang Polo Club is one of the top venues for a sport that's growing more popular in China.

With the aim of fostering and developing polo in the region, the club scheduled five championships in 2012, with the China Open being the leading one.

The season-ending TPC Cup will take place from Oct 10-14.

chenxiangfeng@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 08/28/2012 page22)