PROFESSIONAL polo players went head-to-head with a kite surfer on Sandbanks beach yesterday, as this year's Asahi British Beach Polo championships were officially launched.

Kite surfer Ian Agius raced riders Martin Young and Pete Saville, as they galloped their ponies along the beach where the eighth beach polo tournament is set to take place next month.

After a couple of sprints, between two stone groynes, horsepower looked like it had just got the upper hand over wind.

Thousands of people are expected to flock to the July championships, which have become a firm-favourite on the Poole calender in recent years.

England team polo player Pete Saville told the Daily Echo: "Top polo players are really excited about returning to Sandbanks for another year to play some incredibly competitive polo on the beach and in front of a large crowd.

"The setting is always spectacular. I can't wait for July."

For two days the beach will provide the setting for some of the country's top players to battle it out, alongside a beach volleyball contest, and topped off with DJ EZ and DJ Charles headlining two end of day parties.

This year the Clogau Wales Polo Team will be locking horns with the three other home nations in a bid to retain their title.

Meanwhile, this year also includes the British ladies beach volleyball team squaring-up to their Olympic qualifier rivals Greece, in what looks set to be a gruelling grudge match not to be missed.

Sandpolo director Johnny Wheeler said: "We are delighted to be returning to Sandbanks again. Each year the event becomes more celebrated and introduces more people to the exciting game of polo.

"Whether you're dining in the waterfront hospitality marquee with VIP hospitality, soaking up the atmosphere with general admission tickets, or just choosing to sit outside the fence on the purpose-built beach viewing area, it is an opportunity for everyone to enjoy polo, beach volleyball and the English coast at its best. It is simply a great day out."