Kitzbuehel, Austria  - Top polo players from around the world will gather in the Austrian ski resort of Kitzbuehel from January 16-18, 2009 for what is being billed as the world's biggest winter polo tournament.

Eight teams of three players from five nations are taking part in the action this time around, with 96 polo ponies due to compete. Previous contests saw only six teams involved.

Watching the polo matches at the snow-clad Muenichauer Wiese just outside the Tyrolean town is free of charge and organisers expect around 10,000 spectators to attend.

Internet: www. kitzbuehelpolo. com (dpa)