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Favorites are already decided for the Polo Challenge Bronze Cup finals

Polo Challenge 2016 Dominican Republic

Favorites are already decided for the Bronze Cup finals

Photo credit: Jochi Marichal

The first edition of the Polo Challenge with its first prize, the Bronze Cup, started this past Thursday January 14th. This is a 22 goal tournament, being the first high goal competition in the Caribbean and Central America. Numerous world renowned polo stars are participating, among them, two of the players from the best team of the world La Dolfina, the 10-goalers Juan Martín Nero and David Stirling Jr.

The first stage of the Cup commenced at Los Establos, Cap Cana, and will continue until January 24th. On Sunday January 18th, the Maserati Cup was awarded to team Lechuza of patron Victor Vargas and in the following days, a three day break will take place before the last eight matches of the qualifiers of the Bronze Cup.

There were two teams that were the undefeated winners on the first four days: Lechuza and its brother team Agualinda, commanded by Victor and Alfredo I. Vargas, respectively. Both teams are well-oiled machines, with outstanding horse organizations. The chemistry between players is undeniable, and both defence and attack tactics, almost flawless.

But, as the sport of polo is very unpredictable, Polo Challenge can switch favorites from one day to the other, so the audience will have to wait with anticipation.

The first day witnessed a battle between Agualinda and Power Infrastructure, with a win for the first one by 12-10 and a great performance by the MVP Alfredo I. Vargas. After the inaugural match, Pitirri/Potranca surpassed Los Establos by 10-7, Lerin Zubiaurre being awarded MVP.

The second day took place in Casa de Campo, with a first game between the local team and La Carbuccia. Pancho Bensadón (MVP), winner of the last edition of the Cámara de Diputados Cup made his team the leader and the result was 11-7. The second match of the day witnessed the debut of Juan Martín Nero in Dominican Republic, who also resulted to be MVP, and the scoreboard marked 10-7 for Lechuza and Samanes, respectively.

The highlighted team of day 3 was Agualinda. The first game saw Nacho Novillo Astrada take home the MVP award and his team Power Infrastructure, with a key organization, winning for 10-9 against Los Establos the local team. In the second game, Agualinda showed the hard work behind the scenes of this Venezuelan team. Both the horsepower and the tactics of David Stirling Jr., the MVP, were too much for team Pitirri/Potranca. Match ended in 15-10.

Sunday was the fourth day of the Bronze Cup in Casa de Campo. The first match between Los Samanes and La Carbuccia witnessed a great performance by Santi Toccalino, Juanchi Ambroggio and Beto Donovan and ended in 13-10 in favor of Los Samanes. In the final game of the day, Lechuza confirmed the tendency to favorite this team and gave the spectators a firm win over Casa de Campo by 14-10. MVP was Victor Vargas that scored 7 goals.

The qualifiers of the Bronze Cup will continue on Thursday 21st in Casa de Campo, last eight matches before semi-finals.

More details in: www.polochallenge.net

Photo and press material download : http://polochallenge.net/press_room.php