NEWS | BLOG

11 December 2011

La Dolfina proved too strong against the newly formed Ellerstina team, as they recaptured the Argentine Open Championship title on Friday 9 December 2011, in a 16-10 victory over Ellerstina in Palermo, Buenos Aires, Argentina in front of over 15,000 cheering fans.

La Dolfina dominated the throw-ins and controlled the ball early on, limiting Ellerstina to just a pair of penalty goals in the first three chukkers. La Dolfina displayed a strong team defense that limited Ellerstina’s shots on goal and had them struggling for a goals from the field. Penalties were also the bane of the young Ellerstina team as they gave up seven goals from fouls. Three missed penalty scoring opportunities from Cambiaso (two blocked, one missed) kept Ellerstina in the game, but it was clear early that Ellerstina would have trouble scoring.

La Dolfina took advantage of continued disciplined teamwork and some missed opportunities from Ellerstina to run the score to 7-2 at the end of the third chukker. Nero added two more goals from the field and Cambiaso scored his fourth of the game (first from the field) while Facundo Pieres missed scoring on a breakaway and had a 40-yard penalty shot blocked. Ellerstina continued to press the La Dolfina defense in the fourth, capitalizing on a pair of penalties that allowed Facundo to add a pair of goals to the Ellerstina total.

Cambiaso responded with a 30-yard penalty conversion and found a streaking Stirling down field with a pinpoint pass for another goal. The first half ended with La Dolfina riding off the field with a comfortable five goal, 9-4 advantage over a frustrated Ellerstina foursome.

A determined Ellerstina team took the field in the fifth chukker as Facundo Pieres broke through the La Dolfina defense in the opening minute of play to score his first goal from the field. He added a penalty goal less than a minute later, but that would be the end the scoring in the chukker. Ellerstina cut into the La Dolfina lead, 9-6, but were unable to take control of the play.

Gonzalito Pieres scored his first goal of the game in the sixth period on a pass from Nachi Heguy, but La Dolfina responded with a pair of penalty goals from Cambiaso. Ellerstina continued to press, but at the end of the period La Dolfina lead by four goals, 11-7. Cambiaso opened the seventh with a penalty goal followed by a goal from Facundo Pieres as he took the ensuing throw-in and raced down the field for a goal, 12-8. Four consecutive La Dolfina goals (two from Pablo MacDonough and single goals from Cambiaso and Stirling) all but ended it for Ellerstina.

The boys in black rebounded from seven goal deficits late in two earlier finals against La Dolfina, but that would not be the case this time. Determined not to give up their title without a fight, Ellerstina charged onto the field in the final chukker as if it were all even, but the La Dolfina defense would just not crack. A penalty goal from Facundo Pieres and a goal from the field from Nico Pieres would close out the scoring, giving the 2011 Argentine Championship trophy to La Dolfina in a thrilling 16-10 triumph.

Awards: Cambiaso led all scoring with nine goals (seven from the penalty line) and was named MVP for his efforts. Nero scored three times and MacDonough and Stirling scored two goals apiece. Facundo Pieres recorded eight goals (six on penalty shots) and was honored as the leading scorer in Open play.

Copyright free photos from the 118th Argentine Open Final are available, for editorial use only, by clicking on the links below. All photos courtesy of POLOLINE. This is a complimentary service provided by Rolex.

https://rcpt.yousendit.com/1311268398/8b3a991b27fb65e24c9d69e274e62887
https://rcpt.yousendit.com/1311271064/90d58037b2714ceea646598a91f09f14

For more information visit www.aapolo.com

Rolex and Polo

Rolex are proud sponsors of four of the most illustrious events on the polo calendar:
• the Argentine Polo Open Championship
• the Hurlingham Club Open Championship
• the Tortugas Country Club Open Championship
• the Buenos Aires Jockey Club Open Championship

Renowned Polo player, Gonzalo Pieres Jr, is a 10-goal handicapper and a Rolex Testimonee.

To view the on-line magazine please click here

June 2011

13, December 2010

Ellerstina win 2010 Argentine Open Final and the coveted Triple Crown

Ellerstina defeated La Dolfina 14-13 in the 117th Argentine Open Final on Sunday 12th December 2010, and thereby completed the final leg of the coveted Triple Crown in Argentina. Ellerstina won the Final in dramatic style, which was delayed a day after just one chukka due to heavy rain with Ellerstina holding an overnight lead of 2-1. Ellerstina’s Juan Martin Nero was named MVP.

The Triple Crown, 2010

The Argentine Open is the third tournament of the Triple Crown in Argentina, which was concluded on Sunday 12 December 2010 in Palermo.

Tournament: Tortugas Open, Argentina
Place: Tortuguitas
Club: Tortugas CC
Date: September 28 – October 16, 2010

Tournament: Hurlingham Open
Place: Hurlingham
Club: Hurlingham Club
Date: October 19 – November 6, 2010

Tournament: 117th Argentine Open, Argentina
Place: Palermo
Club: Palermo
Date: November 20 – December 11, 2010

Teams playing in the 2010 Triple Crown

Ellerstina: Facundo Pieres 10, Gonzalo Pieres (h) 10, Pablo Mac Donough 10 y Juan Martín Nero 10. Total: 40.
LA Dolfina: Adolfo Cambiaso (h) 10, Lucas Monteverof (h) 10, David Stirling (h) 9 y Bartolomé CastagnoLA 10. Total: 39.
LA Aguada: Javier Novillo Astrada 9, Eduardo Novillo Astrada (h) 9, Miguel Novillo Astrada 10 e Ignacio Novillo Astrada 9. Total: 37.
Pilará: Agustín Merlos 9, Santiago Chavanne 8, Sebastián Merlos 9 y Marcos Heguy 10. Total: 36.
Chapa Uno: Bautista Heguy 9, HiLArio Ulloa 9, Juan Ignacio Merlos 9 y Matías Mac Donough 8. Total: 35.
Indios Chapaleufú II: Alberto Heguy (h) 8, Ignacio Heguy 9, Matías Magrini 8 y Eduardo Heguy 9. Total: 34.

For more information visit www.aapolo.com

Rolex and Polo

Rolex are proud sponsors of four of the most illustrious events on the polo calendar:

• the Argentine Polo Open Championship
• the Hurlingham Club Open Championship
• the Tortugas Country Club Open Championship
• the Buenos Aires Jockey Club Open Championship

Renowned Polo player, Gonzalo Pieres Jr, is a 10-goal handicapper and a Rolex Testimonee.

The Hurlingham Polo Association Magazine, Autumn Issue – October 2010, EMag/digital version is now available to view online here

25 September 2010

Team La Irenita won the Jockey Club Open in Argentina on Saturday, 25 September 2010, in a closely fought final against Indios Chapaleufu II. 

Led by Pablo MacDonough and very well supported by the young Salvador and Hilario Ulloa plus Tomás Gandara, La Irenita beat Indios Chapaleufu II 13-10, and claimed the Jockey Club Open, in the final held on the main field at the club located in San Isidro, in the Province of Buenos.  Despite a slow start, La Irenita came back strongly in the fourth chukker to take the lead during the second half. Pablo MacDonough’s Abrojito Suerte, took the BPP honours.
Copyright free photos from the Jockey Club Open are available, for editorial use only, by clicking the links below.  All photos courtesy of POLOLINE. This is a complimentary service provided by Rolex.

For copyright free action images please contact team@revolutionsports.co.uk

Tournament Information

Tournament: Jockey Club Open, Argentina
Place: San Isidro, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Club: Jockey Club
Date: September 7-25, 2010
Level: 36 hcp
Tournament type: Open
Tournament Director: Guillermo Alvarez Fourcade
WPT Category Ranking: WPT Cup
Winner Points: 70
Finalist Points: 35
Semifinalist Points: 20
Rest of the teams: 10

The Triple Crown, 2010

Pilará and Chapa Uno will be the first teams to play at this year’s Tortugas Open, the first tournament of the Triple Crown in Argentina, which will conclude on Saturday 11 December 2010, with the final of the 117th Argentine Open in Palermo, the world’s most awaited tournament.

Meanwhile, the qualifiers for Hurlingham and Palermo will begin on Monday 27 September 2010. The competition will showcase six teams up to 34 goals.

Tournament: Tortugas Open, Argentina
Place: Tortuguitas
Club: Tortugas CC
Date: September 28 – October 16, 2010

Tournament: Hurlingham Open
Place: Hurlingham
Club: Hurlingham Club
Date: October 19 – November 6, 2010

Tournament: 117th Argentine Open, Argentina
Place: Palermo
Club: Palermo
Date: November 20 – December 11, 2010

Teams playing in the 2010 Triple Crown
Ellerstina: Facundo Pieres 10, Gonzalo Pieres (h) 10, Pablo Mac Donough 10 y Juan Martín Nero 10. Total: 40.
LA Dolfina: Adolfo Cambiaso (h) 10, Lucas Monteverof (h) 10, David Stirling (h) 9 y Bartolomé CastagnoLA 10. Total: 39.
LA Aguada: Javier Novillo Astrada 9, Eduardo Novillo Astrada (h) 9, Miguel Novillo Astrada 10 e Ignacio Novillo Astrada 9. Total: 37.
Pilará: Agustín Merlos 9, Santiago Chavanne 8, Sebastián Merlos 9 y Marcos Heguy 10. Total: 36.
Chapa Uno: Bautista Heguy 9, HiLArio Ulloa 9, Juan Ignacio Merlos 9 y Matías Mac Donough 8. Total: 35.
Indios Chapaleufú II: Alberto Heguy (h) 8, Ignacio Heguy 9, Matías Magrini 8 y Eduardo Heguy 9. Total: 34.

For more information visit www.aapolo.com

Rolex and Polo

Rolex are proud sponsors of four of the most illustrious events on the polo calendar:

• the Argentine Polo Open Championship
• the Hurlingham Club Open Championship
• the Tortugas Country Club Open Championship
• the Buenos Aires Jockey Club Open Championship

Renowned Polo player, Gonzalo Pieres Jr, is a 10-goal handicapper and a Rolex Testimonee.
 
For further information, please contact:
Merrick Haydon
Revolution Sports Marketing Group
Tel: +44 (0) 207 928 9999
E-mail: merrick@revolutionsports.co.uk

3, December 2009

Polo legend Gonzalo Pieres Jr, a 10 goal handicapper on three continents and currently the World Polo Tour No.1 ranked player, has signed an exclusive partnership with iconic watchmaker Rolex.

Gonzalo joins the select group of Rolex Testimonees – exceptional individuals who excel in their chosen sport – who all share Rolex’s philosophy: the constant pursuit of perfection. These include the world’s longest standing No 1 tennis player Roger Federer, golfers Phil Mickelson and Loreno Ochoa, show jumper Rodrigo Pessoa and Three-Day Event rider Zara Phillips.

Commenting on the partnership, Gonzalo Pieres said, “It is a great honour to have been asked to become a Rolex Testimonee; my approach to life is to strive for perfection in everything I do and these principles are shared by the Rolex brand.”

He continued, “I have grown up watching Rolex Testimonees compete at the highest level in sporting events around the world and, like them, I have aspired to be considered the best in my chosen sport of polo. Becoming a Rolex Testimonee is not only a privilege but also recognition of what I have achieved in the sport.”

Jean-Noel Bioul, Co-Director Sponsoring at Rolex, said, “Gonzalo is the world’s No. 1 ranked polo player and this has been achieved by focus, dedication and a constant desire to improve. We are delighted that Gonzalo has joined the Rolex family and look forward to working with him over the coming years.”

26 year old Gonzalo Pieres Jr is the son of legendary polo player Gonzalo Pieres who won the Palermo Open with the Espadaña team on six occasions. Gonzalo has won major honours at the highest level of the game including, in the last 12 months, the Grand Slam Sotogrande Cup and Masters Series British Open and US Open, as well as the Argentine Open in 2008. He first played in the Argentine Open, arguably the finest polo tournament on the international stage in 1999, and has competed every year since. He is best known for playing for Ellerstina.

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1 August, 2009

The Revenge of the Open d’Argentine presented by Rolex.

For the first time outside of Argentina’s borders, a top-level professional polo game could be seen at Deauville this afternoon –  in “The Revenge” of the Open d’Argentine presented by Rolex. The world’s two best teams, which were both finalists of the last Open d’Argentine in Buenos Aires before 18,000 spectators in December 2008, were competing against each other once again. This “French revenge” finished by Ellerstina’s victory after a match in which neither of the two teams tried to spare the other.
This Deauville event did not assemble the same number of spectators as the final Buenos Aires matches – high level polo still stays a relatively unwellknown sport in Europe – but it was nevertheless able to arouse excitement among fans. More than 2,000 spectators came together around the “terrain Normandy” of the Racetrack of la Touques, and over 100 media followed the match, while fans in 102 countries were able to see the live transmission thanks to Eurosport. “It’s the first time that a polo match is broadcasted in so many countries” comments Philippe de Nicolay, the president of the Polo de Deauville. “I already got some feedback and it seems that the results are formidable. It’s a big step forward for polo… and this happened in Deauville!”
Whoever had believed the promise of an extraordinary match could not have been deceived as the score was so close that there were only ever a few goals difference between the two teams at all times, even though at first Ellerstina seemed to have taken the course of the game in its hand with Pablo McDonough’s first goal which was quickly followed by his fellow team players Juan-Martin Nero and Facundo Pieres: 3-0 ended to be the biggest gap in the score. Adolfo Cambiaso managed to save the team’s face in the first chukker with a penalty from a distance of 30 yards.
From then on until the end, the two teams competed neck and neck with incredible phases of quality, even though Lolo Castagnola’s injury in the second chukker lead to his replacement by  Guillermo Terrera (who unlike the rest of the players is a handicap 7). Thankfully Castagnola’s injury was not too bad (he overstretched his thumb) but thanks to this incident Deauville’s audience was able to discover or re-discover the talent of young Terrera, who played in the La Dolfina team for the first time and seemed to be aware of this twist of destiny as he showed several beautiful solo actions during the match, for which he finally received the distinction of “most valuable player”. “He’s a good friend of the team”, assures Adolfo Cambiaso “and he was a great replacement. In any way thanks to him we were able to stay on Ellerstina’s level and in the end this match stayed in the line of oppositions of our two teams.  The game today was quite a tough battle.” Terrera was also the cause of today’s second big shock when he ripped the left goalpost out of the field during the fourth chukker (and yet managed to stay on his horse) – but this spectacular accident caused more fear than pain.
Thanks to the two goals that were achieved in the final chukker of the game, Ellerstina was able to confirm its title of the Argentinean Open and Facundo Pieres didn’t hold back his excitement about a job well done: “You have seen a very tight match. I think it was a pleasure to watch it with just a few errors and therefore almost no interruptions except for Lolo’s accident, which fortunately didn’t end too badly. I think it was an incredible day for polo.  It has given us confidence for the Argentinean season that’s to come… I think that we are going to win the title again next December!!!”. All this said with the uttermost seriousness.
A celebration for polo and a beautiful day for Patrick Guerrand-Hermès, president of the International Polo Federation: “An achieved dream. Although the conditions were not exactly great with the rainy weather at the beginning of the game – and yet we saw an excellent match. Afterwards the players came to ask how the game had been perceived by the audience which proves that each of them had the desire to show how great this sport is. This match was magnificent and unforgettable.”

Ellerstina Etiqueta Negra: Facundo Pieres 10 (3 goals, 2 of which were penalties), Gonzalito Pieres 10 (3 goals), Pablo Mac Donough 10 (4 goals) et Juan Martín Nero 10 (1 goal)
La Dolfina Peugeot: Adolfo Cambiaso 10 (2 goals one of which was a penalty), Lucas Monteverde 10 (3 goals one of which penalty), Mariano Aguerre 10 (3 goals) et Bartolomé Castagnola 10 replaced by A. Terrera in 2nd chukker (2 goals)
Ellerstina – La Dolfina : 3-1 ; 4-3 ; 5-5 ; 8-6 ; 9-9 ; 11-9
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For further information:
Pascal Renauldon  Tel: +33 (344) 620 621
R&B Presse      email: p.renauldon@rbpresse.com
Photo R&B Press/Adrien Renauldon, The Revenge Polo de Deauville : Elerstina Winning Team