Elite players spice up Globalport polo tilt

MANILA, Philippines - The 2015 Globalport Philippine Polo Championship unwraps tomorrow with a host of world-class players from Argentina and United Kingdom pitting skills and talent against the local aces in the country’s biggest polo tournament set in two venues in Batangas.

Despite the presence of the Argentinian and British players, focus will be on the rivalry between Mikee Romero’s Globalport and Iñigo Zobel’s Ayala Philippines – two teams that figured in the final of the inaugural Philippine Polo Open last year.

Through the inspired performance of Zobel, Ayala romped to a 9-4 win over Globalport which sorely missed the leadership of Romero, who skipped the final due to the death of a family member.

While Zobel’s Ayala remains as the team to beat, Romero believes they have what it takes to get back at their fierce rivals.

“It’s payback time,” said Romero, the brainchild of the event that once again lured the rich and famous in the Asian region, including Tal Srivadhanpprabha, a scion of wealthy Thai businessman Vichai Srivadhanpprabha.

A gala show will also be staged during the five-day event, with the families of the “Fallen 44” as beneficiaries.

Also out to foil Zobel’s back-to-back bid are Tang Polo-China, Polo Escape-Thailand, Kingpower-Thailand/UK and Tamaraos-Australia – all reinforced by pro players from Argentina, United Kingdom and Australia.

The six teams will be divided into two zones with Globalport-Philippines, Tang Polo-China and Polo Escape-Thailand comprising Zone 1.  Zone II will be composed of Ayala-Philippines, Kingpower-Thailand/UK and Tamaraos-Australia.  

The top finishers in both zones will clash in a winner-take-all final on Sunday.

Romero said the presence of Argentinians guarantees another action-packed tournament.

“While we are all friends, expect animated action right on opening day,” said Romero.

Aside from the presence of pro players, the top-notch horses will also play a key role in one’s bid to raise the championship trophy.