WORLD class players from Argentina and United Kingdom see action along with top Filipinos in the 2015 Globalport Philippine Polo Championship starting on Tuesday in two venues in Batangas.
The Argentine and British players spice up the event but focus will also be on the budding rivalry between Mikee Romero’s Globalport and Iñigo Zobel’s Ayala Philippines, which figured in the final of the 1st 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 is convinced they have what it takes to get back at their fierce rivals.
“It’s payback time,” said Romero, who created the event that has again lured some of the best in Asia including Tal Srivadhanpprabha of Thailand.
Also looking 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 while Zone II features Ayala-Philippines, Kingpower-Thailand/UK and Tamaraos-Australia.
The top finishers in both zones will clash in a winner-take-all final.
Romero said the presence of Argentineans guarantees another action-packed tournament – perhaps much intense than last year’s edition.
“While we are all friends, expect animated action right on opening day,” said Romero, who is leaving no stone unturned in his desire to make this year’s edition a huge success.
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