The glorious sun began to shine just in time for the conclusion of the Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad Tournament. Team E.I. Sturdza Investment Funds played spectacular polo to steal the title away from last year’s winners Team Gstaad Palace in a stunning final, winning by 5 goals to 3. The game was a fierce battle from start to finish. Both teams showed their sheer determination, as the riders and ponies jostled for the upper hand. Eduardo Menendez (ARG) displayed his envious skill, producing two impressive goals to give Team E.I. Sturdza Investment Funds an early lead. Team Gstaad Palace stepped their game up a gear in the 3rd chukka, creating some notable chances, only to be denied the rewards due to three unbelievable on-the-line blocks from Frankie Menendez (ARG). Victory was in sight for Team E.I. Sturdza Investment Funds as they entered the 4th chukka with a five-goal lead. However Team Gstaad Palace showed they were not willing to give up their title without a fight. Jeronimo Fanelli (ARG) scored three breathtaking goals to bring Team Gstaad Palace back into contention with two minutes still on the clock. The unstoppable combination of the Menendez brothers, who have been playing together since they were three years old, proved just a little too much for Team Gstaad Palace as Team E.I. Sturdza Investment Funds secured the victory and was crowned champion of the Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad Tournament. The third place play off was decided by penalties, due to a waterlogged pitch as result of an excessive downpour of rain throughout Saturday evening. The atmosphere was tense for this unusual determining of 3rd and 4th place. Team Vicomte A.’s patron Michael Bruggler (SUI) stepped up to take the first penalty with a hard hit, allowing the ball to travel cleanly through the posts. This set the trend as Team Vicomte A. kept their lead in all three rounds. Team Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza SA stayed hot on their rival’s heels, trailing by just a single goal as they entered the final round. One shot away from victory Juan de Ezcurra (ARG) took his time, creating suspense among the spectators, an impressive strike through the posts, took his team to victory. The final score was 9 goals to 5.

The spectators at the Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad tournament were treated with two captivating semi-final matches on the third day of an action packed tournament. Team Gstaad Palace beat Team Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza SA, in what could be argued the hardest fought match of the tournament so far, with a final score of 7-5.5. In the second semi-final, despite a noble fight from Team Vicomte A., it was Team E.I. Sturdza Investment Funds who came out on top with a winning score of 7-4.5.

Team Gstaad Palace will now face Team E.I. Sturdza Investment Funds in what is set to be a tense final at 15:00 to determine which Team will be crowned the Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad 2014 Champion. Team Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza SA play Team Vicomte A. in the 3rd place playoff at 13:30.L’équipe Gstaad Palace a battu l’équipe Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza SA avec un score de 7 à 5.5, dans ce qui aura été, jusqu’à présent, le match le plus serré du tournoi. Dans la deuxième demi-finale malgré une belle combattivité, le team Vicomte A. voyait la victoire leur échapper et revenir à l’équipe E.I. Sturdza Investment Funds.

Crowds of fun loving spectators from around the world have descended upon the picturesque village of Gstaad for a weekend of world-class polo and entertainment at the Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad Tournament.

The opening day saw the glorious sun shining down on the homogenous playing field, which has remained in perfect condition despite the recent wet weather. The qualifying matches have set the bar high for what is going to be an action packed weekend. Team Gstaad Palace faced Team Vicomte A. to kick-start the tournament in style with some incredible skill from both teams. Team Gstaad Palace took it up a notch to gain a 9-7.5 lead and claim their first victory of this year’s tournament.

A tightly fought match between Team Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza SA and Team E. I. Sturdza Investment Funds had the crowds hooked with both teams battling for the lead. Both the Menendez brothers made an early impression in this prestigious Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad Tournament carrying Team E. I. Sturdza Investment Funds to triumph.

Thursday night concluded with an asado, a traditional Argentinian BBQ, welcoming players, partners and petiseros for a post match feast at the polo showground cooked by the chefs of Gstaad Palace.

Friday saw the player’s parade on their horses through the streets of Gstaad, followed by socialising with the crowds, sponsors and VIP guests alike at the Hublot cocktail.

Saturday’s matches look set to thrill, as all four teams will vie for a place in the esteemed Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad final. The semi-finals begin at 13:30 on the Gstaad Saanen airport fields followed by the much-awaited Gala evening.

After a very friendly and animated Captain’s meeting held at the Gstaad Palace, the long wait came to an end. All teams and horses have arrived, more motivated, than ever.

The draw decided that Team Gstaad Palace would face Team Vicomte A. in the first match, at 13:30.

The second match at 15:00 will bring together Team Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza SA & Team E. I. Sturdza Investment Funds.

Best wishes to all players and horses. May the sport be great, and may fair-play rule.

Argentinian sun should shine on Gstaad this weekend for the traditional polo tournament, supported by Hublot. The organisers are looking forward to welcoming some of the world’s best polo players to Gstaad-Saanen airport fields for a closely-fought competition.

This year again, big names of the sport have been announced by the 4 teams :

The famous Argentinian brothers Eduardo and Frankie Menendez (hcp 6) will play for Egyptian captain Mohammed El Sewedi (hcp 2) and will, notably, contend with fellow Argentinian players Marcelo Pascual (hcp 6), Silvestre Fanelli (hcp 4) and his brother Jeronimo Fanelli (hcp 5).

The competition will be held over 4 days with matches on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Exciting enlivenments will brighten up the weekend, such as the horses and players’ parade, through Gstaad, on Friday at 4pm.

The official village will open on Thursday August 21st at 11:00. Qualifier matches will start at 13 :30. The level of all 4 teams being very consistent, the competition promises to be keenly contested.