TEAM E.I. STURDZA INVESTMENTS FUNDS AND TEAM SIR ARE CROWNED WINNERS OF THE 2015 HUBLOT POLO GOLD CUP, GSTAAD

16 Aug 2015

In unique circumstances Team E.I. Sturdza Investments Funds and Team SIR, new to the tournament this year, have tied in first place and will share the 2015 Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad Trophy.

Following much deliberation from the tournament officials the decision was made to change the format of the final of the Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad. Taking into consideration the safety of the players and ponies, the waterlogged pitch was deemed too dangerous to play a competitive match.

The crowds were not left unsatisfied, the announcement was made the final would be replaced by a 4-chukka exhibition match. The four team-patrons and the four best players of the tournament were split into two teams to play in a non-competitive manner.

One of tournament’s referees, Tony Keyte commented, “The pitch was too waterlogged to play a safe match and our top priority is the safety of the horses and the safety of the players. The decision was discussed at length with the players and the committee and everyone agreed an exhibition match would be the best option to replace the final.”

Pierre Genecand, President of the event, kicked off the exhibition match in true glamourous style, flying in on a Swift Copters helicopter to present the match ball. The unusual conclusion for the 20th edition of the Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad left spectators thoroughly entertained, as they witnessed some of world’s top polo players exhibiting their intricate skills.

The teams remained head-to-head throughout each chukka until the final whistle blew with a finishing score of 7 – 7. The best play of the match was undoubtedly the impressive teamwork between Hublot Polo Gold Cup favourite, Eduardo Menendez (ARG) – who is competing in the tournament for the 16th time – and home favourite Michael Brüggler (SUI); an aerial shot from Menendez opened up the field for Brüggler to accelerate down the pitch, and strike a powerful shot cleanly through the posts. Gasps echoed among the crowds at the unbelievable display of talent from both players.

The third place play-off was decided by penalties. Team Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza SA beat Team Gstaad Palace 5 – 4 to take third place position at the 20th edition of the tournament.

Team Gstaad Palace patron, Cedric Schweri (SUI), stepped up to take the first penalty, a smooth strike guided the ball cleanly through the posts, putting the first point on the score board. Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza SA had a chance to take the lead as Chris Falk (USA) approached the penalty spot, despite an accurate placement he was denied a goal due to his ball falling just short of the line. The highest handicapped player of the tournament, 8 goal, Olavo Novaes (BRA), asked the umpire to use his personally chosen ball and took his time arranging its position before the strike. With a high flick shot the ball soared through the centre of the posts, securing the lead for Team Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza SA. A wide shot form six goal player, Marcelo Pascual (ARG), meant it was all over for Team Gstaad Palace who finish the tournament in 4th place.

Off the field the 20th anniversary of the Hublot Polo Gold Cup celebrations continued. Spectators were wowed by the magnificent air display from Fly 7 Executive Aviation. It featured the Buecker Jungmann 131, designed and built in Germany in 1936, this Buecker is especially important to Switzerland as it was the first one to join the Swiss Army’s Air Force. To conclude the tournament a traditional Swiss-themed parade took place to mark the heritage of the tournaments home country.

To view the video click here

Notes to editors:

The Polo Club Gstaad sincerely thanks the co-sponsors of the event: McLAREN GENEVA, FLY 7, NESPRESSO, RUGENBRÄU, GSTAAD-SAANENLAND TOURISMUS, EQUESTRIO, PERRIER-JOUET and VICOMTE-A.
The Polo Club Gstaad was founded in 1995 and the first polo tournament was held in 1996
In polo, handicaps vary from -2 to +10 (+10 being the best level). Only a few players, all Argentinians, have a +10 handicap
The Polo Village will be open on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 11am onwards

French and German copy available on request.

For all further information, please do not hesitate to contact:

ComPeaR Sports Management
Mrs Magali Dubois Vaucher, press@pologstaad.ch | Tel: +41 78 608 03 23

Polo Club Gstaad
Mrs Marianna Nagyova, info@pologstaad.ch | Tel: +41 33 744 07 40

Adverse conditions make the final impossible

16 Aug 2015

After much deliberation, the officials of the Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad in agreement with the players have decided the following:

In order to preserve the safety of the horses and of the players, the final will be replaced by a 4-chukker exhibition match.

The 4 team-patrons and the 4 best players of the tournament will be split into two teams and will display their skills safely as the ground has been rendered way too dangerous for a real competition match.

There will be a tie for first place between Team SIR, newcomer to the tournament and Team E.I. Sturdza Investement funds, defending champions.

This decision was taken with a heavy heart as everone involved wanted to give the audience the best posssible polo competition but the safety of all partakers prevails!

Team E.I. Sturdza Investment Funds to face Team SIR in the Final of the Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad 2015 Press Release

16 Aug 2015

The penultimate day of the Hublot Polo Gold Cup in Gstaad was met with heavy rain pounding down on the picturesque Gstaad airfield. Due to the adverse weather conditions and after much deliberation from the show officials, the decision was made to play a penalty shoot out to decide which teams would reach tomorrow’s highly anticipated final. After two tense battles Team E.I. Sturdza Investment Funds and Team SIR – who are new to the tournament this year – claimed victories and will face each other in the Final to compete for the coveted Hublot Polo Gold Cup Trophy.

Silence descended on the VIP terrace as the first penalty shootout got underway. Defending champions Team E.I. Sturdza Investment Funds proved too much for Team Gstaad Palace taking an early lead on the scoreboard. Team E.I. Sturdza Investment Funds’, Ignacio Bello, was the only player to score a 60 yard goal which helped secure his team to a 5 – 2 victory over last year’s runners-up Team Gstaad Palace.

The second penalty shootout was a closely fought contest which went right down to the wire. Team Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza SA were denied the early lead with Chris Falk’s strike falling just 5cms in front of the line. The deciding goal came from Matias Machado, he took his time as he approached the shot and with a look of determination in his eyes struck the ball cleanly, slotting it perfectly between the posts. The loud roar from Team SIR signified their delight at realising they had secured a place in tomorrow’s final. The final score 6.5 – 4.

On Friday the crowd-favourite ‘Player’s Parade’ returned to the streets of Gstaad. Despite the wet weather the streets were filled with spectators all hoping to catch a glimpse of the world-class polo players as they rode through the quaint village. Following the parade the players mingled with the crowds, sponsors and VIP guests alike at the Hublot cocktail party which celebrated the 20th anniversary of the tournament and 10 years since their flagship watch the ‘Big Bang’.

Quotes:

Team E.I. Sturdza Investment Funds captain, Mohammed El Sewedy said, “It is great to win but of course we are a bit disappointed that we could not have played a regular match for the semi-final. The other team was also strong and in the end it all comes down to a bit of luck. It was a wise decision to play a penalty shootout as the ground has already suffered from the rain.”

Team SIR captain, Andreas Tombor commented, “It feels great to make the final tomorrow, I am hoping for the victory, it would be fantastic to win in our first year of being here. Today it was risky as it comes down to luck rather than performances really. The weather conditions made the shots more difficult because of the wind and rain.”

1st day of Action with fiercely contested matches in Gstaad

14 Aug 2015

The opening day of the Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad saw the sun shining down on the playing field, which has remained in perfect condition throughout the very dry summer thanks to the dedicated team who took great care of the grass.

The qualifying matches were already fiercely contested and have set the bar very high for an action packed weekend. Team Sir, a newcomer in Gstaad, won against Team Gstaad Palace after a very intense match (7.5-6).

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. In the 3rd chukker Marcos Riglos (Team Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza SA) broke his stick during an action but managed to save the situation by turning it upside down and playing with the handle for 45 seconds, hitting the ball twice!

Thursday night will conclude with an asado, a traditional Argentinian BBQ, welcoming players, partners and petiseros for a “after show” feast cooked by the chefs of Gstaad Palace.

Friday will see the players’ parade on their horses through the streets of Gstaad, followed by a cocktail at the Hublot boutique to start the 20th anniversary celebrations in style!

Saturday’s matches will resume at 13:30 on the Gstaad Saanen airport fields with all four teams vying for a place in the Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad final.

Sport will be followed by the much-awaited Gala evening!

Swiss Traditional outfit on display during the Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad

04 Aug 2015

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Hublot Polo Gold Cup, some of the world’s elite Polo players will gather once again in Gstaad, Switzerland, in August for a weekend of Top Sport. Amongst the participants in this year’s edition, four teams will battle it out for the coveted Trophy: Team Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza led by their captain Cedric Schweri (SUI), Team E.I. Sturdza Investment Funds headed by their captain Mohammed El SEWEDY (EGY), Team Gstaad Palace led by Michael Brüggler (SUI) and finally Team SIR and their captain Andreas Tombor (HUN).

The composition of the teams and the level of the players have been assembled to be as homogenous as possible to provide the attending spectators with an impressive display of skills and fiercely disputed matches. For this exceptional Jubilee, Presided by Pierre E. Genecand, the main theme of the event will feature Switzerland and its traditions. In a typical Helvetic ambiance, the programme features four days of intensive sport and a multitude of attractions.

The kick-off of the celebrations will begin on Thursday August 13th, with the opening of the official village and of the ensuing qualifying matches. The traditional and spectacular Grand parade will take place on Friday 14th of August at 4pm, where all the Polo players proceed on horseback through the streets of Gstaad. On Saturday the 15th August, matches resume as of 1pm with the semi-finals. To celebrate with due dignity this 20th Anniversary, festivities will commence early with the first polo match at 11am followed by an exceptional parade, marching bands, aerial show and many other surprises will await the attending viewers. The tournament Final will start at 3pm. In keeping with the theme of local traditions, the entire organising committee and all their guests will be proudly wearing traditional Swiss attires! Festivities are also part of the programme of this 20th edition, and Saturday evening the famous Polo Night will take place in the VIP tent and will continue late into the night.

As every year, this Polo Tournament is open to the public and is free of charge.

A special child care facility “Kinder-Paradise” offering lots of fun activities will be open on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, from 11am until 5.30pm, to allow kids and parents to enjoy the show and have a great time.

Once again, many leading brands will be present in Gstaad for this international Polo tournament, starting with Hublot, loyal partner since 2008. Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza SA, Gstaad Palace Hotel, E.I. Sturdza Investment Funds and SIR are this year’s teams sponsors.

So don’t miss it! Come join us in celebrating the 20th Anniversary of this exclusive Tournament, the Hublot Polo Gold Cup, on the lands adjacent to the Gstaad-Saanen airport, from the 13th to the 16th August.