No match was played today at the Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad.
The action took place in the village with all 4 teams and their horses, official, horse-carriages and sponsors parading in front of the many public.
matches will resume tomorrow at 13:30 and the Polo Village will open at 11:00.
See you tomorrow!
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:
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
Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad – 15th-18th August 2013
Summer in Gstaad will be both sporty and glamorous with the 18th edition of this prestigious tournament.
D-3 and counting before the start of the traditional Hublot Polo Gold Cup in Gstaad. The organising Committee is working hard to make sure they welcome the polo players in the best conditions.
This year, some of the best players have been announced:
Olavo Novaes (BRA) hcp 8, Frankie Menendez (ARG) hcp 7, Francisco and Gonzalo Fucci (ARG) hcp 6, Santi Cernadas (ARG) hcp 6, Marcos Riglos (ARG) hcp 6 and Juan de Ezcurra (ARG) hcp 5.
The tournament will run over 4 days and will also offer many social events including cocktails and a gala night.
The polo grounds open on Thursday August 15th at 11h and matches will start at 13h30. The first match will enable teams to gauge themselves and the cohesion between their players. Each team totalling a 14 goal handicap requested by the rules of the tournament.
On Friday August 16th at 16h, all players and horses will parade through Gstaad, a spectacle not to be missed.
On Saturday August 17th, the Official Village will open at 11h and competitions will start at 13h30.
Once again, the Saturday night Gala in the VIP marquee will be the highlight of the event thanks to the performance of many artists, notably the talented Rob Spence.
The Final will take place on Sunday August 18th from 13h30.
Entrance is free to the public and the Kinder Paradise will ensure children are treated with the best animations (pony rides, inflatable castles, etc)
The best brands will be present in Gstaad such as the 4 Team Hublot, Sponsors Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza SA, Gstaad Palace & Star Design.
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Notes to editors :
For further information please contact:
ComPeaR, Magali Dubois Vaucher, press@pologstaad.ch Tel +41 78 608 03 23Polo Club Gstaad, Marianna Nagyova, info@pologstaad.ch Tel: +41 33 744 07 40 or visit: www.polo-gstaad.ch
Gstaad plays host for Polo at its best !
The traditional Hublot Polo Gold Cup will take place from August 15th to 18th 2013 at the private airport of Gstaad Saanen, with the magnificent backdrop of the Swiss Alps, a spectacle that contributes to the reputation of this authentic region of the Bernese Oberland.
Since its inception in 1996, the event has rapidly become one of the most renowned European tournaments, showcasing amazing facilities and top level sport with some of the most talented professional polo players in the world eager to display their talent.
The 2013 edition will welcome Olavo Novaes (BRA) playing with a handicap of 8 alongside Francisco and Gonzalo Fucci (ARG), who both play with a handicap of 6.
Entry to the public is free. Some of the most prestigious brands support the event, such as Hublot (the event’s title sponsor since 2008), Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza SA, Gstaad Palace, Star Design, McLaren Geneva, a newcomer in 2013, Vicomte A, Perrier Jouët, Star Design, and Nespresso, to name but a few.
Each year 6000 spectators attend the matches and the traditional Friday players parade through Gstaad, and over 1000 lucky VIPs combine a weekend of thrilling competition with gastronomic delights prepared by the Gstaad Palace 5* hotel. The Gala Night on Saturday treats VIPs, players and sponsors alike to great entertainment before the thrilling competition resumes on Sunday for the Final.
The tournament attracts great interest for the media and public who descend from all over the world for a unique weekend in probably the most glamorous village in Switzerland. The question on everyone’s lips – who will be crowned Gstaad Champion 2013?
Notes to Editors :
For further information please contact:
ComPeaR, Magali Dubois Vaucher, press@pologstaad.ch Tel +41 78 608 03 23
Polo Club Gstaad, Marianna Nagyova, info@pologstaad.ch Tel: +41 33 744 07 40
or visit: www.polo-gstaad.ch
