Gstaad welcomes China 18-21 August 2016

15 Apr 2016

For the first time in over 20 years of history, a Chinese team will take part in Switzerland’s only High-Level Goal polo summer tournament. The players led by their Captain Shilai Liu, owner of the Tang Polo Club in Beijing, will play for Team Hublot.

Hublot’s team, led by Shilai Liu, will be opposed by one Argentinian team, led by Juan Pepa, and two Swiss teams led by Piero Dillier and Cédric Schweri, a regular team captain in Gstaad.

Taking place on the Gstaad-Saanen airport field the Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad has firmly established itself as one of the most important European summer tournaments welcoming, each year, some of the best players in the world.

Pierre Genecand, President of the Polo Club Gstaad is very much looking forward to this year’s edition:

“This year is going to be very special! Following Hublot’s initiative, I am thrilled to welcome a Chinese Team. Mr Shilai Liu has a fantastic Polo Club in Beijing. I was very impressed by the quality of the polo club and by his fantastic hospitality! I am honoured that he has accepted to come to play in Gstaad for Team Hublot. We will make sure to show him and his players what the Swiss hospitality is! This year’s event will definitively have a Chinese feel!”

Hublot, Title Sponsor since 2008 will become again a Team sponsor in 2016. Banque Eric Sturdza SA and Gstaad Palace will also sponsor a team this year. The 4th team “Polo Friends” is being sponsored by private people or companies who wanted to support the event in an innovative way.

Pierre Genecand is proud to announce that the tournament’s reputation has attracted one of the world’s most prestigious brands, Garage Zénith SA an official dealership of Ferrari. Zénith will join forces on the event as one of the main sponsors. “Ferrari is such a powerful brand. The quality of their cars is very impressive and we are honoured that they have decided to support our event.”

Each year, over 6000 spectators attend the 3 days of competitions as well as the traditional Players’ parade through Gstaad on Friday afternoon. The famous Gala night on Saturday August 20th shall again be the weekend’s highlight. In the VIP tent, the team of Gstaad Palace will make sure guests have a fantastic time. The party will once again last well into the small hours.

The Hublot Polo Gold Cup always displays great sport with fiercely contested matches, every team vying for the much coveted trophy. What shall this year’s outcome be? All will become clear on August 21st 2016 in Gstaad.

Programme :

Thursday 18th August 11:00 Official Village opens; 13:30-16:30 qualifiers matches

Friday 19th August 16:00 Polo Players’ Parade through Gstaad

Saturday 20thAugust 11:00 Official village opens; 13:30-16:30 semi-final matches 20:00 Gala Night

Sunday 21st August 11:00 Official Village opens; 13:30 – 16:30 final & prize giving ceremony

TEAMS 2016

Team Hublot Captain Shilai Liu (CHN),

Team Banque Eric Sturdza Captain Cédric Schweri (SUI)

Team Gstaad Palace Captain Juan Pepa (ARG)

Team Polo Friends Captain Piero Dillier (SUI)

5 and a half months to go!

26 Feb 2016

Hello Polo friends!

Winter is still there and the snow is still covering our beautiful Gstaad village but the Polo Club Gstaad team is already hard at work to make sure everything is ready for the upcoming edition taking place from the 18th to the 21st August 2016.

We hope to surprise you with some news in the very near future!

Stay tuned!

Sunny wishes from Gstaad

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.

Getting ready for the 20th anniversary edition of the Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad

20 Mar 2015

The whole team of the Polo Club Gstaad is already hard at work with the preparations for the upcoming special edition. The event is celebrating its 20^th anniversary this year from 13^th to 16^th August on Gstaad – Saanen airport fields.

On this occasion, the program on Sunday has been revised to leave even more space for entertainment as well as high level sport.

We will have the pleasure to be supported by some of the most prestigious brands, this year again: Hublot, Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza, E. I. Sturdza Investment Funds, McLaren Geneva, Gstaad Palace, Vicomte A., Perrier Jouët champagne and Dunhill to name but a few.

Some of the most important Patrons have already composed their team and will join us again as Team Captains. No doubt that they will bring the best polo professionals with them to try and win the coveted trophy of the 20^th anniversary.

Stay tuned for more exciting news!

Polo Gstaad Team

TEAM E.I. STURDZA INVESTMENT FUNDS WINS THE PRESTIGIOUS HUBLOT POLO GOLD CUP GSTAAD FINAL 2014

25 Aug 2014

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.

Fiercely contested semi-finals at the Hublot Polo Gold Cup Tournament

23 Aug 2014

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.

A DAZZLING START TO THE 19TH EDITION OF THE HUBLOT POLO GOLD CUP GSTAAD

23 Aug 2014

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.