On Saturday, November 2nd, the Campo Argentino de Polo in Palermo hosted the beginning of the world’s top polo tournament, the 131st HSBC Argentine Open Polo Championship. This elite competition brings together the world’s 10 best polo teams, each with a handicap ranging from 28 to 40 goals. The teams are organized into two zones of five, competing in a round-robin format that will culminate in a highly anticipated final between the leaders of each group.
In the championship’s first match, held on Field 2 as part of Zone A, La Hache Cría y Polo pulled off an impressive comeback, earning their first win in the 2024 Triple Crown by defeating Indios Chapaleufú Vista Energy with a score of 12-10.
This match was crucial for the 2024 Rankings, directly influencing qualification for the 2025 Triple Crown. Chapaleufú initially dominated the game, racing to an 8-1 lead within the first three chukkers, leaving their opponents visibly unsettled. However, La Hache Cría y Polo, led by Toly Ulloa, soon regrouped and found their momentum on the field.
They began winning vital plays, and with standout performances from Facundo “Facu” Sola, they managed to level the game by the middle of the sixth chukker. From that point, the match turned into a gripping back-and-forth, with both teams trading goals. Ultimately, it was Benjamín “Benja” Panelo and Toly Ulloa who scored the decisive goals that secured La Hache Cría’s first victory of the season.
Teams and Goal Progression:
La Hache Cría y Polo: Facundo Sola (8 goals, 7 scored), Carlos M. Ulloa (8, 2), Benjamín Panelo (7, 3), Joaquín Pittaluga (8). Total handicap: 31.
Indios Chapaleufú Vista Energy: Antonio Heguy (7, 3), Victorino Ruiz Jorba (8, 3), Cruz Heguy (8, 3, including two penalties), Teodoro Lacau (8, 1). Total handicap: 31.
Score Progression:
La Hache Cría y Polo: 0-1, 1-5, 2-8, 6-8, 8-8, 9-9, 9-9, 12-10.
Officials:
Referees: Martín Aguerre and Gonzalo López Vargas
Umpire: José I. Araya