On Sunday, November 3rd, the second day of the 131st HSBC Argentine Open Polo Championship took place on Field 2 at Palermo, continuing the excitement of one of the most prestigious events in the sport. The day was marked by yet another milestone in the legendary career of Adolfito Cambiaso, who broke a historic record. By competing this year, Cambiaso surpassed the previous record he shared with Alberto (h) and Eduardo Heguy, becoming the player with the most years of participation in the Argentine Open Polo Championship—a total of 32 tournaments. This achievement is a testament to his incredible longevity, skill, and dedication to the sport.
The match saw Cambiaso’s team, La Dolfina Saudi, delivered a powerful performance, securing a 21-7 victory over La Zeta Kazak. La Zeta Kazak, a team that earned its place in the tournament through qualifications, brought an exciting lineup that included Beltrán Laulhé and Lorenzo Chavanne, both making their debuts in this elite championship. For Laulhé and Chavanne, stepping onto Palermo’s historic fields for the first time represented a significant career milestone, and competing against a powerhouse like La Dolfina made it even more memorable. Congratulations to all three players—Cambiaso for setting a new record, and Laulhé and Chavanne for embarking on their own journey at the pinnacle of polo!
With this decisive win, La Dolfina Saudi claimed the Cooperadora del Hospital Militar Cup, awarded to the victor of this specific match. This trophy not only adds another honor to La Dolfina’s impressive record but also underscores the team’s dedication to performing at their best in every game.
Despite beginning the match with some early signs of lack of concentration, La Dolfina Saudi quickly found their rhythm, showcasing the quality and experience that have made them champions in past tournaments. Cambiaso was outstanding, turning in a performance that belied his age of 49, as he played with the vigor and precision of a player in his prime. His expertise on the field, coupled with his unyielding competitive spirit, continues to set him apart as a true icon of the sport. Supporting him were Uruguayan Pelón Stirling and Juanma Nero, both of whom contributed significantly—Stirling with his offensive power and Nero with a rock-solid defense that effectively neutralized La Zeta’s attempts to close the gap.
While the final score was a dominant 21-7 in favor of La Dolfina, La Zeta Kazak leaves the field with valuable lessons and positive takeaways. Although they faced a formidable opponent, their persistence and teamwork shone through. With several matches still ahead in the tournament, there is optimism that they will grow stronger and refine their game with each outing. Observers and fans look forward to seeing how this team develops as the tournament progresses, hopeful that La Zeta will find their stride and build on the experience gained from facing off against elite competitors.
Team Lineups and Individual Scoring:
• La Dolfina Saudi:
• Adolfo Cambiaso (h) – Handicap 10, scored 7 goals.
• David Stirling (h) – Handicap 10, scored 4 goals.
• Adolfo Cambiaso (n) – Handicap 10, scored 7 goals (4 from penalty shots).
• Juan M. Nero – Handicap 10, scored 3 goals (including one from Penalty 1).
• Total Team Handicap: 40.
• La Zeta Kazak:
• Lorenzo Chavanne – Handicap 6, scored 2 goals (both penalties).
• Beltrán Laulhé – Handicap 6, scored 1 goal.
• Nicolás Pieres – Handicap 8, scored 2 goals.
• Matías Torres Zavaleta – Handicap 8, scored 2 goals.
• Total Team Handicap: 28.
Chukker-by-Chukker Score Progression:
La Dolfina Saudi took an early lead and expanded it in each chukker, with scores progressing as follows: 3-2, 5-2, 7-3, 7-5, 12-6, 14-7, 17-7, and finishing at 21-7.
This match not only highlighted the strength of La Dolfina Saudi but also underscored the legacy that Cambiaso continues to build with each tournament. His record-breaking 32nd appearance cements his place in polo history, inspiring younger players and fans alike. La Dolfina’s teamwork, precision, and adaptability serve as a model of excellence in the sport. On the other side, La Zeta Kazak’s willingness to take on such a challenge and the resilience they displayed will surely fuel their future performances in the tournament.
As the Argentine Open Polo Championship unfolds, fans can look forward to more thrilling clashes, extraordinary displays of skill, and perhaps even more records being set on the legendary fields of Palermo.