UAE Polo Claims a Narrow Victory in the Opening Match of the 132nd Argentine Open Polo Championship.
The world’s most prestigious polo tournament, the 132nd Argentine Open, began this Saturday at the historic Campo Argentino de Polo in Palermo, the sport’s most iconic stage.
The opening match delivered everything fans could hope for: intensity, talent, and suspense until the very last second.
UAE Polo, runner-up at the recent 132nd Hurlingham Club Open, started their campaign with a hard-fought 13–12 win over La Zeta Kazak, one of the teams that earned their place through qualification.
The encounter marked the official start of the top event in world polo, which features the ten best teams on the planet, all boasting handicaps between 31 and 40 goals.
A Thrilling Battle from the First Chukker
From the very first moments, the match showcased the remarkable quality and intensity that define Argentine polo. UAE Polo, a squad packed with experience and precision, sought to take control early.
Pablo “Polito” Pieres was instrumental in attack, scoring five goals, including four from penalties, while Tomás Panelo displayed his trademark speed and accuracy, adding four goals of his own, one from a corner.
However, La Zeta Kazak proved to be a worthy rival. The team, led by Lorenzo Chavanne, who contributed six goals (four from penalties), showed great coordination and determination. Supported by seasoned players David Stirling (h), Nicolás Pieres, and Facundo Llosa, the underdogs fought fiercely to stay in contention.
As the match unfolded, momentum shifted several times. UAE Polo dominated early, but La Zeta Kazak surged ahead in the middle chukkers, taking an 8–7 lead after the fifth. In the closing stages, Juan Martín Nero, the 10-goal powerhouse and on-field leader for UAE Polo, rose to the occasion. His composure and strategic play helped his team stage a decisive comeback in the final two chukkers.
A Debut Victory that Sends a Strong Message
The final minutes were dramatic and tense, with both sides giving everything in pursuit of victory. UAE Polo regained the lead in the seventh chukker and managed to defend it with discipline and heart. The 13–12 final score reflected the narrow margin and the intensity of this memorable opening match.
For UAE Polo, the win represents more than just a successful debut. It confirms their status as one of the leading contenders for the title. Their balanced combination of offensive power, tactical awareness, and defensive stability positions them as a genuine threat to the established giants of Argentine polo.
Match Summary
UAE Polo:
• Pablo Pieres (9): 5 goals (4 penalties)
• Lucas Monteverde (n) (9): 2 goals
• Tomás Panelo (9): 4 goals (1 from a corner)
• Juan Martín Nero (10): 2 goals
Total handicap: 37
La Zeta Kazak:
• Facundo Llosa (8): 3 goals
• Lorenzo Chavanne (7): 6 goals (4 penalties)
• David Stirling (h) (9): 2 goals
• Nicolás Pieres (8): 1 goal
Total handicap: 32
Score progression: UAE Polo 3–1, 5–3, 6–5, 6–7, 7–8, 11–8, 12–10, and 13–12.
Yellow card: Tomás Panelo (7th chukker, 2:53).
Umpires: Gastón Lucero and Matías Baibiene.
Referee: Rafael Silva.
A Grand Stage for the World’s Best
Organized by the Argentine Polo Association (AAP), the Argentine Open is widely regarded as the pinnacle of global polo. Played on the sacred fields of Palermo, known as “The Cathedral of Polo,” the tournament has a tradition that spans over a century and a legacy of excellence unmatched in the sport.
This 132nd edition brings together the most talented teams and players from around the world, all competing for the sport’s ultimate prize. Beyond the coveted trophy, the tournament represents a battle for prestige, legacy, and the chance to join the historic ranks of champions such as La Dolfina, Ellerstina, and La Natividad.
With the thrilling debut victory of UAE Polo, this year’s Open has already set the tone for a championship filled with passion, elegance, and the unmistakable spirit of Argentine polo.