Polito Pieres shone with 15 goals, leading a historic performance in the 85th Tortugas Country Club Open — the second stage of Argentina’s prestigious Triple Crown.
Saturday at the Tortugas Country Club had one undisputed star: Pablo “Polito” Pieres. The UAE Polo Team’s captain delivered a masterful performance, steering his side to a commanding 18-12 victory over La Hache Cría & Polo in a match filled with intensity, precision, and flair.
The game was part of the 85th Tortugas Country Club Open, the opening leg of Argentina’s legendary Triple Crown, which also includes the Hurlingham and Palermo Opens. With this victory, UAE Polo reaffirmed its power and consistency, once again proving why it is among the most formidable teams in world polo.
A devastating start
From the very first chukker, UAE Polo Team — featuring Pablo Pieres, Jeta Castagnola, Tomás Panelo, and Juan Martín Nero — displayed total control of the match. With a fast-paced system and relentless pressure, they quickly imposed their rhythm and surged ahead 4-0 on the scoreboard.
The dominance only grew: by the second chukker, UAE had stretched the lead to 8-0, and soon after, an astonishing 12-0, in one of the most overwhelming starts ever seen in the tournament. Polito Pieres was surgical in his finishing, equaling his personal record with 15 goals in a single match, an extraordinary achievement at this elite level.
Meanwhile, Nero and Panelo provided rock-solid defense, shutting down La Hache’s advances and allowing UAE to dictate the pace throughout the first half.
La Hache fights back
Despite UAE’s blistering start, La Hache Cría & Polo — composed of Francisco Elizalde, Alfredo Cappella, Bautista Bayugar, and Juan Martín Zubía — refused to fold. In the third chukker, they tightened their marking, found better rhythm, and began to open spaces thanks to the sharp play of Bautista Bayugar, who finished with 8 goals and an inspired attacking display.
La Hache improved its coordination and long passing, even outscoring UAE 12-6 over the final five chukkers, showing spirit and determination against an opponent that had completely dominated the early stages.
The standout: Polito Pieres unstoppable
The match belonged to Polito Pieres, one of polo’s most recognizable names. A scion of the sport’s most storied family, he showcased a perfect blend of power, accuracy, and composure under pressure, recalling the brilliance of his peak years.
With 15 goals, Pieres matched his career-best tally and reaffirmed his leadership within UAE Polo Team. “Everything clicked for us from the start. We communicated well and kept the intensity almost the whole match,” said Pieres afterward.
His brilliance, combined with Juan Martín Nero’s defensive leadership and Tomás Panelo’s drive, proved decisive in securing the win.
Match summary
UAE Polo Team (18):
Pablo “Polito” Pieres (15), Tomás Panelo (2), Juan Martín Nero (1), Jeta Castagnola (0).
La Hache Cría & Polo (12):
Bautista Bayugar (8), Juan Martín Zubía (3), Francisco Elizalde (1), Alfredo Cappella (0).
Chukker scores: 4-0, 8-0, 12-0, 13-3, 15-6, 16-9, 17-11, 18-12.
Umpires: Esteban Ferrari and Martín Aguerre Jr.
Duration: 8 chukkers.
On the road to the final
With this result, UAE Polo Team established itself as one of the top contenders for the Tortugas Open title, a tournament that gathers the world’s best players and signals the start of Argentina’s high-polo season.
The team entered Tortugas after finishing runner-up at the Hurlingham Open, and this victory sends a strong message ahead of the upcoming decisive stages.
As for La Hache Cría & Polo, despite the loss, the team left a positive impression: their strong second half and the performances of Bayugar and Zubía showed that they have the potential to remain competitive at the highest level.
A high-level spectacle
The afternoon at Tortugas was a celebration of world-class polo — speed, precision, and artistry on exceptional horses. Spectators witnessed an intense match where UAE’s tactical mastery and La Hache’s fighting spirit combined to deliver a memorable spectacle worthy of the Triple Crown.
At the center of it all stood Polito Pieres, reaffirming his status as one of the sport’s premier talents and proving once again that his class and leadership remain unmatched in high-goal polo.