Reflecting on the performances of the two finalists in this year’s dramatic Argentine Open Championship, one can only imagine the potential for next year’s campaign. Last year Ellerstina lost in overtime to the 40-goal LaDolfina powerhouse. This year LaDolfina lost to a young and improving 39-goal Ellerstina team in overtime.
The horses, the players, the play was spectacular, but there is a chance that the Argentine Polo Association is going to shoot themselves in the foot.
There is a rumor floating around that one of the LaDolfina members is going to have their handicap lowered to 9-goals. A tragedy in light of the closeness of play and talent on the field. Instead the association should raise Juan Martin Nero the 10-goals (a rating he holds in both England and the United States) and look forward to the possibility of next year’s Abierto featuring the possibility of a true 40-40 championship match!
The prospect of having two 40-goal teams in competition is breathtaking. The ability to defend the decision of leaving the players at their 10-goal handicaps is an easy one.
Now we’ll just have to wait and see just how intelligent the Argentine Polo Association actually is, and how important the future of polo in Argentina is.
