105th US OPEN POLO CHAMPIONSHIP 2009
AUDI REMAINS UNDEFEATED IN US OPEN POLO PLAY
WELLINGTON— Audi remained undefeated and moved into sole possession of first place in their bracket of the US Open Polo Championship, by defeating a very tough opponent, Orchard Hill, 10-8 at International Polo Club Palm Beach today.
Audi seemed to turn back every charge Orchard Hill mounted in the second half as the boys on the Hill missed four close shots on goal that would have put them up by one going into the final chukker; instead they fell behind 10-7.
In the final chukker it was all Orchard Hill as they maintained possession of the ball in Audi territory the final three minutes. “They had nothing to lose in the last chukker,” said Gonzalito Pieres of Audi. “We were winning by two after they scored and we had to stay in control.” As the clock wound down it was apparent that Orchard Hill would not be able to push those last two goals through the upright as Pieres moved in on defense and knocked away every attempt Lucas Criado and Pablo MacDonough had at scoring.
U.S. Open Polo Tournament play continues Saturday and Sunday April 11 and 12. Saturday, at 4 PM Black Watch plays White Birch and on Sunday at noon Lechuza Caracas takes on Las Monjitas followed at 3 PM on the International Field, Zacara and Pony Express. The International Field and Stadium will also feature an Easter egg hunt for the children prior to the game, a tailgate competition fieldside and an Easter Bonnet Contest.
The US Open culminates the high goal season at International Polo. Played since 1904 the US Open Polo Championship is the oldest polo tournament in the United States. This is the 105th year since it began and an eight team field is competing for the most coveted trophy in the United States.
International Polo is located in Wellington and hosts professional polo tournaments until the last Sunday in April. Everyone is welcome. For information call the polo hotline at 561-282-5290 or on the web at www.internationalpoloclub.com.
Audi 3-2-2-1-1-0=10 (Facundo Pieres 7 goals)
Orchard Hill 2-2-1-1-1-1= 8 (Pablo MacDonough 6 goals)