The Polo Report
By Steve Crowder

Argentina is hopping right now.  The FIP World Cup is taking place outside of Buenos Aires and the Tortugas Final is set and the Qualifiers are near the finish. I have not heard yet, but Fred Mannix 2 is very close to qualifying for another Argentine Open, but they had a heavy rain stop them just past 1/2 way in their final game to make it. Good Luck Fred M2.  He will be playing in his 3rd (I think) Open, a feat seldom done by anyone North of Mexico on this continent. His team is called Alegria.

In the F.I.P. World Cup the U.S. Team lost their first game, but have 3 more chances I think.  They take on England, who may be very strong as well. Mexico also suffered their 2nd loss to a surprise as India shut them down. There are 10 Countries involved this year, so it is two sides of 5 with the U.S.A. and Mexico on opposite sides. Mexico is with Argentina, India,Pakistan and Italy while the U.S. is with Chile, Brazil, Australia and England . U.S.A. lost to Brazil in game 1 and they take on England in game 2 yesterday if played.  They have Chile on Saturday and finish Bracket play on Monday against Australia.

The US starters for game 1 were Chris Collins 2, Mason Wroe, Nick Snow and John Gobin. Saturday A.M. update I guess we are now 0 and 2 in FIP World Cup. It looks like Italy, England and Argentina and Brazil are standing out so far here are results:
MON 10 ARG. 13 VS MEX. 6
PAK. 6 VS ITA. 17
TUES. BRAZ 11 VS USA 5
CHI 7 VS ENG 13
WED. ARG. 17 VS PAK 8
MEX. 9 VS INDIA 11
THUR. 13 USA 5 VS ENG 7
BRAZ 11 VS AUST. 8
FRI. INDIA 12VS ITA. 13
PAK. 9 VS MEX. 10
WEATHER MUST BE GOOD HAVE NOT HEARD MUCH OF GAMES AS ARE IN A TOWN SOME WAYS FROM B.A.I think they still have a chance as here is rest of schedule taken from FIP page ;

Sat 15 October Australia – vs – England
Chile – vs – USA
Sun 16 October India – vs – Pakistan
Argentina – vs – Italy
Mon 17 October Brazil – vs – Chile
Australia – vs – USA
Tues 18 October Mexico – vs – Italy
Argentina – vs – India
Wed 19 October Australia – vs – Chile
Brazil – vs – England
FINAL
Fri 21 October TBA – vs – TBA

As for Alegria and Mr. Mannix, they will continue their qualifying game today as it was interrupted by rain in the 4th chukkar with Alegria out in front 10 to 7 as reported on Pololine … so good luck to Fred # 2 and the USA squad.

No matter what the experience of a World Cup is, it is a definite pleasure to be experienced by as many young players as possible. They have struggled for time and support, but they do keep going and that is the main thing. The pluses are there to be a big event someday and I think they should think Canada like Calgary a little City with a giant Arm just like the Olympics. I think of the World Cups that I have been to and it was Melbourne, Australia that was the best of all.  It is a smaller City with a huge base of support from their people.  It makes it so much fun with good Horses, hospitality and organization.

The Polo Season is very close to over in the West as Santa Barbara is on their final weekend and San Diego Polo Club,Petaluma (Cerro Pampa) ,Santa Rosa and San Francisco have winter on their minds.

PS =  supposed to be able to see Tortugas Open Finals on ESPN 3 at noon Eastern standard time 39 goals Cambiaso vs 37 goal Pieres.

see ya