12 teams from around the world vie for the championship
at Tianjin Metropolitan Polo Club from Feb 2-12
Tianjin, China, February 4, 2012
Distinguished guests from around the world travelled to Tianjin for the Grand Opening Ceremony of Asia’s first ever Snow Polo World Cup at the Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club (“Metropolitan Polo Club”). The “Fortune Heights Snow Polo World Cup 2012” (“Snow Polo World Cup”) is one of the world’s largest snow polo tournaments, and the first to take place in China. The Tournament is hosted by the Equestrian Association of China and the Federation of International Polo (FIP), and is organized by the Tianjin Sports Bureau, the Hong Kong Polo Development and Promotion Federation (HKPDPF) and the Tianjin Polo Association, with support from various sponsors. The tournament has been underway for two days, but the spectacular opening ceremony contributes to the air of festivity following the national Spring Festival celebrations in China.
01 - Honored Guests Pour Champagne over the Tournament Ice Sculpture. From left, Mr. Harvey Li, Vice Chairman of Goldin Group, Mr. Pan Zhishen, Equestrian Association of China, Mr. Shen Jiacong, Vice Secretary of THE Tianjin Government, Ms. Zhang Junfang, Tianjin Vice Mayor, Mr. Xiao Tian, Deputy Director of General Administration of Sport in China, Mr. Eduardo Huergo, President of the Federation of International Polo (FIP), Mr. Peter Nicholas Yunghanns, FIP Executive Council Member.
There are altogether 12 teams taking part in this year’s tournament and each team’s handicap ranges from 14-16, making this international high-goal tournament one of the largest in the world. Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, France, England, Hong Kong SAR, India, Italy, New Zealand, South Africa and the USA are all competing to become the first ever winners of the inaugural Snow Polo World Cup. All are members of the Federation of International Polo (FIP).
Twelve microlight planes flew in formation around the arena as the honoured guests were welcomed to the stage. This was followed by 12 powered parachutes flying overhead, carrying the national flags of the participating teams, and a traditional Scottish Pipe Band led the 12 competing teams onto the field, saluting the guests-of-honour as they passed the main stage.
The ceremony was officiated by Mr. Xiao Tian, Deputy Director of General Administration of Sport of China and Deputy Director of the Chinese Olympic Committee; Mr. Eduardo J. Huergo, the President of Federation of International Polo (FIP) and Ms. Zhang Junfang, the Vice Mayor of Tianjin. Speaking on behalf of the city of Tianjin, Ms. Junfang said that by hosting the World Cup here, the city will make a significant contribution to strengthening international ties around the world.
Other honoured guests at the ceremony included Mr. Pan Zhichen from the Equestrian Association of China; Mr. Peter Nicholas Yunghanns, FIP Executive Council Member; Mr. Shen Jiacong, Vice Secretary of Tianjin Government; Mr. Peter Abisheganaden, Tournament Director of the “Fortune Heights Snow Polo World Cup 2012”; Mr. Pan Sutong, the Chairman of the Goldin Group; Mr. Harvey Lee, the Vice Chairman of the Goldin Group; ambassadors from the participating countries; senior executives from the Equestrian Association of China; senior executives from the Tianjin Sports Bureau; polo professionals from around the world; prominent businessmen and representatives from the international media. The Buenos Aires Opera Company also flew in from Argentina to perform during the ceremony.
Parade of the Participating Teams in the Fortune Heights Snow Polo World Cup 2012
Final Scores on the Grand Opening Ceremony Day of “Fortune Heights Snow Polo World Cup 2012”
The opening match of the grand opening ceremony day of the Tournament was between Hong Kong and England. After England took a fast and early lead, Hong Kong fought back at the end of the first chukka. The lead switched rapidly between the two teams through the second and third chukkas, with the match ending in a 6:6 draw. The fast-paced game went to penalties, with emerging England victorious, beating Hong Kong 2:0.
The second game between Argentina and South Africa was a tense affair, with both teams defending well. The game ended with both teams on 3 points after the 3rd chukka, but Argentina emerged on top, beating South Africa 3:2 on penalties. The final game was between the USA and India. The USA powered to victory over India, beating them 9:3.
The action continues on Sunday with Chile vs France, Brazil vs Australia and Itay vs New Zealand.
Information on“Fortune Heights Snow Polo World Cup 2012”
Opening hours: Gate opens at 11am
Match Time: 1pm to 4pm
Address: No.16 Hai Tai Hua Ke Ju Lu Bin Hai Gao Xin Qu, Tianjin 300384, China
Enquiry: (86) 22 2372 8877; email: vip@snowpoloworldcup.com
Click on image to view larger image of teams.
Click on image of schedule to view larger version.