Fri 26th Apr 2024Tomas Panelo Raised to 10 Goals in USAUSPA 2024 Outdoor Handicap Raises
With the end of the 2024 Gauntlet of Polo, the United States Polo Association has released their outdoor player handicap changes. Unsurprisingly after his successful US 22 goal season in which he won The USPA Gold Cup, The US Open and reached the Final of The C.V. Whitney, Tomas Panelo will see his handicap go up from 9 to 10 goals on 1 May 2024. Other increases include Paco De Narvaez Jr from 5 to 7 goals and Rufino Merlos from 3 to 5 goals. Click here to view the full list. Photograph: Tomas Panelo has been raised to 10 goals after a successful 2024 Gauntlet of Polo. By David Lominska/ USPA Tue 23rd Apr 2024Second 2024 WPL Win for Park PlaceThe WPL Triple Crown of Polo
In a closely contested match, Park Place secured a narrow 12-11 victory over previously undefeated Audi in the World Polo League tournament final. This win avenged Park Place's earlier loss to Audi and marked their second tournament title, following their success in The Founders Cup. The game saw frequent lead changes and strategic plays from both teams. Statistical analysis showed a closely matched game, with Park Place leading in shots on goal and fouls committed in the first half, while Audi excelled in throw-ins and knock-ins. Despite Audi's momentum in the second half, Park Place held on to their advantage. Hilario Ulloa led Park Place's scoring with six goals, supported by Joaquin Panelo and Juan Britos. The Most Valuable Player award went to Panelo. Castagnola was the top scorer for Audi with 10 goals. A full report will be included in the May issue of Polo Times, click here to subscribe today. The WPL Triple Crown of Polo Final Teams Park Place (25): Andrey Borodin (0), Juan Britos (9), Hilario Ulloa (10) & Joaquin Panelo (6) Audi: (26) Marc Ganzi (1), Nacho Figueras (5), Jeta Castagnola (10) & Pablo Mac Donough (10) Photograph: Triple Crown of Polo winners, Park Place (Andrey Borodin, Hilario Ulloa, Juan Britos & Joaquin Panelo). By Candace Ferreira Mon 22nd Apr 2024La Dolfina Win US Open Polo Championship10-7 win against Valiente in Final
La Dolfina secured The US Open Polo Championship title after defeating Valiente 10-7 in an historic Final on the US Polo Assn. Field at the National Polo Center on Sunday 21 April. This marked a significant milestone for La Dolfina, competing in their inaugural season at the American high-goal level, as this was their second 2024 Gauntlet of Polo title after securing The USPA Gold Cup playing as La Dolfina Tonkawa. The Final was intensely contested for five chukkas, with both teams neck and neck. However, La Dolfina surged ahead in the final stretch, driven by the dynamic partnership of Poroto Cambiaso and Tomás Panelo. Their seamless coordination, speed, dynamism, and scoring prowess were on full display, particularly in the decisive sixth chukka. Goals from Tomás Panelo (2) and Rufino Merlos (1) sealed the victory in a thrilling conclusion. This victory marks La Dolfina's first-ever US Open title, with Poroto Cambiaso having previously claimed the prestigious polo trophy in 2021 with Scone. Tomás Panelo becomes the first member of the Panelo family to achieve this honour, while Rufino Merlos joins his uncles, Sebastián and Pite, as the third Merlos to win The US Open. Additionally, Alejandro Azar, the Spanish patron renowned in Chantilly, Sotogrande, and Deauville, celebrates his inaugural US Open triumph. Paco de Narváez was named as Most Valuable Player, Antu Wallung Chavetita, played by Paco de Narváez, was chosen as the Best Playing Pony and J5ARG Auna, played by Adolfo Cambiaso, was chosen as the Argentine Polo Pony Breeders Assn. Best Playing Pony. The US Open Polo Championship Final Teams: La Dolfina (22): Alejandro Aznar (0), Rufino Merlos (3), Poroto Cambiaso (10) & Tomás Panelo (9) Valiente (22): Adolfo Cambiaso (10), Peke González (7), Paco de Narváez (5) & Joaquín Vilgré Lamadrid (0) Photograph: La Dolfina, winners of The US Open Polo Championship. Courtesy of NPC
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