Mon 1st Oct 2018Italy Triumph at FIP European Championships2018 FIP European Championships come to an end
On Sunday 30 September host nation Italy were victorious against European Championship newbies Azerbaijan in the Final of 8 goal The XII FIP European Polo Championships at Villa a Sesta Polo Club in Italy. Having won the title in 2005, it has been thirteen years since Italy last lifted the trophy, but with the expert trio of Nicolas Lopez Fuentes, Tomas and Martín Joaquin, supported by number four Eduardo Menendez, there was little doubt that the home nation would take home the title going into the final match. Italy led from the off, scoring three goals to none in response from Azerbaijan in the first chukka. Before half-time, both teams scored a goal apiece, leaving the scores at 4-1 in Italy’s favour going into the break. Italy came back even more motivated in the third chukka, extending their lead to 7-2 and as the play went into the final chukka, there was no doubt that Azerbaijan would not be able to catch their rivals. Despite two quick fire goals in the final seven minutes, another goal from Italy sealed the FIP European Championships deal and with Italy’s eighth goal, the 2018 honours. Martín Joaquin was awarded the Most Valuable Player honours having scored six goals. In the battle for bronze medal, XI FIP European Polo Championship winners Ireland defeated Germany 5½-5 to take the Subsidiary Final honours. Over 10 days of action at Villa a Sesta Polo Club, 10 teams took part in the competition, with 350 polo ponies participating across the teams. The next Championships are scheduled to be played in Azerbaijan in 2020. The FIP European Polo Championships Final Squads: Italy: Nicolas Lopez Fuentes, Tomas Joaquin, Martín Joaquin & Eduardo Menendez Azerbaijan: Fabian Bolanteiro, Elchi Jamalli, Rashad Hasanov & Agustin Kronhaus Photograph: Home nation Italy took home The XII FIP European Polo Championship title on Sunday 30 September. Courtesy of Pololine |