Thu 4th Jun 2026The Cartier Queen’s Cup Quarter Finalists ConfirmedLeague stage comes to a dramatic end and eight teams survive
The Quarter Final line-up for The Cartier Queen's Cup was confirmed following a dramatic final day of league action at Guards Polo Club, featuring a rescheduled fixture, wildly changing weather conditions and a four-way penalty shootout to decide Group Two.
Balanz Capital completed an unbeaten league campaign with a 12-9 victory over Sujan Indian Tigers. After a closely contested first half that ended 4-4, the combination of Jeta Castagnola and Lorenzo Chavanne proved decisive, combining for five goals in the fourth chukka as Balanz pulled clear. Juan Martin Zubia led the Tigers' challenge with six goals, but Claudio Porcel's side maintained control to secure top spot in League Three.
Earlier in the day, UAE Polo Team defeated Ojo Caliente 12-9 in the rescheduled fixture from the previous afternoon. With a place in the Quarter Final shootout at stake, UAE dominated much of the contest through the outstanding play of Juan Martin Nero and Lucas Monteverde Jr. Although Facundo Sola mounted a late comeback for Ojo Caliente, scoring four goals in the final chukka, UAE held firm to force their way into the subsequent penalty shootout.
The four-way shootout featured Black Bears, Ferne Park, Kazak and UAE Polo Team, all of whom had finished with identical 2-2 records. In a tense conclusion to the group stages, Facundo Pieres and Nico Pieres held their nerve to guide Ferne Park and Kazak into the Quarter Finals.
The final match of the day delivered one of the best games of the tournament so far as Akasha edged defending champions Park Place 14-13 after extra time. Park Place led 6-4 after two chukkas and appeared in control early on, but Pablo MacDonough produced a masterclass, scoring 13 of Akasha's 14 goals. With the scores level at the end of regulation time, MacDonough converted a 40-yard penalty in overtime to send Akasha into the last eight and end Park Place's title defence.
The Quarter Finals begin on Saturday 6 June, with unbeaten La Dolfina/Marques de Riscal taking on Kazak, while Aureus face Gaston for a place in the Semi Finals. On Sunday, Balanz Capital meet Ferne Park before Dubai Polo Team and Akasha conclude the weekend's action in what promises to be another thrilling contest.
The Cartier Queen's Cup Quarter Final Teams:
La Dolfina/Marques de Riscal (22): Alejandro Aznar (0), Simon Prado (4), Félix Esain (8) & Poroto Cambiaso (10)
Kazak (22): Sebastien Aguettant, Nico Pieres (8), Francisco Elizalde (9) & Leon Donoso (5)
Aureus (22): Diego Cavanagh (8), Mark Tomlinson (5), Teo Lacau (7) & Jake Coventry (2)
Gaston (22): Jean-Paul Luksic (0), Beltrán Laulhé (7), David Stirling (8) & Cruz Heguy (7)
Balanz Capital (22): Claudio Porcel (0), Ned Hine (5), Lorenzo Chavanne (7) & Jeta Castagnola (10)
Ferne Park (22): Jonathan Rothermere (0), Facundo Pieres (9), Chris Mackenzie (6) & Joaquin Pittaluga (7)
Dubai Polo Team (22): Tariq Albwardy (0), Antonio Heguy (7), Santos Merlos (6) & Bartolome Castagnola (9)
Akasha (22): Alexandre Garese (0), Pablo MacDonough (9), Santiago Laborde (6) & Facundo Fernandez Llorente (7)
Photograph: A thrilling final league match saw Akasha defeat reigning champions Park Place to earn their spot in the Quarter Finals. By Art of Polo
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