Action for the 129th. Argentine Open continued on Wednesday November 2, with two League B matches, that took place at the AAP Headquarters, in Pilar. La Dolfina Saudi, the recent winners of the Hurlingham Open, and Cria La Dolfina made successful debuts, following their respective wins against La Esquina and La Irenita Clinova. The most important polo competition worldwide, sees ten teams up to 39 goals, in participation.
In the opening match, La Dolfina Saudi defated La Esquina by a 15-7 score. Despite the contest had three leveled first chukkas, father and son were combined to perfection from the fourth chukka onwards, inn order to widen their advantage. In addition, it was a very special day for La Dolfina, not only because Adolfo Cambiaso was able to play his first ever Argentine Open with his son, Poroto, but also because it marked Adolfo’s 30th. anniversary of his debut at the Open. Meanwhile, La Esquina had three remarkable chukkas, led by a very good performance from Iñaki Laprida, who scored eight goals.
In the follow up, Cría La Dolfina met up with La Irenita Clinova; the latter had Benjamin Urquiza within the lineup, who made his debut at the Open, subbing in for Tomás Fernández Llorente, who has been suspended for one game. The match remained very close until the fourth chukka, when the scoreboard read a 6-all. In the fourth, Cría La Dolfina overwhelmed La Irenita Clinova, thanks to Diego Cavanagh’s goals, earning a four-goal advantage. But it wouldn’t last long, as in the last chukkas it was a tough, hard fought contest. It is worth noting the remarkable performance of the young and talented Bautista Bayugar, who produced eight goals for a team that aims to earn as most points as possible to remain in the 2023 Triple Crown.
129th. ARGENTINE OPEN – WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 2
LA DOLFINA SAUDI 15-7 LA ESQUINA
La Dolfina Saudi: Adolfo Cambiaso 10 (6 goals, 1 penalty), David Stirling 10, Adolfo Cambiaso Jr. 9 (6, 3 penalties), Juan M. Nero 10 (3). Total: 39.
La Esquina: Pascual Sáinz de Vicuña 6 (1 goal), Cristian Laprida 8 (1), Lucas James 7, Ignacio Laprida 8 (5, 3 penalties). Total: 29.
Score La Dolfina Saudi: 3-0, 3-1, 5-3, 7-4, 10-5, 12-6, 14-6, 15-7.
Umpires: Gastón Lucero & Martín Pascual. Third man: Hernán Tasso.
CRIA LA DOLFINA 14-13 LA IRENITA CLINOVA
Cría La Dolfina: Guillermo Terrera 9 (2 goals), Tomás Panelo 8 (2), Diego Cavanagh 8 (7, 6 penalties, 1 corner), Alejo Taranco 8 (3). Total: 33.
La Irenita Clinova: Facundo Fernández Llorente 8 (2 goals), Benjamín Urquiza 6 (2), Bautista Bayugar 8 (8, 5 penalties), Isidro Strada 8 (1 penalty). Total: 30.
Score Cría La Dolfina: 3-1, 4-3, 4-3, 6-6, 11-7, 11-10, 13-11, 14-13.
Umpires: Gonzalo López Vargas & Guillermo Villanueva. Third man: José Ignacio Araya.
The 129th. Argentine Open will continue next weekend, when the tournament goes back home, Palermo.
The final of the 129th. Argentine Open is set to be played on Friday December 2.