PH Polo Open unfolds Tuesday in Calatagan

MANILA, Philippines — Two Filipino polo-playing tycoons hope to showcase their teams’ best versus four foreign rivals when the Philippine Polo Open 2014 rolls off this week at Globalport Field in Calatagan, Batangas.

Mikee Romero, the port magnate who has turned into one of the country’s top polo players, guns for a strong start when his Globalport Pilipinas side tackles Adec-United States in Group A action at 3:45 p.m. Tuesday.

“While we have the so-called homecourt advantage, we have to give it our best if we want to win,” said Romero. “It’s not easy going up against veteran teams.”

Billionaire businessman Iñigo Zobel banners San Miguel Philippines that also faces tough competition against Ahmibah-Royal Brunei in Group B at 2:30 p.m.

Tang Polo-China and King Power-Thailand plunge into action on Wednesday. Zobel’s crew of Tommy Bitong, San Hunt and Juan Jaretche also need to contend with veteran players and Brunei royalties Prince Jefri Bolkiah, Prince Bahar, Prince Qawi Bolkiah and Ale Agote.

Romero expects to draw big games from Globalport teammates Gaston Bequerie, Rodrigo Bauzada and Thai Aiyawatt “Top” Srivaddhanaprabha, the son of Asian “polo godfather” Vichai Srivadhanpprabha.

“Every game counts, so we have to give our 100 percent each game,” said Romero.

The top teams after a single round-robin in each group will battle in a winner-take-all title match on March 9. Globalport, though, has to deal with some of the sport’s standouts like Jim Donovan and Hollywood producer Jun Juban of Adec-USA along with Matias Orlando and Miguel Dure.

“The opening day is very important, so expect a lot of fireworks,” said Romero.

In the side event, Caterham F1 Green, Air Asia Red, Caterham Green Team and Viber Team tangle in the Air Asia Patron’s Cup.

The week-long tournament, backed by Manila North Harbour Port. Inc., AirAsia, Viber and San Miguel Corp., is the biggest polo event the country has ever hosted.