Philippine Polo Open: San Miguel, Globalport seize openers

CALATAGAN, Batangas—Iñigo Zobel racked up early goals for San Miguel Philippines and Rodrigo Bauzada also carried Globalport Pilipinas to a strong start as the Philippines pulled off twin opening-day wins Tuesday at the Globalport Philippine Polo Open 2014 here.

Bauzada slotted in four goals to power Globalport past ADEC-United States, 8-4, in Bracket A and Zobel’s San Miguel carved out a 9-7 victory over Ahmibah-Royal Brunei in Bracket B of the high-goal tournament.

Zobel fired three goals to lift San Miguel to a dominant 8-2 start, before Royal Brunei stormed back with a five-point cluster to move within a goal, 7-8, in the four-chukker match.

“We had a strong start, but I think they got warmed up and caught up,” said Zobel.

Ale Agote, the Argentinian eight-goaler who is the highest rated player in the tournament, scored a day-high five goals to lend firepower to Brunei’s polo-playing Bolkiah royals of Prince Jefri, Prince Qawi and Prince Bahar.

Juan Jauretche also finished with three goals, including a penalty shot in the final chukker that gave San Miguel a two-point cushion for the final tally.

Sam Hunt added a couple more goals and promising 13-year-old Tommy Bitong fired one for San Miguel. Bauzada knocked in all of his four goals in the first three chukkers to tow Globalport to a 7-2 lead.

“We haven’t really played together, but I’m just happy how the first day went,” said Globalport’s playing team owner Mikee Romero.

“The players from different countries are very excited to play. You can feel the energy.”

Gaston Beguerie and Top Srivaddhanaprabha chipped in a couple of goals each for Globalport.

The local squads vie for title slots today as Globalport battles Tang Polo-China at 2:30 p.m. and San Miguel takes on Kingpower-Thailand at 3:45.