MANILA, Philippines—Argetine pro Mariano Obregon lived up to hype as Globalport Pilipinas kicked off its title bid with a 9-4 win over Polo Escape-Thailand in the opening of the Globalport Philippine Polo Open 2015 last Tuesday in Calatagan, Batangas.
A veteran of the 26-goal tournaments in Florida and California, Obregon delivered five goals to gain a headstart in Zone 1 eliminations of the six-team, 12-goal tournament being officiated by referee Tim Keyte.
“It was a lot of fun. We have a good field, good horses and a very nice organization,” said the 29-year-old Obregon.
Obregon, who is a 7-goaler, also had an assist to mark his debut on Philippine soil.
Skippered by businessman-sportsman Mikee Romero, Globalport zoomed to a 3-0 lead after the first of four chukkers as Obregon put on two goals through brilliant maneuvering.
The lead climbed to 5-0 at halftime as Obregon added another one before assisting Santi Luhan.
“He’s really good,” said Romero. “Mariano is something else and he’s one of the best players I’ve ever taken. I hope he can carry the team to the finals.”
Luhan and Adrian Garcia added two goals each for Globalport which is playing against Tang Polo of China at presstime.
If Romero and company triumph, they will advance to the final against the top team of Zone 2 on Sunday.
The Los Tamaraos-Australia downed San Miguel, 9-5 in Zone 2 match with Briton Max Charlton, an 8-goaler, firing four of his five goals in the fourth and final chukker.