1st AirAsia Crystal Cup polo slated Saturday

SANTI Juban leads the young cast of polo aces vying for honors in the 1st AirAsia Crystal Cup starting this Saturday at Alabang Country Club in Muntinlupa.

Juban—whose father Jun will also compete in the high-goal match—will see action in the five-chukker, low-goal match along with Nicole Eusebio, Milka Romero, Jam Massu, Kimberly Lofgren and actor Diether Ocampo.

“This will greatly help in the development of polo players,” said the 24-year-old Juban. “We need this kind of exposure.”

Another highlight of the two-day competition is the Globalport Sultan Cup 2013 on Sunday where professional players from various countries will showcase their wares.

Luxury car brands like Maseratti, Jaguar and Land Rover will also be on display in the event organized by Harbour Centre president and CEO Mikee Romero.

Eusebio teams up with Milka Romero and Freddie Borromeo in the opening-day match against Ocampo’s team that includes Lofgren, Eduardo Lopez, Darryl Matti and Butch Albert.

Mikee Romero banners Team I that also includes Sonny Borromeo, Briton Jake Gordon and Filipino-American pro Anthony Garcia in the high-goal encounter.

Also aiming for a shot at the title are Team II’s Antonio Veloso, Santi Juban, Argentinian pro Miguel Diaz and Thai patron Tal, while Jun Juban heads Team III’s that also includes Jim Donovan, Adrian Garcia and Mexican pro Isidro Olivas.

Jun Juban produced “Bourne Legacy,” the Hollywood film partly shot in Manila last year.