HSBC Classic Cup fires off at Alabang CC

FRESH from two successful tournament runs, Filipino-American Anthony Garcia hopes to lead another team to the title when the HSBC Classic Cup fires off at the polo field of Alabang Country Club (ACC) today.

Garcia, who skippered the teams that reigned in the recent AirAsia Crystal Cup and Globalport Sultan Cup, will go up against the squad bannered by Mexican-American pro Isidro Olivas in the high-goal match.

“It’s anybody’s game. Expect an interesting match from us,” said Jun Juban, the ACC polo committee chair teaming up with Garcia.

Kicking off the tournament is the low-goal match featuring two teams headed by the fast-rising Eduardo Lopez and actor Diether Ocampo.

Backstopping Lopez are Milka Romero, Freddie Borromeo and Daryl Matti, while Ocampo has Ige Camara, Jam and Jun Eusebio on his side.

“The event just showed that polo is alive and kicking in the country,” said Globalport owner Mikee Romero, who’s seeing action anew under Olivas’ team. “We have more patrons now who are willing to support  the development of the sport.”

But Romero admitted it would be tough going against Garcia, whom he teamed up with in the Crystal and Sultan Cups.

Garcia’s crew is slightly favored with Juban, Jun Eusebio, Jim Donovan and former Philippine team captain Tonio Veloso completing the cast.

Rounding out Olivas’ squad are Santi Juban, Adrian Garcia and Sonny Borromeo.

“We now have a wider audience so I expect another good crowd this Sunday,” said Juban.

Early this month, Romero staged the AirAsia Crystal Cup and Globalport Sultan Cup.