Globalport, San Miguel brace for tough ride

MANILA, Philippines — Globalport-Pilipinas and San Miguel Corporation-Philippines brace for a tough ride in the Philippine Polo Open 2014 kicking off on March 4 at Calatagan polo field in Batangas.

The national teams will pit their mettle and skills against four experienced foreign squads in the four-day event.

“Expect fireworks right in the first day of competition as all six teams are eager to show their worth,” said Globalport-Pilipinas captain Mikee Romero.

“We will be up against exciting teams but we are all ready to face the challenge. We have to prove that we are worthy of our new status.”

The national teams are banking on their homecourt advantage to propel their drive toward becoming the best in the region.

“Some teams may have more experience than us but knowing we have the support of the crowd we will do our very best to make them happy and proud of us,” added Romero, while attending to the beautification of the field Monday.

Led by Iñigo Zobel, SMC-Philippines is hoping to start its title bid in the event presented by Manila North Harbour Port. Inc., AirAsia, Viber and San Miguel Corp. in grand fashion when it battles Ahmibah-Brunei, a team backstopped by the father and son tandem of Prince Jefri Bolkiah and Prince Bahar.

Globalport-Pilipinas, on the other hand, takes on the Jim Donovan-led ADEC-USA, a team Romero considered as very talented and dangerous.

Both Zobel and Romero have put a great amount of time and resources to make the country’s biggest polo event a reality. Dignitaries and high profile officials are expected to attend.

Aside from Globalport-Pilipinas and ADEC-USA, also in Bracket A is China-Tang Polo of Shilai Liu while the other team in Bracket B is Thailand-Kingpower of Vichai Srivadhanpprabha, the godfather of the sport in the region.

The six participating teams will be divided into two groups with each group playing a single round.

The No. 1 team from both groups will advance to the one-game face-off on March 9.