The much anticipated championship matc of the US Open Polo Championship is due on Sunday April 26, at the National Polo Center. The two lineups who will go head-to-head for the coveted silver trophy is Pilot, the recent winners of the USPA Gold Cup, who aim to repeat what they’ve done four years ago – claim two of the titles of The Gauntlet Of Polo; their contenders are BTA, who improved their performance thoroghout the season in Palm Beach, and will look for their first ever US Open, the most significant tournament in the United States.
PoloLine caught up with two South American players, who will clash for the title – Argentina’s 18-years-old Lorenzo Chavanne, and Uruguay’s Nachi Viana. The former, at 18-years old, who plays with Pilot, will aim to claim his first US Open, after he won the USPA Gold Cup; the latter, at 27-years old, will search for his first high goal title in the United States with BTA, a remarkable lineup that includes Tomás Panelo.
- LORENZO CHAVANNE
Why do Pilot deserve to be in the final of the US Open?
I think because we played very well, we have a great team, which is a lot of fun to play with. But don’t forget we were very lucky, as well; we didn’t have a good start, we had to go through penalty shootous and fortunately, we made it.
How did you see Pilot’s performance thoroghout the season?
We improved a lot. We had a good start, but Macki (NR: Mackenzie Weisz) broke his hand. He is a very crucial player for us, but he was fortunate to recover quickly. We all get along very well.
Being the champions of the recent USPA Gold Cup, do you feel there’s more pressure on Pilot, over the upcoming final?
Not at all – we put pressure on ourselves, because we want to win this tournament, which is very important to us.
How is playing alongside Jeta (NR: Camilo Castagnola) in a tournament like this?
Jeta is very relaxed; what I like the most about him is that he gives you freedom to play the way you like. He gives you confidence to make what you feel you have to do. Same with Macki.
If you had to choose one of the mares you’re playing now to make a quick run in the last play, which one would you choose and why?
Maybe my choice would be Shake; I feel she is in top form and has been working very well in the last games.
- NACHI VIANA
Do you think BTA deserved to beat La Dolfina Tamera? Do you think it was one of the team’s best matches?
I think so, yes; we played one of our best games. However, it could have been anyone’s game; I have to admit we were a bit lucky, but at the end of the day, we could manage it and we were victorious.
Why do BTA deserve to be in the final of the US Open?
I guess it was a very balanced US Open. But we were able to take advantage of the opportunities we had, and that’s hy we are in the final.
How did you see the team’s evolution during the season?
I think the team improved a lot. It was a great season, and we were able to find ourselves more comfortable in our positions.
How is playing alongside Tomás Panelo?
Tomi is phenomenal, he is very passionate about the sport, and a great team mate; he always do his best on the field. I was lucky to learn a lot from him.
On a personal side, how are you getting ready?
The idea is to keep things as we’ve been doing until now – try to get into the final with the horses on top form, have fun, and enjoy to play no less than the final of the US Open.
If you had to choose one of the mares you’re playing now to make a quick run in the last play, which one would you choose and why?
I would choose Don Ercole Inocente; she is my best mare. I’ve had her for many years now, I bought it off Matías Magrini. She gives me a lot of confidence. That’s why I would choose her to close a game.
Cover photo by Agustina Fonda.