Akasha and Kazak are set to play the final of the Open de France BARNES

The Open de France BARNES, that is underway at the Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly, has the final already set – Akasha and Kazak will play the decisive match of the most significant tournament in France. Both foursomes reached the final after their wins over Octogone and Jolly Roger, respectively, in the semifinals that took place on Thursday September 17. The prestigious competitions sees twelve teams up to 16 goals, in participation. Teams are split in four groups.

 

In the day’s opener, Akasha stopped the winning path of the then undefeated and title holders, Octogone – who received one goal on handicap – in a very tough match, that started with consecutive ties (3-3 and 4-4) in the first two chukkas. Akasha’s momentum started in the third chukka, until they claimed a 9-6 advantage with only one chukka left. Octogone made an effort and produced one goal, but luck was on Akasha’s side, who won 9-7 and earned the first ticket to the final. Tomás Beresford was Akasha’s top scorer (6).

 

Up next came Kazak and Jolly Roger (received one goal on handicap). Although Jolly Roger put pressure over Kazak, Sébastien Aguettant & Co. managed to remain in the lead thoroghout the whole game, although by a short gap. With a magnificient Pedro Chavanne in command (he scored six goals), Kazak presented a hard battle to Jolly Roger, who never gave up. At the end of the day, Kazak were victorious 8-6 and will go head-to-head against Akasha for the title.

It’s worth noting that the final match between Akasha and Kazak will be a rematch – both teams played against each other in the early stage of the tournament, on September 5, precisely and Kazak won 11-6. And there’s another rematch, as well – in 2021 both lineups met in the final of the Open de France, and La Magdeleine lifted the trophy. La Magdeleine? Well, that was Akasha’s name back then. Meanwhile, Kazak won the Open de France in 2023. So here you go – the two patrons, Alexandre Garese and Sébastien Aguettant will fight for a second title.

 

THE FINAL OF THE OPEN DE FRANCE BARNES BETWEEN AKASHA AND KAZAK, IS DUE ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 20 AND WILL BE STREAMED LIVE ON POLOLINE TV HERE.

 

OPEN DE FRANCE BARNES – Teams & Fixture

 

Cover photo by Justine Jacquemot.