This weekend, the Argentine Open will step into its decisive stages, as many significant games are due to be played whether for those who aim to reach the final, whether to those looking for a place in the 2022 Triple Crown.

Saturday is indeed the most expected matchdate, not only for the huge significance of the clash between the multiple title holders, La Dolfina, and Ellerstina; the fact is that it won’t be just another game between the two of them, but there’s much more behind this crucial contest, which, by the way, has been the final of the Open for more than ten years. In addition, it will be the first time both teams will meet in a league game since 2004.

The importance of the matter is that the match, within League A, can leave one of the two teams out of competition. Let’s see how it goes:

• If Ellerstina beat La Dolfina, the latter will be automatically disqualified; this means that in their next game, Ellerstina will battle against La Ensenada, with the winner earning a place for the most important championship match of the year.  In the event La Dolfina is victorious, Ellerstina will be on the edge to be out, and they will be able to play for a ticket to the final, only if La Dolfina lose against La Irenita on Thursday.

• Regardless of the results of the other matches within the league, La Ensenada (who won’t be playing this weekend), will perhaps go for a ticket to the final on Saturday December 4, against Ellerstina.

It is worth noting that La Dolfina will have a very significant absence: Diego Cavanagh got injured during a practice and he will be subbed in by Alejandro Muzzio. In addition, Alfredo Cappella will fill in for Nicolás Pieres in Ellerstina once again.

Let’s go now to League B, which seems much more simple. Chapaleufu provided one of the biggest surprises of the season when they scored a debut win against La Natividad; the Cañuelas-based foursome bounced back of the unexpected loss when they beat La Dolfina Brava, last week; RS Murus Sanctus already won their two games. So, if they earn a win over La Dolfina Brava, it is expected that RS Murus Sanctus and La Natividad will decide the second place in the much anticipated final, on Sunday December 5.

Now, let’s give a look to the lineups who will battle to remain in the 2022 Triple Crown. At the moment, Chapaleufu, currently placed 7th. within the standings (444 points), has the biggest chances. They are followed by Alegria Fish Creek (412), La Irenita (208) and Alegria (204). Alegria Fish Creek and La Irenita will battle to reach their goal this Saturday, while Chapaleufu and Alegria are due to play on Friday December 2. All depends now on their performances and the results they eventually obtain,  in order to qualify for the 2022 Triple Crown, or go to a playoff with the winner of the Cámara de Diputados Cup.

ARGENTINE OPEN – PALERMO

• SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27

2pm – La Irenita vs. Alegria Fish Creek

La Irenita: Santiago Loza 8, Segundo Bocchino 7, Ignacio Toccalino 8, Isidro Strada 8. Total: 31.

Alegría Fish Creek: Juan Ruiz Guiñazú 8, Clemente Zavaleta Jr. 7, Joaquín Pittaluga 7, Bautista Bayugar 8.Total: 30.

Umpires: Martín Pascual & Gonzalo López Vargas.

Tercer Hombre: Matías Baibiene.

4.30pm: Ellerstina vs. La Dolfina Saudi

Ellerstina: Facundo Pieres 10, Hilario Ulloa 10, Gonzalo Pieres Jr. 9, Alfredo Cappella 8. Total: 37.

La Dolfina Saudi: Adolfo Cambiaso 10, Francisco Elizalde 9, David Stirling 10, Alejandro Muzzio 8. Total: 37.

Umpires: Gastón Lucero &Guillermo Villanueva.

Third Man: Martín Pascual.

• SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 28 – PALERMO

2pm: La Natividad vs. Alegria

La Natividad: Camilo Castagnola 9, Pablo Pieres 9, Bartolomé Castagnola Jr. 9, Ignatius du Plessis 9. Total: 36.

Alegría: Agustín Merlos 7, Pedro Zacharías 7, Tomás García del Río 7, Fred Mannix  7. Total: 28.

Umpires: Matías Baibiene & Guillermo Villanueva

Third Man: Rafael Silva.

4,30: RS Murus Sanctus vs. La Dolfina Brava

RS Murus Sanctus: Facundo Sola 9, Guillermo Caset 10, Pablo Mac Donough 10, Juan M. Nero 10. Total: 39.

La Dolfina Brava: Guillermo Terrera 9, Adolfo Cambiaso Jr. 8, Tomás Panelo 6, y Alejo Taranco 8. Total: 31.

Umpires: Martín Pascual y Gastón Lucero.

Third Man: José I. Araya.

128° ARGENTINE OPEN: Fixture & Teams