The 128th Argentine Open kicked off at Palermo on Friday, November 12, with two matches. The tournament sees ten teams, between 28 and 39 goals, compete. The final is set for Saturday, December 11.
La Dolfina Saudi and Alegria Fish Creek opened fire on ground 2. The Cañuelas-based team claimed an impressive 18-3 win over Alegria Fish Creek (who came from the Qualification Tournament). The latter saw Bautista Bayugar make his debut in Palermo. La Dolfina Saudi played their best polo, overwhelming their contenders. Adolfo Cambiaso was the top scorer, with ten goals. This was the first time La Dolfina’s new recruits, Diego Cavanagh and Franciso Elizalde, represented the team in the Argentine Open.
Up next, on ground #1, La Ensenada made a great comeback in the second half of the game to defeat La Irenita 16-11. La Ensenada were trailing by 3 at the end of the third, but managed to tie the game 6-6 at half time. From the fifth chukka onwards, they took the lead as La Irenita struggled to match their pace. The match was significant because it saw Isidro Strada, make his Palermo debut, while Santiago Loza played his ever Argentine Open match on ground 1.
LA DOLFINA SAUDI 18-3 ALEGRÍA FISH CREEK
La Dolfina Saudi: Adolfo Cambiaso 10 (10 goals, 6 penalties, 1 corner), Francisco Elizalde 9 (1), David Stirling 10 (3), Diego Cavanagh 9 (4). Total: 38.
Alegría Fish Creek: Tito Ruiz Guiñazú 8, Clemente Zavaleta 7, Joaquín Pittaluga 7, Bautista Bayugar 8 (3, 1 penalty). Total: 30.
Score La Dolfina Saudi: 3-2, 5-2, 6-3, 9-3, 9-3, 12-3, 14-3, 18-3.
Umpires: Martín Pascual & Rafael Silva.
Third Man: Federico Martelli.
LA ENSENADA 16-11 LA IRENITA
La Ensenada: Juan Britos 9 (5 goals, 2 penalties, 1 corner), Alfredo Bigatti 8 (3), Juan Martín Zubía 8 (7, 3 penalties), Jerónimo del Carril 8 (1). Total: 33.
La Irenita: Santiago Loza 8 (2 goals), Segundo Bocchino 7 (2), Ignacio Toccalino 8 (2), Isidro Strada 8 (5, 4 penalties). Total: 31.
Score La Ensenada: 0-2, 2-5, 4-5, 6-6, 8-7, 12-8, 14-10, 16-11.
Umpires: Gastón Lucero & Martín Aguerre.
Third Man: Matías Baibiene.
IMAGES:
La Dolfina Saudi vs Alegria Fish Creek
The 128° Argentine Open continues on Saturday, November 13:
2pm: LD Brava vs Alegria
4:30pm: La Natividad vs Chapaleufú