The Argentine Association of Polo has announced the first playdates of the 128th Argentine Open, due to run from Friday, November 12, to Saturday, December 11, at Palermo. There will also be two playdates hosted during the week at Pilar. The matches announced so far are the ones due to be played from Friday, November 12, to Sunday, November 21.
The most important polo tournament in the world will see ten teams, up to 39 goals, compete. Teams will be split into two leagues. The winners of each league will the most important final of in the polo world.
It is worth noting that, for the first time in almost ten years, the 2021 edition of the Argentine Open see a final between title holders La Dolfina and Ellerstina. Both teams are placed in League A. Ellerstina is the top ranked team in League A, with 39 goals, while La Dolfina has 38 goals. The team hired Diego Cavanagh and Francisco Elizalde to replaced Pablo Mac Donough and Juan MartÃn Nero. The latter two now represent RS Murus Sanctus, meaning that the French organisation is the second highest rated team, also with 39 goals. They top League B.
In addition, this year’s Argentine Open will see many young, talented players, such as Bautista Bayugar, Felipe Dabas, Rufino Bensadon, and Brazil’s Pedro Zacharias, make their debut in the tournament. The presence of Zacharias is significant as, for the first time in history, there will be two Brazilians competing at Palermo. “Pedrinho” is joined by the experienced Rodrigo Ribeiro de Andrade. Non-Argentines playing the Open include Uruguay’s Pelon Stirling and Jejo Taranco, Canada’s Fred Mannix and South Africa’s Nachi du Plessis.
Day three and four will be played in Pilar on Tuesday, November 16, and Wednesday November 17.
The 128th Argentine Open kicks off on Friday, November 12, with two games (times TBA):
La Dolfina Saudi vs. Alegria Fish Creek, and La Ensenada vs. La Irenita.