The semifinal matchups of the British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup, that are due on Wednesday July 13, have been set after the two last quarter final games played on Sunday July 10, and saw Park Place and Talandracas victorious. The tournament hosted by Cowdray Park Polo Club, set in Midhurst, West Sussex, sees fourteen teams up to 23 goals, compete.

Park Place and Marqués de Riscal played the opening match. The Spaniard lineup, who was still undefeated, got off to a stronger start, claiming the first chukka 3-1, but not for too long, because Park Place replied quickly. In the second chukka, the blue jerseys captured the lead by just one goal, a score that would remain by half time. Things would change in the next two following chukkas; commanded by their flagship man, Facundo Pieres, who produced nine goals, Park Place overwhelmed Marqués de Riscal and left the deal almost said and done. By the start of the last chukka, Park Place had a five goal advantage, and secured the 15-11 win in the last chukka to earn a ticket to the semifinals.

Up next, Talandracas went head-to-head with Park Place Vara, with the latter clearly dominating the first half. But from the fourth chukka onwards, Talandracas came from behind and outscored Park Place 2-0, in order to close the gap to just one goal (7-8). Led by an extraordinary Polito Pieres (like his cousin, Facundo, he scored nine goals, as well), they reached their first lead (10-9) in the fifth. However, the match has not been decided yet; but at the end of the day, it was Talandracas who remained solid in attack, which allowed them to the 12-10 win to grab the last spot in the semifinals.

BRITISH OPEN POLO CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE COWDRAY GOLD CUP – QUARTER FINALS #2 – SUNDAY JULY 10

PARK PLACE 15-11 MARQUÉS DE RISCAL

Park Place: Joshua Hyde 1. Louis Hine 4 (3 goals), Facundo Pieres 10 (9), Francisco Elizalde 8 (3). Total: 23.

Marqués de Riscal: Alejandro Aznar 0, Santiago Laborde 6 (2 goals), Guillermo Caset 9 (8), Santiago Cernadas 7. Total: 22.

Score Park Place: (0-1) 1-3, 5-4, 7-6, 12-7, 13-8, 15-11.

Umpires: Jason Dixon & Julian Appleby.

Third man: Ben Turner.

TALANDRACAS 12-10 PARK PLACE VAARA

Talandracas: Edouard Carmignac 0 (replaced by Hughes Carmignac o, in the second chukka),  Alejandro Muzzio 7 (2 goals), Isidro Strada 6 (2), Polito Pieres 9 (9). Total: 22.

Park Place Vaara: Sam Wisbey 0, Santos Merlos 4 (2 goals), Hilario Ulloa 10 (7), Juan Britos 8 (1). Total: 22.

Score Talandracas: 1-3, 2-5, 5-8, 7-8, 10-9, 12-10.

Umpires: Jason Dixon & Julian Appleby.

Third man: Ben Turner

The semifinals of the British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold will take place on Wednesday July 13, with the following schedule: 

12pm: Dubai vs. Scone

4pm: Park Place vs. Talandracas

The final of the British Open Gold Cup is set to be played on Sunday, July 17. 

British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup – Fixture & Teams

IMAGES

Quarter finals, Day #2

Match photos