La Dolfina were crowned champions of the US Open Polo Championship, after defeating Valiente 10-7, in the final that took place on the US Polo Assn. Field, at the National Polo Center, on Sunday April 21. It was a historic achievement for La Dolfina, in their first ever season on American high goal; therefore, the Cañuelas-based organisation closed a remarkable season – they claimed two of the three tournaments that compose The Gauntlet of Polo – the US Open and the USPA Gold Cup, as well.
The match was very closed and tight during five chukkas; but La Dolfina took off in the last episode, led by the dynamic duo, Poroto Cambiaso-Tomás Panelo. Both of them fitted to perfection – they understand each other, they have speed, dynamics and are powerful scorers. The last chukka saw them at their best. At the end of the day, goals produced by Tomás Panelo (2) and Rufino Merlos (1) sealed the deal in that thrilling sixth chukka.
This is the first US Open title for La Dolfina; Poroto Cambiaso already won the most prestigious polo trophy of the United States in 2021, with Scone. While Tomás is the first member of the Panelo family to earn such an achievement, Rufino is the third Merlos to claim the US Open, following his uncles, Sebastián and Pite. With regards to Spaniard patron, Alejandro Azar, a man who is well renowned in Chantilly, Sotogrande and Deauville, he claimed his first ever US Open.
FINAL US OPEN POLO CHAMPIONSHIP – SUNDAY APRIL 21 – LA DOLFINA 10-7 VALIENTE
LA DOLFINA*: Alejandro Aznar 0, Rufino Merlos 3 (1 goal), Poroto Cambiaso 10 (3), Tomás Panelo 9 (5). Total: 22.
*1 Goal on Penalty 1.
VALIENTE: Adolfo Cambiaso 10 (1 goal), Peke González 7 (2), Paco de Narváez 5 (4), Joaquín Vilgré Lamadrid 0. Total: 22.
Score La Dolfina: 1-1, 3-4, 5-5, 5-6, 7-6, 10-7.
Umpires: Kimo Huddleston & Gastón Lucero. Third Man: Martín Pascual.
MVP: Paco de Narváez.
BPP: Antu Wallung Chavetita. Jugador: Paco de Narváez.
BPP presented by the Argentine Polo Pony Breeders Assn.: J5ARG Auna. Player: Adolfo Cambiaso.
GAUNTLET OF POLO 2024
CV WHITNEY CUP: Winner, Valiente
USPA GOLD CUP: Winner, La Dolfina Tonkawa
US OPEN POLO CHAMPIONSHIP: Winner, La Dolfina