Pilot needed an extra chukka to claim a hard fought 14-13 victory against La Indiana in the US Open Polo Championship, the the most prestigious polo tournament in the United States, on Wednesday, March 31, at International Polo Club Palm Beach. The tournament sees nine teams, up to 22-goals, compete. It’s worth noting that the 2020 edition was suspended due to the pandemic, meaning that Pilot are still the defending champions, having taken the title in 2019. 

 

Pilot and La Indiana went in with all guns blazing, reaching a 2-all tie by the end of the first chukka. Curtis Pilot’s team took the lead in the second, while La Indiana outscored them in the following two periods by a goal. The last two chukkas were very intense, with consecutive ties, and a 13-all tie in the sixth chukka which led to OT. It could have been anyone’s game, but Facundo Pieres scored the winning goals to give Pilot the debut win.

 

PILOT 14-13 LA INDIANA (EXTRA CHUKKA)

Pilot: Curtis Pilot 0, Keko Magrini 2, Gonzalito Pieres 10 (5 goals), Facundo Pieres 10 (9 goals), . Total: 22

La Indiana: Nico Escobar 4 (3 goals), Jeff Hall 6 (1), Polito Pieres 10 (8), Michael Bickford 2 (1).Total: 22

Score Pilot: 2-2, 5-4, 5-7, 9-10, 12-12, 13-13, 14-13.

 

The US Open Polo Championship continues on Thursday, April 1:

10am: Aspen Dutta Corp vs. Tonkawa

4pm: Park Place vs. Scone

 

The final is due on Sunday, April 18.  

 

IMAGES: 

Pilot vs La Indiana

 

US Open Polo Championship: Teams & Fixture