Polo World Cup: Italy and Spain go to Palm Beach

Spain had a perfect record, Italy only lost one game to … Spain. Nonetheless it is the two southern European countries that will go to Palm Beach to defend the colors of Zone C at the World Championship, which will be held on the magnificent grounds of the International Polo Club from 26 October to 6 November.
Qualified or not, everyone will have great memories of these magnificent playoffs perfectly organized by the Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly on behalf of the Federation of French Polo. Fields of impeccable quality (according to the players and the horses as not a single injury is to be deplored), refereeing that was never contested, battles held with the best of sporting spirits, perfect weather: these eight sunny days offered games of great quality.
 
The players and their entourage were also able to discover the tourist attractions of Chantilly: the castle, a horse show at the world-famous Grandes Écuries, dinners in the town’s restaurants or with the club’s member families, and evenings at the Polo Club, such as the now famous “Polo Friday“. In short, a week that will remain engraved in the memories of all participants.
 
On the sporting side, in addition to the already mentioned domination of the two Latin countries, the level of this tournament was rather high, with a quality of horses – on the Spanish side in particular – that was quite impressive. No team proved to be unworthy of victory, yet there were some disappointments. Mainly for the French team who had prepared this event with the greatest professionalism. The French had a difficult start to the tournament, meeting Spain first and then Italy – the game that the locals had to win and that the Squadra Azzura feared the most. As a “thank you“ gesture to France, the Italian federation gave a special medal to each of the players for allowing them to go to Florida next autumn!
 
In the absence of England, the European zone “opened up“ to new nations. Germany made a comeback and participated brilliantly, notably challenging Italy up to the very end of the game that finished with an Italian victory in an extra-chukker. It was also the return to this level of competition for Switzerland after 25 years of absence.
Equipe_de_Fr…
Mariposa, BPP of the 2022 playoffs, an 11 year old thoroughbred born in Spain, owned and played by Pelayo Berazadi, surely the best player of the tournament.

HSJ

Photo ©FFP/Justine Jacquemot – Team Italy
PRESS CONTACTS
FÉDÉRATION FRANÇAISE DE POLO
Justine Jacquemot
justine@francepolo.com
 
POLO CLUB DU DOMAINE DE CHANTILLY
Pascal Renauldon
p.renauldon@rbpresse.com