Audi Reds rule Zobel Memorial

MANILA, Philippines - Iñigo Zobel unleashed a strong performance as he powered Audi Reds to a convincing 11-6 victory over Audi Gray yesterday in the high goal, six-chukker match in the Enrqiue Zobel Memorial Cup at the Manila Polo Club in Makati.

Zobel, one of the more popular players in the local polo scene, chalked up a game-high six goals, including two in the third chukker when the Reds roared to a fast 7-2 start and two more in the sixth and final chukker to finish off the Grays.

Cole Aguirre had two goals of his own while Argentine Santi Laborde and Santi Elizalde added one apiece to help the Reds seal the win.

The event was backed by PGA Cars, Audi, Porsche, San Miguel Corp., American Express, ROGUE, BDO and Wine Depot.

Alejo Taranco of Uruguay paced the Grays with three goals – in the second, fourth and fifth chukker – while Anthony Filamor and defense man Adrian Garcia chipped in two and one, respectively.

In the low goal, four-chukker match, Porsche Whites captain Manot Montilla scored all of his team’s goals as they edged the Porsche Blacks, 4-3, in a gripping contest.

Montilla spewed four goals including the game-winner with two minutes remaining to lift the White team, which included Jones Lanza, a former Southeast Asian Games medalist, Benjie Toda and Jose Constantino.

Alfie Araneta had two goals highlighted by one with a little over six minutes left in the third chukker as the Blacks gained a 3-2 advantage.

But Montilla charged back two minutes later for the tying goal before coming up with the game-winner in the final chukker to seal it for the Whites.

Santi Juban, one of the country’s fastest rising polo players today, scored the game’s first goal but couldn’t manage another one the rest of the way.

A parade of various Audi and Porsche models was held after the games. MPC president Juan Santos, Porsche Phils’ Roberto Coyiuto and Audi Phils.’ Benedicto Coyiuto presided over the awarding ceremonies. – Joey Villar