Veloso, Romero lead Royale Salute Polo tilt

MANILA, Philippines - The Blue and Red teams display their wares before an expected throng of personalities in the first Royale Salute Polo tournament – the first major event of the year – today at the Alabang Country Club.

Leading the Red Team in the high-goal tournament backed by Globalport Polo is businessman and sports patron Mikee Romero who is riding a wave of confidence after helping his team win three major titles in the US last year.

Also on the Red team are equally dependable American pro Anthony Garcia, British Jake Gordon and Alabang Country Club polo chairman Lope Juban Jr.

The Reds will be spearheaded by 2007 SEA Games polo captain Antonio Veloso in the tournament which is likely to draw another good mix of VIPs from business and sports circles.

“Royale Salute is a major sponsor of the Polo international circuit and playing here is already an achievement for a Filipino polo player,” said Juban. “So, it’s going to be an exciting match because of the prestige in playing in the tournament.”

Juban said among the royalties who have already played in a Royale Salute tournament are England’s Prince Harry and Prince William.

He expects an intense action since both squads have similar 6-goal handicaps.

Out to provide stability and firepower for the Blue team are fast-rising Adrian Garcia, Santi Juban and Lloyds Bank director Patrick Furlong of Argentina.

The five 7-minute chukkers showdown starts at 4 p.m. Royale Salute will provide fabulous gift items to polo fans during the awarding ceremony.

Prior to the high-goal tournament, a low goal round robin game featuring three teams will vie for the championship with Jerome Hernandez leading Team A, Sonny Borromeo Team B and American Jim Donovan Team C.