All set for AirAsia Cup

MANILA, Philippines - Junior polo players take center stage as they mix it up with grizzled veterans in the first AirAsia Crystal Cup starting March 9 at the Alabang Country Club.

Expected to grab a piece of the limelight in the low goal tournament – a 5 chukker affair – are Santi Juban, Jam, Massu and Nicole Eusebio, Milka Romero, Binibining La Salle winner Kimberly Lofgren and actor Diether Ocampo.

Juban, son of Hollywood producer Jun Juban, spearheads Team A that will compete with two other equally strong teams in the two-day polo festival organized by Mikee Romero.

The highlight of the event is the staging on Sunday of the Globalport’s Sultan Cup 2013 where professional players from polo-playing countries will show their mettle, and luxury cars like Maseratti, Jaguar and Land Rover will be put on display.

Juban, who was the location manager of the blockbuster movie Bourne Legacy – filmed in part in Manila – said the participation of the young players in the event is a shot in the arm for the sport.

“This will greatly help in the development of polo players,” said the 24-year-old Juban. “We need this kind of exposure.”

On the opening day of AirAsia Cup, the Eusebios will team up with Milka Romero and Freddie Borromero when they take on the Ocampo team, which includes Eduardo Lopez, Lofgren, Darryl Matti and Butch Albert.

In the high goal event that will be participated in by three teams, Mikee Romero leads Team I along with Sonny Borromeo, British Jake Gordon and Fil-Am pro Anthony Garcia. Comprising Team II are Thai patron Tal, Santi Juban, Antonio Veloso and Argentian pro Miguel Diaz while Jun  Juban, Jim Donovan, Adrian Garcia and Mexican pro Isidro Olivas will make up Team III.