Globalport repels ADEC in polo opener

MANILA, Philippines - Globalport Pilipinas came away with an imposing 8-4 romp over Team ADEC of USA but San Miguel Corp.-Philippines went through the wringer, surviving Ahmibah-Brunei, 9-7, yesterday at the start of the Philippine Polo Open 2014 at the Globalport Field in Calatagan, Batangas.

With Argentinian Rodrigo Bauzada at the helm, Globalport, captained by businessman-sportsman Mikee Romero, cruised past their Team ADEC rivals but SMC needed to hold off a rallying Brunei side to hack out the scary win.

A 3-goaler, Bauzada scattered four goals as Globalport dominated the match from start to finish.

Aiyawatt “Top” Srivaddhanaprabha, a scion of a wealthy Thai businessman, and Gaston Bequerie scored two goals each for Globalport.

“It’s a good start, we hope to play much better tomorrow because we will be up against China,” said Romero adding that China will be beefed up by two Argentinian players.

Led by Iñigo Zobel and Juan Jaretche, SMC actually made a hot start but wavered a bit before hanging tough to frustrate the royal team of Brunei and jumpstart its title bid in what could be the biggest polo event in the country in almost 60 years.

Coming through with tough and clever plays, SMC roared to a huge 7-0 advantage late in the second chukker (quarter) before Argentinian Ale Agote and Prince Jefri Bolkiah caught fire, rallying Brunei to within 4-8 going into the final chukker.

Agote then joined hands with Prince Bahar in another mighty attack that saw Brunei close in at 7-8.

Jaretche, however, scuttled Brunei’s rally when he scored on a penalty that capped his game-long brilliance in the tournament presented by Manila North Harbour Port. Inc., AirAsia, Viber and San Miguel Corp.

“We went to a good start but they (Brunei) got warmed up and nearly caught us. They are going to get better,” said Zobel who finished with 3 goals – the same output of Jaretche.

Despite their win, Zobel said they have to beat Kingpower of Thailand today to advance to the final on Sunday. San Miguel and Brunei is bracketed in Group B along with Kingpower.

A big revelation for San Miguel was 13-year-old Tommy Bitong who added a goal.