Team Phl battles Dubai in Belo Cup

MANILA, Philippines - Team Philippines, fast gaining international recognition, faces another big test when it collides with powerhouse Dubai today in the Belo Polo Cup 2015 “Battle of the Titans” in Makati.

The one-day tournament organized by Globalport owner Dr. Mikee Romero is another milestone in the sport, having lured two of the finest players in the 17-goal event which is the highest polo match to be played in the country in 20 years.

Coming off an inspiring performance in the US Polo Open, 7-goaler Argentinian Niño Obregon will spearhead the Phl bid, while Mathias Zabaleta – also a 7-goaler from Argentina – will be the main man for Dubai team.

 “The success of the Philippine Polo Open was one reason we succeeded in getting big name players. And the tournament itself is already a feat,” said Romero, who sees an exciting finish to the tournament presented by Belo Medical Group.

Romero, who is steadfastly rallying for the creation of a national polo association, is hoping the big Sunday crowd will help inspire them to play aggressively and cohesively.

“In terms of firepower, we are almost even so we are looking forward for the crowd support. That will be the key,” added Romero, who also bankrolled the staging of the Phl Open the last three years.

Obregon echoed Romero’s observations, adding that playing against Zabaleta is always tough.

“It’s going to be a tough match but it will be exciting,” said Obregon.

Aside from Obregon and Romero, other members of the Phl team are Argentinian 5-goaler Miguel Diaz and Fil-Am Anthony Garcia.

Dubai patron Sam Instone, who is likewise looking forward to an interesting match-up, is also pinning his hopes on Argentinian Nicolas Corto and Nicolas Peroni.

“I understand it is a 17-goal match so it should be great for the spectators and I just hope we can come out on top. We have an incredibly strong team with some of the best Argentinian players in the world part of the team,” said Instone, who is a first-timer in the country.

Phl team’s only advantage over Dubai is that Obregon and Diaz are already used to playing at the Makati field, having seen action in the recent Phl Open.