Blog Post
World Polo League Win Maiden Kitzbühel Trophy
- By Richard Hine
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- 20 Jan, 2020
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The 18th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel
Between 17 – 19 January, the heart of the Austrian Alps was buzzing with snow polo excitement, as eight teams battled for the coveted 18th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel title. Following a thrilling three days of play, two teams, new for the 2020 tournament, World Polo League and GP Mobility, found themselves in the Final in front of a thousands-strong crowd.
The consensus ahead of the game was almost impossible to call, with both teams having impressed over the previous two day’s play, but the might of American number one Nic Roldan, sporting the colours of the World Polo League, was a daunting prospect for GP Mobility. In the first chukka, Marc Ganzi and Roldan made up for GP Mobility’s two goal handicap advantage, levelling the scoreboard with two goals in quick succession, but the unparalleled skill of the 6 goal Brazilian Guilhermo Lins was exactly what GP Mobility needed. Going into half-time, a flurry of near misses and ultimately goals, saw World Polo League ahead, 7-6, but GP Mobility weren’t done yet.
The second half was just as fast and furious and saw some extraordinary ‘air’ play from Roldan, securing a further two goals for his team. GP Mobility managed to even the scoreboard once again, but as the final chukka loomed, however hard they fought, the Americans had the upper hand. With another ‘air shot volley’ from Roldan and only one goal in response from Lins, World Polo League signed on the dotted line with a 10-8 win. The GP Mobility Captain, Marcus Schalldach, was named Most Valuable Player, for his consistent play, whilst his teammate Guilhermo Lins was awarded the Fair Play honours. Finally, Joya, played by Nic Roldan and owned by French professional Pierre-Henri Ngoumou, was named Best Playing Pony.
The 18th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel 2020 Final Teams:
World Polo League (13): Marc Ganzi (2), Juan Bautista Peluso (3) & Nic Roldan (8)
GP Mobility (10): Marcus Schalldach (2), Henrique Schalldach (2) & Guilhermo Lins (6)
Content Courtesy of Polo Times.
Photograph: Nic Roldan in action for World Polo League in the Final of The 18th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup. By Reinhardt & Sommer Photography
The consensus ahead of the game was almost impossible to call, with both teams having impressed over the previous two day’s play, but the might of American number one Nic Roldan, sporting the colours of the World Polo League, was a daunting prospect for GP Mobility. In the first chukka, Marc Ganzi and Roldan made up for GP Mobility’s two goal handicap advantage, levelling the scoreboard with two goals in quick succession, but the unparalleled skill of the 6 goal Brazilian Guilhermo Lins was exactly what GP Mobility needed. Going into half-time, a flurry of near misses and ultimately goals, saw World Polo League ahead, 7-6, but GP Mobility weren’t done yet.
The second half was just as fast and furious and saw some extraordinary ‘air’ play from Roldan, securing a further two goals for his team. GP Mobility managed to even the scoreboard once again, but as the final chukka loomed, however hard they fought, the Americans had the upper hand. With another ‘air shot volley’ from Roldan and only one goal in response from Lins, World Polo League signed on the dotted line with a 10-8 win. The GP Mobility Captain, Marcus Schalldach, was named Most Valuable Player, for his consistent play, whilst his teammate Guilhermo Lins was awarded the Fair Play honours. Finally, Joya, played by Nic Roldan and owned by French professional Pierre-Henri Ngoumou, was named Best Playing Pony.
The 18th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel 2020 Final Teams:
World Polo League (13): Marc Ganzi (2), Juan Bautista Peluso (3) & Nic Roldan (8)
GP Mobility (10): Marcus Schalldach (2), Henrique Schalldach (2) & Guilhermo Lins (6)
Content Courtesy of Polo Times.
Photograph: Nic Roldan in action for World Polo League in the Final of The 18th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup. By Reinhardt & Sommer Photography