Horse

It was all excitement in the heart of Reith bei Kitzbühel as the teams and thousands strong throng of spectators prepared for the final day of world class play in the 17th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup.

Following a star-studded Players’ Night Gala on Saturday night, the sun once again shone true on the pristine polo field as host team Bendura Bank came up against the all-German Maserati team in the first match of the day. From the first ‘get-go’, Bendura Bank came firing out of the starting blocks, with a superb 15 yard penalty from Captain Melissa Ganzi. As the only female player in the tournament, Ganzi has proven herself to be more than a worthy adversary for her male opponents, scoring every one of the 15 yard penalties asked of her on Saturday and Sunday. Maserati couldn’t find their footing in the first chukka, succumbing to a 4-1½ lead to their rivals by the bell. By half-time, Argentine Alejandro Novillo Astrada secured a further three goals, to only two in response from Thomas Winter and Caspar Crasemann, ensuring Bendura Bank led 7-3½ by the break. Despite lengthy team talks during the interlude, Maserati were just no match for Bendura Bank’s 8 goal powerhouse. Coming into the fourth and final chukka, Bendura Bank had a seemingly insurmountable 10-3½ lead, but with Maserati praying to the polo gods for a miracle, Winter and Crasemann found the posts twice in the final minutes of the fourth chukka. But, as the match came to a close, event organiser and snow polo favourite Tito Gaudenzi drew on the dotted line for Bendura Bank with their final goal, to secure fifth place with a lucky 13-6½ final score.   

The second match for The Kitzbühel Country Club Cup Subsidiary Final saw Corum take on Bernd Gruber. Patron Eckhardt Juls was replaced due to injury by the 19-year-old Enno Grans (0). The yellow shirts of Corum hit the first chukka hard with Patrick Maleitzke scoring a flamboyant hat trick of goals in as many minutes. The Corum path to victory looked certain under his stewardship – but, Grant Ganzi and his Bernd Gruber clan, of Brazilian Eduardo Greghi and 7 goal machine, Frenchman Pierre-Henri Ngoumou, had other ideas. Strong defence and solid teamwork saw them equalise in the second chukka. From then on it was goal for goal as each team evenly matched the fight. But eventually reverting to the form of the first chukka Corum’s dominance prevailed with the final score resting at 6 goals to 7 at the end of the last chukka.

The third and final match of the day was the reason we were all here – the 17th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup Final. It was set to be an exciting extravaganza of international polo prowess, as six players from four countries took to the arena to a collective roar from the crowd. Sebastian Schneberger was in search of his third title, to equal the record breaking three Snow Polo World Cup wins currently held by Brit Jonny Good, and coincidentally 20th January was also the day of St. Sebastian, so perhaps divine intervention would play a key role. Engel & Völkers, four-time finalists and only one-time winners, were looking to be the crowd’s favourite, but as the first ball was thrown-in, Aki Van Andel came flying out of the mêlée with the ball seemingly glued to his stick. His 7 goal team mate Valentin Novillo Astrada wasn’t far behind him, in his usual form. Despite their initial fervour, Engel & Völkers were the first on the scoreboard with a fantastic field goal from Captain Kutlay Yaprak. Following a brief horse change, Novillo Astrada found his rhythm, scoring the first of his many goals. The game was full of tension and high spirits, as players went into ride-offs with extreme energy. By half-time, 2019’s newest team, Cîroc, were 4-2 ahead, to the dismay of the assembled ‘Red Devils’ fans. Adrian Laplacette Jr, usually the one to watch for the boys in red, was consistently shut out of plays by Van Andel, who was later named Most Valuable Player, using his pony’s strength to ensure Novillo Astrada always had a clean run on the ball. By the end of the third chukka, Cîroc continued to hold the lead 6-3, with Engel & Völkers hoping for a polo miracle to bless them in the final six minutes. As if having found renewed energy, Novillo Astrada scored three goals in as many minutes to open the chukka to only one in response from Laplacette Jr. With 9-4 on the scoreboard, Agustin Kronhaus tried desperately to bring his team back into the game, but the clock was not in his favour. As the bell tolled at the end of the 17th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup 2019, Cîroc rode off the field to elated cries of congratulations from the crowd and the coveted trophy in their hands.

Cîroc Captain Sebastian Schnerberger said after the Final, “This was a great event and I’m so happy we’ve walked away with the title. It was a tough match, but we rallied together and did what we came here to do.”

Event Organiser, Tito Gaudenzi continued, “What an exciting weekend this has been. Our team may have not made it to the Final, but this year’s tournament has been the best yet, with record crowds and fantastic players. I can’t wait for next year’s edition and we hope to welcome everyone back for the 18th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup. But for now, off to St. Moritz!”

The 17th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel Ranking Teams:

1. Cîroc Vodka (12):

Sebastian Schneberger (2/GER),

Aki van Andel (3/NED)

Valentin Novillo Astrada (7/ARG)

2. Engel & Völkers (12):

Kutlay Yaprak (1/TUR)

Agustin Kronhaus (4/ARG)

Adrian Laplacette Jr. (7/ARG)

3. Corum (10):

Eno Grans (0/GER)

Patrick Maleitzke (4/GER)

Juan Ruiz-Guiñazú (6/ARG)

4. Bernd Gruber (10):

Eduardo Greghi (0/BRA)

Grant Ganzi (3/USA)

Pierre Henri Ngoumou (7/FR)

5. Bendura Bank (12):

Melissa Ganzi (1/USA)

Alejandro Novillo Astrada (8/USA – substituted by Isidro Strada 7)

Tito Gaudenzi (3/CH)

6. Maserati (10):

Marc Aberle (1/GER)

Caspar Crasemann (4/GER)

Thomas Winter (5/GER)

Commentator: Jan-Erik Franck

Umpire: Mark Holmes

The Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel 2019 programme began on Thursday 17th January, with the team presentations at Hotel zur Tenne in the heart of Kitzbühel village. Following this time-honoured start, matches got underway on Friday 18th January and continue until the Final on Sunday 20th January. For more information about the event, please click here – www.kitzbuehelpolo.com

Photograph courtesy of Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel. The photo can be used free of charge for editorial purposes. In this context, you are required to use a photo credit.

Media will find a choice of accredited images at www.kitzbuehelpolo.com/media

http://bit.ly/PressKitzPolo19

If you require high resolution images, please contact kitz@polotimes.co.uk

For journalist accreditation, please contact the Accreditation Office:

Christina Schockemöhle, schockemoehle@sasse-schockemoehle.com Phone + 49 – 171 – 208 5522

For more information and support at the tournament please contact:

English speaking Journalists: Jen Liggins, Call + 44 – 7817 – 254 – 879

German speaking Journalists: Stefanie Stüting, Call + 49 – 171 – 788 2264

The polo gods were looking down fondly on Kitzbühel today with the sun shining brightly in the heart of Tyrolean Alps, ready for the second day of the 17th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup.

The first match of the day was a heated, high octane affair. Cîroc Vodka, having won their initial match 8-4½ against Bernd Gruber, were looking for a second win to secure their spot in the 17th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup Final, with 2017 winners Maserati hoping to rectify their first match loss. With a 1½ goal handicap advantage at the first throw-in, it looked like the all-German Maserati team might hold their early lead, but Cîroc’s Valentin Novillo Astrada was having none of it. In the first chukka, Novillo Astrada ensured Cîroc’s presence on the scoreboard, to only one in response from Thomas Winter. By half-time, a goal from Novillo Astrada and Aki Van Andel put the boys in blue ahead 4-3½ going into the break. From here, the game became Cîroc’s. With tensions looking calmer than they had in the first half, Novillo Astrada went about ensuring his team secured their spot in the Final. He and Van Andel racked up another nine goals in the following two chukkas, despite impressive defensive play from Maserati’s Caspar Crasemann and Winter. At the final bell, Cîroc Vodka rode off the field with a 13-6½ win and a spot in tomorrow’s Final.   

The second match of day two was set to be the decider, with 2017 champions Corum, following an injury to number one Eckhardt Juls in the first day of play, welcoming back Corum veteran 3 goal Lukas Sdrenka to once again sport the famous yellow shirt. With this change to the line-up, the team now took to the field with a 12 goal handicap, in theory putting themselves leaps and bounds ahead of the 10 goal Bernd Gruber. However, from the off, Frenchman Pierre-Henri Ngoumou was a force to be reckoned with. As if facing the competition on a personal battle, Ngoumou controlled the play from the back, changing pace, rhythm and direction on a sixpence. It took all the power and experience of Corum regular Patrick Maleitzke to prise the ball from Ngoumou but take it he did. By half-time, Corum had put themselves ahead 5-3½, but as the second half commenced, Grant Ganzi secured a much needed 15 yard penalty, bringing Bernd Gruber back into the game. A huge, cross-field hit from Ngoumou put Bernd Gruber into the driver’s seat for the first time in the game, as the crowd erupted from the stands, but Maleitzke knew what he had to do. Two quick fire goals ended the chukka, with Corum back in the lead 7-5½. The final chukka was fraught and fiery as Maleitzke worked his magic again at the off, swiftly followed by one in response from Ganzi. With another powerful run and storming goal from Maleitzke, it looked like it was all over for Bernd Gruber. But, as the clock ticked down, Bernd Gruber Captain, Brazilian Eduardo Greghi placed himself in exactly the right place at the right time, securing the final goal of the match. Corum may have won the second match 9-7½, but with the teams so unbelievably close this year, who ended up in the Final would go down to the last match on goal difference.

With the eagerly awaited bustling crowd nestled in the VIP Enclosure, ready to see their favourite players in action, the final match got under way on day two of the 17th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup. This exciting match was set to be a rematch of the 2018 Final, with Bendura Bank up against their venerable rivals Engel & Völkers. With a loss for Bendura Bank and a win yesterday for Engel & Völkers, the host team needed to bring their A-game to halt the ‘Red Devils’ in their tracks to the Final. With the teams evenly matched, 12 goals apiece, Argentine Adrian Laplacette Jr was the first to find the posts, securing a fast goal, but 8 goaler Alejandro Novillo Astrada, the highest handicapped player in the tournament, wasn’t far behind him in response. Laplacette Jr found his groove early in the match with another two goals before the bell signalled the end of the first chukka. Bendura Bank Captain Melissa Ganzi began the second chukka with the first of her four successful 15 yard penalties during the match, ensuring Bendura Bank weren’t far behind their rivals. But, with goals from Agustin Kronhaus, an own goal off a horse in Engel & Völkers favour and another goal from Laplacette Jr, by half-time, the ‘Red Devils’ were four goals ahead 6-2. Following the half-time break, Ganzi continued her 15 yard penalty streak with two golden goals, but in a rare incident, Novillo Astrada clashed heads with his own horse, removing him from the rest of the match with fortunately nothing more than concussion. Luckily, 7 goal Isidro Strada was waiting in the wings to help his fallen comrade, quickly sporting his team shirt and setting out for the rest of the match for Bendura Bank. Engel & Völkers by now had the momentum. Captain Kutlay Yaprak had an extraordinary burst of energy, scoring a whopping three field goals in as many minutes to only two from his Bendura Bank adversaries. So, as the sun set behind the snow-laden hills, Engel & Völkers secured their second consecutive Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup Final position, which will this year, see them face the brand new Cîroc Vodka team on the final day of play.

Lead sponsor and CEO of Bendura Bank, Dr Andreas Insam said following the day’s play, “Today has been fantastic. We have been blessed with excellent weather, thrilling polo and spectacular company. We can’t wait for tomorrow’s Finals day and to see who will be crowned 2019 champions.”

The entrance to the public area is free with delicious local delights and refreshments available from food trucks to keep even the keenest spectators fed and watered throughout the week’s activities.

Some VIP tickets for this polo and party spectacular, including catering, are available from www.kitzbuehelpolo.com

Programme of the 17th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel:

Sunday 20th January

11.30am: Bendura Bank vs Maserati (Match for 5th and 6th place)

12.45pm: Bernd Gruber vs Corum (Kitzbühel Country Club Cup Finals for 3rd and 4th place)

2pm: Cîroc vs Engel & Völkers (Final of the 17th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel)

3.30pm: Prize-giving ceremony, presentation of Most Valuable Player and Best Playing Pony Awards and photo shoot

The 17th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel Teams are as follows:

Bendura Bank (12):

Melissa Ganzi (1/USA)

Alejandro Novillo Astrada (8/USA – substituted by Isidro Strada 7)

Tito Gaudenzi (3/CH)

Engel & Völkers (12):

Kutlay Yaprak (1/TUR)

Agustin Kronhaus (4/ARG)

Adrian Laplacette Jr. (7/ARG)

Cîroc Vodka (12):

Sebastian Schneberger (2/GER),

Aki van Andel (3/NED)

Valentin Novillo Astrada (7/ARG)

Bernd Gruber (10):

Eduardo Greghi (0/BRA)

Grant Ganzi (3/USA)

Pierre Henri Ngoumou (7/FR)

Corum (12):

Lukas Sdrenka (3/GER)

Patrick Maleitzke (4/GER)

Juan Ruiz-Guiñazú (5/ARG)

Maserati (10):

Marc Aberle (1/GER)

Caspar Crasemann (4/GER)

Thomas Winter (5/GER)

Commentator: Jan-Erik Franck

Umpire: Mark Holmes

The Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel 2019 programme began on Thursday 17th January, with the team presentations at Hotel zur Tenne in the heart of Kitzbühel village. Following this time-honoured start, matches got underway on Friday 18th January and continue until the Final on Sunday 20th January. For more information about the event, please click here – www.kitzbuehelpolo.com

Photograph courtesy of Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel. The photo can be used free of charge for editorial purposes. In this context, you are required to use a photo credit.

Media will find a choice of accredited images at www.kitzbuehelpolo.com/media

http://bit.ly/PressKitzPolo19

If you require high resolution images, please contact kitz@polotimes.co.uk

For journalist accreditation, please contact the Accreditation Office:

Christina Schockemöhle, schockemoehle@sasse-schockemoehle.com Phone + 49 – 171 – 208 5522

For more information and support at the tournament please contact:

English speaking Journalists: Jen Liggins, Call + 44 – 7817 – 254 – 879

German speaking Journalists: Stefanie Stüting, Call + 49 – 171 – 788 2264