Kitzbühel

Kitzbühel, 19th of October 2020., We have been attentively monitoring the course of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic and upon careful evaluation of the matter and in consideration of the figures published by the Austrian Department of Public Health, the management at Lifestyle EventsGmbH, alongside our Sponsors and Kitzbühel Tourismus have decided to postpone the BENDURA BANK Snow Polo World Cup to 2022. We have reached this conclusion with heavy hearts but have decided this is the necessary decision, ensuring the safety of all involved as we align our efforts with an eye toward a wonderful 2022 event.

There are many factors that contributed to the decision to cancel the tournament. First and foremost, our responsibility goes out to all of our esteemed guests, sponsors, players, partners, staff and volunteers. Global uncertainty and travel restrictions, as well as mandatory quarantine guidelines, have made it impossible to successfully organize an event inclusive of our diverse, international audience – with players coming from over 10 countries, over 120 horses and guests from all over the world. The decision was unanimous among Kitzbühel Tourismus and government officials as well as all of our great sponsors and partners including our title sponsor with us since inception, BENDURA BANK.  Furthermore, aside from travel restrictions and quarantine guidelines, we have explored all alternative options to safely organize this event, but have come to the conclusion that we cannot execute the event up to our traditional standards and expectations with all the current restrictions in place.

Collectively looking ahead

Founder and organizer Tito Gaudenzi is confidently looking ahead: “We have to adapt to the world the way it is today. Safety is, and always will come first. We have successfully built and organized this event for over 18 years now, and we are in this for the long run! We believe in the future of this crown event for the international sport of Polo, and have been fortunate to grow together with BENDURA BANK and Kitzbühel Tourismus along with all of our great partners and sponsors.”

BENDURA BANK is a sponsor with a long history supporting the Snow Polo World Cup. CEO Dr. Peter Krenn explains: “For 18 years we have been a sponsor of the BENDURA BANK Snow Polo World Cup and carry a very successful partnership with the organizer. The event lives and thrives through it’s connection with our international guests and the pleasure of getting together on this occasion to unite and celebrate the sport, but the safety of our guests is most important. Hence, with renewed appreciation, vigor and confidence, we look forward to the next Polo event and many more Snow Polo World Cups in Kitzbühel.”

Dr. Viktoria Veider-Walser, Executive Director Kitzbühel Tourismus: “Together we are facing great challenges in these eventful times. The Snow Polo World Cup has been one of Kitzbühel‘s winter highlights for 18 years now and is firmly anchored in our calendar. We sincerely regret that the actual situation does not allow the 19th edition to be held nevertheless we look with confidence toward 2022.” 

We would like to thank BENDURA BANK for being our partner since day one, as well as Kitzbühel Tourismus. Along with our other sponsors, partners, players and guests. We look forward to welcoming you back to Kitzbühel for Snow Polo in 2022.

VIP tickets that have been purchased for the 2021 event will either be reimbursed or credited towards the 2022 tournament.

www.kitzbuehelpolo.com

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

If sun, snow and fast-paced polo is your cup of tea, then the first day of the 17th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel had everything you’ll ever want.

The first of the match of the day saw Melissa Ganzi’s Bendura Bank team catapult into the action keen to defend their title after last year’s solid performance. With the same line-up of 9 goal powerhouse Alejandro Novillo Astrada and snow polo maestro Tito Gaudenzi, they came out of the traps strongly with the only lady player in the tournament, Ganzi notching up two goals in quick succession. The yellow shirted Corum team received a 1½ goal start because of their lower handicap aggregate. But this shortfall certainly was not reflected in their performance. Maleitzke was seemingly unstoppable. Powering through goal after goal and by half-time they had pulled ahead into a 7½-4 lead. Ganzi and her team rallied valiantly, but it was never enough and Corum clinched the first victory of the tournament with a final score of 11½-9. In the final seconds of the last chukka, Corum’s Eckhardt Juls took an unfortunate fall from his horse. With a collar bone fracture, Juls will not be coming back to the field this week, but a substitute will take his place for the rest of the tournament.

2018 runners-up, Engel & Völkers, were next up against the seasoned Maserati team, sporting the same line-up as last year. With a point to prove this time around, the ‘Red Devils’ began their 2019 competition with fervour. Despite Maserati starting the match with a 1½ handicap advantage, and a goal in the first minute of the first chukka, from that point on, Engel & Völkers, using the expert pairing of Agustin Kronhaus and Adrian Laplacette Jr at back, casually maintained possession, securing a 5-2½ lead by half-time. Maserati’s Caspar Crasemann and Thomas Winter were not willing to go down easy, consistently battling for possession, but with cracks starting to show and mistakes being made, Laplacette Jr took advantage, changing the plays’ pace to match his gains. With just three minutes to go in the final chukka, and 7-4½ on the scoreboard, still in Engel & Völkers favour, Crasemann missed an all-important penalty, leaving the ball open for the ‘Red Devils’ to capitalise on. First Laplacette Jr missed the goal, then Kronhaus followed with a mistimed shot that hit the post, but as if by magic, Team Captain Kutlay Yaprak ensured the ball sailed through the goal to secure Engel & Völkers’ first match 8-4½. 

To round off the thrilling first day of the 17th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup, Kitzbühel stalwarts Bernd Gruber came up against the new 2019 side, Cîroc. What’s more, it was also the debut of three players: American Grant Ganzi, who having stepped off a plane this morning, was ready and raring for his Austrian snow polo premier alongside Dutchman Aki van Andel and Frenchman Pierre-Henri Ngoumou. The Dutchman began the match’s scoring, securing the first pivotal goal for Cîroc. 7 goal Valentin Novillo Astrada wasn’t far behind him with the second, and from there, Cîroc led the scoreboard with fervour. If the match had been scored on gymnastic ability with the ball, rather than goal scoring, Ngoumou would have secured the match early on, but Novillo Astrada stuck to him like glue, ensuring his epic dribbling skills never culminated in success. At half-time Cîroc led 6-2½, and despite an impressive goal from Ngoumou to end the third chukka, it would have taken a miracle to break Cîroc’s lead. As the clock ticked down at the end of the match, Ganzi secured possession on the far side of the field, firing the ball with a remarkable neck shot from the half way lines, straight through the posts. Cîroc secured the win 8-4½, but with Ganzi and Ngoumou’s snow polo eyes now well and truly in, perhaps tomorrow’s match with turn the Snow Polo World Cup tables.

Event Organiser Tito Gaudenzi said following the days play, “The ground played exceedingly well today, and we can’t wait to get back out there tomorrow to defend our title. With so many strong teams and players this year, goal difference is really important. There’s more excitement to come!”

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:

Saturday 19th January

11.30am: Cîroc Vodka vs Maserati

12.45pm: Corum vs Bernd Gruber

2pm: Bendura Bank vs Engel & Völkers

8pm: Polo Players Night in the VIP Tent (by invitation only/information via Lifestyle Events: (info@kitzbuehelpolo.com)

 

Sunday 20th January

11.30am: Match for 5th and 6th place

12.45pm: Kitzbühel Country Club Cup Finals for 3rd and 4th place

2pm: 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)

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 (10):

Eckhardt Juls (0/GER)

Patrick Maleitzke (4/GER)

Juan Ruiz-Guiñazú (6/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 Tel + 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 heart of Kitzbühel is alive with excitement as global polo stars arrive for The 17th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup ahead of three days of fast horses, exciting sport and glamorous evening events.

As the sun set on a cool Thursday evening, the village of Kitzbühel opened its doors for The 17th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup official kick off. Following a team briefing from event organiser and snow polo veteran, Tito Gaudenzi, the world’s press gathered in front of the Hotel zur Tenne for the official presentation of the 2019 teams.

Hailing from across the globe, this year’s event welcomes 18 players from eight countries, ready and raring to test their mettle on the pristine Kitzbühel snow. This year, the Tyrolean village has seen a record-breaking amount of fresh snow, and with the sun having made its first appearance for what seems like an age on Thursday, and sunny days forecast to come, there could not be better conditions for this year’s tournament.

Gathered in front of the Hotel zur Tenne for the official presentation, spectators and guests were greeted with an assembled roar of the six Maseratis as the players arrived at the hotel and took their positions on the presentation stand. This year’s draw took place prior to the official presentation at the Kitzbühel Country Club on Sunday 13th January, with 2018 champions Bendura Bank set to be first on the polo field on Friday 18th January against age-old rivals, and 2017 champions, Corum at 11.30am to begin the event in style.

What’s more, over 800 guests will be lucky enough to enjoy the VIP tent over the course of the three days, which will be the grandest ever seen in Kitzbühel and will host the glamorous and renowned invitation only Gala Night on Saturday evening.

For the 17th year, the competition is proud and excited to welcome back its loyal collection of sponsors supporting this long-standing event. Bendura Bank lead the sponsor’s board, joining the other distinguished team sponsors Bernd Gruber, Engel & Völkers, Corum and Maserati, as well as a new addition for 2019, Cîroc Vodka.

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 three-day polo and party spectacular, including catering for all three days are available from www.kitzbuehelpolo.com

 

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

Friday 18th January

11.30am: Corum vs Bendura Bank

12.45pm: Engel & Völkers vs Maserati

2pm: Bernd Gruber vs Cîroc

8pm: Team Captain Dinner at Kitzbühel Country Club (by invitation only)

11pm: Take 5 Polo Club Night

 

Saturday 19th January

11.30am: Cîroc vs Maserati

12.45pm: Corum vs Bernd Gruber

2pm: Bendura Bank vs Engel & Völkers

8pm: Polo Players Night in the VIP Tent (by invitation only/information via Lifestyle Events: (info@kitzbuehelpolo.com)

 

Sunday 20th January

11.30am: Match for 5th and 6th place

12.45pm: Kitzbühel Country Club Cup Finals for 3rd and 4th place

2pm: 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)

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 (10):

Eckhardt Juls (0/GER)

Patrick Maleitzke (4/GER)

Juan Ruiz-Guiñazú (6/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 starts on Thursday 17th January, with the team presentations at Hotel zur Tenne in the heart of Kitzbühel village. Following this time-honoured start, matches will get 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 Tel + 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

 

 

 

 

With only a mere day to go until the excitement begins in the heart of the Tyrolean Alps, everything is set for what is expected to be the best Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel on record.

The 17th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel 2019 will take the Alps by storm as play begins on Friday 18th January. Over 150 horses and 18 players from eight nations will be taking to the immaculately prepared Kitzbühel Snow Polo Arena for the Austrian tournament of the year.

Kitzbühel has be blanketed with a record-breaking amount of fresh snow, perfectly preparing the pristine arena for this year’s tournament and ensuring spectators and players will be greeted with what can only be described as an Alpine winter wonderland on arrival.

After world famous introduction to the press and general public on Thursday 17th January, the teams will commence this year’s competition with the first round of matches on Friday 18th January, with this year’s event set to be bigger and better than ever before. The VIP tent will be the grandest ever seen in Kitzbühel and will host the glamorous and renowned invitation only Gala Night on Saturday evening.

For another year running, the competition will host a renowned and faithful collection of sponsors supporting this long-standing event. Bendura Bank lead the sponsor’ board, joining the other distinguished team sponsors Bernd Gruber, Engel & Völkers, Corum and Maserati, as well as a new addition for 2019, Cîroc Vodka, welcoming snow polo fans. 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.

VIP tickets for this three-day polo and party spectacular are available from www.kitzbuehelpolo.com

 

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

Thursday 17th January

3.30pm: Captain’s Meeting at Hotel zur Tenne (by invitation only)

5pm: Team Presentations in front of the Hotel zur Tenne

7pm: Welcome Party at the Casino Kitzbühel (by invitation only for players, sponsors and officials)

 

Friday 18th January

11.30am: Corum vs Bendura Bank

12.45pm: Engel & Völkers vs Maserati

2pm: Bernd Gruber vs Cîroc Vodka

8pm: Team Captain Dinner at Kitzbühel Country Club (by invitation only)

11pm: Take 5 Polo Club Night

 

Saturday 19th January

11.30am: Cîroc Vodka vs Maserati

12.45pm: Corum vs Bernd Gruber

2pm: Bendura Bank vs Engel & Völkers

8pm: Polo Players Night in the VIP Tent (by invitation only/information via Lifestyle Events: info@kitzbuehelpolo.com)

 

Sunday 20th January

11.30am: Match for 5th and 6th place

12.45pm: Kitzbühel Country Club Cup Finals for 3rd and 4th place

2pm: 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)

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 (10):

Eckhardt Juls (0/GER)

Patrick Maleitzke (4/GER)

Juan Ruiz-Guiñazú (6/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 starts on Thursday 17th January, with the team presentations at Hotel zur Tenne in the heart of Kitzbühel village. Following this time-honoured start, matches will get 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 Tel + 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

All articles loaded
No more articles to load

POLO+10 PLAYERS LIST

For players only: The biggest players data base in the world. Subscribe now and receive invitations to polo tournaments all over the world.
Subscribe to POLO+10 Newsletter
Newsletter Subscriptions *(Required)

POLO+10 REAL ESTATE

POLO+10 PUBLISHES YOUR TOURNAMENT MAGAZINE!

Would you like to have your own magazine for your tournament?

Feel free to contact us!
POLO+10 produces your tournament magazine.

Please write to
hello@poloplus10.com