2012 Berlin “Engel & Voelkers Berlin Maifeld Cupâ€
World Class Polo found its way back to one of the worlds most historic and prestigious grounds for the “Engel & Voelkers Berlin Maifeld Cup 2012.†Blessed by blue skies eight international High Goal Teams took the stage in front of more than 20,000 spectators over the weekend of the 11th – 12th of August, 2012 on the Maifeld in the Olympic Park Berlin.
Even though only one team emerged to victory, the entire weekend of High Goal Polo was a true success for the German Capital, Spectators, Sponsors, Players, and the Organization. The event was made open to the public free of charge, as many gathered enjoying the oldest team sport in the world. The event included many attractions besides action packed matches, such as family friendly activities and entertainment.
In the finals for the German High Goal Championship 2012 the defending Champion Engel & Voelkers was able to recapture the title in a breathtaking final against Team Champagne Lanson with a final score of 8:6. Team Engel & Voelkers featured 3 returning players from the previous year in Team Captain Christopher Kirsch (+4 Hndc, Germany), James Miller (+1 Hndc, USA), Gaston Maiquez (+6 Hndc, Argentina), and the newest member of the team and youngest participating player Lukas Sdrenka (+1 Hndc, Germany). Team Champagne Lanson featured Team Captain Harald Link (+0 Hndc, Germany, Sterling Mc Gregor (+2, Australia), Andrew Hine (+5 Hndc, England) and Martin Inchauspe (+5 Hndc, Argentina).
In the runners up Cup (Tom Tailor Polo Trophy), the Team Samsung was able to emerge as winner against the Team Land Rover. Team Samsung featured Moritz Gaedeke (+3 Hndc, Germany), Jo Schneider (+0 Hndc, Germany), his son Sven Schneider (+3 Hndc, Germnay, and Gerardo Mazzini (+6 Hndc, Argentina). Team Land Rover featured to family names in the line up with German Actor Heino Ferch (+0 Hndc, Germany), his wife MJ Ferch (+0 Hndc, Germany), highest Handicapt player in the tournament Martin Garrahan (+7 Hndc, Argentina), and his nephew Nacho Garrahan (+4 Hndc, Argentina).
Most valuable Player of the tournament went to Jo Schneider from the Team Samsung. He was given a “Frederique Constant†watch by Lutz Reuer Jewlers. Joe Schneider being one of the few players to have already played on the Maifeld in the early 90’s and clearly showcased his experience in this tournament.
Gaston Maiquez was not only part of the winning Team for the second consecutive year, as his horse “Extatica†was crowned best playing pony and handed a Horse cover by Casablanca Polo.
We are proud to announce that the German High Goal Championship will return to the Maifeld in 2013, showcasing the growth of this unique sport in Germany.
Final Rankings:
1. Engel & Voelkers (+12) 2. Champagne Lanson (+12)
Lukas Sdrenka (+1, D) Harald Link (0, D)
James Miller (+1, USA) Andrew Hine (+5, GB)
Gastón MaÃquez (+6, RA) Martin Inchauspe (+5, RA)
Christopher Kirsch (+4, D) Sterling Mc Gregor (+2, GB)
3. Allianz Kundler (+12) 4. BSS (+12)
Nico Wollenberg (+1, D) Dr. Piero Dillier (0, CH)
Gery de Cloedt (+2, B) Paul Netzsch (+1, D)
Marcos Riglos (+5, RA) Lucas Labat (+7, RA)
Marcelo Caivano (+4, RA) Miguel Diaz (+4, RA)