FIP XI Polo World Championship – 17-29 October 2017
By Peter Hunter
A competitive 14 goal England Team has been announced by the HPA for Sydney this month:
1. Satnam Dhillon 5
2. Henry Porter 2
3. Peter Webb 5
Bk. Josh Cook 2
Ed Banner-Eve 2 Reserve
England, currently ranked 5th in the world, have never won the World Championships, but came runner up in 1989 and 2004, receiving a bronze medal in 1992 and 1998.
England also narrowly missed the top three in 1995, 2001 and 2015.
England are playing on the Sunday 22nd, Wednesday 25th, Saturday 28th October and if they make it into the top four they play on Sunday 29th October 2017.
The other 7 teams to qualify are starting to name their Teams:
Argentina has qualified in eight out of 11 World Championship. They won in 1987, 1992, 1998 and 2011. They placed in 1989, 1995 and 2001.
Argentina plays on Saturday 21st, Tuesday 24th, Saturday 28th and if they make it into the top four they play on Sunday the 29th October.
Australia have named Jack Archibald to be Captain of thelr Team and several more players to choose from.
Holders Chile won last time in 2015 and ln 2008.
Chile also won the bronze in 2004, silver in 1992 and fourth place in 1989.
Chile play on Sunday 22nd, Wednesday 25th, Saturday 28th and if they make it into the top four they play on Sunday 29th October.
India play on Sunday 22nd, Wednesday 25th, Saturday 28th and if they make it into the top four they play on Sunday the 29th October.
Spain, ranked 9th in the world, came fourth in 1987 and in 2008.
Spain ls playing Saturday 21st, Tuesday 24th, Saturday 28th and if they make it into the top four they play on Sunday 29th October.
New Zealand has qualified for the first time and play on Sunday 22nd, Wednesday 25th, Saturday 28th and if in the top four they play on Sunday 29th October.
The USA won in 1989 and were second in 2015, losing in overtime. In 1998, the 5th World Championships were held at Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club, California.
The USA play on Saturday 21st, Tuesday 24th, Saturday 28th and if they make it into the top four they play on Sunday 29th October.