China goes from strength to strength ………
The FIP Super Nations at the Metropolitan Polo Club, in Tianjin, China, was held from 1st to 5th October. The event was superbly organised and the officials had gone to considerable lengths to supply a high standard of horses to all the players. We also had a chance to practise on the impressive new field which will be fully operational next year.
The event was more spectacular and with greater visitor numbers than previous years. Although only four teams, the 24 goal polo is very competitive and, with such large prize money, the stakes are high for financial gain as well as national pride.
The 23 goal England team of Tom Morley, Jack Richardson, Max Charlton and myself was almost identical to the Fox and Hounds Queen’s Cup team with Max Charlton playing instead of Max Routledge. And to the Audi team at Beaufort with just the change of Tom Morley instead of James Harper. So we were all well used to working together. Tom proved as always an excellent, positive and supportive captain, and Alan Kent was hugely valuable as coach.
With a tough match against the four six-goaler side of Argentina, we were happy to get through and qualify for the final. We knew we had to perform at our best against a confident Hong Kong team led by John Paul Clarkin, hoping to repeat their win over England last year. On a hot, sunny day in front of an enthusiastic crowd, we managed to be level at 5-5 at half time. However, we let Hong Kong get ahead in the 4th chukka, with John Paul getting strong support from Argentines Lucas Lalor, Santiago Cernades and local Metropolitan professional John Fisher. Despite pulling back in the final chukka, unfortunately we never managed to close the gap created in the 4th. With five field goals scored between Jack and myself and three penalties scored by Tom, we ended on 8 goals to Hong Kong’s 11. John Paul deservedly won MVP.
The emergence of polo in China is extremely exciting and we expect to see it continue to grow and I very much hope to be flying out there to compete there regularly over the next years.
Let’s hope for an England win next year ….
George Meyrick
Professional Polo Player
Twitter @GeorgeMeyrick
Facebook/GeorgeMeyrick