TANG POLO CLUB PENNINSULA RESIDENCES ARENA POLO TOURNAMENT
On April 20th the Tang Polo Club opened its season by hosting the much awaited indoor arena polo tournament. The annual tournament was sponsored this year by the Peninsula Residences, and it was their first time ever sponsoring a polo event. The tournament was a one day event battled out between two teams, the Peninsula Residences and Tang Polo. Each team was made up of three local Chinese players, whose performances showcased the increasing talent of the players in China.
The day included numerous activities and fun things to do for all members and guests including stick and ball games on the field with small polo sticks, opportunities to meet the horses, a dressage formation riding exhibition and a lovely ‘Asado’ inspired gala dinner to end the day.
The highlight of the day however was the indoor arena tournament. The tournament consisted of four chukkas with a short break after the second chukka. Spectators watched the match from the viewing area of the boutique art hotel. The international standard size indoor polo arena (5,600 square meters) is the only one of its kind in China.
The match kicked off quickly with Bielike of the Tang Polo team scoring within the first 20 seconds, but the score was quickly evened out with BaoYin of the Peninsula Residences team scoring directly after. The first chukka ended with a 2 all draw. The second chukka started off very much the same as the first, with Tang scoring within the first 20 seconds and then Liu Nan (one of China’s leading players) scoring directly after. The end of the second chukka saw the Peninsula Residences team leading 5 to 4. The third chukka started a bit more slowly, however Chaogetu of the Tang Team scored a beautiful hat trick bringing his team back in the lead with a score of 7 to 5. The last chukka of the day was full of suspense as the Peninsula Residence’s player Deligen scored two goals within the first 2 minutes bringing the score to 7 all. Peninsula was given an on the spot penalty hit in the last minute of the match which brought them to win the tournament with a score of 8 goals to 7, a very close match indeed.
The fast pace and high number of goals scored reflects the growing talent and potential of China’s players. The tournament and day as a whole were enjoyed by all and was a great start to the 2013 China polo season.