The 2012 Russian Open – Moscow Polo Club
On the 25th August, Moscow Polo Club held the 7th Russian Open, sponsored by long-term club sponsors Jaguar – Land Rover and for the first time ever, the Final match was comprised of six chukkas. The weather was warm with clouds, but no rain and a very green field offered excellent playing conditions. The hotly contested match was between the Land Rover team and the home Moscow Polo Club, which pooled the club resources of ponies and players.
Prior to the match, Moscow Polo Club’s Argentine professional Hernan Taverso put on a riding and technique clinic, there was a parade of polo ponies and a group of novice players showed the large crowd that polo was easy to learn!
Land Rover were the heavy favourites, but Moscow Polo Club jumped to an early 3-1 lead in the first chukka with brilliant play by Hernan Traverso and his speedy grey pony “Rocket”. By the end of the second chukka, Land Rover had recovered their focus and pulled ahead 4-3. The third was again dominated by Land Rover and the teams left the field at half time with Land Rover leading 8-4 after two goals from club President Alexis Rodzianko and pinpoint penalties by Alejandro Traverso.
After the crowd had taken to the field for some treading-in, the teams returned and Land Rover seemed to be in a trance as they watched Moscow Polo Club draw to within one goal at 11-10 by the end of the fifth. Hernan was outstanding, seemingly scoring at will from the most improbable locations with long, accurate shots. He was well supported by his teammates, who fought hard. Scores from Egor Zaostrovtsev and Misha Rodzianko (the highest handicapped Russian Player at 2 goals) in the final chukka sealed the championship for Land Rover, 13 to 10.
Best player honours went to Moscow Polo Club’s Hernan Traverso, who played brilliantly throughout the match, leading his team on both attack and defence. He was responsible for 6 of his teams 10 goals and saved at least another 5 on the field! Hernan was presented with a trophy and a weekend for two at the Castel Monastero in Tuscany.
Veteran polo pony Monja (played by Alexis Rodzianko) won Best Playing Pony. Now aged 15, Monja was one of the first ponies to arrive at the club in 2003.
The event, which is the most important tournament of the Russian polo season attracted many spectators who enjoyed wonderful cocktails by club sponsors Beluga Vodka… After the prize-giving, players and friends stayed for an asado and were treated to a parade of hot air balloons which floated over the polo field from the nearby balloonists club.
Land Rover
Alexis Rodzianko