USA Overcome Argentina to Claim Third Place in the Fortune Heights Super Nations Cup

Tianjin, China, October 4, 2013 – For the second year running Argentina faced the USA in the final phase of the Fortune Heights Super Nations Cup, but this time the two polo powerhouses had to content themselves with the subsidiary spoils ahead of tomorrow’s grand final between England and Hong Kong China.

Nevertheless, last year’s losing finalists the USA, starring 2012’s MVP Mike Azzaro, were determined to win back pride by claiming third spot ahead of Argentina, so the stage was set for another thrilling contest at the Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club.

The biggest crowds of the tournament so far saw the USA just edge the opening trio of chukkas, going in at halftime 6 goals to Argentina’s 4. A carnival atmosphere reigned during the break as spectators took to the field to observe the great polo tradition of treading in the divots. Zhang Xiao Tong, a 12-year old polo fan from Tianjin, had come with his parents to enjoy the day’s action. “I want Argentina to win,” said Zhang, who was visiting Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club for the second time, having enjoyed the final of the Snow Polo World Cup earlier in the year. Could Zhang be one of the future stars of Chinese polo? “I like polo, I think it’s exciting, and the players look really cool,” said Zhang. “I play table tennis and basketball, but I would like to try polo too.”

Unfortunately for young Zhang, it was the USA, not Argentina, who came out the strongest in the second half of play, but failure to convert two unobstructed charges at goal meant the fourth chukka ended with the teams evenly balanced and the score 7 – 5 to the Americans. Showing perfect composure in front of goal, USA scored twice in the opening minute and a half of the fifth chukka, stretching their lead to four goals. Argentina pulled back a stunning strike after three minutes courtesy of Michel Dorignac, but USA’s Mike Azzaro responded with a smart backhand goal, his fifth score of the game, to snuff out Argentina’s search for momentum.

Going into the final chukka trailing by 7 goals to 11, Argentina dug deep and kicked on, but there were to be no last gasp heroics today. The USA proved their quality and strength, winning the match 13 – 8 and claiming third place in the Fortune Heights Super Nations Cup 2013.

All eyes now turn to tomorrow’s final, the deciding contest of the Fortune Heights Super Nations Cup 2013. Can the Tomlinson brothers lead England to victory or will Hong Kong China give the home fans something to cheer about? One thing’s for sure; if the grand final is anything like the fantastic polo experienced so far, it will be a day to remember.

Daily polo matches are contested as follows:
Tuesday, 1 October 2013
Result:    England vs USA    14-13

Wednesday, 2 October 2013
Result:    Hong Kong China vs. Argentina    10-9

Friday, 4 October 2013
Result:    USA vs. Argentina    13-8

The tournament schedule will continue as follows:–
                                                                               

Information on Fortune Heights Super Nations Cup 2013
Gate opens: 1pm
Match Time: 2pm

Address: 16 Hai Tai Hua Ke Ju Lu Bin Hai Gao Xin Qu, Tianjin, China
Official website: supernationscup.com
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