In unique circumstances Team E.I. Sturdza Investments Funds and Team SIR, new to the tournament this year, have tied in first place and will share the 2015 Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad Trophy.

Following much deliberation from the tournament officials the decision was made to change the format of the final of the Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad. Taking into consideration the safety of the players and ponies, the waterlogged pitch was deemed too dangerous to play a competitive match.

The crowds were not left unsatisfied, the announcement was made the final would be replaced by a 4-chukka exhibition match. The four team-patrons and the four best players of the tournament were split into two teams to play in a non-competitive manner.

One of tournament’s referees, Tony Keyte commented, “The pitch was too waterlogged to play a safe match and our top priority is the safety of the horses and the safety of the players. The decision was discussed at length with the players and the committee and everyone agreed an exhibition match would be the best option to replace the final.”

Pierre Genecand, President of the event, kicked off the exhibition match in true glamourous style, flying in on a Swift Copters helicopter to present the match ball. The unusual conclusion for the 20th edition of the Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad left spectators thoroughly entertained, as they witnessed some of world’s top polo players exhibiting their intricate skills.

The teams remained head-to-head throughout each chukka until the final whistle blew with a finishing score of 7 – 7. The best play of the match was undoubtedly the impressive teamwork between Hublot Polo Gold Cup favourite, Eduardo Menendez (ARG) – who is competing in the tournament for the 16th time – and home favourite Michael Brüggler (SUI); an aerial shot from Menendez opened up the field for Brüggler to accelerate down the pitch, and strike a powerful shot cleanly through the posts. Gasps echoed among the crowds at the unbelievable display of talent from both players.

The third place play-off was decided by penalties. Team Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza SA beat Team Gstaad Palace 5 – 4 to take third place position at the 20th edition of the tournament.

Team Gstaad Palace patron, Cedric Schweri (SUI), stepped up to take the first penalty, a smooth strike guided the ball cleanly through the posts, putting the first point on the score board. Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza SA had a chance to take the lead as Chris Falk (USA) approached the penalty spot, despite an accurate placement he was denied a goal due to his ball falling just short of the line. The highest handicapped player of the tournament, 8 goal, Olavo Novaes (BRA), asked the umpire to use his personally chosen ball and took his time arranging its position before the strike. With a high flick shot the ball soared through the centre of the posts, securing the lead for Team Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza SA. A wide shot form six goal player, Marcelo Pascual (ARG), meant it was all over for Team Gstaad Palace who finish the tournament in 4th place.

Off the field the 20th anniversary of the Hublot Polo Gold Cup celebrations continued. Spectators were wowed by the magnificent air display from Fly 7 Executive Aviation. It featured the Buecker Jungmann 131, designed and built in Germany in 1936, this Buecker is especially important to Switzerland as it was the first one to join the Swiss Army’s Air Force. To conclude the tournament a traditional Swiss-themed parade took place to mark the heritage of the tournaments home country.

To view the video click here

Notes to editors:

• The Polo Club Gstaad sincerely thanks the co-sponsors of the event: McLAREN GENEVA, FLY 7, NESPRESSO, RUGENBRÄU, GSTAAD-SAANENLAND TOURISMUS, EQUESTRIO, PERRIER-JOUET and VICOMTE-A.
• The Polo Club Gstaad was founded in 1995 and the first polo tournament was held in 1996
• In polo, handicaps vary from -2 to +10 (+10 being the best level). Only a few players, all Argentinians, have a +10 handicap
• The Polo Village will be open on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 11am onwards

French and German copy available on request.

For all further information, please do not hesitate to contact:

ComPeaR Sports Management
Mrs Magali Dubois Vaucher,  press@pologstaad.ch | Tel: +41 78  608 03 23

Polo Club Gstaad
Mrs Marianna Nagyova, info@pologstaad.ch  | Tel: +41 33 744 07 40

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Hublot Polo Gold Cup, some of the world’s elite Polo players will gather once again in Gstaad, Switzerland, in August for a weekend of Top Sport. Amongst the participants in this year’s edition, four teams will battle it out for the coveted Trophy: Team Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza led by their captain Cedric Schweri (SUI), Team E.I. Sturdza Investment Funds headed by their captain Mohammed El SEWEDY (EGY), Team Gstaad Palace led by Michael Brüggler (SUI) and finally Team SIR and their captain Andreas Tombor (HUN).

The composition of the teams and the level of the players have been assembled to be as homogenous as possible to provide the attending spectators with an impressive display of skills and fiercely disputed matches. For this exceptional Jubilee, Presided by Pierre E. Genecand, the main theme of the event will feature Switzerland and its traditions. In a typical Helvetic ambiance, the programme features four days of intensive sport and a multitude of attractions.

The kick-off of the celebrations will begin on Thursday August 13th, with the opening of the official village and of the ensuing qualifying matches. The traditional and spectacular Grand parade will take place on Friday 14th of August at 4pm, where all the Polo players proceed on horseback through the streets of Gstaad. On Saturday the 15th August, matches resume as of 1pm with the semi-finals. To celebrate with due dignity this 20th Anniversary, festivities will commence early with the first polo match at 11am followed by an exceptional parade, marching bands, aerial show and many other surprises will await the attending viewers. The tournament Final will start at 3pm. In keeping with the theme of local traditions, the entire organising committee and all their guests will be proudly wearing traditional Swiss attires! Festivities are also part of the programme of this 20th edition, and Saturday evening the famous Polo Night will take place in the VIP tent and will continue late into the night.

As every year, this Polo Tournament is open to the public and is free of charge.

A special child care facility “Kinder-Paradise” offering lots of fun activities will be open on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, from 11am until 5.30pm, to allow kids and parents to enjoy the show and have a great time.

Once again, many leading brands will be present in Gstaad for this international Polo tournament, starting with Hublot, loyal partner since 2008. Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza SA, Gstaad Palace Hotel, E.I. Sturdza Investment Funds and SIR are this year’s teams sponsors.

So don’t miss it! Come join us in celebrating the 20th Anniversary of this exclusive Tournament, the Hublot Polo Gold Cup, on the lands adjacent to the Gstaad-Saanen airport, from the 13th to the 16th August.

The whole team of the Polo Club Gstaad is already hard at work with the preparations for the upcoming special edition. The event is celebrating its 20^th anniversary this year from 13^th  to 16^th  August on Gstaad – Saanen airport fields.

On this occasion, the program on Sunday has been revised to leave even more space for entertainment as well as high level sport.

We will have the pleasure to be supported by some of the most prestigious brands, this year again: Hublot, Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza, E. I. Sturdza Investment Funds, McLaren Geneva, Gstaad Palace, Vicomte A., Perrier Jouët champagne and Dunhill to name but a few.

Some of the most important Patrons have already composed their team and will join us again as Team Captains. No doubt that they will bring the best polo professionals with them to try and win the coveted trophy of the 20^th anniversary.

Stay tuned for more exciting news!

Polo Gstaad Team

The glorious sun began to shine just in time for the conclusion of the Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad Tournament. Team E.I. Sturdza Investment Funds played spectacular polo to steal the title away from last year’s winners Team Gstaad Palace in a stunning final, winning by 5 goals to 3. The game was a fierce battle from start to finish. Both teams showed their sheer determination, as the riders and ponies jostled for the upper hand. Eduardo Menendez (ARG) displayed his envious skill, producing two impressive goals to give Team E.I. Sturdza Investment Funds an early lead. Team Gstaad Palace stepped their game up a gear in the 3rd chukka, creating some notable chances, only to be denied the rewards due to three unbelievable on-the-line blocks from Frankie Menendez (ARG). Victory was in sight for Team E.I. Sturdza Investment Funds as they entered the 4th chukka with a five-goal lead. However Team Gstaad Palace showed they were not willing to give up their title without a fight. Jeronimo Fanelli (ARG) scored three breathtaking goals to bring Team Gstaad Palace back into contention with two minutes still on the clock. The unstoppable combination of the Menendez brothers, who have been playing together since they were three years old, proved just a little too much for Team Gstaad Palace as Team E.I. Sturdza Investment Funds secured the victory and was crowned champion of the Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad Tournament. The third place play off was decided by penalties, due to a waterlogged pitch as result of an excessive downpour of rain throughout Saturday evening. The atmosphere was tense for this unusual determining of 3rd and 4th place. Team Vicomte A.’s patron Michael Bruggler (SUI) stepped up to take the first penalty with a hard hit, allowing the ball to travel cleanly through the posts. This set the trend as Team Vicomte A. kept their lead in all three rounds. Team Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza SA stayed hot on their rival’s heels, trailing by just a single goal as they entered the final round. One shot away from victory Juan de Ezcurra (ARG) took his time, creating suspense among the spectators, an impressive strike through the posts, took his team to victory. The final score was 9 goals to 5.

The spectators at the Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad tournament were treated with two captivating semi-final matches on the third day of an action packed tournament. Team Gstaad Palace beat Team Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza SA, in what could be argued the hardest fought match of the tournament so far, with a final score of 7-5.5. In the second semi-final, despite a noble fight from Team Vicomte A., it was Team E.I. Sturdza Investment Funds who came out on top with a winning score of 7-4.5.

Team Gstaad Palace will now face Team E.I. Sturdza Investment Funds in what is set to be a tense final at 15:00 to determine which Team will be crowned the Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad 2014 Champion. Team Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza SA play Team Vicomte A. in the 3rd place playoff at 13:30.L’équipe Gstaad Palace a battu l’équipe Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza SA avec un score de 7 à 5.5, dans ce qui aura été, jusqu’à présent, le match le plus serré du tournoi. Dans la deuxième demi-finale malgré une belle combattivité, le team Vicomte A. voyait la victoire leur échapper et revenir à l’équipe E.I. Sturdza Investment Funds.

Crowds of fun loving spectators from around the world have descended upon the picturesque village of Gstaad for a weekend of world-class polo and entertainment at the Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad Tournament.

The opening day saw the glorious sun shining down on the homogenous playing field, which has remained in perfect condition despite the recent wet weather. The qualifying matches have set the bar high for what is going to be an action packed weekend. Team Gstaad Palace faced Team Vicomte A. to kick-start the tournament in style with some incredible skill from both teams. Team Gstaad Palace took it up a notch to gain a 9-7.5 lead and claim their first victory of this year’s tournament.

A tightly fought match between Team Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza SA and Team E. I. Sturdza Investment Funds had the crowds hooked with both teams battling for the lead. Both the Menendez brothers made an early impression in this prestigious Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad Tournament carrying Team E. I. Sturdza Investment Funds to triumph.

Thursday night concluded with an asado, a traditional Argentinian BBQ, welcoming players, partners and petiseros for a post match feast at the polo showground cooked by the chefs of Gstaad Palace.

Friday saw the player’s parade on their horses through the streets of Gstaad, followed by socialising with the crowds, sponsors and VIP guests alike at the Hublot cocktail.

Saturday’s matches look set to thrill, as all four teams will vie for a place in the esteemed Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad final. The semi-finals begin at 13:30 on the Gstaad Saanen airport fields followed by the much-awaited Gala evening.

After a very friendly and animated Captain’s meeting held at the Gstaad Palace, the long wait came to an end. All teams and horses have arrived, more motivated, than ever.

The draw decided that Team Gstaad Palace would face Team Vicomte A. in the first match, at 13:30.

The second match at 15:00 will bring together Team Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza SA & Team E. I. Sturdza Investment Funds.

Best wishes to all players and horses. May the sport be great, and may fair-play rule.

Argentinian sun should shine on Gstaad this weekend for the traditional polo tournament, supported by Hublot. The organisers are looking forward to welcoming some of the world’s best polo players to Gstaad-Saanen airport fields for a closely-fought competition.

This year again, big names of the sport have been announced by the 4 teams :

The famous Argentinian brothers Eduardo and Frankie Menendez (hcp 6) will play for Egyptian captain Mohammed El Sewedi (hcp 2) and will, notably, contend with fellow Argentinian players Marcelo Pascual (hcp 6), Silvestre Fanelli (hcp 4) and his brother Jeronimo Fanelli (hcp 5).

The competition will be held over 4 days with matches on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Exciting enlivenments will brighten up the weekend, such as the horses and players’ parade, through Gstaad, on Friday at 4pm.

The official village will open on Thursday August 21st at 11:00. Qualifier matches will start at 13 :30. The level of all 4 teams being very consistent, the competition promises to be keenly contested.

Since its early beginnings in 1996, the Gstaad Polo Club event is by now well established on the European Polo circuit tour and in 2014, will once again welcome some of the world’s top players, including tournament regulars Eduardo and Frankie Menendez (ARG).

In this unique mountainous setting, matches take place on the fields of Gstaad Saanen Airport, which are meticulously kept and maintained year-round for the sole purpose of offering the best possible surface quality for the 3 days of this Polo event. Amongst the many prestigious partners who continue to support the event are Hublot — title sponsor since 2008, Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza SA, E.I. Sturdza Investment Funds, Gstaad Palace, Vicomte A., McLaren Geneva, Perrier Jouët, Dunhill and Nespresso.

Each year, the event attracts well over 6000 spectators attending the free admission matches as well as the festive Players Parade on Friday afternoon in the streets of Gstaad. The VIP tent welcomes over a thousand connoisseurs with treats for the eyes and palate, tastefully orchestrated by the chefs of Gstaad Palace who prepare gourmet meals for guests. The long awaited Saturday Gala Night, organised in the VIP tent, remains one of the highlights of the event. Among the entertainers, Silvan Zingg, one of the greatest Boogie-Woogie pianists in Europe will be sure to get guests up on their feet. The evening will continue until the early hours as the DJs of the infamous GreenGo night club in Gstaad relocates for this annual one night do.

In 2013, Team Gstaad Palace narrowly beat Team Hublot after an intense and thrilling match. What will be the outcome in 2014? Date and destination set – 21st-24th August, Gstaad!