http://www.polostmoritz.com/ Polo St. Moritz news de http://www.polostmoritz.com/fileadmin/images/wi/layout/logo.png http://www.polostmoritz.com/ 150 173 Polo St. Moritz news TYPO3 - get.content.right http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Mon, 28 Jan 2013 14:30:00 +0100 http://www.polostmoritz.com/en/world-cup-on-snow/media/media-releases/media-releases/news/Polospiele_der_Extraklasse_Cartier_gewinnt_den_St_Moritz_Polo_World_Cup_on_Snow_2013.html?cHash=6b3d75d92eac60efc432f6c64907de62 St. Moritz, 27 January 2013 – Between Thursday and Sunday, St. Moritz was the venue for some...
Bernhard Pöllinger, Head of Sports & Infrastructure at St. Moritz Polo Corporation, is very pleased with the outcome of the St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow. “We’ve never seen so much extra time. Each of the teams gave the others no leeway whatsoever – this was polo at its absolute best, and we had some extremely well-matched teams. Each and every one of them could have been the winner! The mood on the pitch and in the village was outstanding, and the tournament was a complete success. I would like to thank everyone for their support – from the sponsors to all the helping hands in the background.”

Match report: victory through stamina and team spirit
Jonathan Munro Ford's Cartier team, featuring three British professionals, won the St Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow today, after beating BMW in the final, 5-4. Having lost to BMW yesterday, the Cartier side came out fighting and went on to win the coveted Cartier Trophy.

Cartier's Chris Hyde, who was named the World Polo Tour most valuable player, worked his magic in the first half, helping his team secure a 5-1 lead by half time. However, BMW started to come back in the second half and Cartier had to fight hard to keep them out of the picture.

Both sides had a quiet first chukka, with Cartier scoring the only goal of the chukka - a penalty conversion by Hyde. However, come the second chukka, the game really started to hot up. Following another penalty conversion, Hyde received a brilliant hit up field by teammate Max Charlton and with controlled precision Hyde put the ball between the posts. Nacho Gonzalez then followed this up with the team's fourth goal. Finally, Lucas Labat managed to get a goal on the scoreboard for BMW, converting a difficult 40-yard penalty. But Hyde, who was on outstanding from, and 22-year-old Charlton came flying into action to secure another goal before half time.

To the spectators in the packed stands, it looked as though it was already all over for BMW. Although BMW had beaten Cartier just 24 hours earlier, Cartier had clearly changed their tactics for the final. BMW's three Argentine pros - Bautista Ortiz de Urbina, Lucas Labat and Ignacio Tillous - were still as strong as the day before but it was Cartier's defence that shut them down and denied them vital opportunities at goal. However, after some exchanged words at half time, BMW came back out with some renewed energy and better play. Labat and Tillous made a perfect play and, getting past Gonzalez, Tillous put the ball between the posts. BMW patron Andreas Knapp Voith could have had his moment of glory after having possession of the ball right in front of goal, but he fluffed it and the ball went out of play. All was not lost though as Urbina slotted the ball through the posts before the end of the third chukka.

With Urbina then scoring again at the start of the final chukka, it was starting to look dangerous for Cartier. They had let their foot off the gas in the third chukka and needed to work hard to prevent BMW from scoring the equaliser. And they did just that, with neither BMW or Cartier managing to score again, Cartier could let out a sigh of relief - and celebrate their win. "The final was unbelievable," Cartier's Nacho Gonzalez said. "We got away in the first two chukkas but I just knew they were going to come back and they did. But we got there in the end. We changed our tactics after losing yesterday - Max and Chris put more pressure on them when they were hitting in and I started running back more and picking up the runners. We played a great game."

"It was an absolutely fantastic final," Jonathan Munro Ford added. "Everything we wanted to do panned out and we are over the moon. I certainly hope to come back next year."

The polo village with a range of attractions
The tournament also offered a range of different attractions off the playing field. The polo village with its various show tents, from Veuve Clicquot, 1724 Tonic Water, Nespresso, the Ender Sport Polo Shop, BMW, Gulfstream and the Casino St. Moritz, was a popular meeting point for polo fans and horse lovers, tourists and locals alike.

Fund-raising for a children’s charity
At the St. Moritz Polo Gala Night, Christoph Richterich from St. Moritz Polo Corporation and sponsors Ralph Lauren, Cartier, BMW and Sal. Oppenheim handed over a donation to the value of CHF 40,000 to the charity BEYOND, whose patrons are Tina Turner, Regula Curti and Dechen Shak-Dagsay. BEYOND uses its proceeds to support intercultural, peace-promoting projects in the areas of education and research as well as projects for children, mothers and women in distress. The Giuvaulta institution was the beneficiary of this year’s charity campaign. The school, which is based in Domleschg (Graubünden), looks after mentally and physically handicapped children and adults  (http://www.giuvaulta.ch).

Special awards
Other special awards were also handed out during the St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow.

• Richard Davis from Sal. Oppenheim was named the Most Valuable Player at the St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow 2013 by St. Moritz Polo AG.
• Legenda (9 years old), an Argentine mare, ridden by Bautista Ortiz de Urbina from BMW and owned by Andreas Knapp Voith, was named Best Playing Pony of the St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow 2013 by Veuve Clicquot.
• Chris Hyde from Cartier was named the World Polo Tour Most Valuable Professional Player (WPT MVP) for January 2013 by World Polo Tour.
• Richard Davis from Sal. Oppenheim was named the World Polo Tour Most Valuable Amateur Player (WPT MVP) for January 2013 by World Polo Tour.
• Nacho Figueras from Ralph Lauren was named the Most Trendy/Chic Polo Player of the St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow 2013 by Veuve Clicquot.

Download Press Release as a PDF file]]> Media-News Mon, 28 Jan 2013 14:30:00 +0100 http://www.polostmoritz.com/en/world-cup-on-snow/media/media-releases/media-releases/news/Translate_to_English_Cartier_win_29th_St_Moritz_Polo_World_Cup_in_Snow.html?cHash=fc91b74e967d0c3d7ad14f0d4c7cf753 Jonathan Munro Ford's Cartier team, featuring three British professionals, won the St Moritz Polo...
Both sides had a quiet first chukka, with Cartier scoring the only goal of the chukka - a penalty conversion by Hyde. However, come the second chukka, the game really started to hot up. Following another penalty conversion, Hyde received a brilliant hit up field by teammate Max Charlton and with controlled precision Hyde put the ball between the posts. Nacho Gonzalez then followed this up with the team's fourth goal. Finally, Lucas Labat managed to get a goal on the scoreboard for BMW, converting a difficult 40-yard penalty. But Hyde, who was on outstanding from, and 22-year-old Charlton came flying into action to secure another goal before half time.

To the spectators in the packed stands, it looked as though it was already all over for BMW. Although BMW had beaten Cartier just 24 hours earlier, Cartier had clearly changed their tactics for the final. BMW's three Argentine pros - Bautista Ortiz de Urbina, Lucas Labat and Ignacio Tillous - were still as strong as the day before but it was Cartier's defence that shut them down and denied them vital opportunities at goal.

However, after some exchanged words at half time, BMW came back out with some renewed energy and better play. Labat and Tillous made a perfect play and, getting past Gonzalez, Tillous put the ball between the posts. BMW patron Andreas Knapp Voith could have had his moment of glory after having possession of the ball right in front of goal, but he fluffed it and the ball went out of play. All was not lost though as Urbina slotted the ball through the posts before the end of the third chukka.

With Urbina then scoring again at the start of the final chukka, it was starting to look dangerous for Cartier. They had let their foot off the gas in the third chukka and needed to work hard to prevent BMW from scoring the equaliser. And they did just that, with neither BMW or Cartier managing to score again, Cartier could let out a sigh of relief - and celebrate their win.

"The final was unbelievable," Cartier's Nacho Gonzalez said. "We got away in the first two chukkas but I just knew they were going to come back and they did. But we got there in the end. We changed our tactics after losing yesterday - Max and Chris put more pressure on them when they were hitting in and I started running back more and picking up the runners. We played a great game."

"It was an absolutely fantastic final," Jonathan Munro Ford added. "Everything we wanted to do panned out and we are over the moon. I certainly hope to come back next year."


Results

Sunday 27 January
2pm (Cartier Trophy):
Cartier beat BMW, 5-4
Chukka scores (Cartier): 1-0; 5-1; 5-3; 5-4
Cartier (18): Jonathan Munro Ford 0; Max Charlton 6; Nacho Gonzalez 6; Chris Hyde 6
BMW (18): Jan-Erik Franck (replacing Andreas Knapp Voith) 0; Bautista Ortiz de Urbina 6; Lucas Labat 6; Ignacio Tillous 6

Ranking
1st Cartier
2nd BMW
3rd Ralph Lauren
4th Sal. Oppenheim]]> Media-News World Cup News Mobile Channel Sun, 27 Jan 2013 17:38:00 +0100 http://www.polostmoritz.com/en/world-cup-on-snow/media/media-releases/media-releases/news/Ralph_Lauren_finish_third_after_winning_the_subsidiary_final.html?cHash=70eae3bf3a20df7fa3212d948c979613 Michael Bickford's Ralph Lauren team convincingly defeated Sal. Oppenheim 4-3 in this morning's...
Marcos Araya, who was yet again on fine form, scored a great field goal at the start of the second chukka, after running the ball all the way down the field and finishing it off with a accurate neck shot to goal. With no penalties in this chukka, the spectators had the pleasure of witnessing some fantastic open play.

Sal. Oppenheim's Eduardo Novillo Astrada was the standout member of his team today. Working with Tarquin Southwell, the pair appeared to be on course for goal, only for Morrison to swing in and save the goal. He stormed back up the field and passed to Nacho Figueras for the goal. But Novillo Astrada, who took a tumble in the first chukka, was lying in wait, stopping the ball from crossing the goal line. Then, a foul by Ralph Lauren gave away a spot hit, which Southwell successfully converted giving them their first goal of the day.

Sal. Oppenheim were still dragging heir feet in the third chukka. Another missed penalty and a crafty goal from Araya saw the team fall 3-1 behind. Things got worse at the start of the fourth after a foul gave Ralph Lauren an open 30-yard penalty, which Morrison converted with a great strike, putting them three goals ahead. The game could have swung back in Sal. Oppenheim's favour had they scored all five of the penalties that Ralph Lauren gave away. But Southwell only managed to convert two of them and, as the final bell rang, Ralph Lauren ran out the 4-3 winners.

Next up, at 2pm, Cartier will play BMW in the long awaited final.

Results

Sunday 27 January
11am (Deutsche Bank Trophy)
Ralph Lauren beat Sal. Oppenheim, 3-4
Chukka scores (Ralph Lauren): 1-0; 2-1; 3-1; 4-3
Ralph Lauren (18): Michael Bickford 1; Jamie Morrison 4; Nacho Figueras 6; Marcos Araya 7
Sal. Oppenheim (18): Richard Davis 0; Jonny Good 5; Eduardo Novillo Astrada 9; Tarquin Southwell 4 ]]> Media-News World Cup News Mobile Channel Sun, 27 Jan 2013 13:08:00 +0100 http://www.polostmoritz.com/en/world-cup-on-snow/media/media-releases/media-releases/news/Cartier_and_BMW_though_to_final_of_St_Moritz_Polo_World_Cup_on_Snow.html?cHash=3d5185e1e2d6a3ce2b268630990e7141 Following BMW's success this afternoon, they will face Cartier in tomorrow's final for the Cartier...
So, tomorrow we will see three British professionals face three Argentine professionals. Both patrons - Andreas Knapp Voith for BMW and Jonathan Munro Ford for Cartier - made their debut here in St Moritz this year. Munro Ford has one more game up his sleeve in terms of experience, having played all three of the league games while Knapp Voith sat out his first game due to injury.

Today's loss for Cartier will no doubt spur them on to play an even stronger game tomorrow. The six-goal Argentines - Bautista Ortiz de Urbina, Lucas Labat and Ignacio Tillous - have strong tactics and with fast ponies underneath them the British boys will have to work hard to shut down their play. Equally, BMW will need to keep a watchful eye on the Chris Hyde, Max Charlton and Nacho Gonzalez combination. Hyde, who is a nine-goaler in the arena and no stranger to the snow, is one of the most experienced players in the tournament. Backed up by the speed of Charlton and accuracy of Gonzalez, they are a hard formation to crack.

At 11am, Ralph Lauren will play Sal. Oppenheim in the subsidiary final. The two sides faced each other this morning in a very close battle. Despite Sal. Oppenheim losing, there is little between the two teams so it could go either way tomorrow.


Sunday 27 January

11am (Deutsche Bank Trophy):
Sal. Oppenheim vs Ralph Lauren

Sal. Oppenheim (18): Richard Davis 0; Jonny Good 5; Eduardo Novillo Astrada 9; Tarquin Southwell 4
Ralph Lauren (18): Michael Bickford 1; Jamie Morrison 4; Nacho Figueras 6; Marcos Araya 7

2pm (Cartier Trophy):
BMW vs Cartier

BMW (18): Jan-Erik Franck (replacing Andreas Knapp Voith) 0; Bautista Ortiz de Urbina 6; Lucas Labat 6; Ignacio Tillous 6
Cartier (18): Jonathan Munro Ford 0; Max Charlton 6; Nacho Gonzalez 6; Chris Hyde 6 ]]> Media-News World Cup News Mobile Channel Sat, 26 Jan 2013 17:48:00 +0100 http://www.polostmoritz.com/en/world-cup-on-snow/media/media-releases/media-releases/news/BMW_secure_their_place_in_the_final.html?cHash=081278e286d5d2e8689c3fb932f2188c Andreas Knapp Voith's BMW team secured their place in tomorrow's final after defeating Jonathan...
The third chukka began with a penalty to BMW, moving the team ahead of their opponents. Max Charlton was playing another exceptional game but his eye-watering speed down the field sometimes meant the 22-year-old lost control of the ball. Hyde had two opportunities in this chukka to put his team back into contention but by missing two 40-yard penalties he failed to do so. However, it has to be said that the 40-yard penalties are difficult to convert, with the ball often catching the wind and veering wide of goal.

Hyde redeemed himself at the start of the final chukka, converting a spot hit and bringing the score up to 4-4. But with the team then producing a foul, BMW's Lucas Labat lined up to take a "safety 60" from the 60-yard line. As spectators watched in in astonishment, Labat hit the ball high and as it floated through the air and came back down to land it flew straight through the posts. Hyde tried the same tactic when they were awarded a 60-yard penalty but his flew wide. However, he converted a 30-harder to tie the score once again. Despite Labat coming extremely close to scoring, the final bell rang and the teams faced extra time.

After Igancio Tillous missed the goal by what seemed like centimetres with an open backhander, the team soon came back and with a huge lofted shot, the orange inflatable ball landed between the posts to secure a win for BMW.

Results

Saturday 26 January
2pm (St Moritz Trophy):
BMW beat Cartier, 6-5
Chukka scores (BMW): 2-0; 3-3; 4-3; 5-5; 6-5
BMW (18): Andreas Knapp Voith 0; Bautista Ortiz de Urbina 6; Lucas Labat 6; Ignacio Tillous 6
Cartier (18): Jonathan Munro Ford 0; Max Charlton 6; Nacho Gonzalez 6; Chris Hyde 6]]> Media-News World Cup News Mobile Channel Sat, 26 Jan 2013 17:04:00 +0100 http://www.polostmoritz.com/en/world-cup-on-snow/media/media-releases/media-releases/news/Ralph_Lauren_make_a_comeback_to_secure_win_in_last_day_of_league_games.html?cHash=8d5e5557216072bdc6a12a0f1557d9a8 Michael Bickford's Ralph Lauren won their first game of the tournament today, which has put them in...
Sal. Oppenheim's Jonny Good scored the first goal, after taking a gamble and asking teammate Eduardo Novillo Astrada to leave the ball. The decision paid off and Good flew down to goal to score. However, Ralph Lauren soon equalised having been awarded a spot hit. Good scored his second field goal at the start of the second, hitting a perfect under-the-neck shot but brilliant teamwork by Bickford and Jamie Morrison ended in another goal for Ralph Lauren. Before half time, powerhouse Marcos Araya stormed down the field and put his Ralph Lauren team ahead for the first time.

Good and his mount took a tumble at the start of the second half but after remounting, he soon made up for lost time by teaming up with Tarquin Southwell in a perfect play, ending with Southwell scoring the equaliser. Patron Richard Davis, who was having a cracking day today, scored the fourth goal for his team. At this point Sal. Oppenheim were looking like the stronger team. But it wasn't over yet and Ralph Lauren moved up another two goals on the scoreboard in the fourth - one scored by Marcos Araya on his eye-catching grey pony. Eduardo Novillo Astrada kept his side in the mix though, with a well executed penalty shot. The score now read 5-5 nearing the end of the final chukka. Bickford fell from his pony with a minute to go but was soon on his feet and the game resumed. But with neither side having time to score again the game went into extra time.

Tarquin Southwell sealed his side's fate, when he crossed the line in front of goal, awarding Ralph Lauren with a spot hit. Predictably, the ball was tapped through the posts and Ralph Lauren ran out the winners.

Results

Saturday 26 January
11am (Nespresso Trophy):
Ralph Lauren beat Sal. Oppenheim, 6-5
Chukka scores (Ralph Lauren):1-1; 3-2; 3-4; 5-5; 6-5
Ralph Lauren (18): Michael Bickford 1; Jamie Morrison 4; Nacho Figueras 6; Marcos Araya 7
Sal. Oppenheim (18): Richard Davis 0; Jonny Good 5; Eduardo Novillo Astrada 9; Tarquin Southwell 4

]]> Media-News Mobile Channel World Cup News Sat, 26 Jan 2013 13:28:00 +0100 http://www.polostmoritz.com/en/world-cup-on-snow/media/media-releases/media-releases/news/Last_league_games_take_place_tomorrow.html?cHash=664289f202f0443294eb702df7c4b21e With day two of the tournament now over, the stronger teams have started to emerge. While...
Tomorrow, Sal. Oppenheim face Ralph Lauren for the Nespresso Trophy at 11am. Richard Davis' Sal. Oppenheim, which features the highest rated player of the tournament - Eduardo Novillo Astrada - will be hoping for a win over Michael Bickford's team in order to put them in the running for a place in the final. However, should Ralph Lauren win - and Cartier win their game tomorrow - they could be in with a chance of going through.

Meanwhile, Cartier will play BMW at 2pm tomorrow for the St Moritz Trophy. If Cartier win the game they will definitely go through to the final.

"This is my first time playing on snow and so far the experience has been great," Jonathan Munro Ford said. "It is such a beautiful setting and great atmosphere. We played really well today and it would be great to get through to the final."]]> World Cup News Mobile Channel Media-News Fri, 25 Jan 2013 17:53:00 +0100 http://www.polostmoritz.com/en/world-cup-on-snow/media/media-releases/media-releases/news/British_players_lead_Cartier_to_second_win.html?cHash=1dc3c5d58b25a4bb5b3b898780f4dc6c Jonathan Munro Ford's Cartier team secured their second win of the tournament today - the only team...
Ralph Lauren's Marcos Araya meant business today. Playing at number four and well mounted, he was tight in defence and scored a cracking first goal for his side, claiming possession of the ball in the middle of a scrum, taking it around the back and towards goal.

Jamie Morrison took Ralph Lauren up another notch on the scoreboard when he converted a penalty at the start of chukka two. Araya tried to follow this up with a great run to the goalposts but was denied the equaliser when six-goaler Nacho Gonzalez rode in on the defence and prevented Araya from scoring. A foul by Ralph Lauren just before half time gave away another goal to Cartier.

Ralph Lauren came together better in attack in the second half and Morrison scored another in the third chukka, while Cartier were unable to score any. Another penalty by Cartier in the fourth allowed Ralph Lauren to equalise and suddenly the game was on.

Max Charlton, Nacho Gonzalez and Chris Hyde were a tough combination to break and regularly shut down Ralph Lauren's plays. As the chukka was coming to a close, Cartier were awarded a penalty that Hyde hit wide. However, at the hit in Cartier quickly reclaimed the ball and Charlton finished off the game with a great field goal.

Results

2pm (Kulm Hotel St Moritz Trophy):
Cartier beat Ralph Lauren, 5-4
Chukka scores (Cartier): 3-1; 4-2; 4-3; 5-4

Ralph Lauren (18): Michael Bickford 1; Jamie Morrison 4; Nacho Figueras 6; Marcos Araya 7
Cartier (18): Jonathan Munro Ford 0; Max Charlton 6; Nacho Gonzalez 6; Chris Hyde 6]]> Media-News World Cup News Mobile Channel Fri, 25 Jan 2013 17:25:00 +0100 http://www.polostmoritz.com/en/world-cup-on-snow/media/media-releases/media-releases/news/Sal_Oppenheim_fight_back_to_win_first_game_on_day_two.html?cHash=91c15cd52be7dab1030f8465cbc427e3 Richard Davis' Sal. Oppenheim defeated Andreas Knapp Voith's BMW team in this morning's game on day...
Sal. Oppenheim's Jonny Good was on tremendous form today, ably backed up by half brother Tarquin Southwell. After an unlucky miss, when the ball hit the posts, Southwell managed to convert a penalty before the end of the second chukka, giving the team their first goal of the game.

Sal. Oppenheim came out fighting in the second half. Eduardo Novillo Astrada and Tarquin Southwell played a perfect line, only for BMW to cut them up - awarding them with a penalty, which Southwell executed perfectly. However, BMW's Ignacio Tillous soon answered and with a very controlled dribble to goal, he slotted the ball through the posts.

Nearing the end of the third chukka, Good broke his stick but Davis - seeing that Good was in the middle of an important play - offered his stick to Good allowing him to play on. Approaching the goal, Southwell passed up to Good who was cut up by Bautista Ortiz de Urbina. A penalty was awarded but Southwell hit wide. However, all was not lost as Good swung into action and scored a superb field goal.

Labat and Tillous proved very strong in defence, saving what would have been a crucial goal for Sal. Oppenheim in the final chukka. But it wasn't long until BMW fouled and Southwell lined up to take the 30-yard penalty. With his pony becoming too excited to stand still, Novillo Astrada quickly stepped in to take the shot and scored the equaliser - one minute before full time. BMW became desperate and having gained possession, Labat flew down the field to score - two seconds after the final bell was rung and it was discounted.

So, for the second consecutive day, BMW were faced with extra time. After a couple of missed penalties by both sides, it was the combination of Good and Southwell that ultimately won the game for their team - with Southwell taking the final strike to secure victory for Sal. Oppenheim.

Results

Friday 25 January
11am (Veuve Clicquot Trophy):

Sal. Oppenheim beat BMW, 5-4
Chukka scores (Sal. Oppenheim): 0-2; 1-3; 3-4; 4-4; 5-4
BMW (18): Andreas Knapp Voith 0; Bautista Ortiz de Urbina 6; Lucas Labat 6; Ignacio Tillous 6
Sal. Oppenheim (18): Richard Davis 0; Jonny Good 5; Eduardo Novillo Astrada 9; Tarquin Southwell 4

]]> Media-News World Cup News Mobile Channel Fri, 25 Jan 2013 13:17:00 +0100 http://www.polostmoritz.com/en/world-cup-on-snow/media/media-releases/media-releases/news/Players_get_set_for_day_two_of_competition.html?cHash=034e181d98250536f090ab64dca3446b With day one of the 18-goal tournament now completed, players and ponies will be enjoying a...
Zero-goaler Jan-Erik Franck, who is more familiar with the commentating box rather than the polo ground here in St Moritz was fielded in last minute after BMW patron Andreas Knapp Voith pulled out due to injury. The Spanish patron hopes to be well enough to play tomorrow when his team face Sal. Oppenheim at 11am.

The three British players on the Cartier team - Max Charlton, Nacho Gonzalez and Chris Hyde - are a force to be reckoned with. Although Charlton was making his debut in St Moritz, all three are experienced snow polo players and worked tightly together, backed up by patron Jonathan Munro Ford. Tomorrow, at 2pm, they will meet Ralph Lauren in a bid to win the Kulm Hotel St Moritz Trophy. The clothing company are sponsoring the tournament for first time, with Ralph Lauren model and spokesperson Nacho Figueras forming part of their side. British player Jamie Morrison, who also features on the team, looked much stronger than his four-goal handicap today and Michael Bickford was for sure the strongest patron out on the field. Despite their narrow loss today, they are certainly not out of the running.

Friday 25 January

11am (Veuve Clicquot Trophy): BMW vs Sal. Oppenheim

• BMW (18): Andreas Knapp Voith 0; Bautista Ortiz de Urbina 6; Ignacio Tillous 6; Lucas Labat 6

• Sal. Oppenheim (18): Richard Davis 0; Jonny Good 5; Eduardo Novillo Astrada 9; Tarquin Southwell 4

2pm (Kulm Hotel St Moritz Trophy): Ralph Lauren vs Cartier

• Ralph Lauren (18): Michael Bickford 1; Jamie Morrison 4; Nacho Figueras 6; Marcos Araya 7

• Cartier (18): Jonathan Munro Ford 0; Max Charlton 6; Nacho Gonzalez 6; Chris Hyde 6.

]]> Media-News World Cup News Mobile Channel Thu, 24 Jan 2013 17:50:00 +0100 http://www.polostmoritz.com/en/world-cup-on-snow/media/media-releases/media-releases/news/Cartier_claim_Hotel_Steffani_Trophy.html?cHash=fd47f6d93219ce6b11399d3ee8b97d13 Jonanthan Munro Ford's Cartier team defeated Richard Davis' Sal. Oppenheim side in this afternoon's...
With both teams battling for the win, penalties came thick and fast throughout the game and the final chukka was no exception with Southwell converting a spot hit in the opening minutes to equalise the score, 4-4. Novillo Astrada followed this up with a great run to goal and following a scrum in front of the goalmouth to prevent it going in, the ball rebounded off a pony and went through. This put Sal. Oppenheim into the lead for the first time.

Now the race was on for Cartier to reclaim the lead. Charlton displayed some fantastic ride-offs and with the game becoming increasingly vocal between the players, it was about to become a whole lot more argumentative as Hyde scored a controversial goal. Although the ball went over the line - in the air - the ball was flicked back out before hitting the ground and was deemed "no goal" by the goal judges. However, after some exchanged words the goal was allowed by the umpires bringing the score level once more.

Sal. Oppenheim were awarded a couple of penalties but Southwell failed to convert them. As the game became increasingly tense, it was Sal. Oppenheim that faltered and gave away a last minute penalty, gently hit in by Hyde to win the game.

"It was a tough game," Gonzalez said following the match. "But it was great to win against a team that is considered the favourite, with Eduardo [Novillo Astrada] on their side. The surface played better than expected - usually the going isn't as good after the first game - but the groundsmen have done well this year in preparing the surface. It played really well and I'm looking forward to tomorrow."

Cartier play Ralph Lauren tomorrow afternoon, while Sal. Oppenheim face this morning's winners BMW at 11am tomorrow. ]]> Media-News World Cup News Mobile Channel Thu, 24 Jan 2013 16:48:00 +0100 http://www.polostmoritz.com/en/world-cup-on-snow/media/media-releases/media-releases/news/BMW_win_first_game_of_St_Moritz_Polo_World_Cup_on_Snow.html?cHash=0616254c03c0c274c9b69f5261d9dce0 BMW were the winners of this morning's Swiss Jet Trophy - the first game of the St Moritz Polo...
Ralph Lauren dominated the first chukka, with goals from patron Michael Bickford and Jamie Morrison. The three BMW Argentines - Ignacio Tillous, Lucas Labat and Urbina made a strong team but it was Ralph Lauren who proved to gel better early on.

Two penalties to BMW allowed the team to catch up with their opponents in the second chukka but with another fantastic field goal by Bickford, Ralph Lauren reclaimed the lead. This was until Tillous scored a slightly controversial field goal just before half time to equalise the score.

A quieter third chukka saw both teams score taking it up to four-a-piece. Franck had a chance at goal but the orange ball rebounded off the post and his moment of glory was lost.

Ralph Lauren stormed ahead at the start of the final chukka. Morrison and Marcos Araya were strong in attack and defence, respectively, and regularly cleared the ball away down field. While Morrison scored the fifth goal for the team, excellent teamwork between Araya and Bickford resulted in another goal for the side. However, BMW soon answered with powerhouses Labat and Tillous scoring a goal each. Despite a hard fought final minute of the game and an unlucky miss by Morrison, the game ended 6-6, pushing the game into an extra chukka.

For the next six minutes, both sides fought relentlessly, missing penalties and defending shots at goal. Superb teamwork between Nacho Figueras and Morrison in the dying moments of the fifth chukka could have resulted in a golden goal but Tillous bulldozed through and saved the it.

So, another extra chukka it was. Groundsmen widened the goal - as is the rules of a second extra chukka - and play resumed. Following a miss at goal, BMW quickly repossessed and ball and it was Urbina that secured the win with a perfectly executed field goal.]]> World Cup News Mobile Channel Media-News Thu, 24 Jan 2013 13:35:00 +0100 http://www.polostmoritz.com/en/world-cup-on-snow/media/media-releases/media-releases/news/Ab_heute_wird_wieder_Polo_auf_Eis_gespielt.html?cHash=0f58c859109bba26b268f7151133bcb4 The world’s most famous polo tournament on snow starts today. For four days, St. Moritz will be... anticipation.

World class – even off the playing field
Not only does the St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow offer peak sporting performance, it also provides an ample programme of social events, attracting several thousand visitors from around the globe to the lake. There is a lot going on in the polo village. Visitors can enjoy culinary treats at the Steffani restaurant, a glass of champagne at Veuve Clicquot, a sophisticated cocktail at 1724 Tonic Water or an aromatic cup of coffee in the Nespresso tent. The official team shirts can be purchased from the Ender Sport polo shop on the lake, and visitors can try their luck in the casino without placing bets. BMW is showcasing its 6 Series Gran Coupé, while Gulfstream provides an insight into the world of business jets. On Saturday and Sunday, the Huw Lewis Duo will be playing live music between the games, adding to the lively atmosphere. Entry to the polo games and polo village is free.

Polo for beginners
For spectators who are not yet familiar with the game of polo, an introduction explaining the sport’s main rules will be held on Saturday and Sunday at 1.45 p.m., before the second game. In addition, the polo village’s piazza features a polo simulator, where visitors can try out their skills with a polo stick.

Download Press Release as a PDF file]]> Media-News World Cup News Mobile Channel Fri, 25 Jan 2013 12:23:00 +0100 http://www.polostmoritz.com/en/world-cup-on-snow/media/media-releases/media-releases/news/A_partir_daujourdhui_on_joue_de_nouveau_au_polo_sur_glace.html?cHash=7dd8c44cb7798a9cfab5dcb0186c03bd C’est aujourd’hui que commence le tournoi de polo sur glace le plus connu dans le monde. Durant...
Classe mondiale en marge du terrain de jeu
Le St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow n’est pas seulement un événement sportif à part, mais également une manifestation mondaine qui attire chaque année plusieurs milliers de visiteurs venus du monde entier. Au Polo Village, tout est possible: les visiteurs peuvent se restaurer sur le site au restaurant Steffani, déguster un verre de champagne Veuve Cliquot ou un cocktail raffiné chez 1724 Tonic Water, ou encore un café aromatique sous la tente Nespresso. Des maillots officiels des équipes sont disponibles chez Ender Sport Polo Shop, situé au bord du lac, et au casino, les visiteurs peuvent s’adonner aux jeux de hasard sans perdre le moindre centime. BMW expose sa Série 6 Gran Coupé et Gulfstream vous donne un aperçu de l’univers des jets privés. Samedi et dimanche, le Huw Lewis Duo mettra de l’ambiance entre les matches. L’entrée aux matches de polo et aux festivités est libre.

Le polo expliqué aux néophytes
Les spectateurs qui ne connaissent pas encore les principes du polo ont la possibilité d’assister à une introduction qui se tiendra samedi et dimanche avant le second match, à 13 h 45, au cours de laquelle les règles de base seront expliquées. En outre, un simulateur de polo se tient à votre disposition sur la place du Polo Village grâce auquel il vous sera possible de tester votre agilité avec le maillet de polo.

Download Comuniqué de Presse]]> News en français Thu, 24 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.polostmoritz.com/en/world-cup-on-snow/media/media-releases/media-releases/news/Teams_gear_up_for_the_start_of_the_St_Moritz_Polo_World_Cup_on_Snow.html?cHash=42cf8214f6d195b231849761d7f88576 Following a year’s absence, the St Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow returns to the Engadine Valley...
Andreas Knapp Voith, a zero-goal Spanish patron, will head-up the BMW  team, which features two previous winners of the tournament – Ignacio Tillous and Lucas Labat. Argentine six-goaler Bautista Ortiz de Urbina – who played for the late Philipp Maeder’s Switzerland side in 2011 – is the fourth member of the team. Tomorrow morning – at 11am – the team will face Ralph Lauren, featuring Brit Jamie Morrison, who has played in Klosters Snow Polo previously, and Argentines Nacho Figueras and Marcos Araya. One-goaler Michael Bickford, fresh from his high-goal HPA National Club Championships win in the UK last month where he played alongside Morrison, patrons the Ralph Lauren team.

At 2pm tomorrow, Sal. Oppenheim – featuring British pros Jonny Good and Tarquin Southwell, nine-goal Argentine Eduardo Novillo Astrada and British patron Richard Davis – will play Cartier for the Hotel Steffani Trophy. Australian patron Jonathan Munro Ford, who has so far enjoyed a very successful arena season in the UK with his Black Eagles team, is joined by Max Charlton, Nacho Gonzalez and Chris Hyde. While Munro Ford and Charlton will be making their debut in St Moritz, Gonzalez and Hyde are no strangers to the competition, with Gonzalez winning the 2011 tournament and Hyde having won in 2001 and 2005.

League games continue on Friday and Saturday with the final taking place at 2pm on Sunday (27 January). The subsidiary final – for the Deutche Bank Trophy – will be held beforehand at 11am.

Thursday 24 January

11am (Swiss Jet Trophy): BMW vs Ralph Lauren

BMW (18): Andreas Knapp Voith 0; Bautista Ortiz de Urbina 6; Ignacio Tillous 6; Lucas Labat 6

Ralph Lauren (18): Michael Bickford 1; Jamie Morrison 4; Nacho Figueras 6; Marcos Araya 7

2pm (Hotel Steffani Trophy): Sal. Oppenheim vs Cartier

Sal. Oppenheim (18): Richard Davis 0; Jonny Good 5; Eduardo Novillo Astrada 9; Tarquin Southwell 4

Cartier (18): Jonathan Munro Ford 0; Max Charlton 6; Nacho Gonzalez 6; Chris Hyde 6

Photo: Sal. Oppenheim and Cartier in action during their warm-up game this
afternoon (by Images of Polo, www.imagesofpolo.com).

]]> World Cup News Mobile Channel Media-News Wed, 23 Jan 2013 18:40:00 +0100 http://www.polostmoritz.com/en/world-cup-on-snow/media/media-releases/media-releases/news/Spannende_Spiele_stehen_bevor_Alle_vier_Teams_treten_mit_18_Goal_Handicap_gegeneinander_an.html?cHash=935721a7ea051f3f338547f77070b520 We are very pleased to announce the team line-ups. Top-class games await us – each trophy will be... Team BMW
1. Andreas Knapp Voith, ESP, Handicap: 0
2. Bautista Ortiz de Urbinam, ARG, Handicap: 6
3. Ignacio Tillous, ARG, Handicap: 6
4. Lucas Labat, ARG, Handicap: 6
Total Handicap: 18

Team Cartier
1. Jonathan Munro Ford, AUS, Handicap: 0
2. Max Charlton, GBR, Handicap: 6
3. Nacho Gonzalez, GBR, Handicap: 6
4. Chris Hyde, GBR, Handicap: 6
Total Handicap: 18
 
Team Ralph Lauren
1. Michael Bickford, USA, Handicap: 1
2. Jamie Morrison, GBR: Handicap: 4
3. Nacho Figueras, ARG, Handicap: 6
4. Marcos Araya, ARG, Handicap: 7
Total Handicap: 18
 
Team Sal. Oppenheim
1. Richard Davis, IRL, Handicap: 0
2. Jonny Good, GBR, Handicap: 5
3. Eduardo Novillo Astrada, GBR, Handicap: 9
4. Tarquin Southwell, GBR, Handicap: 4
Total Handicap: 18]]> World Cup News Mobile Channel Mon, 03 Dec 2012 11:35:00 +0100 http://www.polostmoritz.com/en/world-cup-on-snow/media/media-releases/media-releases/news/Save_the_date_St_Moritz_Polo_World_Cup_on_Snow_24_27_janvier_2013.html?cHash=a7bee1ab240a348a021ec81957beda45 Les jours raccourcissent à mesure que nos préparatifs du plus prestigieux tournoi de polo sur... Richard Davis (GBR) pour l’équipe Cartier, Jonathan Munro Ford (AUS) pour l’équipe Sal. Oppenheim, Michael Bickford (USA) pour l’équipe Ralph Lauren et Andreas Knapp Voith (ESP) pour l’équipe BMW feront de ce tournoi incontournable un rendez-vous de classe mondiale.

Veuillez bien noter les événements importants suivants:

• St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow 2013, du 24 au 27 janvier 2013
• Cocktail média, soirée du vendredi 25 janvier 2013 au Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains
• Gala, soirée du samedi 26 janvier 2013 au Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains

Vous recevrez l’invitation médias avec toutes les informations le 3 décembre 2012. Accréditation en ligne à partir du 3 décembre 2012 sur www.polostmoritz.com.

Nous nous réjouissons de vous accueillir en janvier sur le lac gelé de Saint-Moritz.

Download Communique De Presse (PDF 440 KB)]]> News en français Mon, 15 Oct 2012 11:22:00 +0200 http://www.polostmoritz.com/en/world-cup-on-snow/media/media-releases/media-releases/news/Save_the_date_St_Moritz_Polo_World_Cup_on_Snow_2427_January_2013.html?cHash=f757dad34af7a335149e8ac358ef7ede As the days become shorter, preparations for the most prestigious polo tournament on snow are... Richard Davis (GBR) for Team Cartier, Jonathan Munro Ford (AUS) for Team Sal. Oppenheim, Michael Bickford (USA) for Team Ralph Lauren and Andreas Knapp Voith (ESP) for Team BMW.

We look forward to welcoming you to the frozen Lake St. Moritz in January.]]> World Cup News Mobile Channel Mon, 15 Oct 2012 10:55:00 +0200 http://www.polostmoritz.com/en/world-cup-on-snow/media/media-releases/media-releases/news/Save_the_Date_St_Moritz_Polo_World_Cup_on_Snow_24_27_Januar_2013.html?cHash=a3abc545c4f99466b179710769eb9cc2 As the days become shorter, preparations for the most prestigious polo tournament on snow are... Richard Davis (GBR) for Team Cartier, Jonathan Munro Ford (AUS) for Team Sal. Oppenheim, Michael Bickford (USA) for Team Ralph Lauren and Andreas Knapp Voith (ESP) for Team BMW.

Please take note of the following highlights:

• St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow 2013, 24–27 January 2013

• Media cocktail reception, Friday evening, 25 January 2013, at the Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains

• Gala, Saturday evening, 26 January 2013, at the Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains

You will receive the media invitation, along with additional information, on 3 December 2012. Online media accreditation from 3 December 2012, at www.polostmoritz.com.

We look forward to welcoming you to the frozen Lake St. Moritz in January.

Download Press Release as a PDF-File (365 KB)]]> Media-News St. Moritz Polo AG Mon, 15 Oct 2012 10:55:00 +0200 http://www.polostmoritz.com/en/world-cup-on-snow/media/media-releases/media-releases/news/La_couche_de_glace_est_trop_mince_la_28e_edition_de_la_St_Moritz_Polo_World_Cup_on_Snow_2012_ne_p.html?cHash=852af0157d3c37fee5a45e54f655c8a0 Saint-Moritz, le 16 janvier 2012 – En raison de l’épaisseur insuffisante de la couche de glace sur...
Aucune alternative équivalente au lac
Les préparations de la World Cup allaient bon train jusqu’à présent. Les échéances du calendrier avaient toutes été tenues et toutes les personnes impliquées étaient prêtes à commencer la construction de la «ville sous tente». Lorsqu’il devint évident que le lac ne gelait pas aussi vite qu’au cours des années passées, les organisateurs se sont mis à évaluer différentes alternatives au lac. Mais aucun des plans B n’était convaincant. «En tant que lieu d’accueil du tournoi, le lac de Saint-Moritz est unique au monde et il est impossible de trouver à la va-vite un lieu de remplacement adéquat», explique Urs E. Schwarzenbach.

Communiqué de press (PDF)]]> News en français Mon, 15 Oct 2012 11:23:00 +0200 http://www.polostmoritz.com/en/world-cup-on-snow/media/media-releases/media-releases/news/Eis_ist_zu_duenn_Der_28_St_Moritz_Polo_World_Cup_on_Snow_2012_kann_nicht_durchgefuehrt_werden.html?cHash=8fc146c41b0b0d5b913f6425508a03e0 St. Moritz, 16 January 2012 – The ice covering Lake St. Moritz is too thin. For this reason, the...
No adequate alternative to the lake
World Cup preparations had been in full swing up to today. Everything was perfectly on schedule, and all involved were ready to start erecting the tents on the surface of the lake. As it became clear that the lake was freezing over more slowly than in other years, the event organisers explored various alternatives to the lake. However, there was no convincing Plan B. “Lake St. Moritz as a venue is unique in the world, and it is not possible to find an adequate substitute in such a short time,” explains Urs E. Schwarzenbach. Download Press Release (PDF File)]]> World Cup News St. Moritz Polo AG Media-News Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:33:00 +0100 http://www.polostmoritz.com/en/world-cup-on-snow/media/media-releases/media-releases/news/St_Moritz_Polo_World_Cup_on_Snow_la_participation_de_lequipe_high_goal_est_assuree.html?cHash=5d505ddc85d3a5bcb7e18ae1f8a3b610 Quelques-uns parmi les meilleurs joueurs de polo du monde s’affronteront une nouvelle fois à St....
Seul tournoi sur neige avec des points comptant pour la World Polo Tour (WPT)
La St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow est le seul tournoi du monde de la WPT Cup qui se déroule sur la neige avec des joueurs qui s’affrontent non seulement pour le prestige, mais aussi pour des points. Ils n’en sont que plus désireux d’obtenir la victoire. Urs E. Schwarzenbach en est conscient: "Notre tournoi se déroule en dehors de la saison normale de polo et le fait d’évoluer sur la neige constitue un défi spécial pour chaque joueur. Comme notre tournoi est également le seul en hiver qui permet aux joueurs de lutter pour leur classement, nous pouvons compter année après année sur des stars de classe mondiale qui offrent aux spectateurs un polo de niveau exceptionnel."

St. Moritz Polo AG s’engage pour le projet caritatif Children Beyond
Dans le cadre de la 28e St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow 2012, St. Moritz Polo AG s’associe à Children Beyond, un projet musical caritatif initié par Tina Turner, Regula Curti et Dechen Shak-Dagsay en faveur de projets d’éducation et de formation spirituelles pour les enfants et les jeunes. Un pourcentage du prix de tous les billets du gala sera ainsi reversé à la fondation. Ralph Lauren, sponsor d’équipe et habilleur officiel du tournoi de cette année, organise de son côté un apéritif dans sa boutique lors duquel il fera don de 20 pour cent supplémentaire du prix de chaque article vendu. Le montant ainsi obtenu sera attribué à un projet spécifique local sous le patronage de St. Moritz Polo AG.

Composition des équipes à la 28e St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow

BMW
1. Andreas Knapp Voith (ESP), Handicap: 0
2. Bautista Ortiz de Urbina (ARG), Handicap: 6
3. Federico Bachmann (ARG), Handicap: 6
4. Rob Archibald (GBR), Handicap: 6
Handicap total: 18

Cartier
1. Richard Davis (GBR), Handicap: 0
2. Jonny Good (GBR), Handicap: 5
3. Chris Hyde (GBR), Handicap: 6
4. Tarquin Southwell (GBR), Handicap: 4
Handicap total: 15

Ralph Lauren
1. Michael Bickford (USA), Handicap: 1
2. Ignacio (Nacho) Figueras (ARG), Handicap: 6
3. Jack (Ruki) Baillieu (AUS), Handicap: 7
4. Jamie Morrison (GBR), Handicap: 4
Handicap total: 18

Sal. Oppenheim
1. Jonathan Munro Ford (AUS), Handicap: 0
2. Oscar Mancini (ARG), Handicap: 4
3. Oliver Hipwood (GBR), Handicap: 6
4. Pablo Jaureche (ARG), Handicap: 7
Handicap total: 17

Download Communique De Presse (PDF 275 KB)]]> News en français Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:12:00 +0100 http://www.polostmoritz.com/en/world-cup-on-snow/media/media-releases/media-releases/news/St_Moritz_Polo_World_Cup_on_Snow_Die_High_Goal_Teams_stehen_fest.html?cHash=10f0f9a78e8f5029009c7ef98dd8e780 Once again some of the world’s best polo players are set to compete for points and prestige in St....  
The only polo tournament on snow that awards points for the World Polo Tour (WPT)
The St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow is the world’s only WPT cup on snow at which the players not only compete for prestige but also for points. Thus, the players strive for victory in the tournament with great zeal. Urs E. Schwarzenbach states: "Our tournament is held outside the actual polo season, and playing on snow is a challenge for every player. However, as our tournament is the only winter tournament at which the players also compete for points towards their ranking, we are able to attract world-class athletes every year, who delight spectators with attractive polo at the highest level."
 
St. Moritz Polo AG is committed to the Children Beyond charity project
On the occasion of the 28th St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow 2012, St. Moritz Polo AG takes part in the Children Beyond charity project – a fundraising music project by Tina Turner, Regula Curti and Dechen Shak-Dagsay for the benefit of spiritual education projects for children and adolescents. A percentage of all the gala tickets’ proceeds are donated to the project. In addition, Ralph Lauren, team sponsor and official outfitter of this year’s tournament, will donate 20 per cent of the proceeds from all the articles sold during a drinks reception at its St. Moritz store. The donation will support a specific project with local relevance under the patronage of St. Moritz Polo AG.

Teams of the 28th St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow:

BMW
1. Andreas Knapp Voith (ESP), Handicap: 0
2. Bautista Ortiz de Urbina (ARG), Handicap: 6
3. Federico Bachmann (ARG), Handicap: 6
4. Rob Archibald (GBR), Handicap: 6
Total Handicap: 18

Cartier
1. Richard Davis (GBR), Handicap: 0
2. Jonny Good (GBR), Handicap: 5
3. Chris Hyde (GBR), Handicap: 6
4. Tarquin Southwell (GBR), Handicap: 4
Total Handicap: 15

Ralph Lauren
1. Michael Bickford (USA), Handicap: 1
2. Ignacio (Nacho) Figueras (ARG), Handicap: 6
3. Jack (Ruki) Baillieu (AUS), Handicap: 7
4. Jamie Morrison (GBR), Handicap: 4
Total Handicap: 18

Sal. Oppenheim
1. Jonathan Munro Ford (AUS), Handicap: 0
2. Oscar Mancini (ARG), Handicap: 4
3. Oliver Hipwood (GBR), Handicap: 6
4. Pablo Jaureche (ARG), Handicap: 7
Total Handicap: 17

Download Press Release (PDF 275 KB)]]> Media-News World Cup News St. Moritz Polo AG Tue, 13 Dec 2011 10:03:00 +0100 http://www.polostmoritz.com/en/world-cup-on-snow/media/media-releases/media-releases/news/St_Moritz_Polo_World_Cup_on_Snow_2012_des_sponsors_prestigieux.html?cHash=fbf78c3937f6fea839f2f66211f5638a La 28e édition du prestigieux tournoi St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow se déroulera du 26 au 29...
Les sponsors sont fiers de cet engagement
Les sponsors se réjouissent eux aussi vivement de cet événement. Hanspeter Oes, Chief Executive Officer de la Banque Sal. Oppenheim jr. & Cie (Suisse) déclare: "Nous avons le plaisir d’être sponsor d’équipe de la fameuse St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow. Par notre engagement, nous exprimons pour la première fois en Suisse, notre attachement et notre enthousiasme pour le sport international qu’est le polo." Arnaud Carrez, Managing Director de Cartier Suisse, se réfère aussi à la tradition et au caractère unique du polo: "Il n’y a qu’un seul sport qui soit à même de combiner l’élégance, la passion, la tradition et les valeurs universelles déjà partagées par Cartier depuis 164 ans. Il s’agit du polo, le sport le plus exclusif auquel Cartier prête fièrement son nom".

Le polo au premier plan
Il s’agira, lors d’une prochaine étape, de composer les équipes qui se mesureront pour la gloire et l’honneur du 26 au 29 janvier 2012 lors du tournoi de polo sur neige le plus prestigieux du monde. Ce sont elles qui, associées à l’ambiance unique du lac gelé de St. Moritz, créent la fascination absolue qu’exerce la St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow. Bernhard Pöllinger, Head of Sports de St. Moritz Polo AG, le confirme: "Les poneys de polo et les athlètes jouent les premiers rôles lors de la St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow. Notre objectif est de présenter une fois encore des matches de polo de niveau mondial."

Download Communique De Presse (PDF 235 KB)]]> News en français Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:42:00 +0100 http://www.polostmoritz.com/en/world-cup-on-snow/media/media-releases/media-releases/news/St_Moritz_Polo_World_Cup_on_Snow_2012_mit_hochkaraetigen_Sponsoren.html?cHash=db16f6906e784cfbe8075c4fbc4224e5 The world-renowned St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow will be held on the frozen Lake St. Moritz for...
The sponsors are proud of their commitment
The sponsors are also looking forward to the event. Hanspeter Oes, Chief Executive Officer of Bank Sal. Oppenheim jr. & Cie. (Switzerland) Ltd. states: “We are delighted to be a team sponsor of this first-class event, the St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow. Through our involvement in the tournament, we can for the first time in Switzerland demonstrate our enthusiasm for this sport, as well as our long-standing association with international polo.” Arnaud Carrez, Managing Director of Cartier Switzerland, also emphasises the tradition and uniqueness of polo: “Only one sport combines elegance, passion, tradition and universal values – qualities which Cartier has stood for during the last 164 years. This sport is polo, that most exclusive sport to which Cartier is proud to lend its name.”

The main emphasis is placed on polo
In a second step, the teams that are going to compete for their honour at the world’s most prestigious winter polo tournament on snow from 26 to 29 January 2012 are now being put together. They are the ones who, together with the unique ambience of Lake St. Moritz, hold the fascination of the St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow. Bernhard Pöllinger, Head of Sports at St. Moritz Polo AG, also emphasises this: “The polo ponies and top athletes are the protagonists of the St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow. Our goal for 2012 is to once again present polo games of the highest quality.” Download Press release (PDF 33 KB)]]> Media-News St. Moritz Polo AG World Cup News Fri, 23 Sep 2011 10:38:00 +0200 http://www.polostmoritz.com/en/world-cup-on-snow/media/media-releases/media-releases/news/NATIONEN_CUP_BEGEISTERT_MEHR_ALS_15000_ZUSCHAUER.html?cHash=7ff4b43af0f94ef4f1fcf7d9e5a08612 Last weekend, the encounter of top-notch teams representing France, England, Germany and...
Anyway, there were no losers on Lake St. Moritz. A sponsor's trophy was contested at each match, and the total value of prizes awarded exceeds CHF 100,000. The resonance generated by the new "Nations Cup" version of the St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow has exceeded all the organisers' expectations. The players, too, were emphatic in their endorsement of the new concept, as the patron of the Swiss team, Philipp Maeder, confirmed: "It's always a great experience to play here, but the new format involves the spectators even more closely and enables them to spur on "their team", creating a fantastic atmosphere in the stands that naturally also inspires the players!"

New era dawns for St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow
The success of the 27th St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow endorses the organisers' chosen way forward. St. Moritz Polo AG's CEO Heinz Reber notes, "This tournament was a kind of prototype for us. Of course we are delighted at the highly positive feedback, which inspires us on into the future. Certainly there will be further improvements and individual adjustments. But, overall, it can safely be said: this tournament is now going into production."

There is no respite after the months of intensive preparation. St. Moritz Polo AG is already planning the 28th St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow. Talks are under way with potential sponsors and nations interested in next year's tournament. Russia, the USA, the United Arab Emirates and a European country have evinced keen interest in participating.]]> World Cup News St. Moritz Polo AG Fri, 25 Feb 2011 10:33:00 +0100 http://www.polostmoritz.com/en/world-cup-on-snow/media/media-releases/media-releases/news/SIEG_FUER_DIE_SCHWEIZ_IM_KLEINEN_FINALE_UM_DIE_SWISS_JET_TROPHY.html?cHash=d458c088da7a35df7399b302e04d03f1 Thomas Wolfensberger’s German side were looking good in the first three chukkas of the subsidiary... More photos: www.flickr.com/polostmoritz

© Georgie May (Polo Times Magazine) for St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow
© Foto: Tony Ramirez (Images of Polo) for St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow ]]> World Cup News St. Moritz Polo AG Fri, 25 Feb 2011 10:27:00 +0100 http://www.polostmoritz.com/en/world-cup-on-snow/media/media-releases/media-releases/news/TRIUMPH_FUER_FRANKREICH_BEIM_ST_MORITZ_POLO_WORLD_CUP_ON_SNOW_2011.html?cHash=bac3d4145cd56ccc10db6d4bdc91121c After a tense and tough final, France defeated Great Britain by a narrow one goal, 5-4. Although... As the players ran onto the field at the beginning of the final, with the thousands of spectators cheering on their nation, no one knew which way the scores would go. Both teams were strong throughout the tournament and the final proved no different. The game was tough, fast and aggressive, with both sides fighting to the bitter end.

Great Britain tasted first blood, with Chris Hyde converting a penalty spot hit a minute before the end of the first chukka. On true form, Jonny Good displayed his brilliant backhander skills, while Hyde came into the scrums like a bulldozer, winning the ball and taking it up to Great Britain’s half.

France’s parton Francois Le Barazer, who was playing for the first time on snow, was winded during a throw-in, having to dismount and lie on the ground for a few minutes before jumping back on his horse.

A foul by Great Britain awarded their opposition a chance at goal. Mancini didn’t disappoint and the score was at one-a-piece. A second goal followed, scored by Mancini and Hipwood tallied a third.

Play stopped once again, this time for Gonzalez, who was named most valuable player at the end of the game. He dismounted his horse appearing to have been winded but he soon jumped back on after swapping his chestnut pony for a fresh horse.

As Gonzalez led his team back onto the field after half-time, which commentator Ebe Sievwright described as "Napoleon leading his artillery", they knew they still had a lot of work to do. A foul by France, however, allowed Hyde to put a penalty through the posts to equalise.

Creeping towards the end of the third chukka, more shouting ensued as Great Britain were awarded a penalty and regained the lead before the end of the third chukka. Nine seconds into the start of the final chukka, Hipwood stormed away from the throw-in, putting the orange ball through the posts, levelling the score 4-4.

Eagerly trying to win the ball, Mancini pushed Good through a scrum at the boards, injuring his British opponent. Good dismounted, walked it off before remounting and play resumed. A foul by the Brits gave Gonzalez his chance to redeem himself, after missing an earlier penalty. The French supporters were on the edge of their sets, eyes concentrating on cool-headed Gonzalez as he hit the ball through the posts.

Great Britain had an opportunity to equalise the score in the dying moments of the chukka. Le Barazer crossed Good’s line and a 30 yard penalty was awarded. Hyde took the shot but, hitting a lump of snow, it was deflected and bounced off the posts out of play. The crowd let out both sighs of disappointment and relief, depending on which team they were supporting, as the final bell was rung and France were crowned the winners.

Following the game, Mancini commented on his team’s win: "I am so pleased we won, but it was a very tough game,” he said. “We played well in the first half and it was only when GB caught us up later on in the game that we started to worry. We played really hard to put the game back in our favour and fought right until the end to make sure GB didn’t score anymore goals and beat us. It was tough but a great game."

More photos: www.flickr.com/polostmoritz

© Georgie May (Polo Times Magazine) for St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow
© Foto: Tony Ramirez (Images of Polo) for St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow ]]> World Cup News St. Moritz Polo AG Fri, 25 Feb 2011 10:31:00 +0100 http://www.polostmoritz.com/en/world-cup-on-snow/media/media-releases/media-releases/news/Frankreich_gewinnt_den_27_St_Moritz_Polo_World_Cup_on_Snow_2011.html?cHash=a2bb605af094f2a26fb56d53c1321ef6 After four days of taut sporting nerves, France carries off carries off the victor's trophy at the...
Fiercely fought final
Following a breathtakingly tense final played out under blazing sunshine, France succeeded in winning the Trophy of the 27th St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow. The match result was decided in the final few minutes, when a goal by Nacho Gonzalez, who later also went on to be named Player of the Tournament, put the French team ahead on 5:4. Team colleague Oscar Mancini commented: "I'm delighted to have won, but we had to fought hard for thi victory. We played well in the frost half, and it wasn't until England caught up that we started to worry. It took all our efforts to secure victory. It was a fiercely fought but fantastic final." Despite its excellence performance the Swiss team did not quite make it to the final, but won its final game against Germany to secure third place.

New era dawns for St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow
The success of the 27th St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow endorses the organizers' chosen way forward. St. Moritz Polo AG's CEO Heinz Reber notes, "This tournament was a kind of prototype for us. Of course we are delighted at the highly positive feedback, which inspires us on into the future. Certainly there will be further improvements and individual adjustments. But, overall, it can safely be said: this tournament is now going into production" There is no respite after the months of intensive preparation. St. Moritz Polo AG is already planning the 28th St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow. Talks are under way with potential sponsors and nations interested in next year's tournament. Russia, the USA, the United Arab Emirates and a European country have evinced keen interest in participating.

Sustainable and locally based  
Working jointly with the White Turf organisers and the local authority, St. Moritz Polo AG implemented a new transport and infrastructure plan this year. There is less equipment on the lake, energy and costs have been saved, and public parking has been shifted from the lake. These are the results of cooperation which was not always easy at the start, but which has now borne excellent fruit. The energy plan, implemented jointly with photovoltaic specialist Tritec, has provided solar-powered exterior lighting, while only one tent on the whole laketop has been heated. This formed part of the sustainability plan devised a year ago, which the organisers promise to refine further in future. As in winter 2010, the hospitality area successfully focused on involving local partners under the motto "Engadin/Graubünden". Images from Alois Cariget's "Schellen-Ursli" lent charm and atmosphere to the decor. Culinary treats for visitors included regional specialities served by Reto Mathis and his crew in the Hospitality Tent.

Pony welfare a priority
Lead players and secret stars of the tournament were the polo ponies. As every year, their well-being was top of the organisers' priority list. New stabling, erected in 2010, meets the latest animal accommodation standards. In addition to grooms and vets, a specialist physiotherapist looked after the health of these valuable animals during the strenuous matches. As top athletes (which is what these ponies are), they deserve nothing but the optimum support. Download Media release (PDF 164 KB)]]> Media-News Sun, 30 Jan 2011 10:51:00 +0100 http://www.polostmoritz.com/en/world-cup-on-snow/media/media-releases/media-releases/news/TEAM_FRANKREICH_STOPPT_SCHWEIZER_SIEGESZUG.html?cHash=b408f7981771366042eb72bed8277aaa France took a surprise win over Switzerland today, defeating the hosts 5-3. France’s number four... With Switzerland struggling to score a single goal in the first half of the game, France took the lead by three goals. Nacho Gonzalez was on fine form, scoring the first two goals for his team, in what was an open game with big passes from both sides and only a couple of penalties before the bell went at half-time.

England-based player Gonzalez showed-off his great skill with the ball, weaving in and out of the players, carefully taking the ball up the field towards goal. The Swiss had plenty of chances at goal but, with a slight wind down on the ground today, the players – Augustin Martinez in particular – were hitting the ball up into the air which frequently went out of play.

The play was even, with both sides playing some strong polo but, with Martinez missing a handful of shots at goal, it was France who proved they had the better tactics, keeping the ball close to the ground and not letting the wind catch it. Oscar Mancini put another goal on the scoreboard for France before half-time, ending 3-0.

Great teamwork by Switzerland’s Argentine trio but the first two goals on the board for their team at the start of the third chukka, with Augustin Martinez scoring the first and Federico Bachmann the second. However, going into the fourth, France advanced further ahead, with two goals from Nacho. Switzerland managed to put another goal through the posts just before the final bell, but it wasn’t enough to win. All is not lost however, as they are still likely contenders for the final having won two games previously.

Switzerland’s patron Philipp Maeder, who returns to the tournament for a fifth year, had a great game, as did France’s patron Francois Le Barazer. Both players looked more at ease in the game today, taking some brilliant shots and having some unfortunate misses at goal. Although this is Barazer’s first time here, Maeder has been able to witness first-hand the change in format to the new Nations Cup format, commenting: "It’s always great to play here but the new format is great because people can get behind their international team and cheer them on, creating a brilliant atmosphere in the stands for the players."

Commentator Ebe Sievwright agreed with Philipp: "As a commentator, having the new Nations Format means you can really get the crowds going," he said. "They want to support their country of origin so it creates some rivalry in the grandstands. I think it’s a much better format and hopefully it will continue in the future."
More photos: www.flickr.com/polostmoritz

© Georgie May (Polo Times Magazine) for St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow.
© Foto: Tony Ramirez (Images of Polo) for St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow ]]> World Cup News St. Moritz Polo AG Fri, 25 Feb 2011 10:21:00 +0100