Wellington Polo News: The 110th Maserati U.S. Open Kicks Off
Wellington Polo News: The 110th Maserati U.S. Open Kicks Off
The third and most prestigious tournament of U.S. polo’s Triple Crown, the 110th Maserati U.S. Open, kicked off Sunday, March 30, at the International Polo Club Palm Beach.
Eight teams up to 26 goal will go in search of the coveted trophy: Alegria, Audi, Coca-Cola, Crab Orchard, Flight Options, Lechuza Caracas, Orchard Hill and Valiente.
Crab Orchard defeated Orchard Hill on the opening day at IPC with 12-9 scores. The tournament continues as Valiente and Lechuza Caracas meet on March 31, Alegria vs. Audi and Flight Options vs. Coca-Cola both rescheduled for Tuesday.
The championship final is due on Easter Sunday, April 20.
The last 2013 U.S. Open, Zacara defended its title with a come-from-behind 16-13 victory over Valiente, breaking Valiente’s 11-game win streak. Since George Rawling’s Crab Orchard won back-to-back titles (2007-2008), it was the first time a team successfully defended its U.S. Open title. Mariano Aguerre was named Most Valuable Player.
Only two women have won the U.S. Open: Sunny Hale in 2000 with Outback and Gillian Johnston in 2002 with Coca-Cola.
The U.S. Open Polo Championship, the most prestigious tournament in the United States, dates back to 1904. It was first played at Meadowbrook Polo Club in Old Westbury, N.Y. and has been part of the Wellington polo history. It has been played at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington, Florida since 2004. It is one of three major polo tournaments worldwide along with the British and Argentine Opens.
