Las Monjitas, who captured the title in 2006, defeated Black Watch 9-7 while 2005 champions White Birch narrowly escaped a sixth chukker comeback by 2009 Piaget Gold Cup victors Lechuza Caracas to win 12-11 in sudden-death overtime. Las Monjitas and White Birch are the only two teams playing in this year’s U.S. Open to ever capture the title.

White Birch, who also finished as the runner-up in 2004, 1997, and 1995, kept a solid lead through the first five chukkers, ending the fifth at 11-7. Lechuza Caracas’ Nicholas Espain scored one from the field at the top of the sixth and then scored the tie breaker with only seven seconds left in regulation play. White Birch’s Pancho Bensadon, scored the winning goal on a penalty shot in overtime.

“They got nothing to lose so they came out punching and they scored two goals in the first two minutes,” said White Birch’s Mariano Aguerre who was referring to the four goals Lechuza Caracas scored during the last chukker. “Hat’s off to them. They got a couple of good breaks and they won the chukker. But we won.”
In the day’s featured match in the International Polo Stadium, Las Monjitas, who was also the 2008 U.S. Open runner-up, did not appear as solid as White Birch during the first three chukkers, trailing Black Watch 4-2 at the half.

“It was a battle and they got the better of us in the first three chukkers,” said Las Monjitas’ Adam Snow who solidified his team’s win as he scored the match’s final goal with just over two minutes left in regulation play. Snow also referred to today’s competition as a war as the match was tied five times. “I think that’s
the best way to describe it!”

“For me it’s the toughest game because you’re playing against all six and seven goal players and it’s very difficult,” said Las Monjitas team Captain Camilo Bautista.“Finally we pulled this out!”

U.S. Open Polo Tournament play continues Friday, April 10 at 4 p.m. when Audi will take on Orchard Hill.
The US Open culminates the high goal season at International Polo.

Played since 1904 the US Open Polo Championship is the oldest polo tournament in the United States. This is the 105th year since it began and an eight team field is competing for the most coveted trophy
in the United States.
 

International Polo is located in Wellington and hosts professional polo tournaments until the last Sunday in April. Everyone is welcome. For information call the polo hotline at 561-282-5290 or on the web at www.internationalpoloclub.com.