The Ellerstina team with the Argentine Open trophy. Note the Rolex watch worn by Gonzalo Jr., the Rolex testimonee
The mighty Ellerstina polo team have won the 2012 Argentine Open, officially called the Campeonato Argentino Abierto de Polo, arguably the premier trophy in international polo. The 38-goal team from just outside Buenos Aires won the Tortugas Open in October and now adds the Argentine Open as well, with a hard-fought 12-10 win over perennial rival La Dolfina.
Like last year, no team will pick up the fable triple crown of polo because La Dolfina won the Hurlingham Open in November, thus splitting the spoils with Ellerstina. While all three finals were between these famous rivals, this year has seen impressive performances from Pilara Piaget and La Aguada along the way.
For those who do not know, Ellerstina is made up of brothers Facundo, Gonzalo Jr and Nicolas, with brother-in-law Mariano Aguerre rounding it off. These are the world numbers 2, 5 and 9 respectively; Aguerre is outside the top 10. To put their success in perspective, La Dofina is an even stronger team, with Adolfo Cambiaso, Juan Martin Nero, Pablo Mac Donough and David Stirling Jr ranking 1, 3, 4 and 6 respectively.
Those familiar with luxury will recognize some of these names and the brands associated with them or with polo. Try and match these names to players and the sport: Rolex, Royal Salute, Mercedes-Benz, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Piaget and Richard Mille.
Gonzalo Pieres Jr, with Adolfo Cambiaso on his tail
Adolfo Cambiaso of La Dolfina
The Ellerstina team at the Palermo stadium that hosts the Argentine Open
