A stunning setting of greenery, alpine peaks surrounding the field that became a polo club for a single weekend, a rare proximity with players and horses, a VIP village and exhibitors with original luxury products to discover, a friendly atmosphere, a public dining area, a playground for children and, on Friday, a picturesque animation in the streets of Gstaad with the parade of teams, the Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad had it all – a truly unique experience!
This year, three teams, Clinique La Prairie, Gstaad Palace, Hublot, and Banque Eric Sturdza took to the field on the altitude of 1000 meters of this highest summer tournament in the world to get a hold of a coveted trophy. But only one of them managed to rise to the occasion of the 24th Hublot Gold Cup Gstaad.
Remembering the final 2018 won on a knife edge by the team Banque Eric Sturdza after an incredible ‘‘remontada’’ when Cedric Schweri and his team were led by three goals, the competition was once again fierce.
Following a welcome speech from Simone Gibertoni, CEO of Clinique La Prairie, Pierre Genecand presented the title partner, Hublot, as well as the three other team sponsors: Banque Eric Sturdza, Gstaad Palace and of course, Clinique La Prairie. And, finally, the competition has begun.
The qualifying matches were quite competitive and, perhaps, surprising to some with team Hublot and team Clinique La Prairie emerging victorious over their opponents – especially a two-title holder, Swiss team Banque Eric Sturdza.
Sunday afternoon, at the Saanen airfield, the audience was treated to all the spoils of international polo. With perfect weather and breathtaking alpine views, it was only fitting the Final be equally spectacular, and as expected, the teams boasting some of the world’s best players didn’t disappoint. Today, the coveted trophy of the 24th Hublot Gold Cup Gstaad was presented to none other than team Clinique La Prairie.
Lucas Labat, handicap 6 and Clinique La Prairie’s backbone, admitted it wasn’t that difficult to win with a team which has both talent and chemistry, “I think this team is one of the best I’ve played with here in Europe, where I’ve been playing since 1998. The team worked together perfectly, the conditions were ideal, and the organization a well-oiled machine. For me, Gstaad is one of the best tournaments in Europe. This win wasn’t complicated because we decided to return the ball from the first shot, and we didn’t waste time dribbling. As I have a strong enough swing, my job was to send the ball to my forwards, who could then chain the goals. This is the type of polo I believe in, and I am convinced that in the future we must return to this kind of open game.”
The incredible tournament promises to return to a mythic setting at more than 1,000 meters of elevation in 2020 for its 25th anniversary.
Lear nmore at: https://www.polo-gstaad.ch/news/
