The Final in Baku was played between two strong teams- Team Bogner with the line up set as- Richard Fagan (1), Mario Gomez (4) and Daniel Gariador (2) and Team Gilan Holding with the set as the following-Elchin Jamalli (3), Tarlan Qurbaneliyev (2) and Agustin Kronhaus (3).
The final match was definitely not the first meeting ground for both the teams as they had met earlier. The escalating pace of the match was met with much interest and enthusiasm and Team Gilan Holding played with admirable strength and speed. However the third chukka proved to be competitive with both the teams aiming for the big win. Team Bogner because of their spirits and slight advantage succeeded as victorious champions.
The first game in the final witnessed Team Italdizain and Team Badrutt’s Palace Hotel competing for the win in the third place in which Italdizain taking lead in the first chukka. The very young Enno Grams was seen playing
admirably alongside Tito Gaudenzi and Patrick Maleitzke which stirred up the game. The close to close match left everyone in awe. Amazing performances by Fabio, Luca Meier and Fabian Bolanterio weighed heavy upon Team Badrutts’.
As Italdizain scored 8 against 7, they secured their position. What cannot be underestimated is the power fueled attempts by Team Badrutt’s Palace Hotel. The tournament also proved to be a meeting ground, in which the sponsors presented best players from different countries, all over the world.
Baku and St. Moritz were brought in as new polo locations. This was called upon by the official representative of ARAF for international polo relations, Reto Gaudenzi. In his words –
“We saw three days of excellent and exciting polo. For us it was a great experience and success to bring together the destinations of Baku and St. Moritz. The ‘Baku Moritz Gala Night’ welcomed a few hundred guests and was the social highlight of the polo weekend in Baku. A unique combination which we are looking forward to continue next year.“ Yves Gardiol, General Manager of the Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, attended the CBC Sport Arena Polo World Cup Azerbaijan personally: “For me it was the first time in Baku. I am absolutely impressed by this modern and open city and the warm welcome we received here’’.
