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Laurence-Wallace, Privilege/Gracida International Post Wins on Opening Day of 22-Goal Ylvisaker Cup at International Polo Club Palm Beach

January 31, 2007

Wellington, FL --- Nine-goaler Mike Azzaro converted a 60-yard penalty shot 1:12 into overtime to lift Laurence-Wallace over Bendabout 12-11 in the opening game of the 22-goal Ylvisaker Cup presented by Cartier Wednesday at International Polo Club Palm Beach.

In another game, Kris Kampsen scored nine goals to lead Privilege/Gracida International over 2006 runner-up Skeeterville 14-9.

Laurence-Wallace scored five goals in the fourth chukker, three by Luis Escobar and two by Azzaro, to rally from a 6-5 halftime deficit to take a 10-7 lead, the largest of the game for either team.

But Bendabout retaliated with three consecutive goals in the fifth chukker, including two penalty shots by 10-goaler Miguel Novillo Astrada, to tie the contest heading in to the final period.

Laurence-Wallace started out strong, but Azzaro missed a 60-yard penalty shot wide to the left. Then Escobar took a strong back pass from Azzaro and outraced Will Johnston for the tie-breaking goal with 5:17 left in the chukker.

Both teams missed opportunities before Astrada connected on a 60-yard penalty shot with 1:04 remaining to send it into overtime.

Azzaro and Escobar finished with four goals each to lead Laurence-Wallace (1-0) while Pelon Escapite scored three goals and patron Elizabeth Iorio added one goal.

Astrada led Bendabout (0-1) with seven goals while Alejandro Novillo Astrada scored two goals and patron Gillian Johnston and Will Johnston had one goal apiece.

In a rare occurrence, the game matched two women patrons against each other, something that happens only once or twice a year in high-goal polo.

Privilege/Gracida International broke open a tight match with five unanswered goals in the fourth chukker to take an 11-5 lead and coasted to its first victory of the season after three losses.

Skeeterville could not get closer than four goals the rest of the game.

Nine-goaler Carlos Gracida added four goals and Carlitos Gracida scored one goal for the winners. Julio Arellano led Skeeterville (0-1) with five goals while Owen Rinehart scored three goals and patron Skeeter Johnston added one goal.

The tournament continues today (Thursday) with a tripleheader beginning at 10 a.m. when San Saba plays Patagones, followed by defending champion New Bridge La Dolfina against Pony Express at 1 p.m. and ending with Audi against Broncos at 3 p.m. The final of the Ylvisaker Cup presented by Cartier is scheduled for Sunday, February 18 at 3 p.m. on Stanford Field.

The Ylvisaker Cup in named in honor of William T. “Bill” Ylvisaker, a polo pioneer who founded Palm Beach Polo and Country Club in the late 1970s, bringing the sport to the forefront in Palm Beach County. A former Chairman of the USPA, Ylvisaker was elected into the Polo Hall of Fame in 1996. Ylvisaker has won numerous major polo tournaments, including the prestigious U.S. Open in 1972.

The polo matches are open to the public. General admission for the Sunday games at International Polo Club Palm Beach is $10 for adults. Children under 12 enter for free. Tickets may be purchased at the gate on the day of the game or in advance at the stadium box office.

International Polo Club Palm Beach is located at 3667 120th Avenue South, between Pierson Road and Lake Worth Road in Wellington. For information, directions or ticket purchases, please call the club at (561) 204-5687 or visit the website at www.internationalpoloclub.com

Past champions



2006 – New Bridge La Dolfina defeated Skeeterville 15-14

2005 – Pony Express defeated Airstream 11-6

2004 – Crab Orchard defeated Black Watch 13-8

2003 – C Spear defeated Outback 11-9

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