Overseas pros for Jamaica Open

Orville Clarke, Gleaner Writer

Three Argentinian professionals and an English pro will parade their skills at the annual Jamaica Open Polo tournament to be held next week at the Kingston Polo Club, Caymanas Estates.

This was announced by representatives of title sponsors, the Scotia Private Client Group, and the Jamaica Polo Association, at Wednesday's launch at the Scotiabank Group Financial Centre, Constant Spring Road.

The tournament, to be contested by four teams, will see the visiting pros playing alongside some of the top local players. The play-off matches to decide the finalists will take place on the afternoon of Thursday, April 7, at the Kingston Polo Club, the winners contesting the final on Sunday, April 10, starting at 2 p.m.

England will be represented by Jamie Le Hardy, while his Argentinian counterparts are Jose Lartirigoyen and Tomas Gandara, who are no strangers to Jamaica, as well as fellow Argentinian Jorge Donovan, who now resides in Jamaica.

Sponsors thrilled

"We are delighted to partner with this prestigious event as we and our clients alike have truly developed a love for the game of polo. Known as the 'Game of Kings and the King of Games', polo dates back to the early fifth century BC and has a long and distinguished history with over 15 million players worldwide," said Debra Lopez-Spence, centre director of Scotia Private Client Group.

"We are thrilled to have some highly skilled international players participating in the Open this year," she added. "This year, our theme for the event is 'Nikki Beach comes to Kingston', which brings together a premier lifestyle event with our Scotia Private Client Group brand.

"We have exciting activities in store at the final event. Our hospitality lounge will feature a day spa, courtesy of Golden Eye, which will give our clients a chance to unwind and relax as they enjoy the game of polo," she further explained.

Jorge Donovan, along with Paul Lalor, Mark Wates and Mitta Rousseau, will represent the Scotia Client team.

Tomas Gandara, young Jason Wates, Adam Laing and Mining and Energy Minister James Robertson will form the American Airlines team.

Top female player Lesley Fong-Yee will join Jamie Le Hardy, Sam Wates and Craig Russell on Team Bin 26, while Jose Lartirigoyen, John G. Byles, Mark Melville and Jordon Samuda will round off The Pegasus.

Although no official estimate was given to the monetary level of the sponsorship, sources say it could reach the US$40,000 (J$3.4 million) mark, similar to last year.