Perfect conditions on the first day of the 22nd Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel

Perfect conditions on the first day of the 22nd Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel

The 22nd Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup started with crisp but sunny weather!
Team Engel & Völkers immediately made a statement in the tournament's opening game by winning 9 – 6 ½ against Team Casablanca. German team captain Jan-Hendrik Többe played alongside the two Argentinians Agustin Kronhaus and Adrian Laplacette. “We were honored to play the first game in perfect conditions. That felt really great. The horses are fit and ready to compete, which is the most important thing to me. For tomorrow, I’m hoping to play a little later so we can enjoy the evening. Our goal for the weekend is to stay healthy. And if we can win, it’s even better,” said Jan-Hendrik Többe after his victory on day one.

Even between games, there are many things to see: DJ Erok plays upbeat music, and the exhibition tents in the public area invite visitors to shop, enjoy warm drinks, or grab some snacks.

The second game was played by Team Veuve Clicquot, led by captain Christian Grimme, and Team Tiger Frontier / Scaleluna, captained by Peter Cromm. In a closely contested match, Team Veuve Clicquot secured victory by one goal. Christian Grimme, Lukas Sdrenka, and Argentine Gaston María Begueri scored five times, while Team Tiger Frontier / Scaleluna managed four goals.

Defending their title from 2024, Team Intocast (captained by Matthias Normann with teammates Micky Duggan and Martin Donovan) faced Team Bendura Bank. Team Bendura Bank's captain, Niclas Johansson, alongside Pelayo Berazadi and Tito Gaudenzi, had high hopes for this year’s tournament. However, after Johansson fell from his horse and could no longer play, Amy Blake Thomas stepped in spontaneously. Despite this change, Team Intocast demonstrated why they were last year’s champions, winning 6 ½ - 11. “It won’t be easy this year. All the teams have really talented players, so it’s hard to come back when you’re behind by 1 ½ goals. Today it took us almost two chukkers. But we still want to play in Sunday’s final, no matter who we face. Playing in these conditions is just fun,” said Matthias Normann.

It’s a family affair – mother versus son.
Melissa Ganzi (Team Bentley), a seasoned participant in this tournament, faced her son Grant Ganzi with Team World Polo League in her first game. The family duel was thrilling! Only seconds before the final whistle, Grant Ganzi scored the decisive goal, leading to a final score of 7 – 8 in favor of Team World Polo League.

Public Entry and VIP Tickets
Entry to the public area is free. Tickets for the VIP tent (including food and beverages) can be purchased at https://kitzbuehelpolo.ticket.io/ or at the front desk.

Timetable for the following days:

Saturday, 18th January
10:30 am – Tiger Frontier / Scaleluna vs. Casablanca
11:45 am – Bentley vs. Bendura Bank
1:00 pm – Engel & Völkers vs. World Polo League
2:15 pm – Intocast vs. Veuve Clicquot
8:00 pm – Polo Player’s Gala (Dress code: Black Tie / Cocktail Attire)

Sunday, 19th January
10:30 am – AIX Cup: 7th & 8th Place Game
11:45 am – Kitzbühel Country Club Cup: 3rd & 4th Place Game
1:00 pm – Casablanca Cup Finals (Runner-up Cup): 5th & 6th Place Game
2:15 pm – Bendura Bank Finals: 1st & 2nd Place Game
3:30 pm – Prize Giving, MVP, and Best Playing Pony