2013 BMW International Polo Series – Shongweni

Durban – Durban Shongweni Club in Hillcrest played host on Sunday, August 18 to the first test of the 2013 BMW International Polo Series, which saw the South African Polo team pit their skills against a young touring international Chilean team.

The rain held out for the first test at Shongweni with a chilly breeze keeping the players on their toes for what was a highly competitive match. The first test saw both teams play a very defensive game and attacking at every opportunity. The final chukka ended with a 4-4 tie and Juan Ignacia Vercellino, Captain of the Chilean side, was awarded man of the match.

The South Americans have toured on five previous occasions and although they have beaten South Africa in Chile, they have never been victorious on South African soil.

The second test of the tournament will be played at the spacious Waterfall Polo Park in Sunninghill, Johannesburg, on August.25.  It will be at this event that the overall winner of the 2013 BMW International Polo Series will be determined.

Taking the reins for the South African Polo Team this year as captain, is 35 year old Guy Watson (5-goal player), a member of the polo-steeped Watson family. With vast international experience including countries such as the USA, New Zealand and India, Watson provided great leadership to his team as South Africa came back to tie with Chile after being one goal down at the end of half time.

Representing the rest of the young, talented South African side is Watson’s nephew, Byron Watson (17 years old & 3-goal), Lance Watson (26 years old & 5-goal), Leroux Hendriks (27 years old & 5-goal), and reserves Duncan Watson (22 years old & 5-goal) and Cody Ellis (18 years old & 3-goal).

BMW’s collaboration with the South African Polo Association is one of the longest-running sports sponsorships in South Africa – this year marks 24 years of BMW’s commitment to the sport.

The second Test at Waterfall Polo Park is set to be filled with loads of action and great sportsmanship as Chile and South Africa charge for the ultimate victory in the final of the 2013 BMW International Polo Test series.

Please visit www.bmw.co.za/polo or www.sapolo.org.za for more information.

Follow @BMW_SA on Twitter as well as Facebook and join the conversation using the #BMWPolo hashtag.

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If you have any queries regarding this press release, please contact:

BMW South Africa Group Communications and Public Affairs Division

Mr Guy Kilfoil

General Manager: Group Communications & Public Affairs

BMW South Africa (Pty) Ltd

Phone: +27-12-522-2204

Cell: +27-82-583-6262

Email: guy.kilfoil@bmw.co.za

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