FIP Playoffs In Juarez Mexico
May 26th - 30th 2004
Updated Wed. June 3rd, '04
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FIP Press Release

Mexico Wins The FIP World Championship VII, Zone A Playoff Tournament
Mexico and USA to go to Finals

The Las Anitas Polo Club hosted the Zone A (North and Central America) Playoff Tournament to qualify the two teams to play in the finals of the Federation of International Polo World Championship VII. Canada, Dominican Republic, USA and the home team Mexico participated, all with 10 to14 goal teams.

The Organizing Committee, headed by Mr. Octavio Bermudez, President of the Federacion Mexicana de Polo, did a wonderful job producing this very successful event. Hundreds of people attended the games including FIP President Glen Holden, FIP Vice President Steve Orthwein, and FIP Ambassadors Paul von Gontard, Patrick Nesbitt, Richard Caleel, Derek Wolstenholme and Francois Berger who was also the Tournament Director.

On May 26, 2004 the Las Anitas Polo Club opened the tournament with a wonderful presentation of local music and dance and the traditional parade of the teams. Dominican Republic faced the USA in the opening match. The Dominicans were ahead during the first chukker, but the USA rallied and managed to win the game. During the second game Mexico’s 10-goal team played against Canada’s 14 goal team. By the sixth chukker Canada was ahead 11 to 10. During the last minute of the last chukker the teams were tied 11 to 11 when Mexico scored a goal and won the game securing them a spot at the finals in Chantilly, France.

On May 28, 2004 USA played against Canada. During the first chukker Canadian player Michael Matz took a spill and was not allowed to play the rest of the game (Mike and pony were fine and both played in the 5th game). The game was well fought out but in the end the USA won the game and a spot in the finals.

On May 30, 2004, the last day of the tournament Dominican Republic played Canada that ended in a tie. The final game between Mexico and the USA was to determine the winner of the tournament. The game was well played by both teams and resulted in Mexico winning first place.

IP congratulates and thanks all the players for their exceptional sportsmanship and efforts in participating in this tournament. FIP wishes Mexico and the USA good luck in the FIP World Championship finals in Chantilly, France in September 9-19, 2004.

Teams:
Canada
1. Michael Matz (2)
2. Brent Mirikitani (4)
3. Todd Offen (5)
4. Scott Weir (3)
Substitute: Dayelle Bradley (2)

Dominican Republic
1. Roberto Jimenez (2)
2. Flaco Maldonado (4)
3. Eddy Martinez (5)
4. Alex Schad (2)
Substitute: Johnny Alvarez (4)

Mexico
1. Octavio Bermudez Jr. (1)
2. Miguel Gomez de Prada (3)
3. Oscar Garibay (4)
4. Ulises Escapite (2)

United States
1. Chris Gannon (2)
2. Alan Martinez (4)
3. Jason Crowder (4)
4. Steve Orthwein Jr. (4)
Substitute: Dan Walker (4)
Substitute: Shane Rice (3)