In a spectacular game of world class polo Brazil held on desperately to defeat Australia by one goal in the first match of round three of the World Cup Polo at Werribee Park this afternoon.

The final score of 11 - 10 puts Brazil on top of the group with a maximum of 5 points from three games. Australia finished the round robin with three points and must hold their collective breath for the result of the final match between Canada and Italy played later today.

On the scoring system used at World Cup Polo, Canada must win by 8 goals to get through and knock Australia out of the semis. Canada starts the game on the same points as Australia (3) but with a deficit goal of 7.

Italy cannot get through to the semi if they win for, although they would have the same points as Australia, the "who beat who" rule applies and Australia beat Italy in the first match of the tournament 10 - 8.

Today's match saw some of the finest Polo played in the tournament. Australia started with a two goal handicap but Brazil were brilliant early with 4 first chukka goals. Their number 3 Rodrigo Andrez (6 goals) was sensational and it took well into the second chukka before Australia found their feet and really warmed to the task.

Damien Johnson with 6 goals and Captain Charlie Field were magnificent and Andrew Slack Smith was particularly tough in the close clinches. Andy Williams (number 2 ) played a wonderful second half and although going down by a goal this match was considered the best Polo played by Australia in the tournament.

For Brazil they were all class. Their ability to drive the horses at breakneck speed had a small but vocal crowd on the edge of their collective seats. Andrez and Aluiso Rosa (number 2) was brilliant early and kept the pressure to the Australians for the entire match.

This victory has almost assured that Brazil will avoid the World Champions Argentina in the semi final to be played at the Chirnside Field at Werribee Park on Friday.

For further information contact: Di Rolle
Di Rolle Publicity
WORLD CUP POLO 2001
0419 001 068

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Despite a remarkable game from 17 year old sensation Fred Mannix (10 goals) and a 2 goal win to Canada over
Italy it was not enough to tip Australia out of a semi final berth today at Werribee Park at the World Cup
Polo.

Canada came from 5 goals down late in the third chukka to take control and at one stage early in the 6th and last chukka they led by 4 goals and created a few moments of angst for a large contingent of Australian fans who realised that should Canada win by 8 goals they were through at the expense of the Green and Gold.

Mannix was simply sensational. This 17 year old has been the revelation of the tournament and is certain to improve his 3 handicap dramatically in the months ahead.

For Italy J Martin Nero played hard all day and finished with 3 goals. The Italians seemed to lose interest in the game during the second half perhaps realising they couldn't get though to the semi finals. A late burst saw them claw back to within striking distance of the Canadians but the final hooter determined that Brazil and Australia were through to the semi finals to be played from 1.00 pm on Friday at Werribee Park.

For further information contact:

Di Rolle
Publicist
WORLD CUP POLO 2001
0419 001 068