Palermo experienced a historic polo day: In front of around 6,000 spectators, the team Argentina with the players Agustina Imaz, Azucena Uranga, Catalina Lavinia and Paulina Vasquetto defeated the team from the USA (Lilian Lequerica, Audry Persano, Jenna Davis, Erica Gandomcar) superiorly with 6:2 goals, and thus secured the title at the inaugural Women’s World Championship.

The first World Polo Ladies Championship under the patron of the FIP was a milestone in the history of polo. Teams from Argentina, Brazil, USA, England, Ireland and Italy flighted for the trophy. The Argentinian ladies dominated the final from the start and their united team performance left no doubt that the first world championship title will remain in the country of the hosts. Azucena Uranga, who fought in all areas of the field, played excellent balls to her team mates again and again. Agustina Imaz once again proved to be a dangerous striker and Paulina Vasquetto, defended the goal masterfully. But special mention must be made of the performance of Catalina Lavinia. The only 16-year-old player, already playing with a 6 handicap, scored 10 goals for her team during the tournament. The girls from the USA didn’t stand a chance against this united team performance. The top player of the Americans was at the final as in the whole tournament the 5-goaler Erica Gandomcar on the final day. With the victory in the first World Cup final, the Argentinians repeated in the women’s competition what the Argentinian team achieved in the men’s competition in 1987. They go down in the history of polo as the first world champions.

Argentina (HCP 16)
Agustina Imaz (4) Azucena Uranga (5) Catalina Lavinia (6) Paulina Vasquetto (1)

USA (HCP 16)
Lilian Lequerica (3) Audry Persano (5) Jenna Davis (3) Erica Gandomcar (5)

Photo:
1st World Polo Ladies Champions: Agustina Imaz, Azucena Uranga, Catalina Lavinia and Paulina Vasquetto
Photo credit: Katerina Morgan