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Advances to Quarterfinal in Stanford U.S. Open Polo Championship

April 4, 2008

WELLINGTON, FL - Undefeated Skeeterville won its bracket today and now advances to the quarterfinal of the Stanford U.S. Open Polo Championship by defeating Isla Carroll 12-9 at International Polo Club Palm Beach. Other US Open action saw Zacara eliminate Bendabout 11-7 to move on to the cross bracket round between teams with 1-1 records.

Skeeterville and Isla Carroll, two teams from the North American Polo League, entered today's game with identical 1-0 records. It was Skeeterville who completely dominated the first half as they took a commanding 7-2 lead. Isla Carroll began to dig itself out of the hole by narrowing the gap to two 10-8 by the end of the fifth chukker.

The final chukker showdown began with Julio Arellano scoring his eighth goal of the day by converting a 60 yard penalty shot. Half way to the finish Marcos di Paola of Isla Carroll answered with a 30 yard penalty to again bring it to within two. Skeeterville's Will Johnston, NAPL player/sponsor of the year, then closed the door with a field goal to win 12-9. With the victory Skeeterville is also poised to win the NAPL National Point total and $100,000.

Zacara lost to bracket I leader Skeeterville in a close contest 11-10 in its opening round. Following that game Zacara's Mike Azarro said, “Our horses were a little heavy today but they will be ready to compete in our next game.” Late in the afternoon his prediction came true as they continually turned Bendabout around in the second half by outscoring them 9-3. Carlos Gracida who has won 9 previous US Open Championships led Zacara with 5 goals and teammate Azarro added 4 in the 11-7 victory. The loss sends Bendabout into the subsidiary Hall of Fame Cup and Zacara keeps its hopes alive as they move into the next round.

Stanford U.S. Polo Championship action will continue Saturday, April 5 with two games from bracket II. Crab Orchard will play Black Watch at noon. The 3:00 pm game is between Audi and Orchard Hill.

International Polo Club Palm Beach is located at 3667 120 th Avenue South in Wellington and hosts professional polo tournaments until the finals of the Stanford U.S. Open Polo Championship, Sunday, April 20. The premier game of the week is played at 3 PM every Sunday on the Stanford Field and Stadium. Information can be obtained by calling 561-204-5687 or the Polo Hotline for game updates at 561-282-5290. Web address, www.internationalpoloclub.com or www.northamericanpololeague.com

SKEETERVILLE 2-2-3-2-1-1=12 (6 penalty goals) Julio Arellano 8
ISLA CARROLL 1-0-1-4-2-1= 9 (4 penalty goals) Facundo Pieres 4

ZACARA 1-1-3-3-2-1=11 (4 penalty goals) Carlos Gracida 5
BENDABOUT 2-1-1-1-1-1= 7 (1 penalty goal) Miguel Astrada 5

Click Here for the updated schedule, scores and rosters of the Stanford U.S. Open Polo Championship.