The 133rd Hurlingham Club Polo Open, the opening leg of the Argentine Triple Crown, heads into its most anticipated stage. The semi-finals of the traditional tournament delivered two entirely distinct spectacles over the weekend. On one side stood an emphatic demonstration of sheer dominance by defending champions La Natividad La Dolfina, who overpowered Las Monjitas 22–10. On the other unfolded a razor-tight battle demanding nerves of steel until the final horn, culminating in La Hache’s hard-fought 13–12 victory over Ellerstina Indios Chapaleufú. The stage is set: this coming Saturday, these teams will collide in the grand finale at the Hurlingham Club.
The opening semi-final reaffirmed the formidable firepower of La Natividad La Dolfina. The heavy favourites commanded the contest with absolute authority from the opening throw-in, even though Las Monjitas managed to stay only two goals behind before the start of the fourth chukker. Their play flowed with blistering pace, pinpoint accuracy, and lethal finishing between the goalposts. There were simply no cracks in their tactical blueprint or in the individual execution across the four-man line-up. That commanding control enabled them to steadily widen the margin and dictate the tempo all the way to the 22–10 finish. The on-field chemistry uniting the Cambiasos and the Castagnola brothers is firmly established, confirming this squad as the undisputed frontrunners for the title.
Standing across the field will be La Hache, who return to the Hurlingham title match after three years following a memorable semi-final. Their clash was a gruelling, fiercely contested tactical tug-of-war. The scoreboard remained tight throughout, despite La Hache building a solid cushion in the early going. La Hache had to display relentless patience, defensive discipline, and composure in critical moments as Ellerstina Indios Chapaleufú managed to pull ahead on multiple occasions. Ultimately, standout performances by Benjamín Panelo and Hilario Ulloa proved decisive in the final stretch, securing the dramatic 13–12 triumph.
This Saturday’s showdown promises a compelling clash of dynamics. Defending champions La Natividad La Dolfina—unbeaten since their debut in 2025—will aim to dictate terms and impose their rhythm from the outset. Entering their second consecutive season together provides a formidable edge, compounded by fielding three of the world’s highest-rated players today. If they carve out an early advantage, matching their pace will prove an immense challenge for any opponent.
Yet La Hache will not yield easily. The organization founded by Hilario Ulloa makes its return to a Triple Crown final determined to pull off an upset. Neutralizing the fluid transitions of the Cañuelas-based powerhouse will stand at the top of their tactical checklist. Relentless pressure, man-to-man marking, throw-in duels, discipline, and foul avoidance will dominate their preparations throughout the week. Hilario Ulloa and Tomás Panelo previously lifted the Tortugas Country Club Open trophy together in these colours; for Benjamín Panelo and Carlos María Ulloa, this marks their maiden Triple Crown final appearance. With the Ulloa and Panelo brothers renowned for leaving everything on the field, the stage is set for a thrilling spectacle.
Everything is primed for a gripping climax. Hurlingham will crown its champion in an open contest contrasting devastating attacking flair against tactical grit. Saturday will determine whether the well-oiled machine justifies its favouritism or if a relentless challenger rises to claim the prize. Historic glory awaits its rightful owner on the main ground in an afternoon where precision, courage, and horse power will crown the newest monarch of the world’s most traditional tournament.
