Remy, Rita and Martin won in Brussels
“Da wo oben ist” (Remy, Rita, Martin) won the Grand Royal in Brussels.
The 13th edition of the prestigious tournament in Belgium was on the polo calendar last weekend. There were 16 mixed teams with players from numerous countries. The court was set up on Friday, after which pick-ups were played. The court is centrally located in Brussels and always attracts numerous spectators during the weekend.
On Saturday there was a morning and afternoon group. Due to several reasons, it was only possible to play 4 games per team. The teams of the two groups were then mixed in order to have a big double elimination on Sunday.
Due to the strong starting field, there were top matches early on, so for example in the first round the “Full Local Team” (Baptiste, Bulle, Vincent) played against “Didier Snake” (Vincent, Coco, Quentin).
In the Winners Bracket Final, “Les Chef.fe.s” (Samir, Clara, Max) then faced “Da wo oben ist”. The team led by Didier Samir had not lost a game so far, but then faced the title favorites and had problems maintaining their strong defense. In the end, they lost 4:0 and were relegated to the Loosers Bracket. Tortank” (Morgan, Jojo, Alphonse) then played against ‘Full Local Team’. Last year’s winner turned up the heat and played brilliant 3up as well as a strong defense. Before the end of the game time, the score was 5:0 and the game was over. The team from Lyon, with support from Geneva, finished in 4th place.
In the Loosers Bracket Final, “Les Chef.fe.s” then played against “Full Local Team”. After both teams had had a chance to test each other out, goals were scored to the delight of the crowd. Bulle’s team scored twice, while the other team only conceded one goal. “Les Chef.fe.s” deservedly secured 3rd place. 5 minutes after the game, Samir was already on his way to the station to catch his train, Pied Tôle.
In the grand final, the previously unbeaten team led by AYNE newcomer Martin faced the local team, which was celebrated by the fans. The game started very fast from the beginning and had everything a final needs, brilliant safes, big shots, good passing and speed. A total of 10 goals were scored, what a show! Through strong team play and brilliant individual actions, it was the team around Remy, Rita and Martin who won 6:4 in the end after the local team started a small comeback 3 minutes before the end.
Martin, who won the tournament in the Belgian capital for the second time after his numerous successes this year, said the following about the weekend in an interview with BPN: “Last weekend was my fourth Grand Royal, one of the greatest mixed tournaments in Europe.
Remi and Rita kindly asked me to sub in their team, how to refuse? After a good first day, with 4 wins, we get a confortable first place of the group, and a good overview of how we can improve our team play for the second day. Second day was looking like a trap, no easy win in sight, and motivated teams everywhere. Rita offered a first class agressive defense, and precise buckshots decisive for the victory. Remy with his legendary ball control was able to secure an offensive team play. I decided to play more defensive than usual, but had great success on big shots and 1v1.
We had to beat former Grand Royal winners : Full Local Team. Their last year presentation was scary, especially with the large crowd supporting the locals.
Jason was the main ref over the weekend and helped to ensure that both days of the tournament ran smoothly.
There where also other special prices. Pyetro from Team Tranquillo was awarded for “always smiling”. Rita and Clara where awarded as MVPs of the tournament since they showed excellent games troughout the weekend. These special awards where honored with one Bag from Local Polo Player Pix aka Bumpak.
On Sunday there was a stream of the double elimination, this can be watched on Youtube. Please leave a follow at the DownOver Youtube Channel!
Winners History:
2024 : Martin, Remy, Rita
2023 : Bulle, Baptiste, Vincent
2022 : Morgan, Emmet, Elena
2021 : Morgan, Emmet, Elena
2020 : Jule, David, Manu
2019 : Martin, Alphonse, Jupp
2018 : Nicky, Ward, Vincent
2017 : Tim, Hagen, Jirka
2016 : Brice, Mass, Vincent
2015 : Tim, Phil, Ward
2014 : Tim, Phil, Tonnio
2013 : Emmet, Adam, Rupert