The Diamond Ladies Polo Open, currently the largest women's polo tournament in South Africa, took place at the East Rand Polo Club in Bapsfontein. The event drew nine top female polo players from New Zealand, Australia, England, Ireland, and Zambia, who competed against 24 South African players. The tournament, now in its fourth year, has been revitalizing women's polo in the country since its inception in 2019.
The tournament featured two divisions, A and B, with players forming teams to compete against each other. Ritali Cronjé, the organizer and South African representative for women's polo, praised the players for their exceptional equestrian skills and sportsmanship. Cronjé, a singer and sports physiotherapist, successfully hosted the event for the second time, with the support of the South African Polo Association, pony lenders, sponsors, referees, and the organizing committee.
The Otto 1890 team, comprising local players Courtney van Reenen and Courtney Soal-Cox, and Mary Jellis and Emily Paterson from Zambia, emerged as the winners of the A division. In the B division, Jellis, along with South African players Olivia Reitz, Clair Abraham, and Tessa Haines, took home the trophy. Paterson and Jellis were named the most valuable players in their respective divisions, with Jellis also receiving the overall diamond prize.
The QMS A team, consisting of Cronjé, Kennedy Davis, Philippa Fitz-Henry from Australia, and Megan Viljoen from Zambia, secured second place in the A division. Cronjé highlighted the challenges of playing polo, likening it to playing golf during an earthquake. She emphasized the importance of physical fitness, ball control, and a strong connection with one's horse.
Cronjé revealed that she used a total of five horses during the tournament, each requiring a three-and-a-half-minute break. She praised her horses, Coyote, Queen, Georgie Girl, Shadow, and Senorita, for their outstanding performance. The event received positive feedback from attendees, with Cronjé expressing her gratitude to the organizers and looking forward to taking the tournament to new heights in 2027.
The Diamond Ladies Polo Open has become a premier event in South African women's polo, showcasing the country's equestrian talent and providing a platform for female players to compete at a high level. The tournament's success is a testament to the growing popularity of women's polo in South Africa.
As the event came to a close, Cronjé and her team looked forward to future editions, with plans already underway to build on the momentum generated by this year's tournament. The Diamond Ladies Polo Open has established itself as a must-attend event in the South African polo calendar.
Key points
- The Diamond Ladies Polo Open is the largest women's polo tournament in South Africa.
- The tournament featured players from New Zealand, Australia, England, Ireland, and Zambia.
- The event has been instrumental in revitalizing women's polo in South Africa since its inception in 2019.
