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Intrview with Mike Azzaro
Sherif Amin: How old were you when you started to play polo as a professional?
Mike Azzaro: I started as a professional when I was 16 in Chicago, and my first year was in San Antonio, Texas.
Sh.A: On that time were you playing abroad?
M.A.: I was 18 when I started to travel, I´ve been in Africa and I played some tournaments in Argentina and England.
SH.A: Wich is the best place to play?
M.A.: Nowadays I feel more comfortable playing Polo in England, there are three important tournaments, the people enjoy the sport, there are supporters like in Argentine and it´s a nice place.
SH.A: Which is your favorite horse?
M.A.: My best horse is a mare, Bettlejuice (like the film), the one I play with in United States.
SH.A: How was this last season here in Buenos Aires?
M.A.: Short... (lauhgs)... I only played 3 matches with Ellerstina this season, but it was a great oportunity to play with Gonzalo, Fabio and Gonzalito, it was a good season and the teams were very good too. I played the Open 5 years ago, and everything has changed a lot, the players have improved their performance and the horses too.
SH.A: Ok, That was our next question.
M.A.: Yes, I know, so I decided to go ahead with the answer ...(laughs)... , really what I´ve best noticed was the great quality of the horses and the players.
SH.A: Was it the first time you´ve played with Gonzalo Pieres?
M.A.: No, It wasn´t, I´ve played with Gonzalo in Greenwich (Connecticut, USA) a match in a Pro-Am Tounament (Professionals and Amateurs), but it was a long time ago.
SH.A: That was the only time?
M.A.: Yes, that was the only time.
SH.A: How did you manage the horses subject this season?
M.A.: The horses I´ve used are from Ellerstina.
SH.A: Which player do you like the most to play with?
M.A.: Really I enjoyed playing with Gonzalo, I don´t know if he´s planning to retire but if he changes his mind and he wants to play next year I think we could do an excellent partnership, this year we played only 3 matches and we got along well. I think if we had started the whole season playing together Tortugas and Hurlingham Tournament, we could have played better in the Argentine Open and had better results.
SH.A: What are your plans for next year?
M.A.: I'm going to start in Palm Beach from January to March, then I'm going to play in England from April to July, then from August to September I'm going to go to Texas and finally I'll be here again in Buenos Aires, obviously if they'll invite me.
SH.A: Do you know in wich team are you gonna play the US Open?
M.A.: No, I don't have my team definite yet, I'm still looking for wich the alternatives are.
SH.A: Mike, thanks you very much for your time, we hope we can see you soon and good luck for the next season.
M.A.: Thanks you for the interview and I hope I can see you again, soon .
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La Martina polo shop
This is the place where Balbo and Mike Azaro likes to buy polo stuff from . |
