Mikee Romero, Globalport polo team book spot in US Open Polo Championship

For the first time ever, a Philippine-based team will compete in the sport of polo's biggest stage.

This after the Mikee Romero-led Globalport team clinched a historic ticket for the US Open Polo Championship next month in Wellington, Florida—marking the first time a team from the country will see action in the prestigious event.

Globalport is among the 12 teams to participate in the said event that is set to run from March 24 to April 20 in the US.

Romero had previously represented the country in an international polo tournament, bagging a bronze medal during the 2019 Southeast Asian Games held here.

"The US Open is the Olympics of polo. It is a dream," said Romero.

Aside from Romero, also leading the team are world No. 2 Barto Castagnola of Argentina, 17-year-old prodigy Beltran Laughle, and Lucas Alberdi. Castagnola recently achieved an impressive win in the Argentine Open while Beltran is considered one of the rising stars in the field.

While qualifying is an achievement in itself, Globalport vowed to make a mark when they take on some top teams from across the world.

"It’s a big honor for me to represent the country in this US Open," said Romero.

"While qualifying for the US Open is accomplishment enough, we hope to make an impact on the competition as we mount a challenge on the dominance of the established powers of the polo world."

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News