(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Octogone Crowned Champions of 25th Open de France Barnes Polo Tournament
Chantilly, France — September 21, 2025: Octogone made history on Sunday as they defeated defending champions Kazak 9-6 to claim their first-ever Open de France Barnes title. The final, played at the prestigious Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly, just 30 minutes from Paris, marked the climax of France’s most important polo tournament.
A Historic Final Showdown
The 25th edition of the Open de France Barnes featured 16 teams up to 16 goals, making it one of the toughest competitions in European polo. Octogone entered the final determined to secure their maiden victory, while Kazak looked to defend their crown after winning the tournament in 2023.
Octogone, led by Alexis Morange, started strong with a 3-1 lead in the opening chukka. Kazak, under Sébastien Aguettant, fought back to level the game 3-3 in the second chukka and even took a 5-4 lead in the third. But Octogone’s strategy of containing Kazak’s star forward Francisco “Fran” Elizalde paid off, limiting him to just one goal in the entire match.
From then on, Octogone seized control, extending their advantage and sealing a 9-6 victory to lift their first Open de France trophy.
Match Details – 25th Open de France Barnes Final
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Final Score: Octogone 9 – 6 Kazak
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Octogone Team: Alexis Morange (0), Justo Laulhé (3, 1 goal), Louis Hine (5, 4 goals), David Stirling (8, 3 goals) – Total Handicap: 16
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Kazak Team: Sébastien Aguettant (0), Ramón Collardín (2, 2 goals), Simón Prado (6, 3 goals), Francisco Elizalde (8, 1 goal) – Total Handicap: 16
Chukka by Chukka Scoreline: 1-3, 3-3, 5-4, 6-4, 9-6
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Umpires: Peter Wright & Ben Turner
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Third Man: Jason Dixon
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Most Valuable Player (MVP): David Stirling (Octogone)
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Best Playing Pony (BPP): Open Big Sister, ridden by Francisco Elizalde
A New Champion in French Polo
With this victory, Octogone not only ended Kazak’s title defense but also established themselves among the elite of European polo. The win is expected to boost the profile of the team as they prepare for upcoming international tournaments.
