Shanghai Tang Women’s International Polo 2007
24th -28th October 2007
Singapore Polo Club

Hot Pink triumph at 4th Women’s International Polo

Team Hot Pink defeated Team Ebony in the 0 – 2 goal Shanghai Tang Women’s International Women’s Polo on 28th October at the Singapore Polo Club. The score was
5 – 4.

The 4th women’s international polo tournament held last Sunday at the Club’s Mount Pleasant grounds saw exciting polo action between Hot Pink and Ebony. It was indeed competitive play and tight defense during every chukka between the teams and in the end, Hot Pink, captained by local polo player, Linda Lim, together with team mates Camille Beinhorn, Isabelle Larendaudie, and professionals Kirsty Sullivan and Lesley Ann Masterton, edged out their opponents by just one goal to win the title. Kirsty Sullivan was awarded the Most Valuable Player while the Best Playing Pony went to Princesa, which is owned by Ebony team captain, Charlotte Marson.

This year’s tournament kicked off with three teams playing in the preliminary rounds which started on 24th October and were played in a ‘round-robin’ format. The teams were made up of six overseas professional players and eight local players. The Club was pleased to have representation from Argentina, Australia, France, Jamaica, United States of America and Zimbabwe for this tournament and is grateful to all players who took time off their busy schedules to support this tournament.

Says Mr. Raphael le Manse de Chermont, Executive Chairman of Shanghai Tang, "The success of this tournament is encouraging to Shanghai Tang, who has been avidly promoting Polo in Asia, where the sport is originated. Our participation in this event provides an opportunity for Singapore to witness the match between world-class female polo players, highlighting the fact that Polo is steadily gaining popularity as a top woman's interest as well."

At the end of the three days play of the preliminary rounds, Team Amethyst captained by Justine Tan, could not quite match Hot Pink and Ebony and they failed to enter the Finals held on Sunday, 28th October. The third day of preliminary rounds was initially scheduled to be played on Saturday, 27th October, but was brought forward to Friday due to good weather. This arrangement was welcomed by the players as they could enjoy a day of rest and also get prepared for the Saturday night party at Bar CoCoon, The Forbidden City. The party was part of the IndoChine Festival 2007 celebration and all invited guests were treated to fabulous food, beer and wines as well as a special music performance by international DJ Abigail Bailey.

Sunday arrived and everyone at the Club was getting ready for the tournament Finals but a sudden downpour after four days of perfect weather was not welcome! However, the rain did not dampen any enthusiasm and invited guests stayed on to watch the Finals match while more guests started strolling into the Club in the midst of the heavy rain. Everyone at the VIP area was treated to a generous spread of canapés and beer from the IndoChine Group and great champagne sponsored by Mumm while watching the fabulous “Khotan” collection featured at the fashion showcase specially put on by Shanghai Tang.

Fortunately, the dark clouds cleared off just before the match started at 5pm with Mr. Raphael le Manse de Chermont, Executive Chairman of Shanghai Tang, throwing in the first ball, accompanied by the Club’s President, Mr. Wee Tiong Han. It was a tough fight between the two teams as the scores steadily mounted on the scoreboard during the first three chukkas. Despite the heavy ground, each team put up a spirited and determined performance. The spectators at the verandah cheered and applauded when both Kirsty and Lesley Ann from Hot Pink scored two goals each. Ebony fought back with four goals but in the final minutes of the last chukka, Lesley Ann scored her third goal to bring victory to Hot Pink.

The tournament ended with an informal Asado party by the side of the polo field. All players, officials and guests had a sumptuous spread specially prepared from Michelangelo’s Restaurant and free flow of beer and sparkling juices compliments of Pacific Beverages.

Says Mr. Tony Cousens, General Manager of Marina Mandarin Singapore, “The Shanghai Tang Women's International Polo tournament organised by the Singapore Polo club was world class and an exciting event despite the initial rainstorm. This annual women's polo tournament continues to garner top class sponsors such as Shanghai Tang and the Marina Mandarin, as well as well-heeled audience!”

The Singapore Polo Club would like to thank all sponsors for their enthusiastic support for the 2007 Shanghai Tang Women’s International Polo tournament. Special thanks to Shanghai Tang (Title Sponsor), Marina Mandarin Singapore (Official Hotel), IndoChine Group (Official F&B and Party Venue), Mumm Champange (Official Champagne) and not forgetting the rest of our sponsors – Orient-Express Hotels Trains & Cruises, FIJI Water, lush spa, pologirlsclub.com, kiwipolo.nz, Kuppa Coffee and Pacific Beverages.

Photographs Courtesy of Singapore Polo Club. All Rights reserved.

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