The opening match in this year's tournament took place between an experienced team of Thai journalists, who played a side made up of their international counterparts.

Leading striker Kittipong Thongsombat of the Post Today newspaper scored the winning goal for the local media team in the dying seconds of the game after finally managing to find a gap in the international team's solid defence.

The Nation's Don Entz, who gained experience playing in last year's tournament in Hua Hin, also had an outstanding game and almost scored midway through the first half, but his shot was just wide.

Kittipong, an outstanding elephant polo striker who led the Bangkok Post team to victory last year over The Nation's team, was again in the thick of the action yesterday and managed to keep the international media team on the defensive for the entire second half.

His goal, which gave the Thai team a 1-0 victory, was a brilliant back-handed shot from the edge of the circle.

"It was the shot of the day," said team captain Alan Parkhouse. "Don Entz and Kittipong combined really well up front and they had the other team on the back foot from the start."

The media match was the curtain-raiser for the tournament, with the main competition getting underway today and finishing on Sunday.

A huge crowd turned out yesterday at the school grounds in Chiang Saen and the day started with an elephant blessing followed by a big parade through the town and a colourful cultural show back at the school grounds featuring many local hilltribe people.

The crowd of about 3,000 then watched the media match, followed by a slightly faster game involving two teams of mahouts.

A total of 30 elephants and more than 50 players from 19 countries are taking part in this year's tournament. Entry to the ground is free and food and drinks are available.

Alan na Sydney

The Nation

Chiang Rai