
Published on January 20, 2008
The recently held Mercedes Benz-Credit Suisse Thai Polo Open featured fun-filled matches held on a beautifully landscaped field at the Thai Polo Club in Pattaya. The event was held by Harald Link, CEO of B Grimm Group, who has played a leading role in the renaissance of polo in Thailand. The tournament once again benefited the Chitralada Vocational School Project under the patronage of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
Competing in the fifth edition of the games were teams from Germany, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand. Hundreds of guests gathered to watch the action and be seen, including Rodolphe S Imhoof, Swiss ambassador to Thailand and his wife Martine; Lars Backstrom, Finnish ambassador to Thailand and his wife Brigitta; William Paterson, Australian ambassador to Thailand and his wife Helen; Chaikiri Srifuengfung; ML Boonyanuch Dulyachinda; Saijai Snidvongs na Ayudhya; Col Fuangvich Aniruth-deva; Kritika Kongsompong; Busaba Chirathivat; Sorat Amatayakul; Pranitan Phornprapha and many more enthusiastic polo lovers. There was also a horse riding show on the Art of Classical Riding, which was full of graceful movements.
Playing for the Malaysian team were members of the Malaysian royal families - HH Prince Amir and HH Prince Shazril for the Royal Pahang team. The final was between Royal Selangor Polo Club and Indonesia's Polo team. By a score of 8 ½ to 7, the Royal Selangor Polo Club was victorious, and was awarded the Benz-Credit Suisse Thai Polo Open Cup. Watching the matches were Sultan Ahmad Shah of Pahang and HRH Crown Prince Abdullah of Pahang, Malaysia.
The event also featured various booths and charity activities such as dart throwing, prize drawings and other games with prizes. As the sun went down, champagne was served and a memorable day concluded.
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