SINGAPORE SLINGERS WIN THE SHANGHAI TANG WOMEN’S INTERNATIONAL POLO 2008
Singapore, Friday, 17 October 2008 – The Singapore Slingers won the Shanghai Tang Women’s International Polo 2008 by the score of 5-2 against the Elevation Polo Team at the tournament final held on Sunday, 12 October 2008 at the Singapore Polo Club. The 5-day event was a spectacular display of polo by the players, including top female polo professionals from Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Zimbabwe.
The winning team, Singapore Slingers, was captained by Kirsty Sullivan (Australia) and included Erica Gandomcar (Colorado, USA) and local players Charlotte Marson, Justine Tan and Isabelle Larenaudie. Gandomcar was awarded the Most Valuable Player and the Best Playing Polo Pony was presented to Guadeloupe, owned by Caroline Zeisberger, who represented Thai Polo at this tournament. The third place was won by the Singapore Divas, who defeated Thai Polo by the score of 2 ½ to 1.
The tournament final on Sunday was well attended by an estimated 500 people, including dignitaries, socialites, local supporters and guests invited by the Singapore Polo Club and the tournament sponsors. While all players were dressed in specially designed jerseys from the title sponsor, Shanghai Tang, those in attendance were chic and trendy. The bright and sunny afternoon saw men dressed in white, ladies donning beautiful hats and models in the latest Autumn/Winter collection from Shanghai Tang.
The fashion show, held before the tournament final, had everyone’s attention as Shanghai Tang introduced their latest “Fu Zhi”– Autumn/Winter 2008 “Luck” Collection. The collection combines uniquely whimsical print patterns with flattering silhouettes that translate the rich cultural elements of Chinese Luck into modern, wearable and distinctively Shanghai Tang pieces.
The traditional throw-in ceremony to start the final match was performed by Mr. Raphael le Masne de Chermont, Executive Chairman of Shanghai Tang, together with Mr. Iqbal Jumabhoy, President of the Singapore Polo Club and Mrs. Nilou Zand de Luca Gabrielli, wife of the Ambassador of Italy.
All guests were treated to a generous flow of champagne and canapés provided by Laurent-Perrier and Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts respectively, while enjoying the excitement and glamour of women’s polo.
During the prize presentation, Ms. Angeline Neo was awarded the Best Hat prize and received a lovely silk satin evening bag from Shanghai Tang. All participating players also received prizes proudly sponsored by Shanghai Tang and pologirlsclub.com, with additional spa vouchers from lush spa presented to the winning team. The event ended with a traditional Argentinean barbeque at field side accompanied by a live band and DJ. It was a fitting finale to what was a memorable week!
This is the second year for Shanghai Tang as Title Sponsor, with Banque de Dépôts et de Gestion (BDG Bank) joining this fashion house as Co-sponsor of this prestigious tournament. The Singapore Polo Club would also like to thank the following sponsors and partners for their support – Pan Pacific Hotels & Resorts (Official Hotel), Champagne Laurent-Perrier (Official Champagne), Stella Artois & Appletiser (Official Beer & Sparkling Juice), lush spa and pologirlsclub.com (Prize Sponsors), Green Acres (Official Florist), Ten Sports and Zee Sports (Broadcast Partners) and the Singapore Tourism Board for their extensive marketing support.