TEAM SINGAPORE TRIUMPHS AT THE INAUGURAL AUDEMARS PIGUET INTERNATIONAL POLO 2009 GOLD CUP Singapore, Sunday 14 June 2009
the Audemars Piguet International Polo 2009 Gold Cup match (10-14 goals) at the
Singapore Polo Club yesterday.
Team Australia maintained a strong defense in each chukka, but Team Singapore,
captained by Satinder Garcha (2-goal), together with local team-mates Sattar Khan (4
goal), Ameer Jumabhoy (0 goal), Marcus Lim (0 goal) and Argentine polo professional,
Martin Ravina (6 goal), managed to edge their opponents by just one goal to win this
coveted title. Simon Walker from Team Australia won the Most Valuable Player Award
and the Best Playing Polo Pony was presented to Tobiana, owned by Club member, Jeff
Hardee.
The Gold Cup match kicked-off with Mr. George Yeo, Minister for Foreign Affairs
performing the traditional throw-in ceremony with the President of the Singapore Polo
Club, Mr. Iqbal Jumabhoy and the Managing Director of Audemars Piguet – Asia, Mr.
Oliviero Bottinelli. Prior to the main event, all in attendance were entertained by an
exciting junior exhibition match. If their play is any indication, the future is bright for polo
in Singapore!
The event was well attended by an estimated 800 people, including local members,
socialites, royalty, dignitaries and guests invited by the Singapore Polo Club and the
tournament sponsors. Some of the well known faces visible at the Club included Vivien
Tan and popular local singer, Kit Chan. All were treated to a generous supply of G.H.
Mumm champagne, Stella Artois, Appletiser, Evian water and canapés courtesy of the
official tournament hotel, Pan Pacific Hotels & Resorts.
The winning and runner-up team from the Gold Cup match received great prizes
sponsored by Audemars Piguet and La Martina. Prizes were also awarded to all the
participating teams for the Silver League BDG Cup. A lovely Audemars Piguet Lady
Royal Oak Pendant valued at S$4,900 was awarded to Miranda Walsh for winning the
Best Hat Award. The festivities continued into the night with a BBQ and after-party,
including the musical exploits of local DJ, Chris Ho at field-side.
This is the first time that Audemars Piguet has sponsored this premier international polo
tournament as Title Sponsor. In addition to Audemars Piguet, the Singapore Polo Club
would also like to thank Banque de Dépôts et de Gestion (BDG Bank), StarHub (Official
Infocomms), G.H. Mumm Champagne (Official Champagne), Evian (Official Water), Pan
Pacific Hotels & Resorts (Official Hotel), Stella Artois & Appletiser (Official Beer &
Sparkling Juice), La Martina (Official Apparel), and the ESPN Star Sports Network
(Official Broadcast Network) for there support of this tournament.