DEC 2018 -- POLO IN BURMA AFTER 80 YEARS
HRH Prince Jefri of Brunei and Khun Vichai Srivadhanaprabha inspect the shirts "Old Rangoon" and "Old Siam" for the Thailand Myanmar Friendship Polo Match set to take place in Yangon, Myanmar this year. On 14 January 2018, His Excellency, Dr. Myint Htwe, The Myanmar Minister of Health and Sport, granted permission to use the historic Kyaikkasan Stadium for this match. This will be the first time that polo is played in Myanmar for over 80 years. The one day event will take place in December 2018 to celebrate the 70 year anniversary of relations between Thailand and Myanmar. We have not confirmed the date, because we are in the process of requesting accomplished equestrian Daw Aung San Su Kyi to throw in the first ball -- BURMA POLO

14 MAR 2018 -- UMPIRE CLINIC AT POLO ESCAPE
Tim Keyte will be coming to conduct an Umpire Clinic at Polo Escape this season. The best way to improve your polo is to learn to Umpire a game. This teaches you to see the game from a "rules perspective" and to let the rules work for you. This is the secret of the experienced players. Make a list of questions and come and learn the Art of Polo at Polo Escape. If you are interested in joining the POLO CLINIC -- polo@poloescape.com

08-11 MAR 2018 -- KINGS CUP ELEPHANT POLO RETURNS TO BANGKOK
The Royal Office has confirmed the dates for the 2018 King's Cup Elephant Polo. Khun Vichai has confirmed that the King Power Team will return this year, but Khun Nat and Khun Bung are injured... so there could be a surprise in store for this year's team. Same venue as last year --  https://goo.gl/maps/zBLxAZ1a7b82 
Last year's final was a mighty duel between King Power and Mekhong with the Mekhong team taking the King's Cup in the final seconds of the match. This year will certainly prove to be no less exciting. The following teams have confirmed for 2018 KINGS CUP.
1. Kingpower
2. Johnny Walker Blue Label
3. Pelago Luxury
4. IBM
5. Casillero del Diablo
6. Mekhong
7. Anantara Hotels
8. Price Waterhouse Coopers
9. Team Italy
10. Angus

21 FEB 2018 -- HORNITO CUP RETURNS TO OLD SPP
After a 2 year hiatus, the beloved "Hornito Cup" has returned to the field in the Kingdom of Siam. And this year.... Suddenly, and without warning, The Black Dog Team was back. It was the first appearance of Texan Jamie Demericas on the infamous team, but he withstood everything that SPP could throw at him. Mat Mar was in command of the SPP team and no one in the world practices more than Mat. Jamie who has arrived from Texas has been practicing with gauchos Juan and Gaston for several months. He was on form today with solid passes downfield and learning to join the line before going for the ball. This year, Senorita Hornita herself made an appearance to present the coveted cup. It was Black Dog's for the taking, but in the final seconds of the final chukka, Mat Mar awoke from a long sleep and drove the ball at incredible speed almost 30 yards between the goal posts to equal the score 4-4 seconds before the final bell. In the true tradition of the Hornito Cup, the gauchos settled around the cup to cook some steaks after the match. Khun Mau and Amigo Tsu were on hand to partake of the offerings. This is the first year that Old & Original Siam Polo Park -- where it all started -- has been on the Thai Polo circuit and the field is in excellent condition. Anyone interested in coming to play, the gauchos Gaston and Juan are on hand to give lessons and eat steaks.

17-18 FEB 2018 -- CHINESE NEW YEAR CUP AT POLO ESCAPE
The action moved down to Polo Escape for the Chinese New Year with 3 eclectic teams on the field. The one to watch was definitely La Familia from Malaysia, with none other than the Sheik-Rattle-And-Roll Reissman himself in command of the team. Sarah Wiseman had returned from her epic performance in the King Power Ladies Tournament to take the field for Kuppa. However, she had a serious encounter with a seafood dinner the evening before, so after holding Paisano Escape to a single goal lead, she had to retire for the second match against La Familia. Alice Gipps was showing tremendous improvement and giving Nico Pepperoni and the gaucho Mike Taylor a terrible time. Marie Leng was a strong attacking player for Paisano, but she was having pain in her elbow, so we pulled out the "magic spray" which Tom had found by accident in Sriracha and miraculously, it worked. For sure, the MIP of the tournament was Patron Cliff. Not only has he been working out in the gym, but he has been learning the finer points of the game and was able to mark Gines Junior away to the side of the field so Nico Paisano Pieroni could turn the ball around and send down the field. There were thousands of Chinese New Years fans up on the hill cheering on the teams. At the conclusion of Day 1, Kuppa was up by one against Paisano and down by one to La Familia. The Familia and Paisano had drawn, so the tension was perfect going into Day 2. On Day 2, Paisano changed their tune, and took out Kuppa 5-3. La Familia turned the power on and defeated Paisano 5-2. Kuppa, with Sarah back, held La Familia to 4-5 in a fantastic game that could have gone either way. It was a great tournament and Cliff showed us all how to take a tour of the polo field with his horse and without his reins before the chukka -- in similar style to the "Missing Link" from Ellerstina in Australia.

5-10 FEB 2018 -- LADIES POLO AT KING POWER
There was a 5 team Ladies only tournament at VS Polo and Marengo defeated La Familia 7-6 to claim the trophy. Alice Gipps was on the scene to capture the action.

PRIVATE POLO PHOTOGRAPHER -- 4,500B PER DAY
If you want to capture the very best of yourself or your team during any tournament in Thailand, we recommend Khun James. He has 7 years experience photographing polo, and he has the top digital equipment with fast 600mm lens. This guarantees capturing players or teams at their best. It is great to get good photos. We do not recommend under the lights, because the images are too grainy, but daytime matches are perfect. Khun James can also arrange to have your game video taped and put on DVD. The video can just be highlights (with some slow motion and music) or the entire game. Cost for PHOTOS or VIDEO is 4.500 Baht each. If you are interested -- jameshandmade@gmail.com

30 JAN 2018 -- TWO KING POWER TEAMS TO JOIN JAMES ASHTON TROPHY 2018
Khun Robin reported that Khun Tal confirmed today that a King Power team will play the James Ashton Trophy at Polo Escape on 16-17 March 2018, but then Khun Vichai added another team, so there will be 2 King Power teams on the field this year. This is a 4-6 goal tournament, and there is still space for more teams to join the action. Tim Keyte is traveling to Thailand specially to officiate this match, and Tim will well remember the aerial salute to James Ashton from a previous year. The Team Entry Fee is US$4,000, so if you are interested in joining this tournament contact Polo Escape -- polo@poloescape.com

20-27 JAN 2018 -- 6 TEAMS TO PLAY ALL ASIA CUP
The Partial All Asia Cup will have only 6 teams this year for a variety of unknown reasons. The confirmed teams are -- THAILAND, BRUNEI, MONGOLIA (Group A) and INDONESIA, PHILIPPINES, CHINA (Group B). This year, each team will be issued 10 "Patron Horses" chosen by the TPA and then the teams will be invited to draw the remaining 10 horses from a hat. The first 2 All Asia Cups, all of the horses were chosen from a hat, but the last 2 All Asia Cups, there has been this new system of "Patron Horses." The tournament handicap is not clear; some say 2-4 goals and some say 4-6 goals. The Mongolian team has been training hard on the Mongolian Steppe, and the Indonesian team (previous winners of the All Asia Cup in 2014) is back in force with 2 new reserve players. This will be an exciting tournament to watch. Siam Polo News right now predicts a Final where Thailand meets Brunei under the lights.... but we could be wrong. It could be Thailand vs Philippines. Let's wait and see. The All Asia Cup was inaugurated in 2012 with a vision that all the teams in Asia could play together and show a united face to the world of their commitment to improving the level of polo in Asia, so that one day polo might return as an Olympic Sport as it was last played in the 1936 Berlin Olympics -- Previous All Asia Cups.

20-27 JAN 2018 -- ALL ASIA CUP SCHEDULE

All matches at VS POLO CLUB in Lat Krabang (near Suvarnabhumi Airport)
=
DAY 1 - SATURDAY, 20 Jan
4:45pm -- Brunei vs Thailand --  2 - 5
5:45pm -- Philippines vs Indonesia --  12 - 9.5
DAY 2 - SUNDAY, 21 Jan
4:30pm -- China vs Philippines --  5.5 - 9
5:30pm -- Thailand vs Mongolia --  7 - 4
DAY 3 - MONDAY, 22 Jan
4:30pm -- Indonesia vs China --  8 - 2
5:30pm -- Mongolia vs Brunei --  5 - 7
DAY 4 - WEDNESDAY, 24 Jan -- SEMI FINAL
4:30pm -- 1st Place GROUP B vs 2nd Place GROUP B -- Philippines vs Brunei --  11 - 7.5
5:30pm -- 1st Place GROUP A vs 2nd Place GROUP B -- Thai vs Indo --  9 - 3
And what a match it was... The first game of the afternoon was absolutely riveting with every single fan on the edge of their seats. Brunei and Philippines back and forth with a half goal difference. Brunei surging ahead in the Third chukka. They were on fire. Then Philippines would answer. Princess Azimah playing her heart out as she carried the ball down field and scored. Excellent team play from Brunei with crisp passes and Prince Bahar solid in the back. Then at the end of the Third chukka, Prince Bahar seemed to be having trouble with his horse and had two missed hits at the ball. Each one, Philippines was able to take advantage of and score. This changed the momentum of the game. Mikee Romero took the ball down and scored for Philippines. The Garcia brothers connected and commenced the attack. At the final bell, Philippines had taken the match. An incredible Game!
The second match of the evening was more difficult to watch. The umpires seemed to have it out for Indonesia from the start. Penalties awarded to Thailand and again until Thailand had a two goal lead. It seemed to rattle the Indonesians, because they couldn't really connect with the ball. Then Thailand began to pummel them from all sides and all angles driving the Indonesians hard into the dirt. Top and Nat were unstoppable, and it looked like Nat might even be put up to 3 goals at the next TPA Handicap Committee meeting. Indonesia was definitely being punished for their Victory in the 2014 All Asia Cup, and at the end of the Third Chukka, Thailand was ahead 9-0 and the Indonesians were looking very despondent. Mas Bowo had flown in the entire families of all the Indonesian players to watch this match. Wives and children on the sidelines, and it was looking pretty grim. At the final bell, the Indonesians had managed to put 3 goals up on the board for a 9-3 final tally. Friday, will see the Indonesians up against the Brunei team for a fantastic BATTLE FOR BRONZE.
DAY 5 - THURSDAY, 25 Jan
4:30pm -- 3rd Place GROUP A vs 3rd Place GROUP B -- Mongolia vs China --  9 - 2
The Great Wall Match. It became very clear why there is a "Great Wall" (Cheun Chung) between Mongolia and China. The meat-eaters from Mongolia faced off against the rice-eaters from China, and it was brutal. China's Pablo took a fall early in the first chukka, which had him carried off the field. China carried on valiantly. Mongolia playing very good position, and precision back hand tail shots from D'Artagnon put the Mongolians at a distinct advantage. It was somewhat reminiscent of Thailand's dispatch of the Indonesian team the night before and the ball kept rolling through the goal for Mongolia. The Mongolian fans were going wild. "Ano Ara Mach Itn" cried the Mongolians, and the match carried on. Then someone cried, "Mongol Imuktey Houchtey" and the fans froze as the young Miss Doda was placed upon her horse, with the pigtail trailing down her back, and rode onto the field. The one good thing to see was the Mongolians are learning the rules. They have been at all 4 All Asia Cups, and the visible difference is that now they are learning to use the rules to their advantage. The China team showed excellent sportsmanship. Even though they were down, they did not give up. Shilai led some inspired charges down the field, and the Chinese showed excellent camaraderie with a full contingent sharing time on the field. We were also most honored to see that Shilai had brought his distinguished father to the match. China is another team that has been at the All Asia Cup consistently since the very beginning, and their determination is bound to pay off in the future.
DAY 6 - FRIDAY, 26 JAN -- BRONZE
5:30pm -- Losing Teams from Day 4 play for
BRONZE MEDAL -- Brunei vs Indonesia --  5 - 6
An absolute nail biter... This was definitely one of the most exciting games of the tournament. Indonesia came out very strong and organized and put the first points on the board, but then Brunei fought valiantly and turned it around. Brunei was leading by one going into the last chukka. It was a battle that neither team will soon forget. Indonesia slowly found their composure again and tied the game. They scored again, and were up by one. Then Bahar charged the goal; the Indonesians backed it, and turned to attack. Princess Asimah turned on defense and took out the attacking Indonesian and backed the ball successfully. The fans were out of control on both sides. And as the dust settled, Indonesia had done it and claimed the Bronze. A brilliant match, honorably played. It just doesn't get better than that.
 

Bronze Medal Indonesia with family and friends -- Indonesia now has a Gold, a Silver, and a Bronze from the All Asia Cup.

DAY 7 -- SATURDAY, 27 Jan -- GOLD & SILVER
6:00pm -- Winning Teams from Day 4 play for GOLD and SILVER MEDAL -- Thai vs Philippines --  8.5 - 6
Thailand takes 3rd Gold in All Asia Cup... Thailand wins the Gold again. Philippines fought a brilliant battle, but Thailand maintained their 1.5 goal advantage on handicap throughout the game. Fantastic interchange between Anthony and Adrian. Mikee Romero leading several inspired charges on goal, but the Thai Wall was just to strong to break. The real story of the match was played after the dust had settled... The Philippines Team lined up and executed "The Missing Man Formation" -- 4 riders abreast with a single riderless horse -- to honor the passing of Mikee's son and our polo friend, Miguel. In military aviation parlance, the Missing Man Formation honors a fallen aviator. The formation of 5 aircraft in echelon will appear on the horizon, as a single aircraft departs the formation as it approaches the parade. The significance of the time-honored tradition played out on the polo field before the thousands of spectators at the Final of the All Asia Cup was a fitting honor to our fallen comrade. And the tears in Mikee's eyes as he led the formation reminded us all how precious our family and friends can be. Farewell dear friend.

Silver Medal Philippines Team -- Executing the "Missing Man Formation" in honor of Miguel Romero

 
Philippines trying to soften Thailand up before the Final -- Prince Bahar battles the Indonesians in a thrilling match for Bronze

Princess Azimah charges to defense and prevents an Indonesian goal.

 
Philippines Fans -- Chris Giercke and his Mongolians
 

16 JAN 2018 -- INDONESIA TRAINING AT POLO ESCAPE
The Indonesia Team has been training hard at Polo Escape and SPP Pattaya. There are 2 new reserve players this year, and Curto put the team to the ultimate test on Tuesday. They went onto the field with remnants of their arch enemy "Anjing Hitam" and Pablo and Robin from Polo Escape. The theme of the match was "Saya Mau Maleehat Pirrrcayadiri" and we certainly did see that. The Indonesians were executing precision passes and cohesive drives to "Kiri" and "Kanaan" and they came out on top 6-4. Mas Bowo was not able to make the match, but he was following the progress closely from Bangkok. Curto took Bowo some Kuppa Cheesecake after the match.

CONTACT TPA -- FINALLY, SOMEONE WHO WILL ANSWER YOUR EMAILS
Very good news. The Thai Polo Association finally has someone who speaks English and will answer your emails immediately and get the answer to any questions you may have about any upcoming tournament. If you have a question, then email Khun Kai -- kai@siampolonews.com

DEC 2017 -- POLO LESSONS AT OLDEST POLO CLUB IN THAILAND
Lucas has informed us that the Original Siam Polo Park in Pattaya is now open again to give lessons or join some chukkas. If you are a beginner or an advanced player who wants to stick and ball, welcome to the first polo club in Thailand and the most beautiful polo club in Asia. There are two polo professionals at the club (Gaston and Juan) to give you personal instruction or care for you. You are welcome any mornings or afternoons (except Monday). If you are an experienced player, you are even welcome to join some practice chukks during the week or weekend. If you have a polo team, and you would like to travel to Thailand to organize a weekend game at the club, you are most welcome. Horse Hire for Visitors -- Riding Lesson (2,500 Baht) -- Stick & Ball (2,000 Baht). Send us an email if you want to come ride at the club -- info@siampolonews.com

16-17 DEC 2017 -- KUPPA WINS KUPPA CUP AT POLO ESCAPE
The Paisano Dragons are preparing for an assault on Polo Escape. There may be 3 teams on the field of patrons and players at various levels. Kuppa finished to capture the Kuppa Cup in a stunning victory, despite the sudden last chukka surge by Paisano Dragons Nico Pepperoni Pieroni and Ronnie Lim. Photos coming soon.

16-17 DEC 2017 -- BRUNEI WINS GOLD CUP AT VS POLO
Meanwhile, King Power, Indonesia, Brunei and Philippines are ready to roll at SPP and VS for the Annual King Power Gold Cup. Miguel Diaz and Santi Lujan arriving shortly for the season. This was won by Prince Qawi's team from Brunei. No photos available.

13 NOV 2017 -- POLO CALENDAR UPDATE
We now have dates from 3 polo clubs for the 2017-2018 season -- Thailand Polo Schedule

20-27 JAN 2018 -- PARTIAL ASIA CUP
The All Asia Cup is back again, but a little different. This year, there may be only 6 teams. The handicap level may be 2-4 goals, but TPA is still not sure. Previous participants Mongolia and Korea have not been informed about the handicap nor the change in number of teams. The All Asia Cup was inaugurated so all the teams in Asia could play together and show a united face to the world of their commitment to improving the level of polo in Asia, so that one day polo might return as an Olympic Sport as it was last played in the 1936 Berlin Olympics -- Previous All Asia Cups. For more information -- kai@siampolonews.com

OCT 2017 -- POLO ESCAPE POSTS POLO SCHEDULE FOR 2017-2018 SEASON
Polo Excape is primed and ready for the new season. They have already posted their dates. The exciting development is to see that almost all of their events are low goal or 2-4 goal, which is perfect for the level of polo in Asia. If you are interested in improving your skills, then get in touch with polo@poloescape.com to join some events -- Thailand Polo Schedule

29 AUG 2017 -- MALAYSIA DEFEATS THAILAND 9-8 FOR GOLD MEDAL
It was an exciting game for everyone. The previous day, we saw Brunei upset Singapore to take the Bronze Medal, and everyone was expecting Thailand to do the same with Malaysia. But Malaysia was on fire. They dominated the first chukka and took a strong lead. Thailand came back very strong in the second chukka, and seemed to be on track to overtake the Malaysians, but Malaysia was too quick, and they several times were able to send an unmarked man downfield to receive a pass and convert for a goal. It was hot and humid, and it seemed to be a game where conditioning would become all important. There were 2 controversial calls in front of the opposing goal. One should have given Top a hit from the spot, which instead was taken out to 30 yards. Top put it in anyway, but the real neck turner was the Malay defender riding straight over the ball right in front of goal as Top was setting up to tap in. This seemed to stop the Thai momentum, and from then on Malaysia controlled the game. Thailand came back in the final chukka to close the gap to one goal, but the time ran out and Malaysia had the Gold, and Thailand would be awarded the Silver for SEA Games Polo 2017.

24 AUG 2017 -- SEA GAMES POLO ACTION
The games are on. We have been following the Thailand team. On Day 1, Thailand soundly defeated Singapore 11-6. On Day 2, Thailand had a victorious meeting with Brunei with a final score of 10-3. All eyes are on Saturday morning's match at 9:00 AM between Thailand and Malaysia. This is the match that everyone has been talking about. Malaysia has been playing polo for close to, if not over, 100 years, and Thailand for the past 16 years. There is a lot of depth to the Malaysian team coming from different clubs, but the Thailand team coming from one club. Malaysia took the gold in 2007 SEA games, but indeed, anything could happen this Saturday, as we watch these two teams size each other up. Don't miss it.

JUL 2017 -- INDONESIA IN MONGOLIA
The Indonesian Polo Team was on the wild Mongolian Tundra this past summer at the Ghengis Khan Polo Club. They have sent us several photos of their expeditionary polo adventure, and we will be sharing them with you shortly.

25 JUN 2017 -- SEA GAMES POLO SCHEDULE
The draw has been completed for SEA Games Polo 2017 in Malaysia with the following details:

20 JUN 2017 -- INDONESIA & PHILIPPINES WILL NOT JOIN SEA GAMES IN MALAYSIA
The sad news from Indonesia is that they will not be able to bring a polo team to SEA Games 2017. The reason is that Malaysia decided to change the handicaps down to a reasonable level too late, so they were not able to make plans in time to join the games. We are not sure of the reason that Philippines could not join, but the result is that it looks like 4 countries will be competing in the SEA Games 2017 -- Thailand, Malaysia, Brunei, and Singapore. (In the 2007 SEA Games held in Thailand, there were 5 teams -- Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines).

04 JUN 2017 -- SEA GAMES HANDICAP CONFIRMED 4-6 GOALS
The Malaysian Organizing Committee for Polo in the 2017 SEA Games has confirmed to TPA that the 2017 SEA Games Polo will be held at the 4-6 Goal Handicap Level. Khun Top has confirmed that a letter from Malaysia was received sometime in May to confirm this very good news. This decision leads the way for possibly a record 6 teams competing in this playing of the SEA Games in Malaysia. Malaysia is to be commended for this excellent decision to keep the SEA Games inclusive of all the polo-playing countries in ASEAN and further the long-term goal of preparing Asia for the day that polo will once again be played in the Olympics as it last was in 1936.

28 MAR 2017 -- SEA GAMES POLO HANDICAP DRAMA
There are a lot of rumors at the moment that Indonesia, Thailand, Brunei, and possibly Philippines may withdrawal from polo in the 2017 SEA games in Malaysia if the handicap level of the games is not changed. The general feeling is that the first SEA Games in 2007 was held at the 2-4 goal level, and it would be a good progression for polo in Asia if the handicap for this games was at the 4-6 goal level. The whole point of the SEA games is to be inclusive of all the polo playing nations in ASEAN. With the handicap currently set at 5-8 goals, some of the countries are feeling that they will not have a chance to compete fairly. The very good thing about the recent Ambassador Cup played at VS Sports Club is that we had the honor of seeing several respected and distinguished Malaysian players join us on the field with the 2 Malaysian teams that joined the tournament. Khun Top is currently drafting a letter from the TPA to send to the organization committee for the 2017 SEA Games in Malaysia. We expect that a similar letter may be forthcoming from the Indonesian Polo Association and possibly from Brunei. Stay close and we will keep you posted on the developments of this Asian Polo Saga as the deadline draws ever closer. UPDATE (28 March): TPA has written a letter to the Malaysian Olympic Council Secretary General about the SEA GAMES Handicap -- VIEW TPA LETTER

28 JUN-02 JUL 2017 -- THE ELEPHANT STORY 4th Annual ELEPHANT POLO Invitational IN SURIN
To Support the Village of Moo Baan Chang and The Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation
In June 2017, We will have the most exciting and evenly matched teams that elephant polo has ever seen. We expect a mesmerizing tournament in Moo Baan Chang with now 4 amazing teams (both on and off the pitch). Please find below useful information for this years tournament. For more information -- Email Jason -- elephantpolo@mac.com
FLIGHTS
JUNE 28th -- NOK Air: DD 9608 DMK-BFV 14:20-15:25
JULY 2nd -- AIR ASIA FD3521 BFV-DMK 13:45-14:40
HOTEL
The host hotel and only hotel in Buri Ram is the gorgeous AMARI BURI RAM where we will have a block of rooms for Elephant polo. Number of rooms 30 rooms. Contact Khun Nuntana at Nuntana.l@amari.com to book your rooms from the room block. Rooms will be payed for by you and are not part of your team fee. Rooms include breakfast.
SCHEDULE
We will spend the whole day at the pitch and elephant village so pack for a full day out.
JUNE 28 Wednesday -- ARRIVAL DAY -- 7:00pm Arrival Dinner
JUNE 29 Thursday -- depart for pitch
game 1
game 2
lunch -- Elephant Village Activity
game 3
depart for hotel
JUNE 30 Friday -- depart for pitch
game 1
game 2
lunch -- Elephant Village Activity
game 3
depart for hotel
JULY 1 Saturday -- depart for pitch
game 1
game 2
lunch -- Elephant Village Activity
game 3 -- PITCH PARTY!!!!!!!!!!!
JULY 2 Sunday -- departure day
TEAMS

24-25 MAR 2017 -- PATRON'S CHALLENGE AT POLO ESCAPE
The Kalaan Brothers will be back in Thailand for this exciting event between Axus, Kuppa, and Polo Escape. Several new faces and of course delicious fare and friends. Everyone is welcome

20-25 MAR 2017 -- SIX TEAMS TO PLAY AMBASSADOR CUP AT VS CLUB
After hearing that 11 teams were coming to play at the Ambassador Cup and that there was no room for Polo Escape to join, we now have 6 teams to play in the Annual Ambassador Cup at VS Sports Club.
DAY 1 -- The Paisano Dragons defeat Selangor, and King Power take down SPP.

PHOTOS BY JAMES HAND MADE TEAM

 
Khun Tom lofts the ball towards goal -- Pablo turning onto attack for SPP team

Saladin and Santi cross sticks at Filipinas battles Selangor under the lights

DAY 2 -- An exciting match where SPP surprise the attack mounted by James Beh and his team. It came down to penalties, and SPP taking advantage of the opportunities given to them. The Filipinas team with a very exciting match against Selangor. Saladin and Anthony going at it until the final bell and Filipinas left standing.

PHOTOS BY KHUN NARONG

 
Khun Tal goes for the under-the-neck reverse back angle offside shot and scores -- Khun Top and James Beh battle hard for supremacy on the field

 
Anthony Garcia is "Jai Rai" as he hooks Khun Ploy's dreams for a goal -- The Paisano Dragon charging ahead down field for a goal against Filipinas

DAY 3 -- King Power in a very heated match against BP, but an early lead sees them through to victory. Paisano fight valiantly against Filipinas, but Filipinas control the field and the secret weapon up front delivers a lethal shot at the end of the second chukka to signal the end for Paisano.

DAY 4 -- And what a day it was... Two very exciting subsidiary finals for the thousands of fans. First was the Malaysian contest between BP Polo and Selangor Polo Club. Back and forth until the final bell with Selangor winning by a single goal 7-6. The game kept everyone on the edge of their seats. Then to the big field, where SPP faced off against Paisano Dragons. SPP started with a 1/2 goal on handicap, and they scored the first goal to take the lead to 1.5, but then the dust never settled. The Dragons would surge, the SPPs would reply. Always the game was within a half point, but SPP never relinquished the lead. In the final chukka, SPP sealed the deal and fired in two more goals to claim a 7.5 - 5 victory over the Dragons.

THE FINAL -- The theme was "Blue Jeans" and dressed in blue everybody was... Delicious food and fun for everyone. The Final began at 6pm with King Power and Filipinas on the field. King Power controlled the entire game without question. Filipinas managed to coordinate a bit in the final chukka for a 8.5-8 closure. The King Power team was the same team that may play the SEA Games in Malaysia, so if they go, it could be an interesting meeting. After the game, a delicious buffet on the edge of the field with musical extravaganza performances by Thai and Philippine Singers.

Monday, 20 Mar
5pm -- Paisano vs Selangor
6:30pm -- King Power vs SPP
Snacks
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Tuesday, 21 Mar
5pm -- SPP vs BP
6:30pm -- Filipinas vs Selangor
Asado
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Wednesday, 22 Mar
5pm -- King Power vs BP
6:30pm -- Filipinas vs Paisano
Glen Bar Pullman Hotel
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Friday, 24 Mar
5pm -- Between 3rd Place teams -- Selangor claims 5th place.
6:30pm -- Between 2nd Place teams -- SPP takes 3rd place.
Chip kap Dip
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Saturday, 25 Mar
6:30pm -- FINAL between King Power and Filipinas -- KING POWER WINS AMBASSADOR CUP 2017
Buffet Dinner
 
9-12 MAR 2017 -- MEKHONG WINS 2017 KING'S CUP ELEPHANT POLO IN BANGKOK
It was one of the greatest Finals we may have ever seen on the Elephant Polo field as Mekhong mounts a tremendous comeback in the last 2 minutes of play and captures the King's Cup away from 3 time Champions King Power -- http://www.anantaraelephantpolo.com/news/mekhong-clinches-royal-cup-from-king-power-to-take-the-kings-cup-elephant-polo-2017.html

This year, we had 10 teams on the field as Elephant Polo returned to downtown Bangkok https://goo.gl/maps/zBLxAZ1a7b82 
With second place going to King Power, 3rd place to Casillero del Diablo, and 4th place to the Johnie Walker Blue Label team from Sweden. After a very well-attended and successful tournament in 2016. King Power won the King's Cup in 2016 -- http://www.anantaraelephantpolo.com/news/king-power-clinches-royal-cup-in-nail-biting-final-at-elephant-polo-2016.html 

ELEPHANT POLO TEAMS 2017
Anantara Hotels & Resorts
Arabian Knights
Benihana of Tokio
CITI
IBM
Johnny Walker Blue Label
Mekhong Thai Whiskey
Kingpower
PriceWaterhouseCoopers/NZ All Blacks
The Devil - Casillero del Diablo

THE SCHEDULE
Dear Friends, Only a good week to go !! Many familiar faces plus some fantastic new players and lovely followers have confirmed attendance !! The Kingpower and 2016 winning team will appear in their usual strong formation, Charlie and Olo are this year supported by fellow All Blacks Stu Wilson and Murray Mexted, then a new duo of 3 goalers flying in from Argentina specially for the event, Uday and Angad arrive fresh from an unbroken winning streak across India on horsebacks, Lars and Manish are cheating on each other, Chris Stafford now recruiting an Arsenal soccer pro to re-inforce the Blue Label team, Wael and his Arabian knights trained hard at the Dubai polo club and are eager to finish in the top 3 this year, Darren mixing up the CITI team with a weekend surprise to be confirmed. Chris still shuffling and reshuffling the players for teams The Devil, IBM and Benihana of Tokyo. Final player constellations of the 10 teams to be announced during the opening event Wednesday 8 March by Chris Stafford.
On Wednesday -- training start as of lunch time on Wednesday and whilst this is still set up day, we will have some cold beers and Sauvignon Blanc for you at the pitch as always. Handicapping event starts at 7pm Wednesday at the roof top bar Attitude at the AVANI Riverside Hotel, dress code casual/polo shirt. During that evening event you will get your 2017 polo team shirts and your dinner suit jackets for the gala.
On Thursday -- please all come out to the field 8am when we start the religious ceremonies on the pitch followed by parades, traditional Thai dance and of course the first fruit buffet for the elephants. Games start 11 sharp. We will then play one game after the other to wrap up things by 4pm. At 5:15pm we have to depart direction Anantara Siam, a VIP bus is arranged for you at the lower lobby of the Anantara Riverside. Dress code: black trousers, white shirt, black bow tie, black shoes you bring and the dinner jacket is provided by us. (for those of you that have not been to the tailor personally for fitting, maybe bring a personal suit jacket along just in case the one what we produce for you does not fit..)
On Friday -- we sleep in (!!!) whilst some 1000plus kids are enjoying ele education day at the pitch. We will start games around 2pm and play until 10pm under floodlight. We are introducing the High Ball Shoot Out Cup. That will happen at 8pm, each team selects their best player, sudden death concept, hit the ball over a 25cm, then 50cm, then 75cm and increasing level target line that is 8 meters wide, distance to shoot from will be determined by The Silver Fox Raj Kalaan and a nice cup and more will be presented to the winning team.
On Saturday -- we get up late again (hope you are ok with that) whilst in the morning at the pitch some friendly soccer games of BKK teams take place, we start playing eles at 2pm. In the afternoon Great Gatsby themed ladies day, a 40 model fashion show and a grand historic war elephant parade and performance take center stage as well. We will play again under flood light till 10pm and the 45 tents and 5 VIP lounges will create a relaxed riverside festival atmosphere with music, food and drinks till midnight.
On Sunday -- we get out early, live jazz music awaits as of 8am and we start the games to get ready for the arrival of the Royal Representative at 4pm followed by the final game, trophy giving and another fruit buffet for the elephants. Between 6 and 7pm the King’s Cup will slowly come to an end. I would find it great if everybody, also the teams that are not making it to the final, stay until the trophy ceremony at 5pm. For more information and updates on the tournament -- www.anantaraelephantpolo.com