Miss Tiffany's team win hearts in Hua Hin

Mercedes were stunned in the first few minutes by the exceptional defence of the Miss Tiffany’s team – Nethnapada Karayanon (Nek) Kevin Balot and Chanachida Rungpetcharat (Blossom).

Mercedes captain Oliver Winter finally managed to break through for his brother Niffy to score the first goal. The flood gates then opened at both ends, with Mercedes gaining a 9-6 advantage at half-time. 

The second chukker saw precision flying strikes between the Winter brothers as things started looking ominous for Miss Tiffany’s. 

At 14-6 down, Miss Tiffany’s moved up a gear and scored the last goal of the game, sealing their place as the crowd’s favourite team of the day despite losing out 15-7 on final score. 

Elsewhere, Arabian Knights lost to Bangkok Bank 5–7; Whisgars tied with PTT 5–5; 

King Power thrashed Citi 18–7; Sara Story Design outclassed CDD The Devil 6–4; Mekhong lost to Rueang Chang 6–9; Audemars Piguet crushed Anantara 11–4; JW Blue Label overwhelmed Pricewaterhouse Coopers 12–4; Arabian Knights went down to PTT 4–5 and Bangkok Bank beat Whisgars 5–4.

The tournament kicked off on Thursday in the royal seaside town of Hua Hin, with the opening day offering a spectacle of a 50-strong elephant parade. 

A Brahmin placed sacred garlands over the necks of the elephants and blessed them 

with scented water. Thailand’s last elephant spirit men (Khru Ba Yai), who are said to possess spiritual control over all elephants, also presided over the rituals. In addition, school children from across the region joined ‘Chang Noi’ Day, a special event designed to teach children about elephants in Thailand.

All elephants taking part in the tournament are street elephants that receive essential vitamin supplements, full veterinary checks and care for the duration of the tournament. All funds raised from this year’s King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament will be donated to projects throughout Thailand. To date the tournament has raised almost Bt16 million.