China breaks Kenya’s hold on Pattaya Marathon

China’s Lu Zhenghua crossed the finish line first, in 2 hours 31 minutes and 59 seconds, to win the 1999 Pattaya International Marathon. The running on Sunday, July 18th was the 7th Pattaya International Marathon, which once again drew literally thousands of athletes from all over Asia.

China’s Lu Zhenghua raises his hands in victory as he crosses the finish line in 2 hours 31 minutes and 59 seconds to win the 1999 Pattaya International Marathon.

Sadly, however, the Pattaya International Marathon took a step backward, becoming perhaps the Pattaya Regional Marathon, when this year organizers didn’t invite back top athletes from Africa and Europe. The reasoning was said to be because organizers wanted Asian countries to compete for the top places.

The previous 6 Pattaya marathons were all won by Kenyan runners; the first by Nicodemis Ongeri in 1993 and 4 of the last 5 by defending champion Timothy Moni.

International Open Champion Lu Zhenghua from China receives the spoils of victory, 100,000 baht and first place trophy, from Paweena Hongsakul of the Prime Minister’s Office.

Lu Zhenghua’s winning time this year was nearly 4 1/2 minutes slower than Moni’s winning time of 2:27.32 last year, and over fourteen and a half minutes slower than the Pattaya record of 2:17.19 set by Nicodemus Ongeri in the inaugural running of the event.

Jiratikal Boonma crossed the finish line in 2:34:04, third overall, to earn the title as fastest Thai marathoner. With or without the higher level of competition, Jiratikal has consistently finished near the top of the Pattaya Marathon, also having finished 3rd last year.

Russian Ivan Selichtchev finished second overall, less than a minute and a half behind Lu Zhenghua. Ivan is no stranger to Pattaya, and although he missed last year, he, too, has consistently placed near the top of the standings in previous Pattaya Marathons.

Sometimes 4 legs are better than two, as these little pseudo athletes demonstrate.

"Marathon Weekend", Saturday and Sunday, July 17 & 18, was once again a festive affair. The weekend started with the Saturday "Fun Run" when local hotels and businesses put together teams to compete in the fun and games.

On Sunday, July 18th the marathon, half-marathon and mini-marathon took place amid pomp and circumstance.

Chonburi Governor Sujarit Pachimnan fired the starting pistol for the 42.195 K marathon at exactly 5:00 a.m.

Pattaya Mayor Pairat Suthithamrongsawat then got the 21.1 K half marathon underway at 5:30 a.m.

Paweena Hongsakul from the Office of the Prime Minister, who was also guest of honor at the event, fired the starting pistol for the 10.55 K mini-marathon at 6:00 a.m.

The “Running Around the World Association” of Japan participated in this year’s Pattaya marathon.

Entertainment during the event included music performed by Todd Thongdii, a jazz dance performance and aerobics performed by the Thai-Japanese Young People’s Center, and music played by the Royal Thai Navy.

Winners of each category received trophies presented from the Office of the Prime Minister, as well as cash. First place in the International Division, Lu Zhenghua received 100,000 baht. Thailand’s Jiratikal Boonma equaled Lu Zhenghua’s earnings, garnering 50,000 baht for overall third plus 50,000 baht for top Thai finisher, totaling 100,000 baht. Second place Ivan Selichtchev was awarded 70,000 baht.

Jiratikal Boonma was the first Thai national to cross the finish line.

All finishers within the allotted time were awarded a certificate and a medal commemorating the event.

Results of the 1999 Pattaya International Marathon

International: 1st Place: Lu Zhenghua (China), 2:31:59. 2nd Place: Ivan Selichtchev (Russia), 2:33:24. 3rd Place: Jirathikal Boonma (Thailand), 2:34:04.

Thai Men: 1st: Jiratikal Boonma, 2:34:04. 2nd: Somkeun Winthachai, 2:38:34. 3rd: Michai Chuchip, 2:39:55.

Thai Women: 1st: Sunisa Phetphongphrai, 3:01:58. 2nd: Nonglak Seurmsathan, 3:19:11. 3rd: Kannika Ngampraseutsin, 3:19:47.

Half Marathon - Thai Women: 1st: Wilaiwan Khamphitak, 1:26:39. 2nd: Rafaen Biawong, 1:28:26. 3rd: Saengchan Buyii, 1:37:09.

Half Marathon - Thai Men: 1st: Bunchu Chandet, 1:13:02. 2nd: Jirasak Suthichad, 1:13:30. 3rd: Anusak Phidsawong, 1:14:15.

Half-Marathon - Wheel Chair Category: 1st: Phadungsak Sriphakdi, 46:97. 2nd: Ameu Amrii, 48:06. 3rd: Thammarit Phongsayan, 53:36. 4th: Ekasit Jumjareun, 53:37.

Vogt wins windsurf competition

Daisy Vogt, 14, daughter of Michael and Marion of Thai Garden Resort, was recently the winner in the women’s race (4 legs) of a Beginner-Windsurf Competition at Jomtien Beach. It was her very first race after starting windsurfing only 2 months ago.

Trophy winners of the Beginners Windsurf Competition at Jomtien Beach.

Second place went to Naiyana Humchuen and third place to Siwaporn Boongchusawat.

The winners of the men’s race were 1. Vorawut Colt, 2. Utain Sampaothong, 3. Suthep Thongmoung.

A big compliment has to go to the Surf Clubs and all the professional windsurfers of Pattaya who did their best to make this event exciting for all the participants and the on-lookers. This is a great way of getting young people interested in sports and, at the same time, increases the number of windsurf recruits. And, who knows, maybe amongst those young people is the next world champion.

PASS throws down the gauntlet

“Are you still capable of saving a diver in trouble?”

The Pattaya Alliance of Safe Scuba will thrown down the gauntlet to all local rescue divers next month with the challenge "Are you still capable of saving a diver in trouble?"

They took this step because it is common practice on dive trips for divemaster to buddy up novices, or nervous divers with a rescue diver, with the assurance "he will take care of you."

It solves the divemaster’s problems when pairing up his divers - but is it a safe practice? Just how competent would the average rescue diver be in recognising and handling problems six months, or maybe a year, after he or she qualifies?

That’s what PASS, the Pattaya Association of Safe Scuba, aims to find out on Saturday August 28, when they will challenge diver customers from their 12 member shops to demonstrate their skills in a one-day rescue workshop that will be included in the price of a normal day’s diving.

Divers who prove they are competent will be given a special commemorative T-shirt and a variety of prizes.

Those whose skills are rusty will be shown where they went wrong and will be encouraged to sign up for a low-cost "Rescue Skills Resuscitated" course the following day, which will concentrate on the situations a diver is most likely to face.

PASS chairman David Chandler said, "Many instructors feel that the being a rescue diver carries responsibilities and that the course should be a renewable certificate. Students are encouraged to practise their skills after completing the rescue course, but not many do so.

"This free workshop is offered as a challenge to our diver customers to prove that they are still good enough to call themselves a rescue diver. I think that the majority of those who take part will realise that their skills have deteriorated and hopefully this will reinforce the need to practise."

If the "Rescue Skills Resuscitated" course proves popular PASS shops will include it as a series of regular events throughout the year and some members are already discussing broadening the scope to deal with the special problems associated with rescuing technical divers and those on rebreathers.

For more information, contact Dave Chandler, chairman of the Pattaya Alliance of Safe Scuba (PASS), email [email protected], or tel. 038-367 306; 01 308 2911.

Golfing community prepares for Las Vegas Open ’99

There are a few questions that need to be answered when the much-anticipated 3rd Annual Las Vegas Open tees off on Friday, August 6th.

Will either Harry Riley, winner of the first Las Vegas Open, or Svein Vistung, winner of the second, repeat their feats to become the first double winner of one of local golfers’ favorite events? Or will a new champion be crowned, and if so, who will that be?

Will Groupie Tischbern, he of the famous golf chapeau, be able to repeat his feat of earning a closest to the pin award as he did in the first Open? Will ye olde glabrous one, Mark Gorda be able to achieve a closest to the pin as he did last year? Will Lassie Dragland’s newly earned handicap keep him from earning long drive as he did in the inaugural event?

One thing is for sure; come August 6th, a large field will gather for one of the "most fun" events on Pattaya’s golfing calendar.

Last year over 80 golfers teed it up, vying for the 24 technical and an unknown number of "other" prizes up for grabs. This year is expected to be every bit as fun.

Sign-ups are now being taken at Las Vegas on Soi Post Office, and PSC Golf venues throughout town. Sign-up now to ensure your spot in the 1999 Las Vegas Open. Further details at Las Vegas, Soi Post Office.

PSC Golf this week

On Sunday 25th July, Lewiinski’s go to play stroke at Century Chonburi.

On Monday 26th July PSC Golf from the Café Kronborg goes to Sriracha for Stableford, while the Splinter Golf Group from the Green Bottle play Stableford at Laem Chabang.

On Tuesday the 27th Pattaya Golf Society from the Bunker go to Century Rayong for a medal round while Lewiinski’s play Stableford at Eastern Star.

On Wednesday the 28th there is just one fixture from the Green Bottle at Noble place. Both the 27th and 28th July are public holidays.

On Thursday 29th July, PSC Golf Café Kronborg switches to Phoenix for the Monthly Medal Mug sponsored by Bjarne, and on Friday the 30th the Splinter Group go to Rayong Green Valley for their Monthly Medal, sponsored by the Diana Group, while Hare House go to Siam Country Club for a two man scramble.

The August schedule can be seen at the PSC Golf venues, at Delaney’s, in Pattaya Mail and at our Web Site at www.pattayasports.org.

Learning the “Manchester Fling”

PSC TAGGS... golf from the Hare House

Wednesday, July 14 - Natural Park Hills (Better Ball)

1st: Ciano Glavina & Harry Riley, 60
2nd: Jimmy Little & Gary Parkinson, 66
3rd: Alan Bloom & Brian Kelly, 73

Australian Ciano Glavina and Englishman Harry Riley teamed up to run away with the first place trophies in the TAGGS Better Ball competition at Natural Park Hills on Wednesday, July 14. Their winning score of 60 is not a record. The TAGGS Better Ball record is 55 shot at Pattaya Country Club. But the course once known as Panya Hills doesn’t give away low scores easily, and a 60 is quite an achievement.

In second place, and playing in the same foursome with Ciano and Harry, were Jimmy Little and Gary Parkinson who shot a very respectable 66. This is a score that would have won three of the last four better ball tournaments at Natural Park Hills. In fact, they thought they were going to win when they made the turn at 32 and a stroke lead over Harry and Ciano. But that was before Harry learned how to do the "Manchester Fling" as he sank long putt after long putt. The Glavina / Riley team won the first six holes on the back nine en route to an astounding 27 and left the Little / Parkinson team asking "Who are these guys"?

Alan Bloom and Brian Kelly took third place in a count back over Stephen Beard and George Jackson with a one over par 73.

Friday, July 16 - Great Lake Golf & Country Club (Stableford)

1st: Gary Parkinson, 40 points
2nd: Bruce Lawrence, 38 points
3rd: Paul Ovens, 36 points

Twenty-two golfers teed it up in the weekly TAGGS Stableford competition at Great Lake on Friday, July 16. High clouds and strong breezes kept down the heat, but one golfer was on fire. Australian Gary Parkinson, playing off eight, shot a gross 76 and pulled in 40 Stableford points to win his first Red-eyed Rabbit Trophy. Gary was also the twelfth consecutive different singles winner out of the Hare House.

American Bruce Lawrence shot a 39 on the front nine. With his sixteen handicap, that gave him a start of 23 Stableford points. He then started the back nine with triple bogey, double bogey and his hopes for his first win out of the Hare House began to fade. To Bruce’s credit, he settled down and played steady golf to finish at 38 points.

Third place went to another Australian, Paul Ovens, who shot an even par 91 off his 19 handicap and came home with 36 points.

The statistics for the first six months of 1999 showed the Hare House having 31 singles competitions (majors not included) with 20 different winners. The average handicap for the 31 wins was 22. Stephen Beard and Rick Bevington led the pack with four wins apiece.

Banjob Franklin makes it a Double at Green Valley and Eastern Star

Pattaya Sports Club Golf from the Café Kronborg

Rayong Green Valley - Monday 12th July (Stroke)

Dry and windy conditions at Green Valley provided a good test of golf, reflected in the resulting scores. Herbie Ishinaga produced the best of the day with net 70 in the A Flight, while Banjob, steadily improving her golf and handicap, took B Flight with a net 72.

A Flight

Winner: Herbie Ishinaga, Net 70
2nd: Arthur Hancock, Net 71
3rd: Udo Waack, Net 73
C/B Ged Mason, Pete Galle, 32 points

B Flight

Winner: Banjob Franklin, Net 72
2nd: John Cahill, Net 77 C/B
3rd: Kathy Pritchard, Net 77

Eastern Star - Thursday 15th July (Stableford)

In fine conditions, but even windier than Green Valley, Banjob had her best back nine ever, scoring 26 Stableford points and a total of 41 points for the round.

Winner: Banjob Franklin, 41 points
2nd: Doug Maiko, 32 points
3rd: Charlie Rowell, 31 points C/B
4th: Herbie Ishinaga, 31 points

Near-pins: #3 Dave Richardson, #6 Dave Richardson, #13 Not claimed, #17 Charlie Rowell.

PSC Golf retains ‘Ryder Cup’ in Stunning Victory over Phuket Ex-Pats Golf Society

Two teams of 14 players convened to battle it out over three days in Phuket in the second ‘Ryder Cup’ matches between the Pattaya Sports Club and the Phuket Ex-Pats Golf Society. With three excellent courses in prospect and enjoying the warm hospitality and efficient arrangements made by the hosts, the scene was set for a very enjoyable week.

Day 1- Blue Canyon - Four Man Better Ball

Our PEGS hosts opened the three-day competition with a great surprise by changing the venue. The competition was held at the superb Blue Canyon championship course, ‘The Canyon Course’. On a wonderful day, at this tremendous course, the PSC Team was ungraciousness enough to hand their hosts a whitewash with a 7 and 0 win. Best play of the day was by Dick Holt and Niall McCarty with a 6&5 win.

Day 2- Loch Palm -Two Man Scramble

Team PEGS regained a measure of satisfaction with two victories out of the seven matches on a rainy day and most enjoyable course. Best play of the day was turned in by Steve Mascari and Pete Stonebridge with a gross 65.

Day 3- Phuket Country Club - Singles Match Play

With the overall results seemingly assured, the PEGS Team took eight matches to the final hole. The PSC Team did prevail winning nine matches, losing three and halving two. Ossi Villjanen and Steve Mascari both closed out their matches 6 & 5.

Singles Results: Jim Brackett won vs. Paul Ashman 3 & 1, Colin Mathers won vs. Kevin Cooney 2 up, Ibrahim halved Hugo Weingarten, Ossi Villjanen won vs. Kevin Quilty 6&5, Ron Herbert lost vs. Jim Shand 1 up, Mike Phillips lost vs. Victor Agneesens 1 up, Jerry Carpenter won vs. Pius Huber 1 up, Pete Stonebridge won vs. Justine O’ Donaghue 3 & 2, Niall McCarty won vs. Mervyn Baines 4&3, Ronald George halved vs. Alan Robibson, Stan Fry lost vs. Christian Lebjois 1 up, Andy Moore won vs. Peter Wood 3&2, Dick Holt won vs. Daniel Darcy 1 up, Steve Mascari won vs. Peter Habgood 6&5.

Phuket - a beautiful setting for Ryder Cup matches. PSC defeated PEGS convincingly, and now await a return match in Pattaya next year.

Steve Mascari, PSC Golf Match Captain, commented: "PSC Golf would like to thank Kevin Cooney and the PEGS Team for hosting a wonderful three days of golf, and for the many kindness’ shown to the PSC Team. We look forward to a rematch next year in Pattaya."

Copyright 1998 Pattaya Mail Publishing Co.Ltd.
370/7-8 Pattaya Second Road, Pattaya City, Chonburi 20260, Thailand 
Tel.66-38 411 240-1, 413 240-1, Fax:66-38 427 596; e-mail: [email protected]
Updated by Chinnaporn Sangwanlek.