John Swanson wins TQ Masters 2000

Red-hot John Swanson, who won twice the week before out of the Kronborg, had 44 Stableford points to win the coveted green jacket belonging to the 2000 TQ Masters Golf Champion. Playing at Eastern Star on Friday, October 20, John shot a 94 off 30, his lowest score ever, and his name joins six others engraved on the perpetual trophy that remains in the TQ.

John Swanson (center), TQ Masters Champion 2000, wears the green jacket well, as last year’s winner Dale Drader (left), tournament organizer Woody Underwood (right) and the beautiful “Golf” offer congratulations. Photo by Brendan Richards

John, who comes from Modesto, California, was quick to attribute his win to a run of great putting. “I had at least six, maybe eight putts that went in from over fifteen feet. And I was using a putter I had just bought the week before”. John related the story of how he bought a bag of second-hand clubs from a shop on Pattaya Tai. “There were nineteen clubs in that bag and I couldn’t hit ‘em a lick. They were an assortment of ‘blades’ and I just didn’t know better. Except for the putter. I liked the putter.”

John has been living in Pattaya for just over a year and had only been playing golf for one month before he arrived in Thailand. He gave the other eighteen clubs to Bjarne Nielsen, the owner of the Caf้ Kronborg to hand out when golfers don’t have their own set. John found some magic in that old golf bag and he thinks he’ll keep the putter. Good idea.

This was the seventh TQ Masters and the golf gods smiled on this Pattaya classic. Dark clouds skirted the links and the distant roll of thunder marked storms headed elsewhere. The always beautiful Eastern Star didn’t need any more rain. The 130 golfers who teed it up found preferred lies in the fairways, but no carts on the short grass, please. The tough conditions didn’t slow down Division 1 for handicaps from scratch to seventeen. Paul Butler won the division with 39 points. Stan Fry, Clive Bruce, Phillippe Berra, and Tim McMaster all finished the day with 38 points, with Stan taking the penultimate spot and Clive the third position in a count back.

Mam Trayling must certainly like Eastern Star. She won the Ladies Division with 34 points making the TQ Masters her third consecutive win at this Robert Trent Jones, Jr. course. She also won the Jackalope Open on September 8, and the Shenanigans Irish Open on the sixth of October.

A feature of the TQ Masters is the serving of free beer and Caesars at all the drink stands during the tournament. This insures that all those who aren’t playing well can drown their sorrows with spiked Clamato juice. In some cases, it might have even helped the golf. Did Gerry Holt partake? Gerry won the Shortest Drive with a ten-yard smasher. Later at the TQ he offered up a 7.5ฐ Taylor Made driver to be given away during the Lucky Draw. He swears he wasn’t using this driver when he won the Shortest Drive Trophy, but everybody in the TQ was ducking outside when they started to give the Taylor Made away. Peter Stevens would have wanted it. Peter won the Low Gross honors with a 79 off the stick.

Albert Poon won Division II (handicaps 18-27) with the third highest score of the day. Albert had 40 points with Jez Lees and Steve Ross battling it out for second place with 38 points. Len Jones won Division III with the second highest total of 41 points. Len was followed by Paul Azzopardi with 36 points and Larry Ball with 35 points.

The nicest part about playing in the TQ Masters is that you get to go back to the TQ afterwards. Woody had extended the Happy Hour from 5-9:30 p.m. and an ox was roasted to feed the hungry masses. There was a Lucky Draw for all the participants with the grand prize of a year’s free membership at Eastern Star being presented by their golf manager Tom Cole. Boxes and boxes of trophies were brought out from the back and loaded up on the runway. There were thirty-two very handsome trophies to be presented by Mike Franklin, and one green jacket. Last year’s winner Dale Drader was there to help John Swanson slip into a 38 Regular. This tournament has a lot of tradition behind it. Most of the six previous winners are still around and still playing golf. And somewhere in their homes around Pattaya, tucked away in a closet here or a wardrobe there is that emerald blazer that few of us would ever need but almost all of us want.

TQ Masters Champion 2000: John Swanson, 44
Low Gross Overall: Peter Stevens, 79

Div I (0-17): Winner: Paul Butler, 39. Runner up: Stan Fry, 38. 3rd: Clive Bruce, 38. Philippe Berra & Tim McMaster also 38 (lost on count back)

Div II (18-27): Winner: Albert Poon, 40. Runner up: Jez Lees, 38. 3rd: Steve Ross, 38

Div III (28-36): Winner: Len Jones, 41. Runner up: Paul Azzopardi, 36. 3rd: Larry Ball, 35

Ladies: Best Score: Mam Trayling, 34. Runner-up: Banjob Franklin, 32

Technical Results

Near Pins: Division I: #4 Peter Stevens, #8 Steve Mascari, #12 Jim Brackett, #15 Graham Watkins, Division II: #4 Craig Ewers, #8 Gerry Carpenter, #12 Albert Poon, #15 Jimmy Little, Division III: #4 Len Jones, #8 Kenan Lunda, #12 Danny Greer, #15 Banjob Franklin

Long Drive: Division I: #9 Ian Warwick, #18 Mike Morris, Division II: #9 Scar, #18 Mark Gorda, Division III: #9 & #18 Danny Greer

Ladies Long Drive: #3 Mam Trayling
Lowest Score Of The Day: John Walsh
Shortest Drive: #13 Gerry Holt

4 continents battle it out on the “Day of the Golden Tiger”

Pugilists from 4 continents went to battle on the “Day of the Golden Tiger”, an international boxing event held at the temporary boxing arena on North Pattaya Road near city hall on October 20.

In the “title bout”, Mapichit Sid ISS (left) KO’d Indonesian Aibertus Resilay (right) in the 3rd round.

Thousands of spectators turned out for the exciting event, which pitted Thai boxers against boxers from Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, Russia and the United States, all competing for a championship belt sponsored by “Golden Tiger”.

In the title bout, Thai boxer Mapichit Sid ISS KO’d Indonesian Aibertus Resilay with a hard right in the 3rd round. With the knockout, Mapichit earned the “Golden Tiger” championship belt.

In the second bout, five rounds of Thai boxing, Thailand’s Sonkorm Keithokoon scored a points decision over Alexey Perkachik from Russia.

Daniel Iss from Australia then defeated Chotchooi Chuchokchai on points in another “Muay Thai” five-round bout.

In all, 10 matches were contended on the day pitting Thai boxers against foreign competitors. Each of the winners walked away with prize money and gifts from the main sponsor, “Golden Tiger”.

The former under-secretary in the Defence Ministry, General Thiradech Mephian was the directing chairman of the organizing committee and opened the event. Chonburi MP’s Sansak Ngamphiches and Admiral Thaweechai Liangpibul assisted in arranging the boxing competition, as did Kwang Robkhob, a former general education director, and Chonburi council member Rewat Phonluk-In.

Portions of the proceeds collected from the event were donated to disadvantaged children in Pattaya.

TAT to hold First Eastern Challenge Pro-Am Charity Golf Tourney

The TAT region 3 and the Eastern Region Golf Course Community are organizing a charity golf tournament scheduled for November 2. The tournament, titled “First Eastern Challenge Pro-Am”, will begin at noon with a shotgun start at the Natural Park Resort Golf Course in Chonburi.

TAT region 3 director Manit Bunchim said, “aside from being a charitable event, the objective of the Eastern Challenge Pro-Am tournament is to establish the game rules and golf etiquette among players and build camaraderie within the eastern golf course community. The tournament is promoting golf to players from the professional community and at the same time promoting golf in the eastern region to visiting golf enthusiasts from other parts of Thailand and other countries.”

Interested golfers can sign up at the Natural Park Resort Golf Course (038-349370-81), or the Sataya Golf Club (038-232083-4). Additional information can also be obtained at the TAT Region 3 Office on Pratumnak Hill in Pattaya, tel. 038-428750, 427667, or 429113.

Pleasure Dome ends with a victory

Having already wrapped up the championship in the penultimate week, Pleasure Dome wrapped up the Mickey Mouse Darts League season with a win and a beer over wooden spoon winners Devonshire.

Yorkie managed to hold onto second place by winning both match and beer over Mick’s Place. Rising Sun, meanwhile, finished strong but were unable to overtake Yorkie for second place, despite taking the match and beer from Palmer’s. Beer Put also finished the season with a sweep of the match and beer from Cheers.

The presentation party takes place at Pleasure Dome on Friday night, October 27 with a lucky draw beginning at 8:30 p.m.

Also receiving trophies at the party will be Ian from Yorkie for high out, 138, and Devonshire for most under 10s, 115.

	Won	Lost	B/L	U10s
Pleasure Dome  Yorkie  Rising Sun Beer Put Cheers Mick’s Place Palmer’s Devonshire	12 10 9 8 6 5 4 2	2  4  90 5 7 81 6 7 96 8 5 94 9 8 67 10 5 80 12 5 115	11 8 5 6 8 9 10 12	85 90 81 96 94 67 80 115

Cafe Kronborg making a move

The Square Ring

by Howie Reed

Andrew “The Foul Pole” Golota proved early last Saturday morning (Pattaya Time) that he is a fraud, a bum, a total waste of time or money. Unfortunately this came a little late for the stupid boxing fans that paid $49.50 to watch the fight on Pay-Per-View. He did his impression of the Italian Army in any war. He gave up. He waved the white flag. He packed it in. “No Maski. I Quitski.” The fight itself was interesting for the two rounds it lasted.

Tyson looked as good as you would expect a former great to look when he doesn’t train, doesn’t listen to anybody and probably doesn’t care. He decked Golota with an overhand right in the first round. Had the fight been 20 years ago the punch would have been the end. But as talents dissipate so does power. Golota weathered the storm which was probably little more than a squall.

Tyson tried his usual head butting that one expects. One butt was successful as it opened a nice cut along the side of Golota’s left eye. As one sage said, “It was a long way from his heart.” That statement assumes that Golota has one. He never used his superior reach which might have negated Tyson “calf like rushes.” The end came when Golota refused to allow his corner to put his mouthpiece in prior to the third round. “I want to apologize to all my fans.” If he has any left then they need as much mental work as he does.

The fight also showed that Tyson has probably slipped far enough not to be considered an “Opponent”. It’s clear now that after Lennox Lewis and David Tua (they fight November 12th Thai time) there is darn little else in the heavyweight division. It’s like the Mississippi River. “A mile wide and an inch deep.”

Zab Judah (IBF Jr. Welter) took another positive step towards a big money fight with Kostya Yszyu when he stopped Hector Quiroz in 8 on the undercard. Judah is only 21 so there is nothing but “bright” in his future. Thailand favorite and long time champion Ratanapol Vorapin will get a big money shot on the undercard of Trinidad-Vargus December 2. He’ll meet another long time champ Ricardo Lopez. Between the two they’ve made 42 title defenses. Vorapin’s only ranking now is as an IBF Jr. Flyweight. He’s ranked 3rd. Of course there is no 1 or 2. Funny old sport boxing.

Wilf Latham and Harry Riley share top prize

Pattaya Golf Society from Bunker

On Friday the 13th of October, eighteen golfers from the Bunker went to Century Golf & Country Club in Rayong. The field was split into two divisions, as usual, with the top flight playing a medal competition. Wilf Latham and Harry Riley, those two canny Lancashire lads, tied for first place at one-under par 71. Playing together, they ignored the date and had an epic battle around the course, and at the eighteenth hole nothing could separate them.

In division two, Stableford was the agreed format and Rob Hayes held off Burt “Remy” Guy to win with 38 points whilst Remy could muster only 36 points for second place.

Gordon McKnight shines bright at Pattaya whilst Wilf goes marching on

On Tuesday, 17th October, twenty-seven Bunker Boys went to local favourite Pattaya Country Club for medal and Stableford competitions in two flights.

In division one, Wilf Latham continued to show fine form, carding a two-under par 70 to defeat nearest rival, Mr “Loy” Mitchell by three shots. Third place went to Bob Jess on 74.

In division two, Canadian Gordon McKnight threw off the exertions of his recent visa run to Cambodia and produced a round of stunning accuracy to amass 42 Stableford points and take top spot. Second was Remy with 34 and the genius with the two iron, honest John Preddy, tied for third place with Dicky Barbe on 32.

Later at the presentation in the Bunker, Gordon was seen giving lessons on how to chip and putt.

Near-the-pin prizes went to Remy, Bob Jess and two for Hannu.

Lills scramble back-to-back wins with Shenanigans

Shenanigans Very Friendly Golf Society teed-off on October 17 for a Two Man Scramble at ‘Home Course’, Eastern Star, and the Lills scrambled it again with a net 63.2 - best of the day! Another member of their group commented on the excellent single putting by Viv and two 20 footers sunk by Ken. It just goes to show how important the short game is out here, particularly if it results in hefty prize vouchers to eat and drink free at Shenanigans.

Runners-up were Paul Kraft (also winning two of the near pins) and Herbie Ishinaga, a few shots behind with a net 68.8, but still a very creditable performance. Twenty members turned out on an overcast but dry day. Other near pins were claimed by Banjob Franklin and Doug Powell, with Ken Lill and Neil Smith making the long putts.

Next outing of Shenanigans Very Friendly Golf Society is on October 31 for a ‘Four Clubs’ Pairs Stableford competition.

Yabba Dabber Do

TAGGS... golf from The Haven

Monday, October 16 - Laem Chabang International Country Club (Stableford)

1st: Mike Dabanovich, 38 points
2nd: Mark Gorda, 35 points
3rd: George Jackson, 34 points

On Sunday, Mike Dabanovich found out that his handicap had dropped from eighteen to sixteen. That didn’t seem to faze him; on Monday, Dabber went out and shot 38 points. Playing with the TAGGS team, he won the Stableford competition on the tough B/C combination at Laem Chabang and paved the way for his handicap to drop again.

It was one of those days when he knew early on that things would go well. On the second hole of the ‘B’ course (downhill par 5 over the water) Dabber pulled his tee shot 40 yards deep into the jungle on the left only to have the ball carom off a rock and sail majestically back into the fairway. He made his par. Then there was the seventh hole on the ‘C’ course (long dogleg right par 4) where Mike hit a 4 iron off the tee that almost ended up on the tee box of the eighth hole. He was under a tree and couldn’t see the green, but managed to put another 4 iron on the fringe. It was a great golf shot.

Second place with 35 points went to the always impeccably dressed Mark Gorda. Mark was followed onto the podium by the always interestingly dressed George Jackson, who had 34 points.

Rick & Ray win Stan’s Birthday Bash

Rick Sharp and Ray Matti combined well to win Stan Fry’s annual birthday bash tournament.

Stan Fry (centre) with Mike Franklin (left) and Khun Nirand at the after-tournament presentation in the Classroom.

On a perfect day for golf, 72 golfers set out at Rayong Green Valley for this Stableford pair’s competition (joint Stableford). With technical prizes on every hole, the day was set for a fun round of golf. Stan got the tournament underway with the first drive of the day.

Conditions were near perfect but the scores were not high, and the 73 pts. returned by Rick & Ray did not look good at the time. However, it did turn out to be good enough to net them the first prize.

The presentation was back at the Classroom, with the normal top class buffet and pig on a spit.

The presentation was conducted by Stan himself, assisted by Mike Franklin. There were plenty of mystery prizes and all the technical prizes to give out, not to mention all the draw prizes.

After the presentation Stan rang the bell and sent everybody home happy.

Extraordinary day on the links

Golf from Three Sisters

On Monday it was evident from the first hole that it was going to be an extraordinary day for the Three Sisters Golfers. Bob Jess joined the group and arrived with a driver with a head so big that at first it was thought to be impossible to swing. He then began to crank out drives that were out of sight - it was just lucky for the rest of the field that the rest of his game was not on target.

Izzy Freedman started off the first hole in grand style. He took a mighty swing and advanced the ball at least 8 feet. There was some argument that it only went 6 feet.

Kenny Mau, with his usual slice, ended up in the trees to the right off the first tee box. Paul Kraft hit his usual long drive and ended in the trees on the left. He proceeded to duff his next two shots and was 150 yards out when he hit his 4th shot into the hole for a birdie four. The foursome had a split decision on whether it went into the cup or over the green - upon reaching the green the ball was in the hole.

The rest of the field got off the 1st tee without any hitches, even Jerry Lien hit his drive down the middle like a pro.

Kenny Mau won bragging rights for the day with 42 Stableford points. With the wet conditions, this was an incredible score. Slicing Kenny can now be called straight Kenny as he straightened out his game by changing his grip and began to finally hit without his slice. His putting was also on target so it became a no contest for the rest of the golfers.

Paul Kraft came in second with a respectable 37 points, helped by his birdie on the first hole. Although Herb Ishinaga birdied the last hole, he could not catch the leaders and finished in third with 36 points. As usual, bragging could be heard after the game and fun was had by all.

Count backs rule the week

Golf from Cafe Kronborg

Monday October 16 - Phoenix (stroke)

Phoenix was the venue for a stroke play competition on the Lakes and Ocean courses. Some very good scores were returned by the 2 flights.

Hannu Kemila took the A flight honours on a 3 way count back on net 70. Darren Robson took 2nd and Anders Pedersson 3rd.

B flight was won by Ebrahim with a net 69, beating Albert Poon’s net 69 on count back. Dave Richardson finished 3rd with a net 70.

Thursday October 19 - Khao Kheow (Stableford)

Khao Kheow was visited for a Stableford competition. A flight was won by Phillipe Berra (32 points) followed by Brian Wilkinson on 31.

Big Pete Galle won the B flight with a 36 followed by George Bennison on 35.

Venues for next week are: Monday October 30 at Century Chonburi, Thursday November 2 at Bangpra.

PH3 Run 867

Well as a returnee just last week, I was pleased to see so many familiar faces, and of course some new ones. Good onya Pattaya hash, like an old friend, ready to welcome you back - or ice you if you stuff up!

After the late sign ins, the circle formed and new shoes showed up once again. The Hares were keen to get us going, so without too much stuffing around, we were off. A pretty good run site. Flat as a pancake compared to the peaks of Saturday’s Bush run. The run was uneventful, except the tricky dogleg at the start, with most runners in under the hour. A few stragglers wandered in late, probably distracted by some crack or other, or perhaps checking out T4 as he did his bit for the farmers! The usual munchies and a few post run beers were had then the familiar cry of “Form a F#$$%@# circle” rang out. One thing that became immediately obvious was the extra block of ice. Chicken Fellow and Chicken Nugget explaining that from now on Pattaya Hash will have 2 blocks to get through the sheer numbers of offenders and such as we approach high season. I hope to see some spinning and more licking tricks now!

Tampax and Charlie were being very quiet. One guy had the cheek to sit on Sweetballs’ chair and was rewarded for his sins. The Hares were iced and Returners and Leavers called in for a down down. Religion started and Sir Airhead once again had the hares on ice, asking people what they thought of the run. General consensus seemed to be good. Next the Visitors were in with Superman and Superbitch on ice. Chicken Lips was also in for her bodyguard skills! The Chiang Mai Down Down special bottle was brought out only to have an extra mark added for our very own Tampax. So then the girls put on quite the display of down downing. Time for some new names. Darren was aptly named “Kiwi Bubblehead” for his Pro’ habits and then it was Ted’s turn. For those of us in the know, apparently back in the UK he is always referring to that great Shakespearian phrase “One up the Bum no harm done”. What a great piece of timing to be dropping that line as Sir Airhead happened to be walking past. Ha Ha. So he will now be known as “Up the Butt”. Obviously Cface thought this breaking of rule 6 was OK when he was iced for his “You can’t knock it until you’ve tried it” cry from the fringe. Next in was Current Hash S#@t - Tampax, explaining the loss of his hat. Then Rusty Bullet Hole was deemed new Hash Trash for his dropping of a butt.

Superman / Chicken F / Sir Airhead all in for the announcement of Chiang Mai Hash run #555 on the 16th and 17th Dec, all welcome. Virgins were in next to the chorus of some frog noises that wouldn’t have been out of place in a Belgian back alley.

Anniversaries were called with Boy George haring his 5th run. Miss Kentucky reaching her 50th and Uncle Fester received a very well done shirt for his 300th run, congratulations to all. The visitors were in again for a last down down before heading back. Then our man T4 for his tapioca fertilizing efforts. The maids at PKL must be busy at times! The founders and committee of the Bush Hash were iced for their efforts on Saturday past. Great run, shame about the food. T4, Rusty Bullet Hole, Poodle Juice, Tampax and myself all on ice for various offences only to hear the good old song of JC.

The Hares were called to sing us a song, which was about as good as you get at that time of night. The new names were in for another down down and this was followed by the Hash Hymn. On after at the Classroom 2 saw more food than you could poke a stick at and some fine show girls that you could poke a stick at! Well done Boy George and staff. All in all another run and circle to remember. Strewth! On On Apples’ Turnover

NOTE: The Halloween Run takes place on Monday 30th Oct, with special prizes in the raffle plus prizes for fancy dress winners, male, female and child. So get out your Halloween costumes. Hares are Count C and Frankenstreaker.

Princess Cup 2000 Supports Royal-Sponsored Projects

by Peter Cummins

The third sailing of the Princess Cup took place off the Royal Varuna Yacht Club last weekend and although the elements were not that co-operative, it was, nevertheless, an outstanding success.

Top honours went to Thai Navy men Sutee Poonpat and Anan Downjontok, sailing a Fireball to win the monohull division and perennial Nacra 16 Square champion Gary Baguley who won the multihull event. These are now the joint holders of the handsome Princess Cup Trophy.

Winners all: Princess Cup 2000 competitors pose before a portrait of Princess Galyani. Photo Peter Cummins

Verasit Pougnak, honed to perfection from the fiercely fought Sydney 2000 Olympiad Laser Division, finished second in the monohull division and first in the Laser class.

The juniors, too, took their Princess Cup racing seriously and a large fleet of Optimists bowed to Will Hamilton who led the way to a convincing first place.

A large fleet of more than 60 craft took to the waterways to honour HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana, His Majesty the King’s sister. The fleet was, by far, the biggest to be seen around South Pattaya for as long as anyone could remember and it spanned the gamut of the Royal Varuna and the Royal Thai Navy Clubs racing class dinghies: Enterprises, Fireballs, Hobie Cats, Lasers, Nacras, Optimists, Prindles and Topcats.

The regatta, since its inception in 1998, was traditionally sailed off the Phatra Marina and Yacht Club in Pranburi, with all participants racing in Platu 25 racing keelboats. This year marked the first occasion that it has been sailed off the eastern shore, solely in dinghies and beach-launched catamarans. But unchanged was the aim of the regatta, which has been to raise funds for Princess Galyani’s charities, initially for the Kidney Foundation of Thailand, of which HRH is the Patroness.

This time, the proceeds will be donated to HRH the Princess Mother’s Charity Fund to commemorate the anniversary of the Royal Mother’s birth 100 years ago. Princess Galyani will preside over the official Princess Cup Awards ceremony at her Bangkok residence and will accept the regatta donation for her late Mother’s Charity Fund.

The organizing chairman, Chira Sirisamphan was well pleased with the three day event and, in spite of the inclement weather which saw light, shifting winds, fading to almost zero at times, a full social programme and great fellowship pervaded the Royal Varuna Yacht Club during the land-based activities.

Much of the success for the Princess Cup 2000 can be attributed to the out-going Royal Varuna Flag Commodore Rut Subniran. It makes a fitting finale to Rut who has guided the club with consummate skill and dedication, through uncertain times and economic strictures, for the past two years.

Of course, as in any sporting event, it is the sponsors who make it all possible and the Princess Cup has been generously supported by Boonrawd Brewery since 1998. Other major contributors have been Three Crowns, Lalida, Sea Tour, Pepsi, Siam City, Siba, Little Home Bakery, Chin Sai Hua, Patum Rice Mill, Marisa, Maria, Ka-nom, United Advisory Services, Baiyoke Tower and Sampran Crocodile Farm.

Autumn Series 2000 continues this weekend

The Autumn Series 2000 continues this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, October 28 and 29 off the Royal Varuna Yacht Club. Further dates for the Autumn Series 2000 are November 18 & 19.

All members of the RVYC and their invited guests, and all classes recognized by the RVYC are eligible to participate. There will be separate classes for Lasers, Hobies, Nacras and if necessary an Open class. There must be a minimum of 3 boats in each class.

Saturday’s briefing will be held at 13:00 with races beginning at 14:00. Sunday’s briefing will be held at 10:00 with races beginning at 11:00 a.m.

On Saturdays there will be two back-to-back races with a variation of RVYC Standard Courses. On Sundays there will be one long distance race.

Time limits are: 80 minutes per race for the back-to-back races, 15 minutes between first and last boat. 3 hours for the long distance races.

The wind adjusted handicap will be used for the Open class, RVYC 2000 for the Nacra class.

Both days will use the low point scoring system. One prize will be awarded for every 5 boats entered, counted as the average per race.

Race officers will be: Olaf Reese October 28, Neil Semple October 29, Peter Fischer November 18 and Alain Brancart November 19.

Ferrari cops Constructors

The Malaysian Grand Prix was another display of dominance by Ferrari to see them add the Constructor’s Championship to the World Driver’s Championship they collected in Japan.

With Michael Schumacher so dominant in Qualifying, being almost half a second quicker than the two McLaren Mercedes cars of Hakkinen and Coulthard, it was a surprise to see Schumacher third at the end of the first lap behind the two silver cars. However, this time Hakkinen’s lightening start turned out to be just a little too quick and Happy was called into the pits for a ten second stop-go penalty, which at the same time kissed McLaren’s hopes for the Constructors goodbye. Erja the Ice Maiden, who is heavy with child, was again not amused.

Schumacher crosses the finish line first in Malaysia to secure Ferrari’s Constructors Championship to go with his Drivers Championship won the week before.

At the front, David Coulthard showed that he does have the tiger, and slowly edged away from Schumacher and Barichello (Ferrari). A slide off the circuit around lap ten filled his side mounted radiator and at that point, his race was cooked, coming in early to the pits to have the intakes cleaned out of chopped grass and Malaysian mud. This handed the lead to Schumacher and the German never faltered from then on, leading every lap. Coulthard tried hard and got as close as 0.6 seconds behind Schumacher, but the Ferrari driver withstood all the pressure to come in the winner. Third was Barichello, to put two red suited drivers on the podium, along with master tactician Ross Brawn representing the manufacturer.

To celebrate the Constructor’s Championship, the entire Ferrari Team wore bright red wigs, and undoubtedly were going to let their hair down after the race.

For most of the other teams, Malaysia was a meeting they would rather forget. Jordan were nowhere, with Frentzen out very early, Prost were nowhere, the position they have been in all year, Sauber Petronas couldn’t rise to the occasion in front of their “home” crowd and poor old Minardi remained poor old Minardi.

Jaguar did manage to score a point from Irvine’s 6th place, but Johnny Herbert finished his F1 career with Jaguar with yet another mechanical failure and a reasonable crash. He will be going to America to try and forget the year 2000. BAR also scored a couple of points with Villeneuve, but his team mate Zonta spent another day making castles in the sand.

So that was the end of the 2000 F1 season, 9 wins to Schumacher to really stamp his authority on the sport. All teams now have a month off before commencing testing for the 2001 season. Numerous driver changes will be occurring and in some garages, heads will be rolling - but you can expect to see the same faces at Ferrari.

Much gold to be won in the Diana Gold 2000 Charity Tournament

On Friday, November 17th, the second annual Diana Gold Charity Tournament, sponsored by Chivas Regal, takes place at Eastern Star Resort. This is a shotgun start event with twenty-one technical prizes on offer, each a one baht gold item. Over B.120,000 value prizes in gold , just for the technical prizes alone! Plus many performance trophies and prizes to be won too.

All proceeds will go to charity, specifically the Chonburi Juvenile and Family Court Observation and Protection Center for children on remand.

Chivas Regal will give you a free ‘Nip’ to get you started and, included in the entry fee - apart from the designer shirt, green and caddy fees, superb Thai/Western buffet and live band at the Diana Garden Lodge - are three tickets to start you off in the Charity Lucky Draw. Prizes will include airline tickets, more gold, a year’s membership at Eastern Star, hotel accommodations at Thailand resorts, an all-inclusive weekend at Eastern Star, restaurant vouchers and a night in the presidential suite at the Royal Garden Hotel.

Sign-up early for Diana Gold. Entry form and full details coming soon.

Pattaya to host half and quarter marathon walk/run in November

The TAT and Pattaya City are organizing a half and a quarter marathon walk/run, scheduled to take place on November 5.

The event will be divided into a 3-kilometer walk/run costing applicants 150 baht; a 10-kilometer run costing 200 baht per applicant; and a 21 kilometer run costing 250 baht. Further details and applications are available at the TAT office on Pratumnak Hill in South Pattaya.

The TAT and Pattaya City are billing the mini-marathon as a major “national level” event, which will take place during the beginning of the tourist high season. Organizers expect it to attract much international attention.

A press conference was scheduled for October 18 in Bangkok to officially announce the event on national broadcasts.

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