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Morrison, Nicholson, Sealey and Spence win Pattaya Am-Am 2002
Combine for record score in 6th IPGC TAGGS AM-AM
Bob Morrison, Ross Nicholson, Mike Seeley and Andy
Spence combined for a tournament record 105 Stableford team points to win
the 6 th TAGGS AM-AM on March 1
on the Mountain and Ocean nines at Phoenix Country Club.
 Richard
Livingston (left), the resident PGA professional, awarded the coveted
knotted putter trophies to this year’s Pattaya AM-AM winners Bob
Morrison, Ross Nicholson, Mike Seeley and Andy Spence.
Organized by The Alternative Golf Gentlemen’s Society
(TAGGS) from The Haven, member of the International Pattaya Golf Club (IPGC),
this is the 6th year the
tournament has been played, and it is hoped that someday it may become the
TAGGS Pro-Am. And there is no reason it shouldn’t, for the format of the
tournament, introduced to Pattaya by Stephen Foster Beard, has to be one
of the most enjoyable golf formats to play.
Teams of four compete, with the best two out of four
Stableford scores counting towards the team total on every hole. It’s a
format that evokes camaraderie and team spirit. Four once, instead of
competing against the others in the foursome, golfers compete with their
fellow teammates. And unlike a scramble, each player plays his own shots
from tee to green.
 Not
even rally-caps could get (from left) Stephan Hoge, Jimmy Little, Tom
Gingerich and Dan Dorothy of the “Little-Hoge Team” on the podium,
although team spirit and 94 points got them close.
There is some luck involved, in that the best team on
the day is the one that is able to keep any combination of two of the
team’s members scoring well when the other two have a bad hole. There is
also a lot of skill involved, as the two “good” scores, at least this
year, needed to be an average of nearly net birdies on every hole.
This year, Bob Morrison, Ross Nicholson, Mike Seeley
and Andy Spence (three of whom, Bob, Andy and Mike, finished 2nd
last year with 97 points) averaged a team score of 5.8 points per hole,
just .2 points less than 2 team birdies per hole, winning by a clear 7
points. Seven is definitely the lucky number, as this year was the 4th
straight year 7 has been the winning margin.
Sture Brisholm, Ake Eriksson, Jan Piet Andersen and
Nora Haugsjordet scored a team total of 98 points to finish second.
Phil Groves, Don Scott, Jeff McLaury and Stephen Beard
scored 97 points, 47 on the back nine, to finish third, winning on count
back over Stefan Goransson, Vladmir, Lief Linner and Renato Stojnic, who
also scored 97 points but “only” 45 on the back nine.
The record turnout of 131 players also competed for a
host of technical prizes, in all 17 individual trophies to compliment the
team trophies, prizes and sweep.
The on-course camaraderie carried on at the post
tournament awards presentation at The Haven, where teams gathered to talk
about the missed two-foot putt or the great chip-in for birdie, and all
the highs and lows experienced in a team game. Lamyai, Stephen and their
staff at The Haven had their hands full, as nearly all 131 golfers turned
out for the presentation, and once again they did an outstanding job
feeding the masses with a delicious buffet.
Richard Livingston, the resident PGA professional,
Wayne Ogonoski, the resident score keeper, and Mike Franklin, the resident
emcee, all also did great jobs helping the tournament run smoothly.
Biggest thanks go to Stephen Beard for introducing the format to Pattaya,
and putting in the time and effort to host what is becoming the most
popular tournament on the golfing calendar.
Results:
1st Place Team: Bob Morrison,
Ross Nicholson, Mike Seeley and Andy Spence, 105 points
2 nd Place Team:
Sture Brisholm, Ake Eriksson, Jan Piet Andersen and Nora Haugsjordet, 98
points
3 rd Place Team:
Phil Groves, Don Scott, Jeff McLaury and Stephen Beard, 97 points (cb 47)
4 th Place Team:
Stefan Goransson, Vladmir, Lief Linner and Renato Stojnic, 97 points (cb
45)
Near pins: Mountain #4 Division 1: Stefan Anderson,
Division 2: Martin Hanfelt and Division 3: Marcel Wittwer. Mountain #8:
Division 1: Kevin Ward, Division 2: Lamud Lindborg, Division 3: David
Mason. Ocean #5: Division 1: Daniel Lindbeck, Division 2: Stefan Goransson,
and Division 3: Andy Spence. Ocean #7 Division 1: Adi Mayer, Division 2:
Bert Guy, and Division 3: Mike Jones.
Long drives Ocean #9: Division 1: Daniel Lindbeck,
Division 2: Jan Piet Andersen, Division 3: Matt Millar, Ladies: Nora
Haugsjordet, and Rabbits: Andy Spence.
Exotic Thailand Temple Marathon and Half Marathon
Thailand’s inaugural Temple Marathon and Half
Marathon will be held on Sunday March 24 in an area outside of Bangkok
known for its many fabulous temples.
Open for local and international entrants, competitors
will have the opportunity to run either the full 42-K marathon, the 21-K
half-marathon, or a 10k run, through this amazing countryside - a unique
way to experience Thailand’s exotic culture, and meet runners from all
over the world.
The starting point and official opening ceremony will
take place in the grounds of Phumrinkudeethong Temple, Samut Songkram, and
many cultural experiences will greet competitors along the route. This is
more than a race, it is a cultural extravaganza!
Tour packages are offered to international competitors
via the web site www. thailand-temple-run.com or through an experienced
local tour operator, combining both the race and a Thailand holiday.
Exiting features offered to both local and
international competitors include the opportunity to join a pre-race
inspection and visit to the Floating Market at Damnoen Saduak; a pre-race
carbohydrate dinner at the Amari Watergate Hotel, allowing runners to
mingle and ‘fuel up’ before the big race; and a post race awards
ceremony and dinner to present trophies to the winners, and celebrate
everyone’s personal achievements. Transfers are also being offered from
the Amari Watergate Hotel to the starting line (over an hour) and return.
Everyone crossing the Finish Line will receive a
specially designed commemorative medal, and category winners will be
presented with unique trophies. Many lucky draw prizes are also to be won.
The Thailand Temple Run is celebrating a Day of Running
Around The World, and has joined with marathons in Rome, Italy, and
Washington DC, USA, who are also running on March 24.
Famous Japanese Ecomarathoner, Hajimi Nishi, holder of
the Guinness Book of Records for running 7 marathons on 7 continents in
168 days, “The fastest time to run a marathon on each of the 7
continents” world record, will be the honored guest celebrity.
This is also the first marathon in Asia to offer
instant on-line registration confirmations using real-time reservations
software provided by www.agent-key.com
Professional race organizer, SportVision, is
responsible for the course, and for local registrations. Thai runners may
contact SportVision at tel. 0 2570 9599 before March 24 for information
and registration. Non-Thai speakers should contact 0 2653 9191 or email
[email protected] for further information on local
registration fees.
Application forms can also be picked up from the Amari
Orchid Resort, or at the Amari Watergate Hotel, Bangkok. Registrations
will also be accepted at the starting point of the Thailand Temple Run on
Sunday 24 March - Phumrinkudeethong Temple.
Entry for the full marathon is Bht500, available
through SportVision. There is also a 21k half-marathon (Bht400) and a 10k
race (Bht200) starting at 5.30 a.m. and 6 a.m. respectively.
Jimmie Little rises at Phoenix
IPGC TAGGS Golf from The Haven
Monday 25 th
February - Eastern Star (Stroke play)
Ladies Division
1 st: Lamud
Lindborg, 67
2nd: Oradee Kaesavane, 81
Gentlemen’s Division
1 st: Al
Rolnik, 71
2nd: Mike Dabanovich, 72
3rd: Jay Nakagawa, 74
4th: Phil Groves, 75
5th: Klaus Schackt, 76
After giving the course a well-earned break, it was a
pleasure to return to a much-improved Robert Trent Jones Junior designed
Eastern Star course. The reception by the management and staff should be a
role model in customer relations for many of the other local courses to
emulate.
The course as usual had its teeth bared, especially the
last three holes, which found many of the competitors lacking, but not
Lamud Lindborg, who as is now usual, shot well under her handicap to
record yet another win. She also recorded the only two of the day to
really put the icing on the cake.
Big Al Rolnik was the only gentleman player to break
par, holding it together over the back nine to just edge out the enormous
hitting of Mike “Dabber” Dabanovich (newly engaged to be married) who
is at last showing some of his old form. Perhaps the new “early to bed
and early to rise” regime is worth it after all.
Back at The Haven Richard Livingston, the resident PGA
professional, welcomed new member Christophe Vielle, the internationally
acclaimed boulangier from France via Bangkok. We can now look forward to
relishing the delights of real butter croissants.
Wednesday, 27th
February - Phoenix Country Club (Stableford)
Ladies
1 st: Lamud
Lindborg, 40
2nd: Samantha Burke, 37
2nd
Division
1 st: Jimmie
Little, 43
2nd: Rick Bevington, 39 (cb9
22, cb6 17)
3rd: Bob Lindborg, 39 (cb9 22,
cb6 14)
4th: Brian Kelly, 38
1st
Division
1 st: Bob
Morrison, 40
2nd: Kevin Taylor, 36 (cb9 20)
3rd: Phil Groves, 36 (cb9 17)
4th: Tony Barritt, 35 (cb9 17,
cb6 12)
Billed as a warm up round in preparation
for the AM-AM to be played the following Friday, a report of which can be
found on the back page, a very large contingent of golfers left The Haven
in high hopes. For many they were found to be false hopes, and unusually
there were no twos scored on the day, although as usual Lamud Lindborg
recorded her second win of the week this time at expense of Samantha
Burke, albeit with a smaller margin of victory.
The second division was lead home by Jimme Little
shooting his best round for some considerable time. Rick Bevington and Bob
Lindborg who had to be separated by count back over the last six trailed
him with Brian Kelly rounding out the podium of the second group.
It was a tighter pack of scores that followed Bob
Morrison’s fine return and boded well for the AM-AM, with all the usual
suspects jostling for positions, Jeff McLaury being the unlucky one to
lose fourth place on count back to Tony Barritt, who achieved his first
podium position.
Prior to the prize giving, Richard welcomed new member
Paul Quodomine, whilst welcoming back Kevin Taylor, Samantha Burke, Mike
Davies and Bill Hurd.
Holiday frolics at Century Ban Chang
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the Bunker
The annual Buddhist “All Saints” festival was
celebrated by the Bunker Boys and Girls when forty-three golfers travelled
to Century Ban Chang for their weekly medal competition. The course is
usually in very good condition but this time the greens were poorly
presented, with week-old pin spots and a few days growth on the surface.
In addition the fairways were showing fatigue after the long dry spell and
these factors all conspired to make the day a tough one for the golfers.
In division one John Hughes, Chris Davisson, Bob
Morrison and Harry Cowling all tied for the top place with two over par
74’s, and in division two Mam Trayling won on net 75, with George Meigh
second with 77 and Ed Trayling third with 78.
Both Michael Dige and Ed Trayling shared the Bunker
Super Sawng award for their two’s on a course where the par threes are
notoriously difficult. Well done, both! The Bunker Banana Booby went to
John “Private Preddy” for his valiant twelve at the par three
thirteenth. For more news visit http://www. thebunkerboys.com
Big Dennis Willet wins 3 Sisters bragging rights
PSC Three Sisters Golf
Monday the 25th brought the
largest group of Three Sisters Golfers together since the group started.
For two weeks in a row, more than thirty golfers vied for the bragging
rights on the Monday morning session.
 Dennis
Willet (left) brags with 39 points as Bill Gibson (right) laughs with 17
points at Caddyshack 2 after the 3 Sisters weekly get together on Monday
February 24 at Siam Country Club.
This week the bragging rights were won by one of the
lower handicappers, Big Dennis Willett, past PSC golf chairman. Right on
his heels was Jacque Thibaut - Jacque thought he had 38 points but after
checking his new handicap it was found that he had come in with 39 points,
but he still lost on count back.
Dennis, with his long drives and accurate putts, keeps
his game in tact and is hard to beat at anytime. Close behind Dennis and
Jacque were George Davis and Don Ratcliffe with 38 points. The rest of the
field spread out in back of the front runners from close up to a distant
bottom.
Early in the session at Caddy Shack Two, it was
announced that visitor Mike Riley, now in Singapore, had won the bottom
prize as bag holder for the week with 20 points. As the golfers hooted and
joked, in walked the real bag holder, Bill Gibson who had garnered an
amazing 17 points - five points on the back nine. Everyone had a good
laugh as more beer was drunk and chili dogs eaten. Chili dogs were
supplied by Rolly Weese and Marvin Smith - two oldsters in the group that
are great supporters of the Monday session. Thanks guys. See you all next
week.
Herberge gets an Albatross - Dige gets the Mug
PSC Golf from Cafe Kronborg
Monday 25 Feb - Sattahip
(Stableford)
The Royal Thai Navy’s Sattahip North & West
courses were the venue for a Stableford competition on two flights: A
0-18, and B 19 and up.
Last week’s albatross man Maurice Herberge took the A
flight with 38 points. John Biangazzo finished second on 33 points and
Mike Dige lost on count back, coming third also with 33 points.
 Songkran
(right) presented the Kronborg Monthly Mug to happy winner Michael Dige
(left).
Harald Gruber took the B flight with 32 points, Larina
Brinn finished second on 31 points beating Dave Richardson on count back,
also with 31 points.
It was noted that the much needed new clubhouse was due
to open on the 3 rd of March.
Thursday 28 Feb -
Phoenix Monthly Mug (medal)
The last Thursday of the month is looked forward to by
most of the regulars, as it is the one competition of the month when mine
host at the Kronborg puts up a very nice mug, and all must return to the
Kronborg for the presentation, particularly the winners, for if they are
not there they do not win. So, 40 players teed off on the Ocean &
Mountain courses intent on winning the mug and the right to have it filled
by the other competitors.
Last month’s medal resulted in many very low net
scores. This month the combination of courses resulted in higher scores,
but nevertheless resulted in a very worthy winner, Michael Dige, who,
despite winning on count back, shot a super gross 73 & net 67. It is
nice to see a single handicapper come through to win.
 Maurice
Herberge (right) shot an Albatross at Phoenix, and ended up finishing 3rd
in the A flight on the day. Mike, shown here being congratulated by KSM,
also finished first in the A flight at Sattahip this week.
At the presentation, in addition to congratulations to
the winner of the mug, special mention was made of the fine albatross made
previously by Maurice Herberge. For those who do not know what an
albatross is, it is three under par, i.e. 2 on a par 5. This is a much
rarer feat than a hole in one, and it was felt that despite the feat
occurring in a previous competition, it deserved special mention on what
is the only monthly get together at the Kronborg.
The presentation of the Mug was made this month by mine
host Bjarne’s boss, his wife Songkran, to whom thanks go for making the
presentation.
The winner of the A flight Ake Ovegren, net 71, and the
third, Andy Bettany net 73, did not turn up at the Kronborg; it is thought
the very low scores of the month before made them think they had no
chance, so a new order was worked out. First in A flight was Les Phillips
on net 71, second Hannu Koskella on net 73 on count back over third
Maurice Herberge net 73.
The B flight winner was Claes Ernlund with a net 67,
and he also lost the mug on count back. Second was Werner Strub with net
70 winning a three way count back over Alan Pearce who was third and Mick
O’Conner who just lost out.
Near pins: M4 Claes Ernlund, M8 Mike Dige, O5 Bob
Moberg and O7 Neil Shaw.
Long putts: M9 Harry Cowling and O9 Claes Ernlund.
The winner of the Mug with a fine gross 73 and net 67
Michael Dige.
Anders Aces, Lawrence, Haskins and Shaw take home the hardware
16th PSC Members’ Open
Winning your flight in a field of 110 golfers is a
credible achievement. You finally do, and you are upstaged by one perfect
swing. Such was the case at the 16 Member’s Tournament held at Great
Lake Golf and Country Club on Friday, February 22nd,
when Anders Pedersen aced the slightly uphill, well protected 7th
hole for his first career hole-in-one.
 PSC
winners Feb 22: B flight Gary Haskins 40 points, A flight Bruce Lawrence
39 Points, and C flight Loz Shaw 45 points.
Almost lost in the fanfare was an A flight victory, on
count back, by Bruce Lawrence over perennial contender Ebrahim. Gray
Haskins had a one point victory over Mam Trayling and Gordon Tarapasky in
B Flight. Newcomer Loz Shaw’s 45 points held Ban Chang’s
representative, Ken Leadstone, at bay in the always explosive C Flight.
Mam’s loss in the B Flight was soothed by her victory in the first-ever
Women’s Long Drive sweepstakes.
Nearly two-thirds of the field walked away with prizes
thanks to the generosity of the sponsors and to Vichit Lauhasinnurak, the
golf course manager for Great Lake. Not only did Vichit award Anders with
a year’s membership at Great Lake for his hole-in-one and provide
complimentary green fees for the lucky draw, but he and his staff were
most hospitable and organized. The field enjoyed a wide open golf course
which translated into a comfortable pace for all.
 Anders
Pedersen accepts his Great Lake Golf Club membership, awarded for his
hole-in-one, from course manager Vichit Laohasinnurak after the PSC
Monthly Tournament on 22 February 2002.
The following tournament sponsors provided donations
which greatly enhanced this popular monthly outing: The Pattaya Sports
Club, Cafe Kronborg (Soi Diana), Papa Ray, The Blue Parrot Bar and
Restaurant (Soi Pattayaland Two), Tequila Reef Cantina (Soi 7), The Golf
Shop (Soi Skaw Beach), PolTony’s Gourmet Restaurant & Fairplay
MiniGolf (South Pattaya on the Jomtien Hill), and the Diana Group’s
Green Bottle Pub (2nd Road & Soi Diana). 110 players wish to thank you
for making the day possible.
The next Monthly Members’ Tournament is scheduled for
March 15th at Khao Kheow Country Club. Tournament
flyers will be posted at the PSC Clubhouse on Third Road, Cafe Kronborg,
Three Sisters Bar, The Diana Inn, The Blue Parrot, Shenanigans, Tequila
Reef, the Sugar Shack, and the Scandic Hotel.
Results:
A Flight: 1st Bruce Lawrence
(39); 2nd Ebrahim (39); 3rd
Ken Lill (38).
B Flight: 1st Gary Haskins
(40); 2nd Mam Trayling (39); 3rd
Gordon Tarapasky (38).
C Flight: 1st Loz Shaw (45);
2nd Ken Leadstone (41); 3rd
Marcel Witwer (40).
2nd to last: A Flt: Paul Erik
Johannson (25); B Flt: name misplaced (19); C Flt: Mike Larsen (24).
Closest to pin: #5 Hanne Moller; #7 Anders
Pederson; #12 Ebrahim; and #16 Art Hancock.
Longest putt: #9 Clive Bruce and #18 Joe McArdle.
Long drive: Men: Paul Shaw; Women: Mam Trayling.
ROTW win Ryder Cup in Ban Chang
In early February, Terry Coles and Kenny Leadstone
challenged Dennis Willett to get a team together to play their European
golfers in a two day Ryder Cup format at Ban Chang. Dennis called his
buddies from the Siam Ryder Cup and a few others and called the team The
Rest of the World.
David Gregg and Chris, owners of Faces Bar in Ban
Chang, agreed to serve as host. Twenty players on each team met at Century
Golf Club on Saturday, February 23. The first day results were so
devastating to the Europeans that it was agreed that the Sunday matches
would be worth double the points. Just for the record, the first day
results were Europeans 1 - ROTW 9.
Saturday night saw the Europeans moaning and groaning
while the suds were drowning out their sorrows at Faces Bar.
Sunday, the two teams met at Eastern Start Resort for a
two-person best ball match. The Europeans put on their game faces but at
the end of the day the score was 7-2-1 for ROTW. The final results were
ROTW 23, Europeans 5 and 1 draw.
The entire field of golfers met again at Faces Bar
where trophies were presented to the winning team, nearest-the-pin prizes
and travel bags for the Europeans were handed out while everyone enjoyed a
great meal put on by Faces Bar. It was a fun weekend of golf in Ban Chang.
Although the Europeans went down in flames, Dennis
agreed to give Terry and Kenny another match in the near future. Since
both of their wives played for the ROTW team, they all hope there were no
hard feelings at home. Kenny was overhead later saying, “Wait ‘til
next time”.
Winning team members were: Gerry Carpenter, Izzy
Freedman, Tim McMaster, George Davis, Bob Moberg, Bill Thompson, Mark
Gorda, Russell Finch, Larry Willett, Ian Warwick, Rod Carmichael, Ooh
Leadstone, Oui Coles, Mike Sinkinson, Dominic Kevorkian, Martin Brown,
David Gregg, John Hanley, Norman Young and Dennis Willett.
Trayling, Anderson & Lindborg, winners in February Seniors and Ladies Open
by Mike Franklin
A modest field of thirty-four players enjoyed the fine
weather at Pattaya Country Club for the Diana Group February Seniors and
Ladies Open. A brisk wind tempered the scores somewhat, with only the
winners playing to better than par.
Mam Trayling won the Ladies Division with 37 Stableford
points; Beth Lill came second after a count-back with Lamud Chaidara, both
scoring 35 points.
Andy Anderson won the Super Seniors Division with 38
points, and a misplaced Cecil Williams (age-wise), was runner-up with 37
points. Ed Trayling came third with 34 points.
Best of the day for the Seniors came from Bob Lindborg
returning 39 Stableford points, with George Meigh winning the count-back
with John Hurst, both with 35 points, to take second place.
Near pins went to John Gibson, Michael O’Meara, Mam
Trayling and Ken Lill, who also sank the longest putt on the eighteenth.
Klaus Schackt won the long putt on the ninth.
Pattaya Country Club proved how caring they can be, so
we look forward to the next Seniors & Ladies Open there on Thursday 28 th
March.
Sign-up at the Green Bottle or see Richard Livingston
at the Diana Group Driving Range.
The Square Ring
by Howie Reed
Sometimes things are fact when written. Then later they
turn out to be “less than true”. Two weeks ago this column printed
that Mike Tyson was going to box fight with Lennox Lewis in Atlanta
Georgia. Now? “Sorry not fact.” The fight as of “this writing” is
June 8th in Washington DC in the MCI Center. Tyson, who hasn’t yet been
issued a license, has most of the “T’s” crossed and the “I’s”
dotted. Meanwhile in Las Vegas, Tyson will NOT be charged with any crime.
The DA issued a statement explaining that “10 outside attorneys looked
at the evidence and decided there was NO chance of Tyson being convicted
of anything.” Not withstanding, the Vegas police have “leaked”
confidential reports trying to make the Nevada Athletic Commissions
decision, not to license Tyson, look better. Talk about a major make over.
Los Angeles Sportswriter Don Kerkorian, on the Nevada Athletic
Commissions, said, “It’s phony piety.”
This evening Patrick’s Boxing Promotions is back with
their second “really big event”. The card, which will be held at
“The Thepprasit Stadium” is called, cleverly enough, the “Thepprasit
Stadium Boxing Challenge Cup 2002 International”. The Cup will include
both Muay Thai and international style of fighting. The main event is
Patrick “Taomahaakann” vs. Wirachat Sitpholek. Also carded is a
Province title fight between Yodpayak Chor-Prasobchoke (Chonburi) vs. Mott
Ek Mungsemaa (also Chonburi Champ). There’s a Muay Thai rematch between
Mathias Sityodtong (Switzerland) and Talaat Look Nadee (Thailand) while
Kiwi Aaron Dixon makes his professional Muay Thai debut against Yodkom Por
Rungsawad from Thailand.
Now for the really important stuff. The Ring Girls,
some even carrying little cards with numbers on them “over their
heads”, there’s a switch, are coming from the Classroom (go Scott) and
Vixens A Go-Go (Thanks Murray). Food? Yep. Sandwiches and Pizza Place.
“Want adult beverages?” Not a problem. They’ll be served by
Moonwalker, who’s standard equipment is a “backpack” with liquids
inside. Be still my heart. Tickets are available at the venue with doors
slated to open at 7ish and the first contest maybe starting when “Mickey
has his small hand on the 8 and the big one on the 12,” maybe not, but
close. On the chance that your Teelock, either long or short term, not
want you to attend the “Thepprasit” event try this: “Tell her
you’re going to Bangkok for the Somsak Sithchahchawan (25-1-1) vs. Mick
O’Malley (16-1-1) PABA Super Bantamweight championship.” If that no
work? Change Teelock.
Unbeaten #1 Thailander Yoddamrong Sithyodthong (22-0-1)
122, captured the WBA 122-pound belt as he upset awkward but hard-hitting
southpaw Venezuelan Yober Ortega (31-4-1) 122, via a unanimous decision
(118-111, 117-112, 116-112) over 12. The new WBA champ, Yoddamrong, is the
32nd Thai fighter to win a world crown (counting only WBC, WBA and IBF)
and the second world superbamtam holder, following former WBC king Samart
Payakaroon. Former WBA fly king, current WBA #2 superfly Saen Sor
Ploenchit won a unanimous decision over Venezualian Richard Carrillo to
improve to 42-1 (14 KOs) on the Sithyodthong-Ortega undercard at Korat.
Both winners train at the ISS Club on Sukhumvit here in Pattaya. The
gym’s quiet now as the “Ghosts” of the recent bad luck are being
purged. Tonight’s headliner Patrick “The Flying Frog” also trains at
the club. Former WBA superfly king Yokthai Sithoar stopped Filipino Edwin
Custador in round two. Yokthai improves to 26-3-1 (16 KOs), and WBA #2 and
PABA superfeather holder Yodsanan Nanthachai knocked out PABA #10 Nizar
Boubaker.
Last week WBA #1/ PABA fly champ Denkaosan Kaovichit
(25-8-0) dropped #4 and Indonesian fly champ Hamadani Tomagola with a
right hook, scoring a KO at 2.57 of round 1 in Patumthani. It was
Kaovichit’s 17 th title
defense. WBA #6 lightfly champ Deeden Kengkaroon (20-5-2) using a body
attack got a 3 round TKO over Roy Saraki. Israeli Suki Rosennia decked
Lerdthai Maimuangkorn twice before getting a 4 round TKO. Prab
Sorsanyakorn stopped Ananthachai Payonkarnchang in two and Somsiri
Worwuttinan stopped Chingchai Sithkruchao in four. How about them apples?
The Pattaya Mail PC
Classic: The Sponsors 'Come Aboard'
Story by Peter Cummins Photos by Brendan Richards
PC
addresses the 2001 regatta: Panga, with winners and sponsors
Sailing off the Royal Cliff tomorrow, the Eighth
Pattaya Mail PC Classic Royal Cliff Beach Resort International Regatta has
attracted a number of supporters intent on furthering the image of Pattaya
as a clean, green tourism venue.
First ‘on board’, apart from the Pattaya Mail
and the Royal Cliff, was Ambrose Wines, followed, in quick succession, by
Thai Fuji Xerox Company Limited, the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the
office of the governor of Chonburi Province. The Royal Varuna Yacht Club
will supply the majority of racing craft and the vitally important race
management.
 A
Laser beats in towards the Royal Cliff: a big fleet expected this year
The post-race reception area on the Royal Cliff
waterfront will again be the location for the marquees of perennial PC
Classic supporters, Coca Cola and Carlsberg. Appropriately, for a yacht
race, the two sponsor areas will feature the Coca Cola red tent and the
Carlsberg green: the classic port (red) and starboard (green) colours,
which are the predominating feature, marking the right of way in any yacht
race, from a tiny local regatta to the mighty America’s Cup and the
Volvo Ocean Race, now being sailed. As in the rules of the road, a green
light indicated “go” safely. On the water, a yacht on starboard tack
has undisputed right-of-way in any confrontation.
The race management team, under the direction of
principal race officer Dick van den Heuvel, the Royal Varuna Yacht Club
sailing secretary, expects a big fleet, enhanced by a shipment of Nacra
Catamarans which arrived recently at Royal Varuna, located in the bay
contiguous to that of the Royal Cliff Beach Resort.
 The
monohull fleet tacking in towards tho red (port) and green (starboard)
sponsors’ marquees at the 2001 regatta
Dick announced that there will be five classes
competing: Open Multihulls, Hobie Cats, Monohulls (Lasers), Optimists and
Wind-surfers. He pointed out that, “There will be a briefing at the
Varuna Club at 11.30 a.m. on Saturday morning (tomorrow) and that the
first race is expected to start off the Royal Cliff at 14.00 hrs,
depending on wind conditions.” The start line will be laid as close as
feasible to the Cliff beachfront and the race will be managed from the
flag-bedecked Royal Cliff catamaran, anchored some 200 metres offshore.
All participants should sign in at the Royal Varuna
Club on Saturday morning and then proceed to the racing area, some 500
metres north. At the end of the regatta, estimated to be between 15.30 to
16.00, all sailors should be able to secure their craft at the northern
Royal Wing Beach and proceed to the seaside reception area for drinks,
refreshments and canap้s. Again, weather conditions will play a role
and it will be announced at the briefing that, if the tide is well down,
it may not be possible to beach in that area. Alternatives will be
proposed, if necessary.
 Multihulls
in contention off the Royal Cliff: 2001 regatta
At the time of signing in, all competitors will be
required to pay an entry fee: 300 baht for Multihulls, Hobie Cats and
Monohulls; 200 baht for Optimists and 150 baht for Wind-surfers. This will
be all-inclusive of race management, trophies (four per class which, in
some instances, may be sub-divided), a beachside reception and even a polo
shirt. For those who wish, it will also include a light buffet at the
Royal Cliff’s cliff-top restaurant overlooking the Gulf, starting at
7:00 in the evening. Non-competitors (supporters, spectators and
‘passers-by’) can also join the fun for a mere 300 baht (but, sorry,
no polo shirt!). The awards ceremony and prize giving, presided over by
Panga Vathanakul, managing director of the Royal Cliff Beach resort, will
be held before the dinner.
Other Support
Both the governor of Chonburi Province and the acting
governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand are enthusiastic for an
event which will present such a good image of Pattaya to the
world-at-large.
 PC
in full flight: a picture worthy of a trophy
The regatta is perfectly timed, too, to accentuate a
positive side of Pattaya, adding to the ‘Pattaya Road Show’ to be
presented in Berlin at the International Tourism Bourse (ITB) mid-month
which, with a special night set aside on 18 March, will “re-launch the
resort before the critical eyes of world tourism”.
Obviously, H.E. Chadej Insawang, governor of Chonburi,
who hopes to see the regatta, would agree, “With the efforts by my
office to present a new image of Pattaya, dedicated to presenting a green,
family-friendly holiday destination, I fully endorse this regatta which
contributes so much to our resolve,” he said.
Juthamas Siriwan, deputy governor for marketing and
acting governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) also sees great
benefit to the tourism sector as a result of the regatta, “Thailand is
still a most sought-after destination, considered by the tourism industry
world-wide as a safe place to visit,” said Juthamas.
 At
the start line: multihulls and Hobie Cats will be back in force
“As part of our ongoing promotions, the Tourism
Authority has always supported marine-related activities such as the
famous Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, held each year to honour His Majesty
the King, himself a Gold Medallist helmsman,” she explained.
“This regatta will also present a clean, colourful
spectacle for all who attend, as well as for the media who will have the
opportunity to promote the new image of Pattaya and its environs to a
larger audience around the world,” Juthamas added.
The ITB will be a perfect vehicle for furthering these
aims.
 An
Optimist hugs the shore
Andrew Wood, general manager of the Royal Cliff, an
ardent supporter of the regatta himself, anticipates an even bigger and
better event than last year and hopes that “many will be involved on and
off the water, for a superb activity which promotes a Pattaya that we all
want: clean, sparkling and healthy”.
Both Andrew and Peter Malhotra, managing director of
the Pattaya Mail Publishing Company, which has long supported the
regatta and other marine-related activities at the resort, will have the
positive effects of the regatta foremost in their minds when they visit
Berlin.
For more information as to how you can participate - or
become a sponsor - please contact Andrew Wood, General Manager, Royal
Cliff Beach Resort, Pattaya City 20260. Tel. 038 250421, fax: 038 250511,
038 250513, e-mail: [email protected]
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