Team Mio still on top

Cafe Kronborg Monday Bowling League

Mio’s league leading team lost their first game in 5 matches, in a very tight match against Kran’s team 1-3. The outcome may well have been decided when Otto had an injury during warm up.

There was a good turnout this week with 17 bowlers, even though many regulars are on holiday.

Tue’s team again narrowed the gap by winning against Bill’s team 3-1, with both teams playing well below their normal standard.

In the last match Jeed’s team won 3-1 against La’s team 3-1. Somrak standing in as spare with Jeed’s team rolled a 193 and a total of 529, Somrak quickly coming back to form.

Best bowling of the day came from Peter on La’s team, who bowled a 192 and total of 550.

Team standing after July 15 Won Lost 1. Mio 2. Tue 3. Jeed 4. Kran 5. La 6. Bill 27 1/2 27 25 23 1/2 21 20 20 1/2 21 23 24 1/2 27 28

Burapha Tamed

IPGC TAGGS Golf from The Haven

Monday 15th July Noble Place Stableford

1st: Graham Davis, 42 points

2nd: Trevor Schirmer, 39

3rd: Yazuo Suzuki, 38

4th: Brian Kelly, 35

As is usual at some time or another on his holiday trips to Thailand, Graham slipped in a good one, shooting a gross 75 over the difficult B and C courses at Noble Place. This was a tremendous effort considering the score included a double bogey on the last hole on the C course and the wind howling across the spectacular terrain. He easily held off the twin challenges of Trevor and Yazuo who could do little to catch him on the back nine. Brian held on grimly after a disastrous start to claim the final podium position and in the process taking the perch money from his playing partners, making it not such a bad day after all.

Phil Groves, now a regular entrant in the twos, cleaned up the pool on his own and left him wondering why he didn’t participate more often in the past.

Wednesday 17th July Bangpra Stroke play

1st: Richard Lyne, 65

2nd: Al Rolnik, 68

3rd: Mo Bertrand, 71 cb9 35.5

4th: Yazuo Suzuki, 71 cb9 38.5

5th: Trevor Schirmer, 72

The week’s second very good round by the winner, Richard, saw him out in 39 gross including a quadruple and a double bogey at the first and seventh holes and two twos on the par threes. Allied to a 43 on the inward half, it was enough to make him an easy winner on the day. “Big Al” made a gallant attempt to catch him over the back nine, but it turned out to be a mountain just a little bit too steep.

Mo and Yazuo, the latter taking his second placing of the week, battled it out for third with Mo taking the honours after Yazuo slipped on the last three holes. Trevor also took another podium position in the week to round out the day’s winners.

The twos were shared between Richard Lyne, with two, Trevor Schirmer, and Chris Davisson with one each.

Prior to the prize giving Richard Livingston, the resident PGA professional, welcomed new members Bill Dance from New Zealand and Frank Pilkington from Hong Kong. He also welcomed back John Taylor and Desmond Reagan from NZ together with Dale Drader from Canada.

Friday 19th July Burapha Bogey

1st Division

1st: Mark Gorda, 9 up

2nd: John Wright, 6 up cb9 4 up

3rd: Stephen Beard, 6 up cb9 3 up

4th: Kevin Taylor, 5 up

2nd Division

1st: Malcolm Clare, 9 up cb9 4 up

2nd: Frank Pilkington, 9 up cb9 2 up

3rd: Mike Davies, 7 up

4th: Harald Cranz, 4 up

A staggering day of scores on an exceptionally benign Burapha East Course. The record for best score against “Old Man Par” had only just been set some two weeks before by Mike Davies at eight under and he thought he would certainly be once again taking the leading honours. It was not to be the case with both Malcolm and Mark shooting career best scores to claim a share of the new record at NINE up. For a time, due to an administration error by the usually faultless “Doc”, Mark thought he had placed second on count back which would have been unthinkable, but after a fair amount of tooing and froing a second prize giving took place that found Mark winning the first division and Malcolm claiming the second. The runners up all did well enough to win on any other day, with new member Frank counting himself the most unluckiest after an astounding front nine of seven up. A feat that no doubt will have the handicap committee looking carefully at his USGA handicap from Hong Kong.

The twos were shared between John Taylor with two and Gordon Millar with one.

Before the prize giving, Richard welcomed new members Chris Millar from Canada and welcomed back Mark Gorda, “Herr Doktor” Harry Cranz, Kevin Taylor, J.J. Wright and Ian Halfpenny. It was also a sad farewell to Trevor Schirmer returning to Australia and Chris Davisson to England. Both will be returning in the very near future to pick up whom they left off.

Ebrahim wins Treasure, Matt Kirkland wins the mug at Phoenix

P.S.C. Golf from the Cafe Kronborg

Monday, 15th July Treasure Hill Golf and Country Club (Stableford)

The Treasure Hill Golf and Country Club was host to a Stableford competition in two flights: A flight (0 to 18) and B flight (19 and above).

The ever present and steady Ebrahim won the A flight with 38 points, Wayne Koch was second with 37 points and Gary Bingham was third with 35 points.

Bjarne presents the coveted Monthly Mug to Matt Kirkland.

Dr Jay Perrin took the B flight with 37 points, Hiroshi Segawa was second with 36 points and Bob Benda was third with 35 points.

This user friendly golf course’s condition keeps improving every month, and the greens are amongst the best in the area.

Thursday, 18th July Phoenix Golf and Country Club (Stroke-Monthly Mug)

Another month another mug, brought forward one week to help out with the member’s monthly tournament to be held next week. Phoenix had all the tees up so a taking apart of this ‘friendly’ course was expected, but it must be ‘beam me up Scotty I’m on a parallel world’ as Phoenix fought back with slick greens and difficult pin positions. I actually saw a 6 handicapper four put from 15 feet. Well done Phoenix for making it a true test of golf around the greens.

That said, a large field set fourth licking their lips for a day to remember, and some will but for the majority it was a very frustrating day, and as the scores came in only one or two bright lights shone out.

The winner of the A flight (0 to 18) was Ebrahim with a net 68, second was Don Richardson net 69 and third was Wayne Koch with a net 71.

The winner of the B Flight was Hiroshi Segawa with a net 65, and only losing the mug on count back. Second was Barry Kerr net 67. Third was Eddie Kristienson net 71, but as he didn’t make it a count back gave Arthur Bailey third place with net 72 over Alan Pearce.

Near pins: L2 Wayne Koch, L7 Patric Muggli, O5 Gerry Carpenter, O7 Ebrahim.

Long putts: L9 Gary Bingham, O9 Colin Ingledew.

And so to the day’s champion, and winner of the Monthly Mug with a super net 65 was Matt Kirkland, and to him falls the privilege of a free refill from all, but most of all a very nice Pewter Mug presented by mine host Bjarne Nielsen.

Fry and Spencer battle to a tie in Lewiinski-Orchid Hua Hin Tour

Four days, four different courses and two different formats did not produce an overall champion, but did prove to the balance of the field that Lewiinski-Orchid joint president Stan Fry and veteran Pattaya visitor Jack Spencer were the cream of the crop on the Hua Hin Tour last week.

The format for the six day tour was medal/stroke at the Jack Nicklaus-designed Springfield and at Imperial Lakeview, and Stableford scoring at Majestic Creek and Sawang Resort. Stan’s colleague and fellow president, Steve Mascari, interestingly enough, finished in a dead heat for third place with new Pattaya resident Joe Moneyham.

The tour was kicked off by a practice round at Palm Hills and bracketed a Ryder Cup style competition and buffet with past Lewiinski-Orchid Golf manager Steve Ross and members of his newly formed Limelight Open Golf Society (LOGS). Steve, who recently relocated to Hua Hin, has opened the Limelight Guest House & Bar. Steve organizes formal golf competitions on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday for Hua Hin residents and visitors, much in the manner as they are currently done in Pattaya.

A great time was had by all of the members and they are already putting in their bids for where the next tour should be off to.

As a sidelight, it should be noted that for the duration of the low season (until October 31) Lewiinski-Orchid Golf Society has moved its Monday fixtures to Tuesday so as to take full advantage of Sports Day at Laem Chabang.

Daily results: Day 1 - Springfield: 1st Joe Moneyham (net 67), 2nd Jack Spencer (net 70), 3rd Ray Matti (net 70) and 4th Stan Fry (net 71). Day 2 - Majestic Creek: 1st Morton Esseth (41 pts), Gordon Kerr (40 pts); 3rd Pete Stonebridge (40 pts), and 4th Jack Spencer (37 pts). Day 3 - Imperial Lakeview: 1st John Emmerson (net 70), 2nd Stand Fry (net 70), 3rd Joe Sebastian (net 70) and 4th Dave Porter (net 71). Day 4 - Sawang Resort: 1st Joe Moneyham (42 pts); 2nd Jack Spencer (39 pts); 3rd Ray Matti (39 pts) and 4th Steve Mascari (38 pts).

Gordon blinds the field with 43 points

PSC Three Sisters Golf

Monday the 15th brought out a strong contingent of golfers to compete for the bragging rights. Leading the pack for the day was Gordon McKnight, The Knight in shining... No, no, not the Knight in shining armor but the Knight with the shining head. Gordon blinded the rest of the field with his brilliance and came in with 43 points for the day. Gordon has previously held the distinction as bag holder for the group, but he discarded the bag and rose to the top. Congratulations Gordon.

Gordon McKnight swamped the field with 43 points at the 3 Sisters Stableford competition, Siam CC 15 July 02. Untall Paul Donahue came in last, but remained smiling since he had not played in 6 months.

Close on Gordon’s heels was John Gibson. John shot the game of his life and broke 90 for the first time in his golfing career. Even with shooting the game of his life, he still could not catch the front-runner. Coming in with 42 points John was one shot back. Being so happy to break 90, he bought a beer for all the golfers at Caddy Shack Two. Thank you John!

Two shots back of the leaders, coming in with 40 points was Dick Caggiano. Although Dick tried, he also fell short as did the rest of the field.

Trying for the bag this week was “Ole Jim Tully”. Tully came in with 23 points and was looking good for the bottom spot. As the scorecards were being handed in, it was noticed that one card was not tallied for points scored. Herb quickly did the tallying and “Lo an Behold” out popped our bag holder of the week. Paul Donahue, in from Saudi, was used to playing in sand instead of grass and fell short of the field. I’m sure that with a little practice on grass Paul will be out of the bottom in a hurry.

Samui Tennis: The Game for all Seasons

The Fourth Samui International Tennis Tournament, just held at the island resort was, to say the least, an overwhelming success. The Thai players from various provinces fought off some strong challenges from a big contingent of European entries, as well as rain storms, intense heat and strong south-westerlies - all in the day’s play. The Thai national seedings were accurate too: Number One Thai men’s champion Akkasit Terpkasikul won through to take the Men’s Singles title from second-seeded Virat Bearrohim, while these two teamed up to beat Arket Suriyaphanpong and Umpornpinit Setthasopong, this latter hailing from Lampang, in the Men’s Doubles. This was a most exciting encounter of some brilliant court work and driving volleys, stretching both teams to the limit.

Khun Santi (blue cap, middle) poses with the players.

There was a Men’s Singles Consolation Final which was a close encounter between two up-coming players, 10th-seeded Peeradech Loylom and 28th-seeded Somsak Samart, with the seeds telling the story. The standard was so high for the 2002 tournament that defending Men’s Singles champion, Nash Ladha, head tennis professional coach at Phuket’s Dusit Laguna, was eliminated in the early draw, in spite of losing some kilos in the heat, working hard to maintain his crown. (Actually, I did not think he could afford to lose even a few grams, he looked so fit!).

A highlight of the four-day tennis feast was an exhibition game between the two Thai tennis giants who recently knocked Japan out of the Davis Cup Asian region qualifier: Thai second-Samrejseed Vittaya and fourth-seed Danai Udomchoke slugged it out in a highly-entertaining match, with the slightly more powerful number two carrying the day.

Champions in action at Samui.

Thai tennis had taken a quantum leap forward at the just-finished 2002 Wimbledon Championships, when world 67th-seeded Paradorn Srichaparn reached the third round, with a stunning defeat of the almost-invincible Andre Agassi and 20th-seeded female player Tamarine Tansugarn entered the fourth round for a consistent fourth successive year, finally defeated by international veteran Monica Seles. Thus, there were high expectations of a great show at the Fourth Samui International Tennis Open, featuring some of the Kingdom’s best national players, which was held at the Santiburi Dusit Resort, last week.

In spite of - or, maybe because of - strong winds and occasional torrential showers, the Samui Open even surpassed everyone’s hopes: the players, the coaches, the sponsors, the spectators - and, of course, Samui itself. It was interesting to watch the hassle at Wimbledon after the frequent rain. The court covers and all the rest of the performance took so much time. At Samui, the players merely went and sat under the huge Singha tents, out came these enormous “squeegee” type of broom to remove the excess water. Then sunshine and back to a dry court in 20 minutes. No wonder so many of us like to live in the tropics.

Malcolm McKenzie-Vass, GM of the Santiburi Resort, poses with Khun Santi.

The Inaugural Ko Samui Regatta, held in May, could have benefited somewhat from the enormously strong south-westerlies which blew during the tournament, I thought at the time.

Nevertheless, according to Thetpitak Chansuthep, producer and presenter of Channel Nine’s “Monday Sport”, who was on the island for the first time, “the tennis tournament is of huge potential benefit for Samui; in fact, not only tennis but many other sporting events in the future.”

Santi: Benefactor of Thai Sports

No doubt, Khun Santi Bhirom Bhakdi, president of Boonrawd Brewery, perennial supporter of Thai sports, such as golf, football, tennis and yacht racing, to mention a few - especially sport for Thai youngsters - and a main sponsor of the Samui Tennis, would agree. “We are also bringing golf to the island,” said the personable, affable Santi, in an exclusive interview with the Pattaya Mail. “It is fine to come here and take up water sports and other marine activities, but there is a huge market just waiting to be tapped,” he noted. “The Japanese are golf mad and to come to such a beautiful island as Samui and be able to play golf; ah, that is Japanese paradise,” he said and laughed.

Any of the thousands of people who have had the pleasure of meeting Khun Santi would also know that he is an avid - yea, even fanatical - environmentalist and nature lover and each and every one of his many plans and actions take care first of the ecology. So, a golf course is in the making. “We shall open the first Samui course next June - like the 29th,” he asserted. “It JUST happens to be my birthday,” he added with a twinkle. “This Santiburi resort where we now sit is 10 years old now. It also opened in June.”

Winners pose with their handsome trophies at the awards ceremony, Paradise Beach Resort.

Khun Santi believes - almost religiously - in sport for the young, as a “panacea for the temptations facing young people today: drugs, prostitution and all forms of low-life.” Not all youngsters can perform well at school, he added, “Thus sport can act as a healthy, mind and body-building activity for our youth - particularly those most disaffected.”

The Sponsors up the Ante

Horst Hornung, owner and publisher of the Samui Journal & Real Estate Magazine, one of the principal sponsors, also sees a great future for the island in all kinds of sports. “For example, next year’s Samui Tennis Open will present a draw of 64 participants for the singles crown, compared to 32 this year, as well as a ladies tournament.” Furthermore, an international beach volleyball tournament, an international football veterans tournament and a Samui night marathon are also being planned, Horst added. “The handsome trophies and prize money introduced as incentives into this year’s competition will, no doubt, be a big lure for more competitors next year,” Horst concluded.

Besides Boon Rawd, the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand, which provided the umpires and officials, certainly will add its prestigious imprimatur to the 2003 event and will, no doubt, be joined by even more sponsors than this year. Bangkok Airways, Coconut Land and House, Paradise Beach Resort, Prime Star, the Santiburi Dusit Resort and Volkl, the maker of superfine rackets and tennis gear, will all join again. Both Malcolm McKenzie-Vass, general manager of the host venue and Peter A. Schnyder, general manager of the Paradise Beach Resort which provided accommodation and the splendid roof-top awards party, will add their prestige again next year.

In fact, as in the case of the inaugural Samui Regatta mentioned above, it seemed the whole island, both public and private sectors, was supporting the tennis. A look at some of the pictures presented in this story shows a huge number of the sponsors’ logos strategically placed at eye-level around the two courts.

And Now, Pattaya

With the Volvo annual championships well established and drawing world-class players to the Dusit Resort in Pattaya every November, it was, indeed, good news when Suchart Udomkijdecha, authorized distributor of Volkl, the manufacturer of top-quality rackets which were featured during the Samui tourney, announced a new event for Pattaya. The “Asian Open Veteran’s Tennis Championships” will be held at the Siam Bayshore from August 19 – 25, 2002.

Authorized by the Asian Tennis Federation and the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand, the weeklong tennis fest is, according to the Notice of Event, “An ITF Vets Tournament Category Two” and will comprise 11 separate sections, including men’s age groups 35 - 70 and ladies from 35 - 50. (Does anyone REALLY know any lady over 50?) Entries are limited to a maximum of two events only and will be accepted by e-mail to Khun Sathien Monykhongtham, the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand, e-mail: Sathien@ThaiTennisMaga zine.com

But, hurry. Entries close soon (no closing date available at press time).

Swede taste of success

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the Bunker

Tuesday, 16th July, saw the Bunker Boys travel the well worn path to the tough Treasure Hill course for a competition where the field was cut at 20 and under, division one playing medal and division two playing Stableford.

A close competition in division one saw the Scottish golfer Alexander Allan head the field with a fine level par net 72. One shot behind came the “Emergency A Go-Go Classic” winner, Swede Mikael Andersson, making his debut in the big league. In third place, with 78, was Colin Wilkes, hitting form so soon after his return from Europe.

In division two the story was much the same with another Swede, Robert Knutsson, sharing the lead with returning David Johnson, both firing an admirable 37 points. In third place was John Rehm with 33 points.

There was a three way split of the Bunker Super Sawng award with lady golfer Saranya Chaiyanont and Smart Alex scoring birdies on the short par three sixth, whilst a third share went to Bill Jones for his astounding two on the very long second hole. Bill actually took a driver into the wind to hit the green 220 yards from the tee and sank an eight foot putt to the delight of his playing partners.

Icelander Brynjolfur Josteinsson, “Benny” to his friends, took sole charge of the Bunker Banana Booby for his meagre tally of 11 points! Another trip to tackle the beast at Treasure Hill had been successfully negotiated, but this time the Bunker Boys had retrieved some of their prestige after the mauling the course had given them the previous month.

Glory for Griffin and Glavina

Green Valley at present is the most beautifully presented course in the area and it proved to be the perfect host for the Bunker Boys on Friday, 19th July, when they travelled there for their weekly Stableford outing.

The large field was cut at nineteen and under and in division one the pride of Scotland, Alexander Allan, jostled with the effervescence of Italy and Australia in the shape of Ciano Glavina. At the end of the round they were still tied with 36 points, three ahead of a resurgent Bill Jones.

Division two saw the best scores of the day with Neil Griffin playing his last round for a few months and shooting a fine 40 points to head Sweden’s Robert Knutsson on 39 and Bryn Jones on 34 points.

At the other end of the scale Khun John from Iceland managed to perplex his playing partners with his first round of golf and his lone point secured for him the Bunker Banana Booby.

The Bunker Super Sawng award was held over as many tried, but no one managed, to secure the elusive birdie two.

Ciano returns to Australia soon with happy memories of his first Bunker victory and Neil goes back to work knowing his return at the end of the year will see him on a lower handicap. “About time too” some were heard to mutter!

The Square Ring

by Howie Reed

There are some truisms in life that are beyond dispute. Roger Miller sang that “You Can’t Roller Skate in a Buffalo Herd”, Lewis Gizzard wrote, “Elvis is dead and I Don’t Feel Too Good Either” and I myself am typing away on a book with the working title, “Money-Honey…The Rhyme is No Coincidence”. Here’s another. Never travel to Thailand to fight. Only bad things can happen. Alwy Alhabsyl (maybe 8-3-2, 0 KO or 10-3 you pays your money and takes your choice) traveled from Indonesia to fight Deeden Kengkarun (21-6-2, 12 KOs) for the PABA lightfly interim title last Friday. Bad idea. Deeden KO’d him in two. Kiatchai “13 Coins” Icejellybalm (12-0, 7 KOs) captured the PABA superlight interim title when he destroyed PABA #8 Freddy Faut, another tourist (19-6-2, 14KOs) at 2:22 of round one.

The flip side is also true. Mohammad Rahman (63-5-2, 24 KO) from Indonesia scored a third round KO over unrated Ittarit V. Vizetkij (11-4, 5 KO) of Thailand.

It is also said that, “As the heavyweight division goes so goes boxing”. With Lennox Lewis retired, that should be proven Sunday when John “The Quiet” Ruiz (37-4-1) puts his WBA heavyweight title on the line against Kirk Johnson (32-0-1). I would love to write “The fight can be seen on Pattaya Cable at 9 a.m. Sunday Morning.” I would like to write that but can’t. Getting information out of the cable system is more difficult than getting the bar fine waved by Monkey House Fred at the TQ. Regardless, the fight ought to be a good indication of where, if anywhere, the division is going.

Last week I wrote that Johnson would win in a walk. Not so sure now. The fight will be held at the Mandalay Bay Hotel/Casino in Las Vegas where Ruiz eked out his only win over Evander Holyfield in three meetings. This one got my dander up. At my age anything up is a plus. “Ruiz went down writhing in pain. He rolled around the canvas like a soccer player hoping for a penalty kick.” Low blow said the referee. “Not even close,” yelled one internationally known journalist who had put down his Foster’s for the purpose of being a jerk. The point deduction made a difference. That aside Ruiz is kinda ordinary but then aren’t we all?

Johnson is a slight favorite to win. One can only ask “Why?” “He’s undefeated, true fact, but fought very few people with a real heartbeat.” The Johnson bandwagon started when he was getting the stuffing beaten out of him by Oleg Maskaev. Johnson hit Oleg. Maskaev and he collapsed like the offspring of a contortionist and someone from Manila. “A Manila Folder.” Then we found out that Oleg has a jaw like Waterford Crystal. Called the Bruno syndrome. Maskaev and Ruiz have had similar careers. They have both avoided the “bigger names” in the division and waited. Ruiz did take on David Tua in 96 and got KO’d in 19 seconds of the first stanza. It could be a good fight if only whoever referee’s will stop Ruiz from holding on after every punch. They may be the best of pretenders.

Last Sunday in Indianapolis Sugar Shane Mosley (now 38-2) tried to recapture the WBC Welterweight title he lost to Vernon Forrest (35-0). After charging out at the opening bell Mosley was treading water. He lost a UD (115-113, 116-112, 117-111). The Pattaya Mail had it 117-112 MGD aided for Forrest. Now you may ask why was the fight held in Indianapolis? So ask. It was the crowning event for the annual Black Expo. Ring a bell? Some years ago the Black Expo invited Heavyweight Champion Mike Tyson to judge their beauty contest. He got caught judging the unconsensual horizontal mambo with a fair lass named Denise Washington in his room. Good bye career. Hello Gray Bar Inn. How you like them apples?

Big comeback fight tonight at the Mall Shopping Center in Bangkok. Former WBA super bantamweight champion Yoddamrong Sithyodthong (27-1-1, 12 KOs) steps into the ring for the first time since his loss to Osamu Sato. In a scheduled 10 rounder the “come backer” will meet Edward Escriber. Also, former WBA super flyweight champion Yokthai Sith-Oar (26-3-1, 15 KOs) battles Rodel Orais, as Pongsith Wiangwiset goes after Mkhuseli Kondile (17-3-1) for the vacant PABA super featherweight belt. Pongsith (1-1, 0 KO) is a 2-time Olympian. He lost to Terrence Cauthen via points (1996 Atlanta) and to Cuban Mario Kindelan via points in the (2000 Sydney) Games. Who would have thunk it, live box fighting in a Shopping Mall.