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Gal Fridman and Barbara Kendall ride the wind and the waves to World Championship titles
King Powers Mistral World Championship 2002
Songklod Kaewvisit
Gal Fridman became Israel’s first world windsurfing
champion when he won the men’s title of the King Powers Mistral World
Championship 2002 off Jomtien Beach last weekend.
1992
Olympic gold medallist, Barbara Kendall of New Zealand won the women’s
title of the King Powers Mistral World Championship 2002 off Jomtien Beach
last weekend.
Barbara Kendall of New Zealand, a 1992 Olympic gold
medallist, won the women’s title.
Both Fridman and Kendall came out on top after defeating
tough competition through a week of racing, and both are now well up on the
points ladder for qualifying to race in the 2004 Olympic games in Greece.
Gal
Fridman from Israel won the men’s title of the King Powers Mistral World
Championship 2002 off Jomtien Beach last weekend.
Over 200 competitors from 30 countries completed in 11
races off Jomtien this past weekend, each vying for positions in the first
of four qualifying rounds to determine who will go to Greece. Only teams
from 12 countries will eventually get to race in the 2004 Olympiad.
Men’s champion, Gal Fridman accumulated 33 points
through the 11 race series defeating nearest competitor Ricardo Santos of
Brazil who had 12 points.
In the women’s category, Kiwi Barbara Kendall, who won
gold in 1992 and silver in the 2000 Olympic Games, accumulated 26 points
through 11 races to defeat her nearest rival, Alessanda Sensini of Italy, a
gold medallist in 2000, who had 12 points last weekend.
The home team efforts weren’t strong enough to gain a
placing in the ladder for the women’s division. In the men’s division,
Thai hopeful Aran Homraruen came in at 28th on the ladder and 15th overall
for the first qualifying, just missing the first cut.
The next round of racing will be held in France next
year. The Thai men’s contingent has qualified to race in the next round,
and along with China became one of only two Asian teams that qualified to
race in France. Thailand will have to step up their efforts in order to gain
a chance to race in Greece.
The closing ceremonies of the week long competition were held at Pattaya
Park Resort in Jomtien last Sunday evening. Srisuk Jantalangsuk, permanent
secretary to the Ministry of Transport presided over the prize giving
ceremonies.
Anders Pedersen’s final day charge edges the Hermit for IPGC Crown
Lying no better than joint 25th after the first day’s
competition at Green Valley Rayong Country Club, Anders Pedersen surged to
the front with a bristling, gross 73, net 65 on the Mountain and Ocean
Course of Phoenix Country Club to finish with a two-day total of net 141.
Ladies
Champion Noonit Tawapee (left) shot a two-day total of 147.
Rick Sharp, who had been lying joint sixth after
Wednesday’s day one, did little to disappoint as he bettered his handicap
by one with a net 71. That coupled with his first day net 70 found him dead
equal with Anders.
Because of the varied length of stays of many of the
competitors and the busy holiday season it was determined at the outset that
any ties would be settled by count back, with the first level of that being
performance of Friday’s, the second day’s, eighteen hole total. As you
already know, Anders’ sterling performance found him holding the claret
jug signifying the 2002 IPGC Champion. Anders thus joins Darren Robson
(2000) and Richard Montgomery (2001) in this third running of the
Championship. Rick Sharp received an equally elegant claret jug, albeit of
slightly less stature, for his runner-up position.
Anders
Pedersen’s (left) final day charge earned him the IPGC Claret Jug, shown
here being presented by IPGC Chairman Stephen Beard (right) and PGA Pro
Richard Livingston (center)
An impressive field of fifteen ladies contested the
Ladies Championship. Noonit Tawapee broke from the gate quickly on Peter
Thompson’s Green Valley layout as she shot gross 94, net 76, for best on
Day One. She didn’t give the other ladies any help in catching her, as she
carded a gross 89, net 71, for a two-day total of 147. That was good enough
for a four shot victory over Nora Haugsjordet.
Two fine performances, one rewarded and one unheralded,
were turned in by Barry Brooks and Jim Munns, respectively. Barry Brooks
justifiably received a claret jug for his Best Gross over the two-day stroke
event as he shot gross rounds of 73 on Green Valley and Gross 76 on Phoenix
for a two-day total of 149. His closest rival was his Aberdeen, Scotland
traveling mate, Billy Main, who was three back at 152. The two lads, who
have considerable golf accomplishments in their past, will be sorely missed
for their camaraderie, humor and considerable acumen on the links.
I spoke of one competitor who managed to weave his way
through the maze of trophies awarded at the prize-giving buffet at The
Haven, despite excellent play. Unlucky Jim Munns, who continued his recent
fine form, to which he credits local teaching pro Ian Ashenden, was the best
performer in B Flight over two days, and joint third overall, with a net
145. The awards giving recognized flight winners on the day but focused on
the overall when prizes were issued for the two-day competition.
Barry
Brooks (right) received Best Gross honors for his two-day total of 149. IPGC
Chairman Stephen Beard (left) presents him with the trophy.
Given a two-day stroke competition over two days, there
were certainly numerous bounces and caroms that had comedic quality.
However, a self-effacing Jeff McLaury confessed to a beauty. Having hooked
his ball moderately out of his vision on the 9th on the Ocean Course, Jeff
and his caddy began an ardent search some ten yards from the green. Since
Jeff was well away from his fellow competitors, he knew the ball they found
in the rough was his. He performed the ensuing chip with the ability he does
every such shot, but as the ball flew erratically he realized he had chipped
a ball which was missing about 20% of its mass due to mower-damage.
Disgusted as he saw any dreams of the Championship vanishing, he strode to
the green only to find his actual ball only but three feet from the green.
He went forward, picked up the offending wrong ball and slammed it into the
rough in a fit of pique. Now bearing up under his two-stroke penalty he
prepared for his chip. As he gracefully swung what should come wobbling off
the end of his club but the same damaged, wrong ball. He had addressed and
hit the same wrong ball again. If there had have been a claret dunce cap
Jeff would have cheerfully accepted it. It has been said my many that
nothing will humble you more quickly than golf. Thanks for the confession
Jeff!
Winners on the Day: Day One: Ladies: Noonit Tawapee - net
76; Division Two: David Lee - net 68; Division One: David Stockman - net 67.
Day Two: Ladies: Bee Matti - net 70; Division Two: Gerhard Schulze - net 67;
Division One: Yazo Suzuki - net 65.
New league is underway with 29 weeks to go
Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League
The new 30-week Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League
is underway and no team managed to sweep all four points. New team Jack
& Tar took three points from new team Domicil with Porn leading her team
with a 219 game and 535 series. Suraphan rolled a 535 series for Domicil.
Cafe Ole took three from Cafe Kronborg despite Kronborg
Captain Kran’s rolling the best game of the day of 236 and high series of
589.
Winchester Club won three points from Nice & Sleazy
behind Konrad’s 509-pin count.
Three Sisters took three points away from VFW Post 9876
behind Ooy’s 521 series.
House of the Golden Coin and Shakey Pete’s split their match at two
points each. Jon rolled a 203 game, 543 series, and Mio knocked down 512
pins for the Golden Coin team. Christian toppled 207 pins, 525 series, as a
spare with Shakey’s.
2nd ‘TIBHAR Open’ Championship table tennis held at Mike Shopping Mall
Huge crowds cheer tournament players
Songklod Kaewvisit
Thomas Kunzelmann, managing director of the D.K. Java
Sports, head of the table tennis competition committee presented trophies
and cash prizes to the winners of different categories in the ‘2nd Pattaya
Table Tennis Mike Shopping Mall TIBHAR Open’. Starting on December 7, the
tournament attracted huge crowds of table tennis lovers for every match. The
tournament was divided into 7 categories.
The winners of the male and female under-14 yrs. category
were Thana Wiphawatthanakul and Praikan Triampho.
The
Police Team B, winners of the male open-category proudly show their trophy.
The male and female triumphant competitors of the
under-12 yrs. level were Methiwat Pholit and Praikan Triampho.
Male and female open-category winning teams were Police
Team B and Central Team A.
Male and female winning teams in the under-17 yrs.
category were Central Team A and Central Team A.
The winner of the male in the over-45 yrs. category was
Srichai Watchanachareonrat.
Dongtan Windsurfing Marathon scheduled for December 21-22
This year’s Dongtan Windsurfing Marathon will be held
on December 21-22 at Amara Sailing Center, right in front of the Pattaya
Park Beach Hotel.
Equipped with a treasure map, the treasure hunt on
December 21 will lead competitors around Koh June to Koh Larn, where they
have to locate and secure the treasure (shovels will not be provided). Each
competitor has to carry at least one precious item back to Dongtan Beach.
Beginners are encouraged to join as well - a rescue team
will ensure bringing everybody back safely. The day will be rounded up with
games on the beach (here’s where all beginners can catch up) and a beach
party.
Sunday will start with a slalom and the event will end
with the prize giving ceremony around 5 p.m. Lots of prizes await the best
competitors in each class. So don’t miss it.
Registration fee will be 500 baht (adults) and 100 baht
(juniors) respectively. The event is sponsored by Pattaya City, Windsurfing
Association of Thailand, Cobra and Starboard.
For further information, please go to www.amara
sailingcenter.com or contact Ms Amara Wichithong at 01-8629958.
Fitness Tips: Holiday tips!
G’Day Readers, a very merry Christmas to all.
Our editor is very good to us, as anyone that was on the
Volvo Cannondale Dusit Resort Pattaya mountain bike race will know. Looking
fast, like all looks, can be deceiving. Several wrong turns and not riding
my bike off road near as often as I would like to ensured that I was most
definitely not being fast on race day. The ride was a lot of fun though, and
people, like me, who no longer take sport seriously, got a great laugh out
of our misadventures that day. I managed to prove it to myself again that
exercise is fun. Keep an eye out for more sporting events in the Pattaya
Mail to fully enjoy your weekends.
Speaking of mental dysfunction, read on - only kidding,
it’s Christmas, let me indulge with one throwaway joke.
Now for more serious matters.
Regular physical activity benefits mental health
The benefits of regular exercise on physical health are
well established. But what are the benefits on mental health? A recent study
published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that active women are
less likely to suffer from cognitive decline if they exercised regularly.
Researchers from the University of California analysed
the mental acuteness of 5,925 women aged 65 years and above over a six to
eight year period. All participants were free of cognitive impairment or
physical limitations. The women were divided into four groups depending on
their physical activity level.
The study found that women who reported a high level of
physical activity were much less likely to develop cognitive illnesses.
Participants who expended the most energy per week decreased their risk of
cognitive decline by up to 26% when compared to those in the lowest group.
Similarly, women who covered the most distances, which was expressed as
blocks per week, had a 34% less risk of developing a cognitive illness when
compared to women covering the least distances per week.
It was also noted that the most active women were more
likely to be in better overall health than those participating in the least
amount of activity.
While further research is needed to define whether
physical activity can help prevent cognitive impairment, the researchers
believe that mental stability may be related to a healthy lifestyle, reduced
cardiovascular risk factors or physical activity having a direct effect on
the nerve cells.
Increase fibre and fish oil to avoid heart disease
Two independent studies have found that eating a diet
high in fibre might lower the risk of heart disease in women and fish oil
may do the same in men.
Published in a recent issue of the Journal of the
American Cardiology researchers looked at over 38,000 females aged 45 years
and older who had no history of heart disease, cancer or stroke. The
six-year study found that those who ate the most fibre (26g per day) had
less chance of developing heart disease than those who consumed the least
amount of fibre (18 grams per day). The study revealed that there were
significantly fewer incidences of heart disease amongst the women who ate
the most fibre when compared with those who ate the least fibre.
On average Australians eat around 20 to 25g of fibre
daily. The recommended daily intake for Australian adults is 30 to 35g of
fibre per day.
The Journal of the American Medical Association reported
that the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil may not only prevent further
damage to men who have already suffered a heart attack, but they may also
help to prevent heart attacks and prevent sudden death in people who have no
signs of heart disease.
Researchers looked at surveys completed every few years
since 1976 by over 85,000 women. It was found that women who ate the most
fish were least likely to develop heart disease, even after taking smoking
and other risk factors into account.
A separate study published in the April edition of The
New England Journal of Medicine reported that the fatty acids found in fish
could significantly reduce the risk of sudden death from heart attack in
men. It was found that men with no prior evidence of heart disease decreased
their risk of sudden death by over 50% simply by eating fish. This was even
after all other risk factors such as smoking, weight and alcohol were taken
into account.
So guys and girls, for a well balanced diet that will
help reduce the chances of heart disease, girls; increase your fibre intake
and boys; consume more fish.
Stress can make you fat
It’s official. Stress can make you fat. A new study by
a group of researchers at the University of California found that women who
suffer from stress tend to eat more sweets and sugary foods, increasing
their levels of the hormone cortisol. Cortisol is known to increase insulin,
which fuels the appetite. Scientists believe that cortisol directly affects
appetite. Cortisol has been blamed for the ‘bowling ball belly’, the
deep-belly fat found on women who have relatively thin legs and arms and a
fat stomach, which is known to increase the risk of heart disease.
The study analysed 59 women with an average age of 36
without any signs of eating disorders or depression. The women were exposed
to a stressful environment and closely monitored. After the session each
woman was sent, alone, to a quiet room to read or listen to music. A basket
of snacks, ranging from sweet and salty snacks to high-fat and low-fat
snacks, was made available for them to eat.
The amount eaten was closely evaluated to assess the
relationship between the women’s mood, cortisol levels and the snacks
consumed. Women who reacted most, those that did not cope well with the
stressful environment - measured by mood and increased cortisol levels -
tended to eat more, especially of the sweeter snacks. Women who became the
most stressed averaged about two sweets, whilst those who demonstrated the
least reaction ate about 1.4 sweets.
When comparing a stressful day with a non-stressful day
there was no significant increase in cortisol or eating.
So what advice would I give stress-prone clients?
Mind-control is a good start. Try and become more resilient to stress by
realising your own limitations and what people expect of you. Obviously,
avoiding the temptation to eat would be another great place to start. But
especially avoid foods that increase insulin levels such as rice, potatoes,
pasta and white sugars. Finally, increase physical activity to neutralise
the stress response. A quick five-minute walk around the office every hour
should do the trick; it will burn off a bit of energy, kill a bit of
frustration and take your mind off the immediate problem that is causing you
stress.
Carpe’ Diem
PSC Golf from the Cafe Kronborg
Monday December 9 saw a good group challenge the Natural
Park Hills layout - probably one of the most scenic and testing courses
around. On the day-good scores prevailed with the flights being split 0-18
for the A flight and B flight being above 19.
The ever present, steady Ebrahim won the A flight with 34
points on a count back from Rick Evans. Dave Tease was 3rd on a count back
from Yasuo Suzuki on 31 points; obviously a close competition!
B flight was won by Hwang Yong Hwan (from Korea) with the
best score of the day, 35 Stableford points.
The big hitting Koji Yamada was 2nd with 33 and Irishman
Kevin Dinan (truly an international field) 3rd with 30 points.
Near pins were won by Rick Evans, Mark (welcome back)
Adair and Mark Brenton.
On Thursday December 12, Siam C.C. was the venue on a
beautiful sunny day with a nice seasonal breeze to give ideal golfing
conditions.
All players were off by 10:15 to enjoy a Stableford
competition, without the usual military presence (retd.) Both the Admiral
and the Sar Major being away on duty.
However, all went well under the able guidance of Mick
O’Connor and his team.
Near pins: Paul Kraft, Doug Maiko, Kevin Dunne, and Gez
Tracey.
A Flight: Phillipe Berra 38 points on count back from
Ebrahim followed by Ian Edwards, 34 points on count back from Oswald Scott.
B Flight: Cees Bosman 44 points followed by Paul Kraft on
39, Pete Galle 3rd with 38 on count back from Koji Yamada in 4th place.
Jerry Lien wins from Three Sisters
PSC Three Sisters Golf
With overcast skies and a slight drizzle, golfers from
the Three Sisters made it around Siam with no big problems. Winning the
bragging rights for the week was none other than Jerry Lien. With twenty
plus players, Jerry was the only golfer to beat his handicap, with 38
points. The drizzle and high humidity took a toll on the rest of the
golfers.
Jerry
Lien (left) won the bragging rights at SCC on Dec 9, while UnTall Paul
(right) came in holding the bag.
Holding the bag this week was Paul Donohue. Paul, just in from work was
not in the best of form. Shooting 22 points for the day, he had no
competitors for the bottom spot. By next week Paul should be getting in
shape to climb out the cellar to pass the bag on to another golfer.
Privett hedges all
Roger Privett was the star of the Rising Sun Golf Society
last week with back-to-back wins on Tuesday and Thursday.
Tuesday was played at Plutaluang, but because of the Thai
holiday, a 6 hour round was enjoyed by all. Nearest the pins went to Bob
Wells (x2), Granville Swanton and Dave Hughes.
Roger Privett won with 35 points. Steve Eary was
runner-up with 31 points.
On Thursday, Rising Sun played a Stableford competition
at the immaculate Green Valley. Nearest the pins were won by Allen Heywood
(x2), Granville Swanton and Matt Anderson.
Roger Privett won with 40 points. Kevin Fortt was
runner-up with 38 points.
A Hard Day’s Night at Century
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society
at the Bunker
The Bunker Boys chose Century Chonburi as the venue for
their weekly stroke play event on Tuesday, 10th December, knowing the day
was a public holiday and Century is always less crowded than some other
courses. Wrong, this time! There were already more than one hundred Thais on
the course when the Bunker Boys landed, no buggies in sight, and caddies
hard to find.
Marshalled by Harry Riley they stoically stuck by their
bags and eventually teed off sometime after noon. Little wonder then that
the scores were unimpressive with division one going to Bill Hewitt and his
net 76, suitably pushed by Yasuo Suzuki on 77.
Division two went to the returning Colin Morgan on a
similar 76 with Robbie Bennett taking the runner-up place with 81.
Bill Hewitt and Steve Nowell shot birdie two’s and
shared the Bunker Super Sawng award. The latter groups toiled for six hours
on the course and they were the only true winners on a day when the words
“som”, “nom” and “na” sprang readily to mind.
Entry forms for the Bunker Scramble on 30th December are
currently available at all the major golf venues and online at http://www.the
bunkerboys.com As with all majors at this time of year places will be taken
up quickly.
Tom Meeboer humbles Green Valley
IPGC Golf From Lewiinski’s - Orchid
Sunday December 8
Green Valley - White Tees
Stableford
1st A Flight - Tom Meeboer - 47 points
2nd A Flight - Graham Johnson - 37 points
3rd A Flight - Larry Watson - 37 points
4th A Flight - Stan Fry - 37 points
1st B Flight - Jim Munns - 37 points
2nd B Flight - Larry Nicholas - 34 points
3rd B Flight - Greg Schulze - 34 points
4th B Flight - Frank Sinclair - 33 points
A slate of 42 golfers was no match for Tom Meeboer who
shot a career best gross of 71 to emasculate the field by 10 points! As
seems to be the case lately, the winners quickly, and wisely, leave Pattaya
for safer climes. Only joking, Tom had prior commitments with his family for
the holidays. We do know that when Tom returns Santa will have left him a
lower handicap. Congrats, nonetheless.
Second in A Flight was simply a matter of count back with
Graham Johnson and Stan Fry bracketing Larry Watson for two thru four on the
A Flight rostrum.
Jimmy Munns foreshadowed a week on form with his B Flight
winning 37 points. Greg Schulze, a visitor from Dhaka, had his first
Lewiinski’s-Orchid payday with a count back loss to Larry Nicholas for
second and third. Notable in that count back loss is that Greg score 16
points in a four hole stretch, Holes 6 through 9, going par, birdie, birdie
and birdie. Those scores were gross scores off his newly lowered 27
handicap! Ah, but the cold hand of reality ruled the other 14 holes as he
only managed 18 on them.
Monday December 9
Khao Kheow - C & A - Yellow Tees
Stroke
1st A Flight - Barry Brooks - net 72
2nd A Flight - Don Micklewait - net 73
3rd A Flight - Joe Mooneyham - net 73
1st B Flight - Kurt Neuhohr - net 70
2nd B Flight - Jez Lees - net 79
3rd B Flight - Dominic Kevorkian - net 83
The cream rose to the top as Aberdeen resident,
accomplished golfer and close mate of Neil Cameron’s, Barry Brooks finally
copped the top spot with a brilliant gross 74, net 72 on the challenging Dye
Design layout. Newcomer to Lewiinski’s-Orchid golf, Don Micklewait, edged
always tough Joe Mooneyham on count back to round out A Flight.
Kurt Neuhohr, one of the visiting fourball of caddies
from world-class Whistling Straits Country Club in Wisconsin, USA, took the
B Flight rostrum with his best on the day net 70. Congrats to Jez Lees who
conquered his often balky short game to come second. Barry “TB’s” long
time mate and Bangkok resident, Dominic Kervorkian, was a pleasant, albeit
surprising, third.
Ladies and Gentlemen: Mark Your Calendars!
The 2003 PSC Charity Classic Tournament will be held on:
Friday, January 24th, Khao Kheow Golf & Country Club
Shotgun start at 11:30 a.m.
Entry fee is 2,500 baht per person and you can sign up at
the following PSC venues: Three Sisters, Cafe Kronborg, Shenanigan’s,
60’s Bar and the PSC Clubhouse. Entries are limited to 144 players so sign
up now to secure your place.
Stay tuned for more details in the near future!
Neil Cameron holes in one
IPGC TAGGS Golf from The Haven
1st: Jens Gunnarsson, 42 points
2nd: Phil Groves, 40
3rd: Mo Bertrand, 39
4th: Trevor Edge, 38 cb9 22
5th: Gordon Langtry, 38 cb9 21
Due to the IPGC Championship being played on Wednesday
the 11th and Friday the 13th, there was only one fixture undertaken by the
TAGGS during the week. This was played at the Burapha Golf Club over the
more difficult of the two 18 hole tracks on the West Course, and due to the
extreme severity of the rough, from the white tees.
Jens Gunnarsson, son of Gunnars the Iceman, was oblivious
of the rough and allied to an extra long hitting game from the tee, made
easy work of his first win since returning to Thailand with 42 points.
Starting the round with 24 points on the front nine, he faded a little on
the back to record a modest 18, but this was good enough to hold off the
chasing pack.
These were led by Phil Groves whose total of 40 points,
including a gross 38 on the back nine, following a meagre 18 points on the
front, proved to be not quite sufficient to catch the runaway leader. Moe
Bertrand lagged one shot further back also with a very good 21 on the back
nine.
Trevor Edge just got the nod on count back from Gordon
Langtry also curtsey of a good last nine in which he amassed twenty two
points, against Gordon’s twenty one.
The twos were shared between Jeff McLaury, Phil Groves
and Arthur Hancock.
Prior to the prize giving Richard Livingston, the
resident PGA Professional, welcomed new member Roy Oakes from England and
welcomed back Danny Dyke also from England and Doug Maiko from the USA.
Not playing in competition, Neil Cameron, the local club
guru, and who does not play usually from The Haven but is one of the regular
patrons of the restaurant, achieved an unusual feat during the week, when he
played on Thursday the 12th of December (12.12.) and teed off at 12
o’clock. Having selected caddy number 12 to carry his bag, about 150 yards
behind him, he arrived at the 12th hole and popped it in for one. He refused
to go the whole hog and take a twelve at the following hole after knocking
his first ball on the 13th out of bounds he picked up. But it was a
memorable feat on any day.
It is always nice to be able to reflect in someone
else’s reflected glory.
King’s Cup Regatta ends on an upbeat note
The winds and conditions on the last two days of the 16th
Phuket King’s Cup Regatta - for the Evason Resort and Spa / QBE Race on
Friday and Saturday’s Kata Group event - were absolutely superb.
Light-to-moderate northeasterlies dominated and the racing was spectacular.
Almost 1,000 sailors who had participated went back to their respective
corners of the world, knowing that all was well and the seventeenth regatta
in 2003 will be “off and sailing”.
Principal
sponsor Gulu Lalvani awards Chris King from “Linklaters Mandrake” which
finished second, Racing Class.
The last race, however, had a few disconcerting moments
as a massive un-seasonal storm crashed in over Phuket around 6 a.m.,
deluging it with rain, killing the wind and turning the sea into a mirror.
But, by the time the 76-strong fleet had reached the start line, the sky was
clear and the north-easterly obliged at around 10 - 12 knots.
Held to honour His Majesty the King during the week of
the King’s birthday, His Majesty each year graciously donates the handsome
Permanent King’s Cup Trophy.
At the end of the final day’s racing, the host hotel
the Kata Group sponsored the Royal Awards Ceremony, presided over by His
Majesty’s Personal Representative, Vice Admiral M.L Usni Pramoj, and the
closing party at the Kata Beach seafront promenade.
Candle
lights at Mom Tri’s Boathouse, to honour the Regatta Royal Patron: HM the
King’s 75th birthday.
The Final Curtain
And so, the curtain was rung down on the Sixteenth Phuket
King’s Cup Regatta held, as it has been since the first event in 1987, to
honour His Majesty the King, this time for the Monarch’s 75th birthday.
The Regatta has been very well covered by the large press
and media contingents, as well as the Pattaya Mail - with due
recognition to the ever-improving Thai sailors who won two of the nine
classes and finished well in several more - and needs no further elucidation
here.
The Thai successes are a good sign for the development of
yacht-racing in the Kingdom. With an amelioration of the punitive tax
burden, formerly placed on the marine sector as a whole, and an extension of
the time that itinerant yachts may stay in the Kingdom without additional
formalities (now one year), 2003 looks set to see Phuket, particularly,
start to win back the exodus of sailors, craft and the concomitant
infrastructure to Langkawi and other resorts in Malaysia and elsewhere in
the region.
Sponsors
With this year’s principal sponsor, Mr Gulu Lalvani,
chairman of the electronics giant Binatone and developer of the Royal Phuket
Marina Resort and Spa, very upbeat about Phuket’s future as a centre of
yachting excellence, the King’s Cup Regatta projected a most positive
image of the Kingdom as an incomparable marine venue. The entry of some 76
yachts, coming from 20 countries was, indeed, an endorsement and a vote of
confidence in Phuket, in spite of the “horrendous attack in Bali, just
recently, which brought terrorism on to our own doorstep,” said Andy
Dowden, president of the 2002 Organizing Committee.
Winner,
Racing Class, Aussie Peter Ahern’s “Yo”.
The Regatta reverted back to Koh Phi Phi for the opening
gambit, for the first time in five years. By the end of the second day’s
racing, which brought the fleets back to Kata Beach, it was grim: the
north-easterly was having a Regatta by-pass - AGAIN. Given that the events
of the previous two years were almost windless, it threatened to all but
kill the Regatta.
But, finally, the conditions obliged and the last three
races were sailed “in perfect conditions”, as many sailors acknowledged.
The Kata Beach sponsors were most happy: host regatta headquarters for the
past five years, the Kata Group and permanent sponsor since day one, Mom
Tri’s Boathouse which annually holds the beautiful and touching tribute to
H.M. the King on His birthday: a candle-lit ceremony on Kata Beach, with a
thousand pinpoints of light honouring the Monarch, timed to co-ordinate with
similar Kingdom-wide ceremonies.
Certainly, among all the sponsors, ongoing or
first-timers, new supporter Bangkok Airways must be singled out, flying some
60 personnel into Phuket, with precision and safety, in well-appointed and
scrupulously clean aircraft, attentive in-flight attendants and - even - a
lounge at the Phuket Airport, with many comforts, including gratis e-mail at
on-line computers.
As one who has been privileged to report on every
successive Regatta since the first in 1987, the spirit of co-operation and
camaraderie, the hard work of the organizing committee, the incredible
support of the long list of co-sponsors and supporters and the good-will of
the participants themselves, have never failed to impress me. More so, these
past two years, in a world reeling from fear, violence and hatreds, the
beauty of the Regatta imparts a great feeling of joy, continuity and a
confidence that, through Nature and the intelligent use of her benign
forces, we can go forward into the next year.
A
beautiful start.
Results, Sixteenth Phuket King’s Cup Regatta
Racing Class (place, points,
allowing one discard out of the seven races sailed) First 10 only: 1. “Yo”,
Peter Ahern (Mal, 20); 2. “Linklaters Mandrake”, Robert Elliot / Chris
King (UK, 21); 3. “Hi Fidelity”, Neil Pryde, (HK, 23); 4. “Pla Loma lV”,
Keith Moore (Mal, 29); 5. “Jativa”, Hannes Waimer (UK, 29); 6. Luna
Nuova”, Ray Roberts (Aus, 36); 7. “Stella”, Nick Burns (HK, 36); 8.
“Jelik”, Frank Pong (HK, 38); 9. “Pasaya”, Schle Wood Thanan (THAI,
43); 10. “Fong Ling”, Paul Winkelman (Mal, 46).
Premier Cruising: 1. “Hocux Pocux”, David Bailey
(HK, 8); 2. “Australian Maid”, John Wardill (Aus, 8); 3. “Elektra”,
Marcel Liedts (Can, 12); 4. “Big Buzzard”, George Olivet (Sin, 19); 5.
“Stormvogel”, Ermano Traverso (Ita, 22); 6. “Windfall”, Jeff Yorke
(HK, 27)).
IRC1: 1. “Octopussy”, Viroj Nualkair, (THAI, 13);
“Big A”, Horst Lakits (Malta, 13); 3. “La Samudra”, David Lindahl (Jpn,
14); 4. “Mustang Sally”, Warren Batt (NZ, 22); 5. “Jigonda”, Stuart
Anderson (HK, 22); 6. “Di Hard”, Rob Williams (26); 7. “Pythias
Aura”, Reinhardt Halber (Can, 28); 8. “Emerald Blue”, Robert England
(THAI, 31); 9. “Kylie”, Douglas Ludden (35).
IRC2 (first six only): 1. Royal Thai Navy 2, N.C.
Nawin (5); 2. “Gotcha Lagi”, Gerry Daughton (Mal, 9); 3. “Fi Tuen”,
Jock Crombie (16); 4. Royal Thai Navy 1, Rt. Pera Na Sagulthem (16); 5.
“Wake Tere”, Kurt Metzger (Sin); 6. “Amadeus”, Olaf Litjens (24);
IRC3 (first eight only): 1. “Simba”, Bob Ashman
(Sin, 11); 2. “Salamanda3”, Alan Nichol (16); 3. “Amanda”, Shuji
Hagihara (Jpn, 16); 4. “Patrice lll”, Tracy Williams (20); 5. “Tag”,
Mike Downard (UK, 22); 6. Free Wind”, George Foose (THAI, 23); 7.
“Rosie”, Richard Vine (Sin, 25); 8. “Southern Star”, Oliver Hughes
(THAI, 29).
Classic: 1. “Xyphias”, Chris Edwards (UK, 4); 2.
“Sanook”, Julian Hill (USA, 7).
Ocean Multihulls (first six only): 1. “Summersalt”,
Mark Prescott (5); 2. “Securicor Fine Pitch”, Tony Lough (7); 3.
“Cedar Swan”, Radab Kanjanavanit (THAI, 11); 4. “Cerberus”, Mark
Horwood (17); 5. “Chimera”, J. Yamamoto (Jpn, 17); 6. “Nixie”, Leo
Wienands (THAI, 24).
Ocean Rover: 1. “Klondike”, Donald Radcliffe (4); 2. “Blue
Jay”, Jarvis Jay (7); 3. “Good Hope”, Geoff Horn (12)
Big Vodka Villy
Lawn Bowls Division One
Big Vodka Villy played like a man possessed and his
partner G and T Peter over came a bad start being down by 8 shots in the
early part of the game. As the night went on and the large vodkas came easy,
so did the game whilst outplaying the boys from the Tartan Bar.
The other games in the evening were: Carlsberg Kids
narrowly beat The Cobblers on the last end to stay top of Division One.
Windmills, the Dutch duo, are back destroying the Somtams. Look out boys and
girls these boys are coming up the league. Bob and his on loan player Jeff
from Australia lost to the all girl team Yingyangs on the last end. Bobby
try to sign this man up, it will not be long till you win. In the last game
of the evening the Likely Lads Steve the Streak and Mr. John Stringfellows,
who had a fantastic game, just getting across the line by beating Fat Boy
Slim Kev and Bob.
Results: Team Somtams 8 - Windmills 29, Likely Lads 16 - Dream Team 12,
Carlsberg Kids 15 - The Cobblers 13, Asylum (1) 15 - Yingyangs 16, Chaplin
Spam Heads 26 - Tartan Bar 6.
Bullshead claim title, parents complain
MBMG International League Week 6
It was an exciting week in the MBMG International League
with teams eying championships and playoff places. The Mighty Warbler stayed
top of Conference A with a close 1-0 victory against a rejuvenated British
Club team, who were well marshalled by the outstanding Mel Berkinshaw. What
perhaps was more remarkable than the game itself was that The Mighty
Warbler, led by manager Robbo, have now won a breathtaking 22 league games
straight. Rumours abound the league that when the New Year’s honours list
is published in London, Robbo’s name will be on it.
The Bullshead threw down the gauntlet to the rest of the
league with a crushing 6-2 victory against Bangkok United. Nick Smart, the
outspoken captain of the Bullshead told reporters at the end of the game,
“We will win the championship this season. When we get our noses in front,
nothing will stop us.”
In Conference B, leaders Pattaya stayed top by beating Bangkok Pattana
4-2, hammering in 4 goals in the last ten minutes to clinch the points.
Elsewhere, SCI won again, this time 6-1, against an overpowered High School
Casualz team. There were some unpleasant scenes at the end of the game with
a number of rowdy parents angrily calling for the expulsion of the HSC’s
manager. In contrast, SCI are at present putting together an impressive run
and look good for a playoff berth. However, the post game press conference
was a somewhat quiet affair with SCI’s manager, McGuigan refusing to
attend, upset at what he sees as press favouritism towards the undoubtedly
more talented Mighty Warbler and Bullshead teams.
The Square Ring
by Howie Reed
Let me be the first one in this column to wish one and
all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year (or as we say in Land of
Smiles “Sawasdee Pee Mai”). It won’t be such a great Christmas for
Lamont Pearson, who recently challenged Yodsanan 3-K for the WBA Super
Featherweight Title.
Many noticed, as did this sharp eyed reporter, that after
the second round of that fight Pearson tossed nary a right hand. Nary is a
lot like none but more so. He had a pretty good excuse. The hand was broken.
Pearson underwent surgery last week to repair the damage. He’ll be “on
the pine” for about six months then resume boxing. As he’s a postman and
nothing stops the US Male, Christmas cards will arrive on time.
Last Friday at Nakornsawan WBA #7 & PABA Champ Prawet
Singwangcha (16-2-1,9 KOs) successfully retained his PABA lightweight title
for the 7th time by stopping Jun Jun Geraldino in 2. That’s a win for the
home team which will kinda make up for some L’s reported later.
Was suppose to be a big night last Saturday for boxing.
In the UK Joe Calzaghe and Ricky Hatten were both on TV. In the Colonies (aka
USA) Evander Holyfield (38-6) would fight Chris Byrd (36-2) for the IBF
Heavyweight title. In England, as expected, neither Calzaghe or Hatten
hardly broke a sweat which probably made the POM’s happy but did nothing
to enhance credentials of either fighter on a world wide basis.
Calzaghe dropped Tocker Pudwill twice in the first and
once in the second. The dumping in the second forced the referee to step in
and do the ever popular “No Mas”.
Hatten didn’t have much more trouble as he KO’d Yank
Joe Hutchinson with a body shot in the 4th.
Got an e-mail from regular reader David Stewart, a pro
fighter from Scotland, who visited Thailand, picked up the Mail and now
reads The Square Ring on the Internet. While in Land of Smiles Stewart
trained at the Sot Chitalada Gym in Klong Toey. Maybe when he fights next
time, January 30 date, it will be “David Stewart-Sot Chitalada gym”. On
the same Scottish Amateur team was promising super-feather Alex Arthur. He
fought Saturday night, also having little trouble in stopping Carl Greaves.
In Atlantic City Chris Byrd gave the “old man”
Evander Holyfield a box fighting lesson from the book “How to Box”. Byrd
won a unanimous decision (116-112, 117-111, 117-111. The Square Ring and
their very sober boxing expert had it 116-113 for the winner) and the IBF
Heavyweight belt tossed aside by the “Imperial One” Lennox Lewis. After
the fight Holyfield mentioned that he hurt his left shoulder after the first
round which he won on all cards. “I had chances to throw the left hook, my
best punch, but I couldn’t get my shoulder up.” Asked about a possible
injured shoulder former champ George Foreman said, “Byrd hit him on the
heart with some very strong jabs. You get hit there long enough and you’ll
think your shoulder hurts.”
Prior to the fight itself there was a brief interview
with Holyfield. “Evander, is there anyone that you ever fought that you
truly didn’t like?” “Yes. Lennox Lewis. He called me a hypocrite
because I have fathered some (editors note: “a bunch of”) children out
of wedlock. He didn’t need to say that. Sure I’ve made mistakes but
everyone makes mistakes. You have to forgive people. People told me a lot of
things about Lewis but I never said anything.” Gee wonder what those were?
After the fight “The Imperial One”, aka The Greatest
Fighter on the Planet” Lennox Lewis had some comments about his next
opponent that I won’t be reporting. I made an early New Year’s
resolution to report nothing of what “His Majesty” says until he say’s
something worthwhile. Lewis was ringside doing the commentary for
international television with the Colonel Bob Sheridan, who happens to be
Pattaya Resident Vic “OR” Cross’s favorite boxing announcer. Lewis got
the gig plus a million bucks and a Range Rover for tossing away the IBF
Belt.
Last Sunday in Japan twice WBC bantam champ Joichiro
Tatsuyoshi (17-6-1, 12 KOs) made a comeback from 40 months out of the ring
in spectacular fashion. He scored a 6th round stoppage of ex-WBA flyweight
champ Saen Sor Ploenchit (43-2). It was reported that he “outjabbed and
outlegged the Thailander with his superior speed, sweeping all rounds. The
5th saw Tatsuyoshi have him reeling to the ropes with a wicked left hook and
batter him from all angles. He effectively followed up with his fusillade of
punches to prompt the stoppage.” That from Mr. Joe Koizumi. Why Joe
Koisumi? He was there.
Tatsuyoshi didn’t pick the easiest spot by inviting the
ex-WBA flyweight ruler Saen Sor Ploenchit (43-1, 14 KOs) to the land of the
Rising Sun. Tatsuyoshi had been inactive since he lost his bid to reclaim
the title from Veeraphol Nakomluang-Promotions (39-1). He lost the title via
a 6th round KO in 1998 and 8 months later had a little better luck lasting
until the 7th round with the same results. Since then he’s been “riding
the pine”. Proenchit lost his championship to Jose Bonilla in 1996 but
since then had run of 17 wins in a row. Guess the Thai’s win streak stops
here. How about them apples?
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