SPORTS
HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]:

Usa and Walter star in Santa Scramble

Amara Wichithong wins Ladies’ Windsurfing Challenge

Pattaya hosts radio controlled airplane flying competition

Improve Your Golf

Ginnane-Mulberry feat tops two aces

A week of high scores

PSC Golf from Bobby Joe’s 60’s bar

PSC Members “Memorial” Tournament

PSC Golf from the Cafe Kronborg

Paul Kraft wins on countback

The Square Ring

PH3 Run 1033

PATTAPA SPORTS ROUND-UP

Usa and Walter star in Santa Scramble

Mike Franklin

The Shenanigans Santa Pairs Scramble at Eastern Star turned out to be something of a ‘major’ tournament, instead of the usual Shenanigans Tuesday outing.

Winners Walter & Usa with their Santa cuddly trophy.

A field of eighty players joined this fun event in perfect weather at the Eastern Star Country Club and Resort, with the golf course in fine condition and presented in the way that Robert Trent Jones Jnr. designed it. The greens improve with every visit and are currently running at a speed of 8 on the Stimpmeter, with a possible increase to 9 in the future.

The ‘Star’ performance of the day came from Walter Hofer paired with, (as he put it), secret weapon Usa Chaiyosit. Returning a net score of 61.6 off a combined handicap of 5.4, their card included five birdies and just one bogey.

‘Best Ladies Pair’ Moon Schwelera & Ploy Thongpen with Mike Franklin.

Less than a shot behind, with a net 62.4, were runners-up Mikael Andersson and John King. Third place was claimed by Peter Erne and Max Busslinger with a net 64.2. Walter & Usa were rewarded with a ‘Free Shenanigans Carvery Every Week for a Year’, a Santa cuddly trophy and the Santa ‘Superstars’ perpetual trophy that resides in the bar. The runner-up pair was presented with a rather large bottle of champagne (on ice of course), and third place winners with a bottle of Jameson each.

Mike Franklin (center) flanked by third place winners Peter Erne & Max Busslinger.

Next in the honors were the ‘Best Pair’ prizes. Best Ladies Pair went to Moon Schwelera and Ploy Thongpen scoring a net 68.4 and receiving jugs of Margaritas; Best Men’s Pair went to Graham Rudd and Izzy Freedman with net 65.6 who collected jugs of Heineken, beating Terry Phur and Gerry Power on a back-nine count-back. The Best Mixed Pair, Paul Coutoumas and Nora Haugsjordet, narrowly missed third place in the tournament with a net 64.6, but were compensated with a fine bottle of wine each.

Santa Claus (Ray Byrne) dropped by
Shenanigans and handed out gifts to the children.

The technical prizes were seasonally shared around. Near pin prizes going to Jason Payne, Peter Erne, John King and Nora Haugsjordet. Longest first putts were claimed by Jerry Hough, Terry Phur, Dennis Willett and Lamud Chaidara. Gerry Power drove longest for the Men and Usa Chaiyosit boomed it for the Ladies.

The Highest (unmentionable) Net Score of the day was gleefully claimed by Jack Levy and Billy Bakke, who were suitably rewarded with a Shenanigans Diabalo cocktail each that probably did not help golf the following day as they were persuaded to ‘down it in one’, and did so in perfect harmony.

Runners-up Mikael Andersson & John King.

Back at Shenanigans it was a rather special party as Santa Claus, in the credible form of Ray Byrne, gathered the many children present around him and gave out gifts. Some were surprised that the flowing white beard did not pull off and maybe went away in the belief that it was really ‘him’. The bonus for the children was the unlimited free Coca-Cola and ice cream available in the special ‘Santa’s Grotto’.

New and returning faces were duly welcomed during the prize-giving. Grateful thanks went to Wayne Ogonoski for efficiently handling registration, doing the scoring and sending off the results via his satellite modem thingy.

Due thanks were also given to Khun Saradej and Khun Vanchai, respectively the General Manager and Golf Manager at Eastern Star, for their co-operation and the presentation of the course.

A Lucky Draw followed the prize-giving with an assortment of prizes including golf bags and balls from Heineken, complimentary Green Fee Invitations from Eastern Star, and much more.

It was a fun day and a memorable Christmas wrap for the 2003 Shenanigans Very Friendly Golf Society golf program. 2004 looms, so we are on the tee again on Tuesday, January 6, for another Pairs Scramble at Eastern Star at the earlier start-time of 09.00 am, due to availability of tee times. We are out again on Tuesday, January 20, this time at Plutaluang playing the North & South courses from 09.30 am. Full details will be on the Shenanigans golf notice board and sent out by e-mail.

Finally, very best wishes for Christmas, and for a happy and successful New Year.


Amara Wichithong wins Ladies’ Windsurfing Challenge

The former member of the Thai National Windsurfing Team, Amara Wichithong, dominated the Ladies’ Challenge, which took place from December 5 to 9 on Jomtien Beach, despite strong competition from Norway, the USA, the Netherlands and Thailand.

Chanyuth Hengtrakul (center) surrounded by the winners of the windsurfing competition. Story and more pictures on page 46. (Photo: Roger van Tongaren)

Although Khun Amara is not competing internationally any more, she successfully retained her top position and enjoyed the strong winter winds.

Amara Sailing Center offered a free training camp to prepare the female windsurfing community for the event. (Photo: Roger van Tongaren)

The first runner-up was Karen Marriott from the USA (USA 41), followed by Lill Bente Hollstedt (NOR 84). Both, Karen Marriott and Lill Bente Hollstedt rank among the top ten female Formula windsurfers. 17-year old Sunisa Chunluang (THA 3), a shining star on the Thai windsurfing sky, ranked fourth.

Strong winter wind was provided during the races by the windsurf gods. (Photo: Roger van Tongaren)

Prior to the event, Amara Sailing Center had offered a free training camp to prepare the female windsurfing community for the event. The training schedule included inter alia trimming, starting procedures, current & wind, speed and racing strategies. Due to the overwhelming positive feedback from all participants, the training camp will be offered on a regular basis in the future (check it out at www.amara sailingcenter.com). As Marlies Schepers (NED 527) puts it: “Not only did I improve techniques such as reaching, jibing, catching the waves, and using an adjustable harness-line, but I also gained more self-confidence on the water and actually finished one race fourth (never having finished a single race back home). Since I organize windsurfing events for women in the Netherlands (http://www.surfclub.nl/activiteiten/dames.html), I also got a lot of useful ideas from other participants. Hopefully more women will join next time to improve their windsurfing as well.”

17-year old Sunisa Chunluang, a shining star in the Thai Windsurfing sky, ranked fourth overall. (Photo: Roger van Tongaren)


Pattaya hosts radio controlled airplane flying competition

Winners receive Princess Soamsawali Cup

Ariyawat Nuamsawat

The grounds of the Pattaya Park Hotel were turned into an airport recently as Pattaya hosted the national radio controlled aircraft competition with competitors battling the airways for the Princess Somsawali Cup.

A radio controlled jet fighter is seen in the foreground as competitors, organizers and guests pose for a picture.

The two-day event also featured competitors from China in six categories with advanced pattern maneuvers played out with Limbo, electric powered aircraft, glow-plug and helicopters in the timed freestyle event.

Phuri Julapalop, aged 14 took home two trophies after winning Limbo Class and Glow Plug.

At the close of the competition, Wittaya Khunpluem, president of the Chonburi Sports Association presented awards to the winners.

Winners:

Limbo class: Phuri Julapalop

Electric powered plane: Charnnarong Chuencharoen

Glow plug: Phuri Julapalop

Helicopter freestyle: Itthipol Munjanont

Plane freestyle: Choochart Sukhumcharoen

Timed helicopter freestyle class: Pattanapong Salokkachart


Improve Your Golf

Ian Ashenden,
Pattaya Golf Academy, Thepprasit Road

Introduction

The Pattaya Mail is pleased to introduce a new regular golf feature, a series of Golf Tips by local Teaching Professional Ian Ashenden. Ian will be providing some of his favourite tips accompanied by photos over the next few months. Anyone wishing to e-mail Ian with a specific query can do so at ian.ashenden@ talk21.com, the answers to the best queries will be covered in our Golf Tips feature.

Tip 1 - Don’t Flick Your Chips!

Welcome to the new Golf Tips feature, I’m delighted to be able to provide some advice for Pattaya Mail readers on some of the most common golfing mistakes. Most of us are right-handed so most of the photos will be of right-handed golfers, I have plenty of left-handers as students too so you lefties won’t be left out!

My first tip is on possibly my most successful bit of tuition, I love teaching this as I can absolutely guarantee improvement if someone is prepared to stick with the technique.

Most golfers with chipping problems don’t realise that they are flicking at the ball, in other words right handed golfers are trying to lift the ball up in the air with their right hand, Chris is demonstrating this fault perfectly in picture 1.

You can see that his weight is back on his back (right) foot and his right hand is trying to scoop the ball up in the air, this only leads to all sorts of bad shots and inconsistency.

In picture 2 though, he is demonstrating a great technique, his weight is on his front foot, most importantly he has kept his wrists firm and kept his hands ahead of the clubhead. Also, note how still he has kept his head, this is vital.

Summary: weight on front foot, keep wrists firm, hands ahead of the clubhead and keep your head still.


Ginnane-Mulberry feat tops two aces

IPGC Golf from Lewiinski’s

Sunday, December 21
Green Valley - White Tees
Pairs Betterball - Stableford

1st Place: John Ginnane & Steve Mulberry, net 53

2nd Place: Gerry Power & Mike Seery, net 63

3rd Place: Steve Mascari & Bob Patterson, net 63

4th Place: Pet Stonebridge & Eddie Blackwell

Near Pins: #13-John Emmerson and #16-An Kaesavane

Before you call in on the Bandit Hotline it should be noted that John Ginnane and Steve Mulberry have seasoned handicaps of 25 and 21 respectively, and have played in numerous competitions in all the venues of Pattaya.

If there were ever an example of the sum being greater than the parts one would have to look no further than to what occurred on this Sunday at Green Valley. The competition was for players to sign up as two-man teams and enter their best net stroke score on each of the 18 holes. On this day John and Steve won clear by 10 shots at 19 under par!

They had three net “1’s”! They only had three net pars, and, of course, nothing higher! What a performance!

Leading the more human portion of the field and taking second place on countback were Gerry Power and Mike Seery, both of which have experienced repeated success. They edged a constantly improving Steve Mascari and his solid partner, Bob Patterson. Fourth was also decided on countback as the Pete Stonebridge-Eddie Blackwell coupling took the last spot from Hans Collett and Jacke Stolpe. John Emmerson convincingly won the first Near Pin with his second career ace and narrowly missed a second one on the day. An Kaesavane won the other Near Pin in more traditional style.

Monday, December 22
Khao Kheow - A & B - Yellow Tees
Stableford

1st Place A Flight: Pat Manley, 34 points

2nd Place A Flight: Brent Merron, 33 points

3rd Place A Flight: Klaus Schackt, 29 points

1st Place B Flight: Frank Pilkington, 36 points

2nd Place B Flight: Simon Kendall, 34 points

3rd Place B Flight: Dave Porter, 33 points

Near Pins: #A5 Steve Smith; #B8 Jack Spencer

Bangkok’s Frank Pilkington was the only man to shoot his handicap on the day as he took B Flight. Simon Kendall wasn’t far back in the blustery conditions at 34 points. A player evidencing form might just be around the corner, Dave Porter, edged An Kaesavane on countback for the remaining B Flight bronze.

Pat Manley who last week had 45 points last week, was humbled to 34 points but that was still good enough on the Dye-design to take first in A. His mate Brent Merron was but a stroke back with rock solid Klaus Schackt rounding out A Flight.

Steve Smith continues to shake off the effects of the Steppes of Russia by garnering a Near Pin. Jack Spencer took the second of same on the signature island hole.

Wednesday,
December 24
Green Valley - White Tees
Stableford

1st Place A Flight: Mark Joshua, 36 points

2nd Place A Flight: Brent Merron, 35 points

3rd Place A Flight: Bob Patterson, 33 points

4th Place A Flight: Pat Manley, 33 points

1st Place B Flight: Frank Pilkington, 34 points

2nd Place B Flight: Bill Borta, 34 points

3rd Place B Flight: Toy Theobald, 34 points

4th Place B Flight: Dave Porter, 34 points

Near Pins: #5 Bill Crossan; #8 Phil Gough; #13 Nigel Cannon; #16 John Emmerson

Mark Joshua was the only man to match his handicap on the day and the effort was good enough to edge Brent Merron by a single point for the top rung in A Flight. Bob Patterson scored one more point on the back nine to prevail in a countback over Pat Manley.

Frank Pilkington copped his second victory of the week as he took a four-way countback for first in B Flight. Frank’s 21 points on the back easily outdistanced the three other players who had 34 points.

Although she was not in the competition, Noi Summers achieved the ultimate feat of a hole-in-one on the 8th hole. It was made all the more remarkable given Noi’s short golfing career.


A week of high scores

IPGC TAGGS golf from The Haven  

Monday December 22
Green Valley
Stroke Play

1st Division

1st: Mikael Andersson, 73

2nd: Brian Wilkinson, 74 cb9 35

3rd: Takeshi Hakozaki, 74 cb9 39

4th: Terry Phur, 76 cb9 40

5th: Chris Davisson, 76 cb9 41

2nd Division

1st: Michael Dinsdale, 69

2nd: David Johnson, 71 cb9 33.5

3rd: John Clements, 71 cb9 36

4th: Bob Lindborg, 71 cb9 37.5

5th: Gary Austin, 75 cb9 37.5

6th: Ray Walton, 75 cb9 39

With the wind blowing as hard as it has for a few years in Pattaya, it was not surprising that the competitors found scoring difficult after they managed to find the correct tee from the last green that they played due to the alterations to the course that have even the members as confused as the head bottle washer who is reputed to be the architect (sic) of the changes.

Mikael Andersson led home the 1st division with another steady round containing few errors with Brian Wilkinson and Takeshi Hakozaki in close attendance.

Newcomer, Michael Dinsdale who did not realise how difficult the course was playing but had the benefit of having the head bottle washer’s sister as his caddy, won the second division ahead of David Johnson, John Clements and Bob Lindborg, all of whom had to be separated by count back.

Even though the course was playing fairly difficult, it managed to give up more than the usual number of twos and the pot was shared between Chris, Davisson, John Desmond, Bob Lindborg, Tony Barritt, Rick Bevington, Mikael Andersson and Fred Chadwick but due to the extremely large field, it was still worth having a part of it.

Before presenting the prizes, Richard Livingston, the resident PGA Professional, welcomed new members David and Sue Shaw, Michael Dinsdale, Thomas Parks and Carl Lukaweckyj. He also welcomed back Peter Hall, Mike Morris and Lawrence Anderson.

Wednesday
December 24
Eastern Star
Stableford

1st Division

1st: Arthur Hancock, 38

2nd: Mark Campbell, 35

3rd: Tony Barritt, 34 cb9 18

4th: Keith Smithson, 34 cb9 16

5th: Mark Gorda, 34 cb9 14

2nd Division

1st: Peter Emslie, 34 cb9 20

2nd: Paul Taylor, 34 cb9 18

3rd: Stephen Beard, 34 cb9 17

4th: Paul Hartley, 34 cb9 16

5th: Fred Ewins, 33

Once again the conditions proved to be a little harder than most of the players would have wished for, although the condition of the course could not be faulted, with the greens playing very true and showing that it will not be long before they start to rival Green Valley and Khao Kheow for their speed.

Again there was a large turnout for the day’s competition, which required the formation of two divisions. The first of which was led by Arthur Hancock, the only player able to better his handicap, by three shots from a curiously placid Mark Campbell who got into the season of goodwill early, according to his playing partners, which obviously helped his scoring.

The second division was hotly contested with the top four all recording the same scores and following the countback, Peter Emslie emerged the winner.

The days play was also the last qualifying for the 2003 Order of Merit and the top four contenders for the honour all showed why they were in contention with Arthur Hancock returning the best score which was only good enough to secure fourth place behind Trevor Edge in third. Peter Emslie although beating Stephen Beard in the days event was just not able to get the two extra shots he required to take the top position on his own and had to be content to share the trophy with “The Doc” after a years great effort to unseat the reigning champion. Next year promises to be an even closer event with many more hopefuls joining the fray.

It was no surprise that there were not many twos on the day, in fact only two, and these were achieved by Chris Davisson and Fred Chadwick.

Prior to the prize giving Richard welcomed new member Anthony O’Neill and also welcomed back Ralf Zwick and Chuck Carrier.


PSC Golf from Bobby Joe’s 60’s bar

Friday December 26
Century Bang Chang
Stableford

On Boxing Day 2003 Bobby Joes 60’s Bar became one of the major golfing outlets in Pattaya. Big statement but with a turnout of over 50 players, Bobby was kept really busy first thing in the morning cooking breakfast for the influx and the rest of the day producing food for the return of the hungry players.

The second placed Ted Morris and Frank Sinclair with Bobby Joe (center).

The week had seen a steady sign up and on Thursday, Bobby had to phone Bang Chang to double the number of groups playing, no problem was the result with a big sigh. However early Friday it became apparent that even this number would not be enough, still who is counting.

So the Mini Busses and cars added to the road chaos and traveled down to Bang Chang for the players to congregate on the first tee. The leading group were weighed down with near pins etc for the three flights, A Flight 0 to 17, B Flight 18 to 27 and C Flight 28 upwards.

Bright eyed Bobby (center, front) presents to the flight winners Eric O’Brien, Cees Bosman and Max Matthews.

Of course once on the course, as is normal here, the course slipped other groups in, leading to a 5 hour round, but so what, fine course, fine weather and good company what more can one wish for? Well, yes, a clear course.

Round over Max sat in the Clubhouse and for the first time learned what it was like to await for a large field to finish on a slow day. This gave us, the early starters, the chance to zoom back to Bobby Joe’s and get to his laid out buffet first. Being Xmas it was turkey, salad, stuffing, crusty bread, and didn’t it go down well!

Bobby Joe was running around like a Spring Chicken, and greeted the first golfer back with a big smile, because he had promised his first drink of the day would not be till the first golfer returned, he also surprised the regulars with new tables so all could sit down.

With all the golfers back and fed and watered, it takes time to come back via Bang Chang, Bobby, in fine fettle, presented the prizes to the three flights of winners and then as usual we got down to some discussions on golf over a few beers.

A Flight Winner: Eric O’Brien C/B; Second: Ted Morris

B Flight Winner: Cees Bosman; Second: Frank Sinclair

C Flight Winner: Max Matthews; Second: Jim Payne

Longest 1st Putt: Terry Phur, Kevin Dunne, John Jacinto, Max Matthews

Near Pins: Kevin Dunne, Ted Morris, Kent Wright, Bob Benda, Garry Austin, Dave Spindley, Paul Kraft, Kenny Chung, Rollie Wiese, Christian Becker, Andy Wood, Andy Evans

Lucky Draw Prizes: Graham Buckingham, Mikael Anderson, Alan Sullivan, Alistair McManus, Seamus Brennan


PSC Members “Memorial” Tournament

Friday, December 19, Eastern Star Golf Club

The December Members Tournament each year is also known as the Memorial Tournament to remember certain of our members who have gone before. This year the competition was held on the newly improved Eastern Star and all were pleased to find the course in superb condition and the course played really well but was made more difficult by the windy conditions.

This being a Memorial I think it only fitting that the story be told in the pictorial and so to the memories of the day. So to all, and from all at P.S.C. all the best for the future and especially 2004.

This four-some and their caddies are ready to tee off at Eastern Star Golf Course for the monthly PSC Members tournament.

Flight Winners with PSC Golf Chairman Gerry Carpenter (far left).

Checking the score cards.

Gerry Carpenter (left) presents the trophy to Gerry Power (right), Low Gross of the day.

The prize display.

Awaiting the results while relaxing in the clubhouse.


PSC Golf from the Cafe Kronborg

Monday December 22
Eastern Star Stableford

The Eastern Star Golf Resort was host for the Annual Christmas Fayre Stableford Competition, where everybody has to put in a present and they exchange them by the best scores getting the first pick. First place gets first pick etc. Of course they are all wrapped in Xmas paper so it’s also a bit of a laugh, especially when you see what some people consider a present!

(above) “The Admiral” Dave Richardson (right) and Derek Brook (left) at the Cafe Kronborg.

As usual Eastern Star was in fine condition and some good results were produced. Einar Toft took first place with 40 points, Harvey Samuel took second with 38 points on countback ahead of Bjorn Kristjohansson also 38 points. Ted Morris was in fourth with 37 points.

Near pins were Carlsberg Beer gift packs.

Near Pins: #3 Linda Nissan, #6 Jeff Wylie, #9 Karlotta Eisendotter, #17 Maurice Herberge.

Seeing as how it is the end of the year from the ‘Organisers of Golf’ at the Cafe Kronberg, all the best for the coming year 2004.


Paul Kraft wins on countback

3 Sisters Golf

Monday, December 22, brought approximately 30 golfers to Siam to participate in our usual Monday golf. The weather is still on the good side and the course in a little better shape. With the course drying out, the ball is running longer to make it easier for the golfers to turn in better scores.

Winner Paul Kraft and Rollie Weese, standing in to hold the bag for Bill Key.

The winner this week was Paul Kraft. Paul scored 40 points along with Matt Kirkland, but won on countback with a better back nine to take honors for the day.

Following close behind with 39 points were John Gibson and Rod Perrin. Both scored well but did not have enough shots in their bag to leap to the front. John who is always near the top has not played in a while but was still on his game.

Holding the bag this week was Bill Key but he did not stay for the picture taking. Standing in for Bill was Rollie Weese who was close to the cellar position. Bill managed 15 points to take the bottom position for the week as Rollie and Jim Tully managed to slip by. It was a close call for both Jim and Rollie but they both had enough time holding the bag. It was a nice change to have a new face looking up from the cellar but I’m sure that Bill won’t be there for long.


The Square Ring

by Howie Reed

Boxing can’t be facing the New Year with anything but a brave face that may be nothing more than a clever facade. The sport for reasons that are too wide spread to discuss here is in “serious” trouble. For reasons, not all of their own doing, the “sport” in many countries has fallen from the menu of main stream sports.

That problem is compounded in that it’s not even a “niche” sport like “horse polo” or “overthrowing governments” in other countries. It appears to be fact that “as the heavyweight division goes so goes the sport”. For those that have been out of contact lately the heavyweight division is in the “dumper.” Boxing rode the coattails of Ali, Tyson and Holyfield. There’s a void that was never filled by The Imperial One Lennox Lewis. Now he’s gone. Good riddance to bad rubbish. Unless that void is filled by someone the sport will not survive except in countries and areas where boxing is still a way out from under economic hardship while fighters are considered sportsman and heros.

Even without mass appear boxing will still provide fodder for writers the world over. It is a spot that lends itself to humane drama and nationalism. The late Ernest Hemingway once opined, “There are only three real sports. Bullfighting, auto racing and boxing.” Is there someone out there that can rekindle the fires of public attention to boxing? Good question but only time will supply the answer.

There are some candidates. In America Oscar DelaHoya is the only “100%” sure box office attraction. There are pretenders but few contenders. Roy Jones jr. is the worst thing that has happened to boxing. He is a highly talented boxer with all the class of a loaded garbage truck on the Second Road yesterday morning after New Year Eve. He, like many less public, have forgotten that boxing like no other sport is about the fan. The “I don’t care about the fans, I’m doing what’s right for me” doesn’t hack it. Roy Jones Jr. is a putz. To be more precise he is an arrogant, self centered, egotistical putz which would never be confused with your normal everyday run of the mill putz.

The Brothers Klitschko would love to rule the boxing world. The problem is that “there is no there there.” Borrowed that quote from the late Gertrude Stein who also said “a rose is a rose.” The Lady Person became famous for stating the obvious. When she made the comment about “there there” she was speaking about Oakland California USA. As I called Oakland my hometown these comments has never endeared Ms. Stein to me.

Neither Klitschko has been able to capture the imagination of the American sporting public. Never gained the popularly world wide that a Russian fighting out of Germany and living in Beverly Hills should. There may be on the back burner just ready to start cooking some major stories from the world of the “Manly and womanly art of self defense” that will catapult someone to fame fortune, wine women and song.

There are rumblings that Felix Trinadad is coming out of retirement to fight Bernard Hopkins and Oscar Delay Hoya. The guess would be Oscar, then Hopkins. That at least is the word from the “Nuevo Dia Newspaper” which as all good Pinata whackers know means New Day.

Another on track to “maybe” mix it up with Hopkins is 2000 Olympian Jermain Taylor (18-0) Taylor though he’s smarter than your average fighter’s saying. “I feel there is no hurry to get to Bernard, because I WILL get to him. When the time is right, I will fight Bernard Hopkins.” Translation? “I’ll wait until Bernard is a couple of years older. Then I’ll take away his cane’s, push him out of his walker and hope to get lucky.”

The coming year bodes well for fans from the Land Down Under. “We come from the Land that I love”. That would be Men at Work on their Business as Usual Album of 1983. Which beats the heck out of Waltzin Matilda. There are a couple of Australian fighters that could grab the International spotlight this year. Undisputed Jr Welterweight champion Kostya Tszyu has a fight on February 7 in Moscow against Sharmba Mitchell who he already whipped once. After that win there isn’t a lot at 140. The move to 147 is not out of the question with Richard Mayorga and Cory Spinks there. Maybe even a jump to 154 and Shane Mosley who has about as much chance of getting 12.5 million dollar to fight Oscar as I do.

Then toss in the down under mix Danny Green. He destroyed Eric Lucas. The logical next step would be a re match with WBC 168lb champ Marcus Beyer. Green lost the first time via a DQ although he clearly was taking the German to the cleaners. There’s talk of getting Anthony Mundine the WBA champ at 168 and then Beyer. If Green gets both he could take over the world stage at a weight.

Just a few days before Christmas Former WBA title challenger Saohin Condo (42-10, 27 KOs) captured the vacant PABA feather title. Condo beat a pretty good fighter in Manue Pathy with a 7th round stoppage after “a right hook to the shoulder of Congo fighter caused him serious pain and the referee finally stopped the bout”. Pathy was good? He had a win over WBA fly king Sornpichai Kratingdaenggm who he destroyed. How about them apples?


PH3 Run 1033

It was Monday again and for my Dad that means Hash. Having already been denied the pleasure of swimming again, I found myself with the usual motley bunch of energetic beer spillers and proceeded to extract my own brand of fun out of the situation by annoying certain hand-picked individuals.

I would have preferred to have finished the run before the sun had disappeared, but it was not to be. My Dad thinks he’s some sort of Hash athlete and came in around the hour mark, but it took me and the girls considerably longer and he was starting to look a bit worried by the time I showed up. By the time I did get back, GKW had appointed my Dad scribe and he, as he does, gently sloped his shoulders and let me get on with it.

The man Who Ate All The Pies says I’m precocious, which is a long word for a little girl. Seeing as Free Willy was one of the hares, my Dad says he will help me with any more long words he can think of.

The circle began with the traditional raffle with the traditional Ewok clad like Father Christmas with tits and bum. Numbers were called and prizes were claimed. Skiing Finn was deemed guilty of momentary numerical dyslexia and was ordered to sit.

Next followed the draw for the PMH3’s 70 000th runner, which was won by a big man from Norway with a bad name - F.F. My Dad says it’s OK to use the B and F and SH words on the Hash, but I mustn’t tell Nanna or Grandad or my teachers!

A whip round for the bus driver followed this and most people were happy to give at this time of goodwill in appreciation of his excellent services and unbounded patience. When the hares took to the ice, there was nothing but praise for a good run followed by mince pies. Nobody could hear my little voice, but I thought it was a bit long for little legs. My Dad told me to shut up.

Next came the good bit, where we kids were handed presents. My Dad said this will save him a few baht at Christmas - kineow!

Once those returners requiring extra lubrication had been dealt with (that Tommy 2 Lips talks a bit like me), the circle honoured the visitors from more sane Hashes like Fat Boy Slim and Ewe F. My Dad says he sleeps in a hammock on Beach Road! Neville the bad man was back too, but I knew that anyway - I could hear him. There was also a man with a Floppy D. and one called Dodic. Dad says he does very secret things for Mr Bush - is that a Hash name?

The circle was now Sir Airhead’s - if you don’t know him, he’s a very big man with the biggest voice, a bald head and a moustache. I like it when he smiles. He called in Swedish Meathead and M. Worm for a bit of heat exchange. The first man thought he might lose his Has**t for Life status - dream on mister, this is Pattaya. The second man was even dumber and asked for a new name. He sort of got what he asked for and is now called Allah’s A.

The circle now slowly filled up with virgins until it was almost bursting. My Dad says somebody had shouted Shenanigans - that’s a bit like abracadabra. Apparently, if you shout TQ1, they all disappear again. I’m not allowed in there next week - even that nice Sir Airhead can’t swing it. Now for a bit of singing by a man with a Shirley Temple hairdo and called Needle Dick. There appear to be a lot of men here this week called something Dick or Dick something - seems a bit obsessive to me. He sang a sort of Christmas song about drunken hashers. I think he got it right looking at my Dad by this time, but the bulk of the lyrics seemed somewhat bereft of goodwill to all men.

The anniversaries followed and are chronicled elsewhere on this sheet. Last of all before the Hash Hymn came the hare’s song, which was short, snappy and quite funny. Then off we went on the Magic Bus back to Fun City to the teepee of Big Chief Wombmaster - a place called Shenanigans.

Uncle Fester and his group must have traveled by rocket as they were just starting their second plates full as we arrived. Our host was given a D2 by Charlie Manson in appreciation of his continued support for hashers in Pattaya and the food was enjoyed by all. My Dad didn’t have to ask me to eat it all up today.
On on
C.Y.Y.


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