The Ladies were back to full strength this week and the close games continued with Banjob overpowering Mam 11 - 3. But then she lost to Danny Sue 7 -6 who in turn came up against Peacock Sue losing 7 - 4.

In the Mixed Doubles “Double Trouble” came back to beat Gin 9 - 3. Gin then went on to beat league leaders Love Nest 7 - 2 who cannot put two winning games together and cam unstuck against Peacock going down 19 - 1.

In the Snooker league George continued his winning ways with a win over Brian and must be the danger to Danny and Bill for the league, which stands as follows:

Mixed Doubles

Love Nest 8 4 1 3 47 56 9

Peacock 5 4 0 1 75 25 8

Double Trouble 6 4 0 2 46 39 8

Yellowbirds 5 3 1 1 44 26 7

Gin 8 2 1 5 44 72 5

Thaied 3 1 1 1 21 28 3

Bakehouse 5 0 0 5 23 54 0

Ladies Singles

Peacock Sue 5 4 0 1 37 27 8

Nid 6 2 1 3 48 48 5

Banjob 4 2 1 1 31 23 5

Lek 4 2 0 2 33 24 4

Danny Sue 7 2 0 5 33 61 4

Mam 4 2 0 2 26 25 4

Snooker

Danny 11 7 0 4 623 455 14

Derek 9 6 0 3 423 428 12

Bill 7 5 0 2 362 281 10

George 6 5 0 1 410 238 10

Eddie 7 5 0 2 379 333 10

Danny Sue 11 3 0 8 482 564 6

Peter 9 3 0 6 378 505 6

Daryl 6 3 0 3 279 276 6

Mike 2 0 0 2 73 142 0

Brian 6 0 0 6 232 419 0

IPGC Golf from Lewiinski’s

Sunday, January 4
Green Valley -
White Tees
Stableford

1st Place A Flight: John Biangazzo, 39 points
2nd Place A Flight: Svend Berthelsen, 37 points
3rd Place A Flight: Dave Mather, 36 points
4th Place A Flight: Eddie Blackwell, 35 points
1st Place B Flight: Dave Porter, 41 points
2nd Place B Flight: Bob Lindborg, 40 points
3rd Place B Flight: Robert Knutsen, 40 points
4th Place B Flight: Steve Mulberry, 38 points
Near Pins: #8 Rick Sharp

As is so often the case, a player’s vacation ends just as he finds his form and Dave Porter experienced exactly that. Dave cashed 41 points to take B Flight and notch the first of two victories on this his last week before returning to the less then tepid weather of England. The high handicappers mounted an impressive assault on par as seven of the lower field matched or better par. Bob Lindborg showed he was ready for the golf Medal competition held on January 11, by blistering the course for 40 points, but still had to rely on a count back to edge equally effective Robert Knutsen. Steve Mulberry rounded out B Flight podium with two better than handicap 38 points.

“Pony Tail” John stood atop A Flight with his 39 points, bettering old friend Svend Berthelsen by two points. Dave Mather, another Gold Medal contender, took the penultimate slot. Eddie Blackwell eased into the pay window with a count back victory over Jim Wickstrom and Gary Emmett.

Monday, January 5
Khao Kheow - Yel
low Tees
Stroke/Medal

1st Place A Flight: Phil Mitchell, net 69
2nd Place A Flight: Bob Patterson, net 74
1st Place B Flight: Ken Kutzing, net 74
2nd Place B Flight: Dave Western, net 77
Near Pin: #A6 Bob Patterson

Only one player on the day broke par but he did it in fine fashion. Phil Mitchell off a miserly seven handicap shot gross 76, net 69 to take A Flight and the day by five strokes! Bob Patterson, likewise a seven handicap was second with gross 81, net 74. Kenny Kutzing matched Bob’s tally but in this case it was good for first in the junior flight. Dave Western was one shot ahead of the rest with a net 77.

Wednesday, January 7
Royal Lakeside - White Tees
Stableford

1st Place A Flight: Jack Grindvold, 41 points
2nd Place A Flight: Colin Davis, 39 points
3rd Place A Flight: Gordon Kerr, 36 points
1st Place B Flight: Dave Porter, 39 points
2nd Place B Flight: Graham Buckingham, 38 points
3rd Place B Flight: Fred Theobald, 37 points
Near Pin: #15 - Ian Ashenden

Royal Lakeside’s superb condition and somewhat forgiving layout was expected to yield some good scores and it did not disappoint. Dave Porter put the final nail in an excellent week as he took B Flight with 39 points. It was good enough to nudge Graham Buckingham into second place, one ahead of new Pattaya homeowner Fred Theobald, who edged Nigel Cannon on countback. While Dave’s week was the top story, “Wacko Jacko” Grindvold was the man of the day with a staggering 41 points. That was good enough to edge “The Donkey” who made a rare visit to the A Flight. The third rung was occupied by “The Galloping Gourmet” Gordon Kerr, who, while he matched his handicap, still required a countback to edge the Golf Manager.

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the Bunker

The Bunker Boys’ first outing of the New Year was to Century Ban Chang, on Tuesday, January 6, and a good quality field was gathered for the weekly medal tournament. Gone and forgotten were the excesses of the holiday and the fine hot weather heralded in the new golfing year in fine style.

Division two saw the usual suspects duelling it out with the addition of some new faces. The high standard of golf now being played at the Bunker has led to a downward shift in the usual “cut” mark and this has relegated Mr Loy to the second flight. This had an impact on the final results as Bo Ahlgren took third place with his net 78 and the aforementioned Roy Mitchell gained second with a net 77. Patrick Murphy last won at the Bunker in February last year and has struggled on many occasions since, but his frustration was to turn to joy as his net 71 took the day, at last.

Division one saw a tighter contest with Steve Nowell, the winner of the first Bunker event in 2003, teasing a net 70 out of the challenging course, joining Jack Spencer in runner-up place. The star of the day, however, was Mark Joshua who shook off the only blemish on his card, a triple bogey on the 14th hole, to post a splendid score of net 69 and take the top place. Mark also took a share of the Bunker Super Sawng award, along with Jack Spencer, Steve Nowell, Uwe Schr๖der and Paul Houlker. The latter’s joy turned to embarrassment later as Mr. Loy presented him with the Bunker Banana Booby for his high net 89.

It was a fine start to the new golfing year and the Bunker Boys are anticipating more good days in the months to come.

Knutsson caps
a fine week

A small field of Bunker “faithfuls” travelled to Plutaluang on Thursday, January 8, to play the Bunker’s weekly stableford event. Memories are obviously still fresh about the management statements made some time ago in the local media! Those who played were treated to a course in fine condition and the two divisions enjoyed a tense struggle on a long, hot day over the North and West courses.

In division two Duncan Lee, Alan Turbill and Patrick Murphy all shared third place with 29 points. Lagging somewhat behind Kevin Wilson’s 33 points and the eventual winner, Robert Knutsson, and his 34 points. This followed his two previous wins this week at Lewiinski’s and the Haven. The amiable Swede has found his true level at last as he generously took a voluntary two shot cut for this event.

In division one Harry Cowling hit the leaderboard with his 31 points but found himself outsmarted by both Colin Wilkes and Keith Hector with their 33 point totals. Keith also had a double share of the Bunker Super Sawng award, along with Kevin Wilson, Tom Bray and Gene Scalf.

Occasionally the Bunker witnesses a round of stunning golf that remains in the memories of the players for a long time. Occasionally rounds are remembered for other reasons. Des Pearson produced an amazingly inept round to take the Bunker Banana Booby and his grand total of 4 (yes, four) stableford points has set another Bunker record. A period of rehabilitation has been promised and we are shaking in our golf shoes at the thought of what may lie ahead! Ultimately the day belonged to Robert Knutsson and his memories of the last week of his short stay in Pattaya will warm his heart when he returns to Sweden’s winter this week.

Mike Franklin

Terry Phur and scrambling partner Gerry Power recorded a net 63.6 to win the Shenanigans New Year Pairs Scramble on January 6 at Eastern Star Country Club & Resort.

The friendly visiting group from Ireland received a warm welcome.

Playing off a combined handicap of 4.4, their gross 68 was the best of the day in perfect weather on a fine golf course, now consistently presented in excellent condition and the greens at speed 8 and a pleasure to putt on.

Runners-up were Mikael Andersson and John King with a gross 72 and net 66.6. In third place came Jerry and Sue Hough also with a gross 72 but a slightly higher net score of 67.4. The near pin technical honors went to Gerry Power, Paul Coutoumas, Mike Seery and John King who also had the longest putt on the eighteenth. The other long putt was claimed by Lamud Chaidara.

The winners Terry Phur and Gerry Power with Mike Franklin (center).

It was a funny beginning to the day with two cars failing to start, namely those of Kim Fletcher and Mike Franklin. However, Jason Payne rescued Kim and Tony Stevens picked up the sign-in details from stranded Mike and efficiently did the administration to get the tournament under way. No problems back at Shenanigans in the evening with the ‘long table’ busy as usual and a good ‘after-golf’ start to 2004.

New faces were welcomed, mainly in the form of a friendly group from Eire comprising Alan Shanley, Seamus O’Connor, Mike Seery and Willy Nolan. Maira Ledinchen was also new to Shenanigans and it was welcome back to Mike Gerrard. Special thanks to Tony Stevens for getting everyone off within the allotted tee times.

We pay a return visit to Plutaluang, the Thai Navy course, on Tuesday January 20 playing North & South with the earlier tee-off start at 09:30 am. The format is Pairs Better Ball, so sign-up for that, in pairs please, on the golf notice board at Shenanigans.

Host your golf event at Sri Racha Golf Club and receive a one year membership. Sri Racha Golf Club will offer all organized golf tournaments consisting of more than 35 golfers a prize of a one year membership worth 29,000 baht.

Please contact Adam Robertson on 01 922 2586 for further details.

Friday January 9
Phoenix
Stableford

Nothing is ever straight forward at Bobby Joe’s. Last week so many turned up wanting transport that the ‘No Show’ of a minibus nearly caused a problem, but shoe horning in the players to all the transport meant all got to the course. This week Bobby booked a bigger minibus as many signed up for transport, and as happens here, most of those needing transport did not turn up, meaning a nearly empty bus. So, in future, Bobby requires those who need transport to put their name down and pay at least 24 hours, or so, in advance.

Bobby presents to the winners.

So to the day, Phoenix in super condition, players pretty mediocre, and enough turned out for two flights. What more can one say except it all went pretty smooth compared with the previous day at Royal Lakeside. Phoenix try to run the place along pretty straight lines, sometimes it gets a bit strained but generally if you realise in advance what it will be like it can be pretty good. You book 10:30 and pretty well always tee off at 10:30 or close. Even if the course is empty. Maybe a good policy, but at times frustrating.

Bobby presents to technical prize winners.

So the day went pretty well and we ended up with two worthy Champions. Amongst the lower handicap golfers Bob Noble came through in a tight finish, whilst in the higher handicappers Andy Evans proved he is a fast improving golfer.

Harry relaxes with a beer and Papa Ray after the golf.

Back at Bobby Joe’s, after all were fed and watered, Bobby proceeded to read the results and as he was in fine fettle did the presentation to the winners. Of course the rest of the night was lost in a haze.

by Howie Reed

Last week a bombshell landed in Las Vegas when the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) conducted a raid on the International offices of Top Rank Boxing and its owner Bob Arum. The FBI agents seized computers, financial documents, boxers’ contracts, medical records and videotapes of professional fights. One law enforcement explained the reason for the raid was “an investigation on allegations that Top Rank and a number of boxers were involved in schemes to throw fights.”

During the 20 month probe evidence was uncovered that last September’s Shane Mosley - Oscar De La Hoya fight “may have been rigged. We have information that the De La Hoya fight was fixed.” The investigation was spearheaded by an NYPD detective posing as a “Sopranos” type wiseguy from New York trying to sell stolen booty (goods not the body part) in Las Vegas. A law spokesman said of the alleged dastardly villains: “There are some guys whose fighting records are going to be tarnished, and there are some guys who are going to go to jail. This case is going to be a huge blow to the boxing industry and how it conducts its business.”

Ever have those days or weeks when nothing goes right? When things seem to be going along swimmingly when all of a sudden the roof falls in? You wake up in the morning, roll over and say, “And you are who?” to the form next to you. Somehow this column just flat got out of hand. The genesis was to be an in depth look at three fight scheduled on February 7 and 8 in Moscow, Russia Kostya Tszyu (30-1-1) comes back after almost a year to fight, again, Sharmba Mitchell (52-3) for his WBC, IBF, & WBA Jr. Welterweight belts. Out in Las Vegas, USA Today’s Fighter of the Year (I voted for the guy in the Paris Hilton video) James Toney (67-4-2) fights a really big heavyweight Jameel McCline (30-3-3) after he dispatched Evander Holyfield back in October.

The third fight evolved Yodsanan 3K Battery (40-2-1) in yet another of his non-title fights this time against Ryuhei Sugita (25-1-2) in Japan. There is no doubt that Kostya Tszyu is the most popular and best fighter in Australia. The argument could be made that he may be the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. If one were ranking the popular Aussie fighters he would be right there with Jeff Fenech and Bob Fitzsimmons.

For many years Jeff Fenech was boxing in the Land Down Under. He was “The Champion”. During his career, that spanned almost 12 years, he built a record of 28-3-1 along with three world titles. One loss was his last fight against Philip Holiday for the IBF Lightweight crown. His other 2 L’s came against Calvin Grove (48-10) and the great Azumah Nelson (39-52). I had the chance to see Grove-Nelson live for the WBC Super Featherweight title at Beautiful Lake Tahoe, Nevada USA in 1992. Nelson won a tough UD (115-112, 114-113, 116-111) which as they say was “closer than the scorecards”.

Nelson, by-the-by, was just elected to The International Boxing Hall of Fame. vBack to Fenech.v He only fought three time outside his native Aussie-Land but still is considered one of the best ever. His first title came as a IBF Bantam in his 7th pro fight. At one time or another he held the WBC Super Bantam and WBC feather. Heck of a fighter.

A couple of weeks ago as he was leaving a restaurant in Sydney he was “bashed by four men and slashed across the face exposing the bone. He was shaking hands with friends when he was set upon by the men. The attackers came out of two cars.” Later reports identified a single attacker as a 20 year old man (Khaled Nagi) and the instrument as a bottle. The “alleged” attacker pled “not guilty”. Fenech was resting after plastic surgery and will return to his training duties especially with Danny Green who has a rematch with Marcus Beyer on February 28, which may be for the WBC 168 pound title.

Attacks outside the ring are most uncommon. One of the best known and strangest was the shooting of British Boxing Promoter Frank Warren. From his official website, “Tragedy struck in Barking when Frank was shot. Warren was hit in the chest by a bullet, which narrowly missed his heart, as he stepped out of his Bentley outside the Broadway Theatre. Ex-boxer Terry Marsh was arrested two months later but acquitted after a trial at the Old Bailey.”

Now for the rest of the story. At the time of the shooting Marsh had retired from the ring with a record of 26-0-1 and the IBF Light Welterweight title which he won with a 10 round KO of Joe Manley (26-3) in 1987 and defended once with a TKO in 7 over Akio Kameda (27-3-0). At the time there was speculation that Warren had “done Marsh wrong” and Terry pledged “Revenge is mine.” The truth is probably somewhere in between.

Warren again got in the “soup” in the year 2000. He signed a deal with Mike Tyson for two fights in the UK. The first was held in January of that year in Manchester against Julius Francis (21-7). Tyson made short work of Francis knocking him wobbly in 2 rounds. While in London Iron Mike did a spot of shopping that included a 600,000 pound sterling necklace or about 42,926,466.05 Baht. When Tyson returned to London to train for his June 24 date with Lou Savarese (39-3), who he KO’d in 1 at Hampden Park in Glasgow, waiting for him was Warren with a bill of 300,000 pounds. They met in Warren’s hotel room a couple of days before the fight.

Now the rest of the story. Tyson had told the jeweler, “Warren would pay”. Warren insisted that Tyson pay. They would settled the dispute like the true gentleman they are. Tyson got the necklace. Warren got a broken collarbone, a broken nose, the bill for the necklace and Tyson’s money from the Savarese fight. Man this promoting stuff is hard work. Many best have a few adult beverages and settle down.

Late Breaking Boxing News:

If you happen to be sitting in front of a TV this Friday afternoon between 3 PM and 5 PM check out National Channel 7. Sanchai Sor Kingstar will be making the first defense of his “interim” PABA Feather crown. He’ll be fighting Rud Kevcatchev in a bout that has been called “a vicious rematch for both kids.” They fought a couple of months ago with the hard hitting Thai getting the nod. Also on the card is former WBA Super Bantam champ Yoddamrong Singwangcha. The ex-champ gets Farid Dubourt who lost on the King’s Birthday card to Yodsanan 3K-Battery. Filling out the 2 hour telecasts is Pakpoom Jangponak the PADA Interim Welter champ. The fights are live from the Convention Center of The Mall (Tha-pra) in Bangkok. As the guy in the Big Coty paper use to say, “Mosey on by.”