SPORTS
HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]:

Schlumberger Laser Nationals this weekend

TAT supports cyclists as they make a 2,500-kilometer journey around four countries

VFW Post 9876 moves back into first place

Pattaya Lawn Bowls

Sunday Quiz League

Wednesday Quiz League

Pattaya Pool League

Peacock Place Indoor Bowls and Snooker Leagues

Mascari’s Baaaaack!

New faces shine at the top at Noble Place

The Haven Claims a Touring Pro

PSC Golf from the Cafe Kronborg

PSC Golf from Bobby Joe’s 60s Bar

Landing the big ones that didn’t get away

The Square Ring

PH3 Run 1038

Scans move clear, donkey injured

Thailand wins Kings Cup Polo 2004

PATTAPA SPORTS ROUND-UP

Schlumberger Laser Nationals this weekend

by Peter Cummins

The year’s first big yacht-racing event, the Schlumberger Laser Nationals, is “ready and rarin’ to go” off the shores of the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, South Pattaya.

Charlie Zbinden, the Thailand Laser fleet captain - and, incidentally top of the 2003 “Leader Board” - is the dynamic force behind this most active fleet and, through the good sponsorship of Schlumberger, the well-known company which services oil rigs, Charlie expects as many as 60 craft on the water this Saturday and Sunday.

A Laser battles the elements: “Glad the water is warm,” is the shout.

With the positive moves of the government to lower the erstwhile prohibitive tax on yacht imports and the concomitant marine infrastructure in general, Thailand is poised for a virtually-exponential surge in this sector, benefiting all who love sailing, racing and cruising in the Kingdom’s magnificent waterways. Not the least beneficiary, too, will be the ailing tourism industry, struck down by SARS, the Iraq debacle and, now, ‘bird flu’.

Thus, the Laser Nationals Championships, which attract the Kingdom’s best sailors competing single- handedly in what is arguably the world’s best-controlled and most evenly-matched craft, are a great opener for the 2004 yacht-racing calendar.

Al Chandler - back to try again.

Charlie announced that the nationals will be governed by the international Racing Rules of Sailing 2001-2004, Laser Class rules, and Royal Varuna sailing instructions applicable to major racing events.

A total of six races will comprise the regatta which will begin with registration, measurement and briefing at the Royal Varuna clubhouse between 09.00 - 10.00, with the first warning signal scheduled for 11.00 hours. Charlie anticipates two fleets: the Laser and the Laser Radial, this latter a slightly smaller rig to suit lighter people - like ladies, for example.

The sign-in sheet, even early this week, read like a “who’s who” of the sailing fraternity, including multi-national champion - and Sydney Olympian - Royal Thai Navy man Verasit Pougnak. But “Lim” will have to be even sharper than usual with the line-up he is facing, including Charlie himself, veteran and consistently good performer Reg Chambers, Frank Teeuwan, the Chandlers - all three of them - Al and Ben, with Siri favourite in the Radial Division. Richard Warren, Les Nyerges, Pairode Matturanont, John Quarmby, Marcel Dubbelmann, Kevin Whitcraft, Bird Bhanubandh and another treble, the Nualkairs father Viroj, son Kawin and daughter Wicky who will challenge Siri in the Radials.

Of course, the excitement is dependent upon the wind and lately it has been shifting between the customary north-easterlies and southerlies. But, regardless, it is going to be an intense weekend of close racing.

Race officer supremo will be Royal Varuna sailing secretary Richard van den Heuvel and anyone wishing to join the event or simply come to watch the action and fun should be at the Royal Varuna Yacht Club 286 Moo 12, Pratamnak Road, Nong Prue, Banglamung, Chonburi 20260. Contact Dick on fax 038-250115, tel. 038-250116; email: sailing@ royal-varuna-yacht-club.com


TAT supports cyclists as they make a 2,500-kilometer journey around four countries

Forget the plane! See the world on a bike

Damri Muangkaew

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has joined the CLMT Tourism Cooperation Bicycle Tour to support 30 Thai and international cycling enthusiasts on their 2,500 kilometer journey that will take them through four countries including Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand as part of the effort to promote tourism in the region and exchange cultural values between neighboring countries.

Cyclists began their journey in front of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports office in Bangkok on January 15.

The route will take them to the far north of Thailand into Myanmar along the border to Laos and Cambodia before re-entering Thailand in the southeastern province of Trat as they make their way back to Bangkok venturing through Rayong, Pattaya and Chonburi in the fourth and final stage of their fantastic 31 day trip.

The TAT has supported the trip as it comes under their promotional campaign for sports and tourism and endeavors to improve cooperation between nations in the region. The cyclists are scheduled to complete their ride on February 10 arriving back at their starting point in Bangkok.


VFW Post 9876 moves back into first place

Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League 

200 Bowlers - Tue (200), Gert (221) and Dang (202).

VFW Post 9876 took four points from House of the Golden Coin and moved back into first place by one half of a point. Shakey Pete’s are back in fourth place winning three from Jack & Tar. Nam Tip and Brother D split their match at two points each. Cafe Kronborg took four points from last place Nice & Sleazy. Cafe Ole won three from Alt Koelle and Night Life grabbed four points from Three Sisters

Week 26 Points

Team Standings 30 Jan 04
VFW Post 9876 65.5 - 38.5 4 - 0
House of the Golden Coin 65 - 39 0 - 4
Cafe Kronborg 63.5.5 - 40.5 4 - 0
Shakey Pete’s 58 - 46 3 - 1
Jack & Tar 55 - 59 1 - 3
Three Sisters 50.5 - 53.5 0 - 4
Cafe Ole 49- 55 3 - 1
Night Life 49 - 55 4 - 0
Alt-Koelle 45 - 59 1 - 3
Brother D. 43.5 - 60.5 2 - 2
Nam Tip 42 - 62 2 - 2
Nice & Sleazy 38 - 65 0 - 4


Pattaya Lawn Bowls

League Cup Semi Finals

Boleyn boys Mad Dog Bill and Steve the Streak overcame very powerful Jack Tar Bar team’s Long Legs Gary and Aussie Graham by beating them with Steve the Streak’s last bowl. Carlsberg Kids played outstanding to beat the all mighty Windmills’ Big Frank and Dark Destroyer on the last end to claim the game


Sunday Quiz League


Wednesday Quiz League

 


Pattaya Pool League

Monday January 26


Peacock Place Indoor Bowls and Snooker Leagues

Some thrilling bowls matches this week: in the ladies Lek came back with wins against Danny Sue 11 - 2 and Mam 8 – 4 to claim second spot in the league whilst Nid defeated Mam 8 - 6 to complete her matches.

In the mixed doubles Yellowbirds beat Thaied 12 - 5 to go top, newcomers Spotty Dog gained their first win against Love Nest 9 - 5 and a tremendous tussle between Double Trouble and Peacock where it was 7 all going into the last end, Peacock then held 3 before Gary of Double Trouble trailed the jack to hold 6, and a last bowl driving gasp from Peacock saw one of their bowls topple over to take one and win 8 - 7.

The leagues are

Mixed Doubles Bowls

Yellowbirds 9 6 1 2 82 46 13
Peacock 7 6 0 1 88 35 12
Double Trouble 9 6 0 3 74 55 12
Love Nest 11 5 1 5 67 80 11
Gin 9 3 1 5 54 80 7
Thaied 4 1 1 2 26 40 3
Spotty Dog 6 1 0 5 31 55 2
Bakehouse 5 0 0 5 23 54 0
Ladies
Peacock Sue 6 5 0 1 47 34 10
Lek 7 4 1 2 59 37 9
Nid 10 4 1 5 81 80 9
Banjob 7 3 2 2 51 46 8
Danny Sue 10 4 0 6 57 79 8
Mam 8 2 0 6 46 65 4
Snooker
Danny 14 9 0 5 806 589 18
George 10 8 0 2 632 376 16
Eddie 9 7 0 2 489 408 14
Derek 12 7 0 5 557 555 14
Bill 9 6 0 3 460 385 12
Peter 12 4 0 8 496 669 8
Danny Sue 13 3 0 10 546 685 6
Daryl 6 3 0 3 279 276 6
Mike 3 0 0 3 100 235 0
Brian 6 0 0 6 232 419 0


Mascari’s Baaaaack!

IPGC Golf From Lewiinski’s

Sunday January 25
Green Valley,
White Tees
Stableford

1st Place A Flight, Steve Mascari, 40 points
2nd Place A Flight, George Jackson- 36 points
3rd Place A Flight, Steve Weller, 36 points
4th Place A Flight, Jim Wickstrom, 35 points
1st Place B Flight, Phil Utting, 39 points
2nd Place B Flight, Larry Nicholas, 36 points
3rd Place B Flight, Ken Kutzing, 36 points
4thPlace B Flight, Rolf Figenshou, 34 points
Near pins: #5 Peter Ingham, #8 Syd Harrison, #13 An Kaesavane

Steve Mascari, the owner of Lewiinski’s Hotel and Bar and the chief mamasun of golf for the society had been on the injured reserve role for the past fifteen months. Since his return to the game that has earmarked him as one of the premier golfers in Pattaya he has suffered through a re-learning curve that one would expect from such a layoff. There were moments of brilliance and more moments of golf that were below the standard of play for which he is known. However, on Sunday the light of the golf gods shone on him as he accumulated 40 points off his 6 handicap, that is 74 net, on the Peter Thompson layout.

On Sunday, 25 January, George “One-Ball” Jackson celebrated the 29th anniversary or his 29th birthday...

That left a recently red-hot George Jackson and Steve Weller to battle for the second spot, which spot was only settled by a count back. Jim Wickstrom saw his gross 76, 35-point effort hold up for the fourth and last spot in the top bracket.

Phil Utting nearly matched the mamasun’s output as he continued recent fine form with 39 points to lord over B flight. Larry Nicholas utilized a 21-point back nine to edge Ken Kutzing who had 19 himself. Rolf Fignenshou saw his 34 points surprisingly earn the last podium step.

Monday January26
Treasure Hill,
White Tees
Stroke/Medal

1st Place A Flight, Paul Coutoumas, net 75
2nd Place A Flight, Graham Johnson, net 77
3rd Place A Flight, Glenn Geborg, net 78
1st Place B Flight, Roger Koehler, net 75
2nd Place B Flight, Nigel Cannon, net 76
3rd Place B Flight, Kyle Williams, net 77
Near pins: #2 John Biangazzo and #17 Andy Leach

The lads followed the ol’ Ammunition Road, as the 331 was known during the era of the Vietnam War, up to the tough test of Treasure Hill and its 6726 yard white tees. The course often yields a “non-counting” day under CONGU handicap rules and today was no exception. Both flights were won by net 75 with Paul Coutoumas and Roger Koehler seeing eye-to-eye from their A and B flight rostrums, respectively. B flight eked out the better numbers for the balance of its winners as Nigel Cannon and Kyle Williams notched net 76 and 77, respectively. Graham Johnson and Glenn Geborg plated 77 and 78, respectively, for the A flight silver and bronze.

Wednesday January 28
Khao Kheow - A & B, Yellow Tees
Stableford

1st Place A Flight, Gary Blackburne, 40 points
2nd Place A Flight, Chuck Carriere, 40 points
3rd Place A Flight, Phil Mitchell, 36 points
1st Place B Flight, An Kaesavne, 36 points
2nd Place B Flight - Nigel Cannon, 33 points
3rd Place B Flight, Odvarr Rykke- 32 points
Near pins: #A3 John Emmerson and #B8, Jonathon Tsao

Like two heavyweights, Gary Blackburne and Chuck Carriere both slugged out 40 point efforts in A flight with the former’s 22 backside points edging the latter’s 21. Phil “Flipper” Mitchell, himself a player of considerable ability had the best back nine of the day with 23 points but was bridled back to 36 points due to an indifferent front nine, although the comeback did keep Rick Sharp from the pay station on count back.

B Flight was the weaker performer of the two flights on the day as An Kaesavane’s even par round held up for first. Nigel Cannon and Odvarr Rykker were pleased when their respective 33 and 32 points paid.

Friday, January 30
Royal Lakeside - White Tees
2-Man Greensomes - Stroke/Medal

1st Place, An Kaesavane/Klaus Schackt- net 69.75
2nd Place, John Emmerson/Chuck Carriere, net 70.625
3rd Place, Paul Coutoumas/Graham Johnson, net 71.0

The last day of the month saw the lads, and gal (thanks An!) playing a new format to the society, 2-person greensomes. If differs from Ryder Cup foursomes in that in greensomes both team members hit the initial shot, the drive, and then select the best and alternate shots through the hole, whereas in its more famous cousin one player drives on the odd holes, one on the even, with alternate shots thereafter. The society found it a pleasant alternative and there are plans to make it an every other month format.

Two steady players never hurt you in this format and who is steadier then Klaus and An as the golfing couple netted out at a best on the day 69.75. Incidentally, handicaps are summed and multiplied by 3/8’s to yield the competition handicap. Golf manager John Emmerson claims he had to drag Chuck Carriere to the second place podium spot, but this scribe is confident that the latter has a conflicting interpretation. Paul Coutoumas and Graham Johnson were late back to the bar due to navigational errors but they apparently had no such gaffes on the course as their level 71.0 was good for the third spot.


New faces shine at the top at Noble Place

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the Bunker

It should have been at Treasure Hill but a call 24 hours earlier informed the Bunker that one hundred Thai golfers were about to descend on the course, taking up all the caddies and golf carts! Amazing Thailand!

Instead the Bunker Boys re-routed and took off to Noble Place on Tuesday, 27th January, for their weekly medal round. The course was in fine condition and, with the cut at seventeen and under, the two flights opened the exchanges under fine warm skies.

Division two saw a refreshing change at the top with perpetual “rabbit”, Canadian Frank Baker, showing excellent form and recording a net 76 to take runner-up place. For Frank this was his first ever appearance on the podium and everyone was delighted for him.

Newcomer Sunny Khanna kept his head down and delivered a creditable round of net 75 to win the flight by just one shot.

In division one Keith Smithson again set the standard with an almost faultless round, firing a gross par 72, giving him net 71, to tie for second place with John Hughes, who, once again was afflicted with an errant caddy. Despite this his net 71 was still a fine performance.

At the top of the lists was Harry Cowling, and the only pity of his net 70 round was that his usual playing partners were on a visa run and were unable to witness the event.

There was only one birdie two and the prospect of the Bunker Super Sawng award led to Jim Proctor abandoning his round after nine holes with sickness.

No such fears for Pat Murphy, however, as his win the previous outing became a distant memory, and his dismal net 86 won for him the Bunker Banana Booby. It should have been Treasure Hill but Noble Place did not disappoint.

Big win for the “Quiet American”

The Bunker Boys renewed their monthly interest in Siam Country Club on Thursday, 29th January, when they called to play their weekly Stableford event. The course was full and elsewhere on the track a large group from PSC were also indulging in their monthly rituals.

Not to be outdone the Bunker tackled its task with its usual endeavour and found the course with slightly faster greens more to their liking.

Division two, for handicaps of eighteen and over, saw a couple of excellent scores with Kevin Wilson posting a score of 35 points to take third place, three points behind a resurgent Jim Payne, whose first nine tally of 22 held out false promise of better things to come.

It was the end of a fine week for Sunny Khanna, however, and his winning score of 41 points means he will return to England soon with a much reduced handicap!

Division one had its “stars” as well, as Harry Riley and PJ Redmond both recorded totals of 38 points to take a share of third place, only one behind Bill Hewitt whose recent visa run has renewed his energy for the game.

Way ahead of the rest of the group was Gene Scalf, the “Quiet American”, who was playing in his last Bunker event for a while, and his score of 43 points will live in his memory, and the ears of his listeners for many a long day.

Elsewhere on the course the wheels were coming off Steve Nowell’s wagon as his 26 points after ten holes also bore a false dawn but he was able to take comfort with a share of the Bunker Super Sawng award, along with newcomer Brian Close.

At the other end of the scale Wilf Latham and playing partner Len Jones were indulging in a nail biting head-to-head battle for the Bunker Banana Booby but Len’s three points on hole seventeen proved to be the final nail in Wilf’s coffin and for him there was only the consolation of back-to-back bananas for his low score of the day. Alas, Wilf, Siam will be forgotten and better days lie ahead!


The Haven Claims a Touring Pro

IPGC Golf from The Haven

As the scribe was away finalising a deal with the Haven’s new touring professional, this week’s report is confined to the results only. In the event the deal was completed with Philip Golding and his caddy wearing the Haven club shirt on the final day at The Johnnie Walker Classic in Bangkok, where he carded a final round of 67 to finish 32nd equal, after making his second cut in three appearances. Last year Philip finished 32nd in the Volvo European Order of Merit, winning the French Open on the way. We all wish him well in this year’s endeavour to do even better carrying the club’s colours.

Monday 26th January
Green Valley
Stableford

1st Division
1st Al Rolnik 42
2nd Arthur Hancock 38 cb9 19
3rd Phil Groves 38 cb9 17
4th Mashi Kaneta 36
5th Mike Morris 35
2nd Division
1st Tony Quaid 39 cb9 23
2nd Bob Lindborg 39 cb9 18
3rd Tom Gingerich 38
4th Trevor Edge 34
5th Yves Philibert 33

The twos were shared between Barry Traynor, Karl Holm, Tony Barritt, Phil Groves, Tom Gingerich and Martin Hayes. Before presenting the prizes Richard Livingston, the resident PGA Professional, welcomed back Larry Ball and Phil Groves the former from working abroad and the latter from teaching a mud wrestling degree in the Philippines.

Wednesday 28th January
Siam Country Club
Monthly Medal

Ladies Winner
Jean Utting 76
1st Division
1st Mike Allidi 70 cb9 32
2nd Kyle Williams 70 cb9 38
3rd Norman Isherwood 71
2nd Division
1st Reg Warner 66
2nd Dave Lee 68
3rd Fred Ewins 72

The twos were shared between Norman Isherwood, Kyle Williams, Rainer Helling and Les Utting. Prior to the prize giving Richard welcomed back Gerald Greba.

Friday 30th January
Khao Kheow
Bogey

1st Division
1st Eberhard Stoll 5 up
2nd Al Rolnik 2 up
3rd Brian Kelly 1 up
4th Roy Thornton all square cb9 a/s, cb6 1up
5th Andy Pedlar all square cb9 a/s, cb6 a/s
2nd Division
1st Dave Lee 1 up
2nd Michael Moore all square
3rd Tom Gingerich 1 down cb9 1 down
4th Fred Ewins 1 down cb9 4 down
5th Trevor Edge 2 down

The twos were shared between Sunny Khanna, Peter Emslie, Michael Moreton and John Desmond. Back at The Haven Richard welcomed new members Brett Faust, Darrell Catte, Toni Putzi and Michael Moreton and welcomed back David MacDonald and Alec Daugherty.


PSC Golf from the Cafe Kronborg

Monday January 26
Royal Thai Navy Plutaluang Golf Course
(Stableford)

The Plutaluang North & West layouts were host to a Stableford competition in two flights, A flight, 0 to 18, and B flight 19 upwards.

Barry Kerr

Stol Eberhard took the A flight with 39 points ahead of a count back on 36 points for second which was won by Kris Helgasson with Johan Reynisson in third place. Lief Kirkgaard was fourth with 34 points.

Aussie Barry Kerr took the B Flight with 36 points, Icelander Inge Magfridsson was second with 35 points, Mick O’Connor third on 31 points and Dave Richardson fourth on 30 points.

Dan Heidebo, winner b flight

Near pins: #N3 Kevin Dunne, #N6 Leif Kirkgaard, #W3 Lief Kirkgaard and #W8 Jerry Kurtz.

Long putt: #N9 Cees Bosman and #N18 Brian Blackford.

Thursday January 29
Siam C.C.
(Stroke)

There is always a good turnout for the ‘Monthly Mug’, so good this month that the list was closed days before the competition, but there are always ways to shoe horn a few more in. Thus it was that 50 players teed it up early in the morning to challenge Siam and a stroke play competition.

Ebrahim, winner A flight

At this time of the year Siam is dry, with constant use it is not in the best of condition. Hit a wayward shot just off the fairway and the likelihood is that you will be on a brown bare lie, hit it down the middle and you will be in a divot. Not the time to play if you cannot play off bare lies, or have delicate hands. Still the greens are holding up and are far better than the old days.

Per Krause, second B flight, near pin #12 and a gentleman.

So it was not surprising that some of the scores were horrendous, with only two players breaking net 70 and most players, including the scribe in the net 80s.Tough day.

Back at the Cafe Kronborg the ‘tournament director’ the K.S.M. declared the results and did the presentations. In the B flight the winner was Dan Heidebo with a net 72 ahead of a three-way count back for second on net 73. Second was Per Krause, third was John Allcock and fourth was Dick Worden.

K.S.M. Presents The Mug To Takesi Hakozaki

In the A flight we had the second sub 70 round of the day when Ebrahim won with a net 69. In a count back for second on net 71, Tony Scrambler came second and Jerry Kurtz came third. In 4th place with a net 72 was Jim Boyd.

So to the star of the day and winning the mug usually means the winner has the right, in mythology, to request all the losers to fill the Mug. Well this time if he can catch them, the winner will ask for it to be filled with Sake, as the winner was Takeshi Hakozaki with fine a net 66.

Near pin: #4 Brian Blackford, #8 Gerry Kurtz, #12 Per Krause and #16 Brian Noguer.

Long putt: #9 Bent Moeller and #18 Kevin Dunne.


PSC Golf from Bobby Joe’s 60s Bar

Friday January 30
Bangprakong
(Stableford)

My favourite courses are those that allow you to hit long off the tee, a bit of space to play with, nice grass on the fairway where the ball sort of sits up, scenic views and fast true greens. If you like the same take a trip down to Bangprakong, it’s worth the journey. The journey incidentally is pretty good as it is motorway most of the way, even if the toll is 30 baht either way. Well recommended. It is also a pleasant drive, pleasant because Tim insists on driving on a Friday, and who am I to argue.

Herb, Bob and Jeff Presented by Orr.

Bang Prakong has a course that is very easy to walk, being flat and open, happy days. So it is not surprising we had a lot of the players showing good form, and even the players at Bobby’s day out are showing good form and 40 points not uncommon.

After in the clubhouse the atmosphere is relaxed, and a coldie or two goes down well, whilst Max sorts out the winner and then we can relax and have a slow saunter back to home base. Of course Friday night driving into Pattaya is never a pretty sight. Talking of not a pretty sight Bobby greeted the returning golfers with a fine meat salad, and a request that his new waitress Orr do the presentation. Dainty and slight describes her, and one can see why the record for most people in a car could be held by Bobby’s Bar.

Big Herb Schwieterman won the competition for the day and the photo is not doctored. After, as is usual, Bobby read the results and the night slowly set in, I think.

Winner: Herb Schwieterman
Runner up: Bob Lawrence
Near pin: Jeff Wylie (2), Bruce McAdam, Tim Holt, Derek George, Max Matthews and Tony Scrambler.
Long putt: Herb Schwieterman and Jerry Kurtz


Landing the big ones that didn’t get away

PSC Fishing from the 60s Bar

 Saturday January 24 - I do like a fishy story and where else do you get to tell people how big it is? Well yes, but we are talking of fishing and at this present time it is nice to see fish landed, particularly when the tides are not at their best.

The tides will be fine for fishing, as will the moon for squid fishing, by the time this goes to print but at present, night is better than day, so that night catches are better, but we are still catching some fine fish during daytime.

However, the day fishing is superb, the seas are calm and the weather is magnificent, what more can you wish for? This is just another day spent in paradise, especially if you golf and fish.

Shown here are some of the fine fish caught aboard ‘The Dolphin’ and ‘The Kitsana’ and by Frank Collin’s captains, and at the time of sending this in, reports are coming in of another fine day’s fishing.

Till the next time ‘Tight Lines’ T.T.F.N.

Big ray for Mike.

Fine night out on the Kitsana for Marcus, Nancy, Billy and Chris.

Fine cobia for Joe.


The Square Ring

Howie Reed

WBA 130-pound champ Yodsanan 3K Battery Nanthachai (42-2-1, 34 KOs) gets in the ring Sunday (Japan Time) when he defends against Ryuhei Sugita (25-1-2, 21 KOs). The fight in Gifu brings a challenger that has been described as “Bull like” which he’ll have to be to if he expects to take the title.

Sugita also has lots of “pop” on his punches with 21 KO’s from 25 wins. For 3K this is his third defense of the title he won with a victory over Lakva Sim in April of “ought 2”. Suguta may have second thoughts about playing bull as the matador like 3K has 35 KO’s from 42 fights and a string of 4 in a row. Granted those KO’s came against boxers to whom the term “questionable opponents” would be a compliment. But as the man says, “A KO is a KO is a KO”.

Anyone that’s ever had the misfortune to come a cropper of the English bureaucracy or a practitioner of the art will know of the frustration that can set in. The British Boxing Board of Control does bureaucracy in spades.

Some may remember when Wayne McCullough was banned by the BBBC for a “spot” that was found on his brain. Instead of congratulating the boxer on actually having a brain (which as a discovery ranks right up there with “pie are square...cake is round”) they banned him. When the BBBC doctors gave the “Pocket Rocket” a clean bill of health, the ban still wasn’t lifted. “Sir your medical Dr.’s have given McCullough a clean bill of health but yet the ban has not been lifted.” “Well yes but you can’t always listen to doctors.”

One of the BBBC’s more arcane rules, “Why because we’ve always done it that way,” is having only one voting official for fights. The referee is asked to do his main job and then “Oh By the Way” score the fight. Ex British Heavyweight Danny Williams lost his crown to Michael Sprott last Saturday 115-114 by a referee’s vote. Was it the correct decision? Probably, but it would have shut up the loser from whining if there were three judges who’s job was and is to judge a fight. How about That BBBC?

For the first and probably not the last time this year we visit my three favorite boxing luminaries. They would be Don King, “The Imperial One” Lennox Lewis and the World Boxing Council. The WBC has given Lennox Lewis a deadline to set a rematch with Vitali Klitschko. If Lewis doesn’t meet the deadline of March 15 (insert laugh track here) then the WBC will hold a purse bit for the mandatory defense but that’s only if both fighters agree. If Lewis doesn’t the WBC will take away his heavyweight title (replay laugh track) and sanction a match between Klitschko and Corie Sanders for the Heavyweight title. Sanders was last seen in March of “02” knocking the stuffing out of Wladimir Klitschko (40-1) for the WBO title. Hasn’t fought since then. Don King on the other hand is suing Lennox Lewis and his attorney Judd Burstein for “accusing me of being a bigot and an unrepentant anti-Semite’”. Lewis attempted to have a British court toss the suit but Justice Sir David Eady said, “No way Jose.” “I was deeply hurt and offended by these remarks and I came to the UK to protect my reputation here,” said King. One would suspect that Mr. King on occasion is repentant. At least in public.

WBC Super Middleweight champ Danny Green gets a non-title fight in March against Kiwi Sean Sullivan as he awaits the highly anticipated clash with Anthony “The Jerk” Mundine later this year. Australian light heavyweight Paul “Hurricane” Briggs (21-1) it is written, “continues to gather force as he surges ever closer to his long sought after match up with former world titlist Antonio “Magic Man” Tarver.” No I didn’t write that. Mainly cause I never heard of Tarver being called “Magic Man” which is silly but then that’s the old boxing game. With that carrot out their on the string Briggs will fight Jesus Ruiz (18-3) “for the #2 spot in the WBC rankings on March 7.” Of course the writer that penned this story failed to know that Tarver is #1 and Briggs #2. So the loser wins the number 2 spot behind Roy Jones. In a computer ranking, which is good, Briggs is ranked number 2. Jesus Ruiz #50. What would get him a fight with Briggs? How about Briggs giving the Mexican fighter a payday so the Mexican WBC will give him a payday against Tarver? Finally 2 and 2 makes 4 and not 7.

Where Goethe Oscar DeLaHoya? Good thing you ask cause I just happen to have an interview with him. “A June rematch vs. Fernando Vargas, a fall rematch with Felix Trinidad and a year-ending third fight vs. Shane Mosley or a shot at undisputed middleweight champ Bernard Hopkins.” 100% pure bologna. Not going to happen. Vargas has a steroids problem, Felix Trinidad wants too much money and Mosley is a stiff. Almost as possible is DeLaHoya against Floyd Mayweather jr. who is jumping up to 154 for a chance at the big payday.

In closing, did I mention that Phuket will be playing host to the WBC Convention in late September of this year? Probably slipped what’s left of my mind. I’ll drink to that.


PH3 Run 1038

It’s Monday and the AGM Run. An in town run which is always frowned upon. Off to Pattaya Park. A very nice A site close to the beach. It did take a long time to sign up, but we did have a new apprentice doing the job for the first time. He will get better with age.

New GFM Charlie Manson was getting people to sign a disclaimer. Apparently we, if you wanted that is, could go up the tower and come down on the slide. The disclaimer was in case the rope broke, and you came crashing down to the ground in a big pool of blood. We did not want the hash to pay out money for dead bodies.

Hares Ponch and Charlie in to tell us about the run. We would be following flour footprints, the Pattaya Hash is eco friendly.

The run went off along the beach. I had not been up this way for some time, and it was really nice along the beach with nice walks and gardens being put in. The run winging around the streets and up to the temple. All in all everybody seemed to like the run even though it was an in town run.

Well done hares, no hash s**t for this one.

Back at the beer truck nobody hanging around the truck while the runners were out, that was strange. Circle called and the raffle with the lovely Bunny. Although one returner was Yankee Doodle who had not returned in six years. And he sang us a song. Nice to see you and your missus again. The usual returners and virgins, but one virgin had not bought a T-shirt. So I was fortunate enough to have her sitting on my lap. Hares on in for some ice but as I said before they did a good job, no hash s**t here.

The good RA Steamy Lump on to mess with people. He liked to bring in other hashers who were smaller than himself. Incestuous (I cannot remember his new name) on in and Ausies KBK, Baby’s Brain in. Steamy and Needle D* sang a song to Yao Yao and John S**t-head II about bombing Iraq.

I myself on in for chicken flu. I did not start it honestly. Ewok on in for her 300th run. Well done. And VV on in for his 200 run shirt.

It was the AGM and we had the new Mismanagement who are going to keep the Hash going. The Hash will survive and carry on with help from willing volunteers.

The Hares Song was going to be a Disco Theme, but they could not find the tape. But we did have music and dancing. Hash hymn and off to the Scandi for good food. A good time was had by all.

On On

Sir Chicken F*


Scans move clear, donkey injured

MBMG International Casuals League - Week 9

This week in the MBMG International League saw a clash of opposing beliefs as East faced West, brawn met guile, top met second, as the marauding Scandinavian Vikings took on league leaders the Japanese of Bangkok United. For the purists there was little to admire as the Japanese were contemptuously swept away under wave upon wave of brutal Viking assaults. Time after time the Japanese tried to get their delicate passing game together only to be roughly shoved off the ball by the burly Viking berserkers, who then launched the ball forward to battering ram, Anders Schmidt, who would smack the ball into the net. Final score, 6-2, including three for Schmidt.

The Mighty Dubliner limped to a 4-0 victory over a spirited Bangkok Blitz team, who played most of the game with nine men. Once again the Mighty Dubliner’s big summer signings flopped, with James Parrott and Nicholas Smart both firing blanks. Indeed, following on from last week’s abuse of James Parrott, where fans were waving a stuffed donkey at the forward, this week, fans actually brought along a live donkey, who remarkably, had been trained to raucously ‘Hee Haw’ every time Parrott touched the ball. Parrott, clearly affected by such inventive barracking, couldn’t get into the game and was taken off midway through the second half. As the crestfallen player trudged slowly to the dugout the donkey unleashed an ear piercing ‘Hee Haw’ to surpass all previous ones. Parrott, clearly upset at this, pulled off one of his boots and angrily flung it into the crowd. To the amazement of all it struck the donkey straight in the face and the nearby Saint John’s Ambulance men had to provide on the spot medical attention to the injured beast. After the game a dumbfounded Mighty Dubliner manager could only say, “If the boy could hit the goal like he hit that donkey, we wouldn’t be in this trouble.”

Elsewhere, the Germans lost 6-5 to the British Club in a thriller that was settled only in the last 5 minutes of the game, the Bullshead moved up the table with a 3-1 win over an injury ravaged Pattaya and SCI ground out a 0-0 draw with the underachieving French with defences on both side ruling the day.

Results - Week 9

Scandinavian Vikings 6-2 Bangkok United
Bangkok Blitz 0-4 The Dubliner
Bulls Head Brazilians 3-1 Racing Club Pattaya
SCI Gecko FC 0-0 Les Gaulois de Bangkok
Patana P-P AFC Shrewsbury
British Club Casuals 6-5 German All Stars


Thailand wins Kings Cup Polo 2004

Willi Netzer

A busy week came to a finale on Sunday February 1 at the Siam Polo Park in Pattaya when the qualifying polo teams of Thailand and Dubai fought for the ultimate trophy, the Kings Cup of Thailand. Spectators came by the hundreds, led by the His Excellency Sontaya Khunpluem, the minister of tourism and sport.

In a closely contested match, Thailand’s King Power Team (left) defeated Dubai to keep the Kings Cup in Thailand.

Right from the start the Thai team, with their Argentinean star player, Adolpho Cambiaso, went into a leading position, always closely followed by their opponents from Dubai. The first chukka went with a single goal by Thailand’s no. 4 Cambiaso, followed by the equalizer in the second chukka, nicely shot by Bartolome Castagnola, nicknamed Lolo, with a 10-goal handicap, another high caliber bombshell from Argentina.

Lt. Gen. Lertrat Rattanavanich (right), vice-president of the athletic association of Thailand, foreign affairs, presented the championship trophy to the winning Thailand King Power Team.

From than on, the game was very fluid with fantastic ride offs and dazzling displays of ball control and horsemanship. For the following chukkas, the Thai team managed to keep a narrow lead, constantly under pressure from the fine players from Dubai.

Looking as if they are ready for The Darby, Pattaya’s hi-so presented their best hats.

Interesting to notice the remarkable improvement of Thai player Vichai Raksriaksorn, the patron of the King Power Team, who managed to score twice, and his up and coming son Ton, who delighted with beautiful passing shots.

After chukka no. 3, the customary short break was called for. All spectators where asked by Tom Claytor the commentator, himself a seasoned polo player and daredevil bush pilot, to converge on to the polo field to step on grass, damaged by galloping hoofs.

Sontaya Khunpluem (center), minister of tourism and sport enjoyed watching this magnificent sport.

The plentiful spectators were certainly an interesting site to watch as well, with some of the VIP-ladies sporting fancy hats not unlike ladies at big horse events in England.

The second half started with a goal from Ali Albwardy, the patron of the famous Dubai-Team, and the heat was on the Thai team. At least for a short while. Players like Cambiaso seem to thrive on pressure and this was an occasion for him to show off his best. Riding his favorite horse Marisa, he caught the polo ball in the air at several occasions, tapping it a few times, and at the right moment turning it into a beautiful shot, all the while keeping the ball in the air.

Fast-paced action ruled the pitch.

The last chukka started with a score of 9:7 for the Thai team and again Ali Albwardi managed to move it up to 9:8, but not for long, and it was Vichai that went ahead to 10:8. A last effort by Lolo led to 10:9, but time was on the Thai team’s side, and they took the honors and the beautiful trophy.

It was a great day to be a spectator at the Kings Cup Polo 2004.

Lt. Gen. Lertrat Rattanavanich, vice-president of the athletic association of Thailand, foreign affairs, presented the trophies, giving 3rd prize to the team from Germany, led by its patron Harald Link; second prize went to Dubai and the Kings Cup stayed in Thailand with the successful King Power Team.


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