Ramli takes second win as local favourite denied victory
Rounds 4 & 5 Porsche Infineon Carrera Cup Asia at Bira Circuit
Motorsports Asia
Crest Jaseri Racing’s Rizal Ramli took the top podium
spot on Sunday in Round 5 of the Porsche Infineon Carrera Cup Asia, denying
local favourite Charoensukhawatana Nattavude of Fuspeed Racing victory on
home turf. The action went all the way down to the final few feet of the
20-lap race, and provided some of the best racing the series has seen so
far.
Ramli
led the pack throughout the Porsche Infineon Carrera Cup Asia, rounds
Nattavude made a blinding start off the line to take
Ramli and led the hard-charging pack. However, Ramli kept right on the tail
of the Thai veteran pushing every inch of the way, looking to force and
error.
Behind them, Charles Kwan was in hot pursuit himself
staving off A-Ha Racing’s Matthew Marsh in fourth, while German Sven
Herberger was less than pleased at being taken by Team Jebsen’s Darryl O’Young.
Rizal
Ashram Ramli (center) celebrates victory in rounds 4 & 5 of the Porsche
Infineon Carrera Cup Asia at Bira Circuit last Sunday afternoon.
Nattavude held is position and looked good for a win
until lap 7 when disaster struck, but the recovery was even more remarkable
than his start.
Possibly rankled by the persistent Malaysian behind him,
Nattavude made an error, which saw his Porsche 911 GT3 Cup machine on the
grass. However, with lightning reflexes, he rejoined the pack only seconds
later to come out on track between Team Infineon-Novellus ace Charles Kwan
and Marsh.
His
Excellency Sontaya Kunplome, Thailand’s Minister for Tourism and Sport
suiting up for his race at Bira last weekend in which he finished a credible
14th place. (Photo Pattaya Mail Reporters)
"It was my fault, and I must apologise to my
fans," said Nattavude. "But it was a great race."
On lap 11, Herberger took revenge and managed to get by O’Young,
but more drama was yet to come at the front of the field.
On the final lap of the 20-lap race, Ramli missed his
braking point and a gear and ended up on the grass. In a brilliant display
of car control, he held his first position to cross the line and take the
win. "I made a mistake," he said. "It was very scary and so
close at the finish line!"
Charles Kwan was happy with his second place finish
commenting, "I stayed close to the front runners, but they are very
fast. Once Nattavude went off, I kept pushing Rizal but I was worried that
he was catching up."
In Class B, for amateur drivers, the excitement was no
less enthralling. Max Chen of A1 Racing clinched the class win, followed by
Dr. Toshihide Hashimura and winner of the previous round, Philip Ma of Hong
Kong.
"I had an ordinary start and tried to stay behind
Philip (Ma). I had the benefit of new tyres and managed to pass him. After
that I just tried to steer clear of accidents. I’m very happy and enjoyed
the race very much - I’m already looking forward to the next rounds,"
said Chen.
Dr. Hashimura also enjoyed his outing and earned a
compliment from fellow driver Ma. "I made a pretty good start and tried
to keep Dr. Hashimura and Max (Chen) behind me. But Max got by and then Dr.
Hashimura made a very brave move to outbrake me and got past!"
Series title sponsor and backer of the Team
Infineon-Novellus, reigning series champions, Infineon Technologies is
pleased with the way the series is developing as it continues its second
successful tour of Asia. Commented Kaye Lim, Director, Infineon Technologies
Asia Pacific: "PICCA continues to thrill the audience with fierce
battles amongst the competitors, more importantly, the series exemplifies
both technological and sporting excellence. We we’re proud to be part of
such a professional, exciting and prestigious Asian region series."
After five out of 11 Rounds, Kwan and Nattavude are
neck-and-neck at the top of the Class A championship leader board with 88
points each. Ramli has 72 points, with Marsh on 69. In Class B, Max Chen
holds his position at the top of the table, followed by Dr. Hashimura, eight
points behind and Philip Ma in third.
Porsche Asia Pacific VIP driver for the weekend, Thailand’s
Minister for Sport and Tourism His Excellency Sontaya Kunplome, finished a
creditable 14th after a mature drive on Saturday afternoon.
The Porsche Infineon Carrera Cup Asia next moves to
Beijing’s Goldenport Circuit for Rounds 6 and 7 on August 14-15.
Annual Pattaya Youth Beach volleyball tournament runs its course
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
The annual Pattaya youth beach volleyball championships
concluded last weekend as 20 teams from around the region competed on
Jomtien beach for scholarships and trophies.
The tournament, part of the city’s efforts to increase
youth sporting events, drew competitors aged from 12 to 17 years for the
weeklong competition. The main event, under 18s competition concluded on
Sunday in overcast conditions with ‘the Panat Pitayakarn A’ team taking
home the first prize trophy and a 5,000 baht scholarship in the boys class.
In the girls under 18s competition, the Darunee 1 team took out top spot for
the honors.
Wattana
Jantawaranont, deputy Pattaya mayor and the winning teams.
Beach volleyball matches were played in a round robin
fashion with the first rounds for the under 12s category being played over
June 12 and 13.
In the boys under 12s the team from Nongpankhae took home
the first place trophy and a 3,000 baht scholarship, while in the girl’s
class, the Rompote received the same.
Some
hard hitting spike action in beach volleyball competition on Jomtien Beach
last weekend.
Separated into four classes each team battled it out on
the sands amid varying weather conditions until the final round, reaching
the best of 3 sets.
Wattana Jantawaranont, deputy Pattaya mayor presented trophies and
scholarships to the winning teams at the close of play last Sunday
afternoon. The annual event is aimed at promoting youth sporting events and
prepares them for international competition in the future.
3 Sisters Golf
Monday June 14 was a good day with excellent weather. A
few clouds but no rain. The course was soggy in places due to the rains the
previous night but it didn’t affect the scores much. The winning score
for the day was brought in by Paul Kinner scoring 42 points. Paul who
normally flirts with the cellar had a stellar day as game came together for
a change. Good shooting Paul!
Winner
Paul Kinner (right) and holding the bag was Jim Tully.
Following close behind with 40 points was Tim Holt. Tim
is always near or at the top. Although his handicap has dropped to 16, he
is still playing great golf. Bill Key, another golfer that flirts with the
cellar and has held the bag before finally came out of his shell. Bill shot
the game of his young career as he came in with 40 points. Following one
shot back was ‘Bionic Hips’ Kenny Mau with 39 points. He tried to get
to the top but blew the last three holes.
Holding the bag again this week was ‘Ole Jim Tully’. Jim can’t
hear or see too well, so it was not surprising that he stumbled into the
cellar. This week Tully went into free fall as he only came in with 11
points by passing all comers including Marvin Smith who is a few years
older. Marvin came in with 19 to easily beat Tully as they played in the
same group.
Gerry’s Swan song
PSC 39th monthly members open
Friday June 18
Bangpra International Golf Club
At the end of its life the Phoenix bursts into flames and
is reborn in the ashes of it’s burning. This Golf Chairman was spared. But
there is still a week to go!
This was the last monthly tournament of the present golf
chairman, Gerry Carpenter and his golf committee, and his helpers decided to
put on a day to remember. The booking in went well, controlled by Bernie and
Jeff, and the information sheet detailing the competition rules were
extremely well done, Stroke for the A & B Flights and stableford for the
B & C Flights. Even the day worked with them as immediately after the
last players came in the skies opened and the biggest gales of the week
descended on Bangpra. Nobody said Gerry had planned it to put out the
flames.
(l-r)
Bill Thompsen, Bob Benda, Doug Powell and Colin Mathers. Men’s flights A
to D winners, respectively.
The course was prepared for the influx, the start was off
both tees, the fairways were fast and firm and the greens were up to their
normal standard, fast uphill and bye bye downhill.
On the day the results were pretty pedestrian apart from
the Low Gross who naturally came from the A Flight, however the rest in the
Flights were average to a great degree, as Bill Thompson won the A Flight
with a net 71 ahead of a countback for second on a net 74 won by Kent
Svennson with Dennis Edmunds in third. The one outstanding score came in
this Flight with Jeff Wylie scoring a Gross 75 and thus winning the Low
Gross.
Thongpen
Nattaporn, Ladies Flight winner receives her trophy from Gerry Carpenter,
PSC golf chairman.
The B Flight continued the trend of the ‘better’
golfers and the scores were only impressive in that they won.
This honest bunch of men were surprised to learn they had
won and a countback on net 72 was needed to confirm Bob Benda as winner with
John Wright in second and in third with net 73 was Mike (Elvis ) Gerrard.
In the C Flight, we start to get to the better scores and
as is usual the highest points came from this Flight. The winner was Doug
Powell with 40 points ahead of a countback, with 37 points, for second won
by the in-form Joe Vanderwegan ahead of Gerry Carpenter in third. The
Highest points came from, same as last month, David Strang with 42 points.
The D Flight was a good tight fight with all three within
a point. The winner, with 39 points, on countback was Colin Mathers ahead of
in second Jim Flanagan and in third was Ray Spurling with 38 points.
Meanwhile a battle was taking place amongst the fairer
sex, if you’ll pardon the word, and was won convincingly by Thongpen
Nattaporn with 41 points ahead of Kaye Forsythe in second with 38 points and
in third was Usa Chaiyosit.
Afterwards, as the presentation was about to be carried
out, Gerry said a heartfelt thank you to all his team of helpers and to his
many sponsors and wished the new Golf Chairman all the best in the year to
come and reminded all, the next monthly tournament would be at Laem Chabang.
Thanks over to Alan as he proceeded to read out the
results and Gerry performing the presentations. The final nail in the
coffin, we were informed by Dave that Route 7 was blocked and we were better
to go back via Sukhumvit, and thereby lies another full story of misery.
T.T.F.N.
Results
Low Gross Winner: Jeff Wylie
High Net: David Strang
A Flight: Winner: Bill Thompsen; Second:Kent Svennson;
Third: Dennis Edmunds
B Flight: Winner: Bob Benda; Second: John Wright; Third:
Mike Gerrard.
C Flight: Winner: Doug Powell; Second: Joe Vanderwegan;
Third: Gerry Carpenter
D Flight: Winner: Colin Mathers; Second: Jim Flanagan;
Third: Ray Spurling
L Flight: Winner: Thongpen Nattaporn; Second: Kaye
Forsythe; Third: Usa Chaiyosit
Technical Winners
Long Drive4: Nick Strasshine (Flights A + B), Dan Sell
(Flights B + C), Kaye Forsythe (Ladies)
Long 1st Putt #9: Jeff Wylie (Flights A + B) Saen
Jaroewong (Ladies)
Long 1st Putt 18: Derek Brook(Flights B + C),
Near Pins 2: Ebrahim (Flights A + B), Brian
Cooper(Flights B + C), Kewlin Soolemanus (Ladies); # 8: Bob Benda (Flights A
+ B), Joe Vanderwegan(Flights B + C), Chant Schwulera (Ladies); #12: Jacky
Hsieu (Flights A + B), Jim Flanagan(Flights B + C), Usa Chaiyosit (Ladies);
# 17: Herbie Ishinaga(Flights A + B), Dave Nance(Flights B + C), Kanaknapot
(Ladies).
2’s: Nick Strassine and Brian Cooper.
PSC golf from the Café Kronborg
Monday June 14
Khao Kheow
Country Club
Stableford
On the day the weather was threatening but the course
despite being wet was quite playable.
Big Aussie, Jeff Wylie won the day with a fine 37 points,
ahead of in second Dave Richardson with 36 points, Jacky Hsieu in third with
35 points and Barry Kerr in fourth with 34 points.
Thursday June 17
Bangpakong
Stroke
The day looked pretty dull as we climbed aboard the
transport and started off on the long run down to Bangpakong. This course
was, as is normal, in super condition as the players lined up at the first
to tee off under a suspiciously darkening sky and a strongly freshening
wind.
The
man from down under, Jeff Wylie returned 37 points from Khao Kheow.
Surely we were only going to get a quick burst of rain,
well we were quickly set to rights as for at least an hour the winds went to
gale force and the rain hammered down seemingly horizontal.
There is no fun on a golf course in these conditions and
it was one of those days when it seemed to stop and brighten and as soon as
you went back to the teeing ground the rain hammered down again.
Joe
Vanderwegan braved the gale at Bangpakong to return a solid, but soggy, 41
points.
Waterproof golf shoes? You have to be kidding, even the
greens were flooded, try to put on a flooded green. This is the coldest I
have been on a golf course in Thailand and the wettest feet.
Still we were supposed to be having fun, so as we have
started, so will we finish. At the finish, cold, wet and miserable, we had a
quick beer before a hot shower and were amazed as the scores came in how
well the players had coped with the foul conditions.
A
very wet Bangpakong course.
After a hot shower and the results were sorted, we were
again amazed how players could shoot such good scores on a very long course
in such bad conditions.
Well they did, and the winner was Joe Vanderwegan with an amazing 41
points ahead of in second Peter Davies with 39 points. We then had a
countback for third and fourth on 38 points with Dave Richardson in third,
Bill Plath in fourth and Allan Cassin just missing out. T.T.F.N.
PSC Golf from Bobby Joe’s 60s Bar
Tuesday June 15
Phoenix
Stableford
This course is getting better, the greens have always
been fine and the fairways good, but of late the scores have been slowly
creeping higher, meaning the course is getting tougher.
Derek
Brook (left), and runner up Bob Lawrence (right) with Carl Engel, PSC
president.
On the day, the weather was overcast and a strong
breeze was blowing, cooling the day down and toughening the course up.
Under the circumstances, the scores were pretty average and we sat
outside at the end we were able to see most come in with a shake of the
head.
A
few refreshing beers back at the 60s Bar after a day on the course.
Back at the ranch the competition organiser, Bob Benda
read the results and PSC President, Carl Engel, was on hand to have his
photo taken with the winner. Derek Brook, and the runner up Bob Lawrence.
Then we had a few beers and went home, after a few more beers. T.T.F.N.
Winner: Derek Brook; Second: Bob Lawrence; Near Pins: Derek Brook
(2), Tim Holt and Eric O’Brien; Long Putts: Eric O’Brien and Tim Holt
Pattaya to become a new center for Sports-tourism
The Thai authorities are planning to make the eastern
beach resort of Pattaya a sporting center of the East. "The country’s
tourism agencies plan to promote the area as a center of sports and
recreational activities," said Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)
Deputy Governor Santichai Euachongprasit.
A series of promotional events have been planned,
including the first ‘Pattaya International Beach Challenge’. This will
include a variety of sporting events, scheduled to be held in the
"Unseen Season of The East" campaign on July 16-18. Foreign
athletes from 10 countries are expected to participate in a series of
competitions, including beach volleyball, beach football, X-games, Fun ‘n’
Run, fishing and a mini-car rally.
The campaign is part of the TAT’s long-term plan to
promote Pattaya, which is already a mainstream tourist spot. Efforts are
also being made to make it an agro-tourist attraction as well, Santichai
said.
The recent introduction of several new tourist
attractions, including the Under Waterworld Theme Park - a new aquarium -
and a new amusement park have been the center of TAT’s new promotional
campaign.
Last year Pattaya generated more than 53 billion baht
worth of income as a tourist destination, including 3.1 million foreign
tourists and 5.9 million Thai visitors. (TNA)
All Blacks and Springboks face changes ahead
of Saturday matches
Two changes in Springbok lineup
Pretoria, South Africa (AP) South African rugby coach
Jake White made two changes Tuesday from the Springok team that beat
Ireland to the one that will play Wales in a one-off test at Loftus
Versfeld Stadium on Saturday.
One change was forced when winger Jacque Fourie left
the field with a hamstring injury during South Africa’s 26-17 win over
Ireland last Saturday, which clinched a 2-0 series victory.
White has replaced Fourie in the first 15 with reserve
Brent Russell, and called Henno Mentz to take Russell’s place on the
bench.
In the other changes, White recalled prop forward Faan
Rautenbach in place of Eddie Andrews.
Rautenbach brings experience to a front row that
already includes veteran Os du Randt and captain John Smit.
Wales was expected to announce its team on Wednesday.
South Africa: Percy Montgomery, Breyton Paulse,
Marius Joubert, Wayne Julies, Brent Russell, Jaco van der Westhuyzen,
Fourie du Preez; Jacques Cronje, Pedrie Wannenburg, Schalk Burger, Victor
Matfield, Quinton Davids, Faan Rautenbach, John Smit (captain), Os du
Randt. Replacements: Hanyani Shimange, Eddie Andrews, Geo Cronje, Gerrie
Britz, Bolla Conradie, Gaffie du Toit, Henno Mentz.
10 changes to All
Blacks lineup for Argentina test
Wellington, New Zealand (AP) All Blacks coach Graham
Henry made 10 changes Tuesday to his starting lineup for Saturday’s
one-off rugby test against Argentina at Hamilton.
Canterbury Crusaders No. 8 Mose Tuiali’i will make
his debut among a forward pack in which only lock Chris Jack remains from
last weekend’s 36-12 second-test win over England.
Openside flanker Ritchie McCaw returns after missing
Saturday’s match with a head injury while props Greg Somerville and
Tony Woodcock, hooker Andrew Hore, lock Simon Maling and flanker Jerry
Collins will start for the first time this season.
Halfback Bryon Kelleher, flyhalf Andrew Mehrtens and
inside center Sam Tuitupou have also been named as starters in a revamped
backline. Captain Tana Umaga, wings Joe Rokocoko and Mils Muliaina and
fullback Nick Evans have held their starting places.
Henry’s decision to start several of his recent
reserves has left the All Blacks with a powerful bench.
Hooker Keven Mealamu, prop Kees Meeuws and loose
forwards Marty Holah and Jono Gibbes cover the forward positions while
Justin Marshall, Dan Carter and Carlos Spencer are the back replacements.
New Zealand: Nick Evans, Mils Muliaina, Tana Umaga
(captain), Sam Tuitupou, Joe Rokocoko, Andrew Mehrtens, Byron Kelleher,
Mose Tuiali’i, Ritchie McCaw, Jerry Collins, Chris Jack, Simon Maling,
Greg Somerville, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock. Replacements: Keven Mealamu,
Kees Meeuws, Jono Gibbes, Marty Holah, Justin Marshall, Carlos Spencer,
Dan Carter.
St Andrew’s...patron
saint of drivers?
Golf with the Bunker boys
Tuesday June 15 saw The Bunker Boys travel to St Andrew’s
Golf Course for
a stableford competition. The day was fair but unusually
windy, the beautiful course was in great condition, however, the greens had
recently been sanded which made putting a bit of a lottery.
Two very good rounds of golf on a tough course enabled
John King and George Redgewell to finish the day tied for first place with
34 points followed in third place by Mick Ramshaw with 31 stableford points.
Highlight of the day was Vic Simmons crashing his golf
cart into the back of Ron Millwards’ as they approached the seventh tee,
apparently, according to Vic, "The wheels got stuck in a storm
drain."
It was commented that it was Vic’s best drive of the
day! Not surprisingly on a course with tricky par three holes, The Bunker
Bonanza prize was not won but The Bunker Bananas were awarded to big Ron
Millward playing St Andrew’s for the first time.
Two Marvellous
Rounds At Century
Bang Chang
Century Bang Chang played host to The Bunker’s Medal
competition on Thursday June 17. It was a cool, overcast day with rain
showing it’s ugly face by the time the player’s reached the back nine,
however, it did not prevent everyone from completing their round of golf.
The golfers were split into two flights A and B.
Flight A (0 - 20 handicap) saw Mikael Andersson, just
recovered from illness, take first prize by shooting a brilliant 76 gross,
net 66 off his 10 handicap, including a double bogey in torrential rain at
the last hole! Congratulations to Mikael for an excellent round of golf!
Second place was claimed by Keith Smithson with a 73 net,
his first game since returning from England, and third place went to John
King with 79 net.
The B flight (20+ handicap) also threw up a terrific
score with Mick Ramshaw scoring 68 net to take top spot. Mick is improving
week by week and so his handicap is sure to drop soon. Second place went to
steady George Redgewell, who was slightly disappointed with his net 77, and
in third position came Lez Hall and Brian Bradley both with 79 net.
The Bunker Bonanza Bonus prize was also won by Mikael
Andersson with, not one, but two 2’s on his card! The Bunker Banana Booby
prize was awarded to Vic Simmons who visited parts of Century Golf Course
no-one has ever seen before, but he still had a smile on his face when he
(eventually) returned to the clubhouse!
Don’t forget, you can find out all about the many
events taking place at The Bunker Bar, including our re-opening party
scheduled for Saturday June 26, on the website: www.bunkerboysgolf.com
Join in the Bangkok vs. Eastern Seaboard Golf Challenge
Mike Franklin
The British Chamber of Commerce Thailand is delighted to
announce that Burapha Golf Club has been chosen as the venue for the Premier
League International Bangkok vs. Eastern Seaboard Golf Challenge that will now
take place on Saturday July 10, Sponsored by Premier League International.
A serious contest is anticipated for the coveted trophy,
currently held by the Eastern Seaboard, and the BCCT guarantees a great day for
all. The event is set up as a combined 4-ball team competition and players are
invited to sign-up as a team.
Individual players are also welcome and will be assigned to a
team. Tee-off is at 12.30 p.m. The match is open to all golfers.
The entry fee is 2,000 baht (incl. VAT) and includes green
fee, caddy fee, event polo shirt, evening buffet, prizes, draw and free beer on
the course.
Book as a team of four (preferred), or individually, on line
to nongyao@ bccthai.com
Local companies interested in participating as a Hole sponsor
of the event (Silver @ 30, 000 baht; Bronze @ 10, 000 baht), or contributing
golf-related corporate gifts as prizes, should contact Les Walsh at Golfworks,
Thailand, email: [email protected]
Sign-up for a fun day and let’s keep the BCCT trophy here
on the Eastern Seaboard.
Pearce & Healy back, and in form
Shenanigans Very Friendly Golf Society
Mike Franklin
The re-play on Tuesday June 15 of the aborted June 8
Shenanigans Pairs Scramble at Eastern Star Country Club & Resort went off
without a hitch. The weather was overcast and relatively cool with a strong
wind adding to the challenge of this fine Robert Trent Jones Jnr. course. A
field of thirty set out with a mix of players from the first attempt who
Eastern Star welcomed back, and others including some playing with Shenanigans
Very Friendly Golf Society for the first time.
Mike
Franklin (left) congratulates Bob Pearce and John Healy at Shenanigans after
the pairs scramble re-play at Eastern Star.
Bob Pearce mad a welcome return looking bronzed and fit and
proved the point by returning the best net score of 67.6, playing off an 11
handicap and a team handicap of 4.4.
Just a shot behind were John Biangazzo and Brian Wilkinson
with net 68.2, and in third place newcomers Keith Avery and Ken McCarty with
69.4
The ladies were most successful with the near pins, namely
Tai Kennedy, Saen Jaroenwong and Wendy Gorrie on # 3, # 6 & # 13
respectively, John Healy being closest on # 17. Keith Avery had the longest
first putt on # 9 and Bob Pearce on # 18.
Back at Shenanigans the newcomers were duly welcomed -
Wendy Gorrie, Martin Harrington, Leo Satanove, John Biangazzo, Keith Avery,
Ken McCarty, Gordon Clegg and Roger Coe. Sadly, it was farewell to Scott,
Randy and Rodney from the US Marine Corps as they head back to Okinawa after
their Cobra Gold tour of duty. We hope to see them back sometime in the
future.
The next Shenanigans outing is back on schedule on June 22 with a visit to
Century Chonburi and a change in format to Singles Stableford that will
qualify for handicap review.
Lamun, Al and Phil are the IPGC Champs
The two golf courses that have historically received the
most play by the IPGC member venues, Phoenix and Green Valley Rayong, were
the obvious selections to co-host the 4th IPGC Championship. The field was
drawn from members who play with The Haven, The Bunker Boys at The OK Corral
and Lewiinski’s and they were then divided into four divisions, three men’s
and one ladies’, to do battle on last Wednesday and Friday.
Roy
Mitchell (left) and Steve Mascari (far right) with Lamun Hanley, Overall
Ladies Champion and Al McGrory, Overall Net Champion at the prize giving
back at the Haven.
Phoenix was the first test and the normally sublime
Mountain and Ocean couplet summoned a stiff breeze for the occasion. While
each of the Flights required net 67 to win, only a dozen of the lads and a
couple of the lasses netted out below their handicap. Harry Riley and Fred
Ewins were two hard luck stories as they shot 68 and 69, respectively, to
earn only a place in the last foursomes on Friday. Phil Mitchell, Al
McGrory, and Yves Philbert assured themselves of hardware by copping the
First Day Winners trophies. Phil Mitchell also took a commanding 5 shot
lead, with a brilliant gross 73, over Andy Leach in the pursuit of the Low
Gross Championship.
John
McHugh (centre), division 1 winner receives his trophy from Roy Mitchell
(right) as Richard Livingston announces the next winner.
In the better looking divison, Lamun Hanley pipped
newcomer Poo Supraporn by a single stroke.
A day off between the competitions was greeted by most of
the field, certainly the senior half of it.
Day two pairings were made available at an excellent
buffet provided by Steve Mascari’s staff at Lewiinksi’s. Copious
quantities of beer and spirits were required as an accompaniment to the
spread and the players worked on the mental and physical aspects of the game
by watching the opening round of the U.S. Open.
Yves
Philbert, receives his Day One division 3 trophy for best score from Roy
Mitchell.
It was day two and it was Green Valley Rayong. Green
Valley played exceedingly well despite recent subjection to routine
maintenance. The Peter Thompson layout presents a few more impediments to
low scoring then does the slightly friendlier confines of Phoenix and that
was evidenced in the stat that only nine men and one lady broke their
handicap.
The man-of-the-match was big hittin’ Johnny McHugh who
took division one on the day with a gross 76, net 66 round. He needed nearly
every bit of it to edge Klaus Shackt (68) and Eddie Blackwell (69). Brian
Wilkinson’s net 69 edged two fine scores of net 70 by Al McGrory and Harry
Riley.
Two Green Valley members utilized their advantage as
Larry Ball distanced Ken Kutzing by two strokes 69 to 71. Two more members
dueled it out for the ladies division Day Two trophy as An Kaesavane edged
Lamun Hanley by net 71 to 73.
Stephen Beard, who we are all are happy to see
recovering, came off the gurney to host, along with his wife and capable
staff, a sumptuous spread, as is his tradition, and to team with local
teaching pro and legendary ‘sweet mouth’, Richard Livingston, to preside
over a presentation ceremony encompassing Daily winners in each Division,
Winners and Runner-ups in each Men’s Division over the two days of the
tournament, and, of course, the Overall Ladies, Overall Net and Overall Low
Gross Winners.
Congrats to John McHugh, Harry Riley and Kenny Kutzing
for their two-day victories and to Klaus Schackt, Brain Wilkinson and Larry
Ball for their Runner-up prizes. Condolences to Eddie Blackwell and Phil
Mitchell (although he would step into the spotlight later) for their count
back loss to Division One Runner-up Klaus Schackt.
It should come as no surprise that when a person’s name
appears in the credits for day one and in the credits for day two, as well,
there is a good chance they will be holding the tall trophies at the end.
Such was the case for both the overall ladies champion and the overall net
champion, Lamun Hanley (net 139, two day total) and Al McGrory (net 137, two
day total), each had a day one victory and a day two second.
Andy Leach faded and John McHugh’s charge started too
late, thus leaving Phil Mitchell and his gross score total of 153 a five
stroke winner of the overall low gross champion.
As with any such event, all who participated were
thankful of the efforts of Stephen Beard in taking the lead and for the
support of co-venue owners Roy Mitchell and Steve Mascari, along with scorer
and statistician Wayne Ogonoski, Richard Livingston, Harry Riley, Len Jones,
John Emmerson and Steve Donovan.
Day One Results (Phoenix):
Division One: Phil Mitchell (67); Division Two: Al McGory
(67); Division Three: Yves Philbert (67); Ladies: Lamun Hanley (67). Day Two
Results (Green Valley): Division One: John McHugh 66; Division Two: Brian
Wilkinson (69); Division Three: Larry Ball (69); Ladies: An Kaesavane (71)
Two Day Results:
Division One: Winner: John Mc Hugh (138); Runner-up:
Klaus Schackt (141); Division Two: Winner: Harry Riley (138); Runner-up:
Brian Wilkinson (139); Division Three: Winner: Ken Kutzing (141); Runner-up:
Larry Ball (143); Overall Ladies Champion: Lamun Hanley (139)
Overall Net Champion: Al McGrory (137)
Overall Low Gross Champion: Phil Mitchell (153)
Leigh Sienkiewicz Bedevils Wangjuntr
IPGC Golf From Lewiinski’s
Sunday June 13
Wangjuntr Golf & Nature Club,
White Tees
Stableford
1st Place A Flight: Leigh Sienkiewicz, 39 points
2nd Place A Flight: Phil Mitchell, 35 points
3rd Place A Flight: Rick Sharp, 35 points
1st Place B Flight: John Horton, 33 points
2nd Place B Flight: Paul Joyce, 33 points
3rd Place B Flight: Norm Robinson, 33 points
It may not be of interest to all, or to anyone, that
today’s title uses twenty (20) of the twenty-six (26) letters in the
English language alphabet. This is thought to tie a record previously
established when Sheik Al-Kobiyshi O’Zeppelin won a competition back in
’93 on Suphapruek. But that is another story. The story this shortened
week (due to the two day IPGC Championship) was Leigh Sienkeiwicz’s
domination of Wangjuntr, the one and a half year old course in the Klaeng,
Rayong area.
The course has two greens on each hole and a number of
unique features. Some felt that those features should remain unique while
others can’t wait to get back to play it. It is regrettable that it is
only open on weekends and with that comes 5-balls and 6-balls. One can
actually have the course opened on weekdays, but the deposit/guarantee
requirement is not particularly suited to the ‘show up-and-play’
format of Pattaya golf. Ironically, despite Leigh’s considerable golf
ability, he is better known for ‘not showing up and not playing’. It
was felt that the dual green system provided Leigh an advantage, given
that he is usually seeing double in the morning anyway. But say what you
will, he put a whooping on the field with his 4 point victory and the top
spot in A Flight. Mere mortals this day, Phil Mitchell and Rick Sharp
filled the balance of the podium. Count back was the only thing that
separated B Flight as Johnny "Reb’" Horton edged Paul
"Not James" Joyce and Stormin’ Norman Robinson.
Monday June 14
Khao Kheow,
Yellow Tees
Stableford
1st Place A Flight: Ron Hodges, 36 points
2nd Place A Flight: Phil Groves, 35 points
1st Place B Flight: Dave Boran, 35 points
2nd Place B Flight: Mike Frizzell, 32 points
Near Pin: #C8 Ron Hodges
In the final tune-up for many prior to the week’s end
Championship, Saipan’s Ron Hodges was the only field member to even
match his handicap and that, naturally, was good enough for first in A
Flight. Phil Groves was but a point back to take the other A step. Dave
Boran utilized the Flight split to have his 35 points claim top spot in B
Flight. The difficulty of Khao Kheow from the yellow tees was emphasized
by Mike Frizzell’s 32 points holding up for second in B.
Norm Robinson Wins IPGC Warm-up
IPGC Bunker Boys at the OK Corral
On Tuesday June 15, a large group of Bunker Boys travelled to nearby
Phoenix to play the weekly medal event on the eve of the fourth IPGC
Championship, many, no doubt, taking the advantage of the opportunity of
playing a practice round on the beautiful course. The day was heavily
overcast and a strong wind shook the golfers and made life very difficult
on the newly reopened Mountain and Ocean combination. Consequently it was
no surprise to find the lower handicappers struggling whilst the better
players coped, at least in part, with the difficult conditions.
In division one, Bob van Mol tried to set the early
pace but his card included the rare sight of a brace of sixes on the
Mountain nine and his score of net 77 would only be good enough for third
place. Mark Joshua’s five dreaded sixes on the Ocean nine told a similar
tale but the club member’s local knowledge helped him to a fine net 75
and second place. Dave Smith was the winner for the second successive
outing and his net 70 took the day, a credit to his concentration.
In division two, Angus McFarlane took his first podium
place with a patient net 85 whilst the old hand, Jim Wilson, called on all
his experience to post net 77. At the head of the field however was Norm
Robinson and his 69 was the highlight of the day. His consistency showing
the mark of a golfer currently in form. The rolled-over Super Sawng award
was shared by Dave Smith and Mark Joshua whilst the sad picture of a man
lacking confidence led Mr. Loy to present the Banana Booby to Len Jones,
for the second time in a couple of weeks. Full marks, then, to the winners
and thanks for ringing the bell back at the OK Corral!
Rookie Winners
at Siam
A smaller than usual group left the OK Corral on
Thursday, June 17, the rest day in the IPGC annual Championship, and
travelled to nearby Siam C.C. for their weekly stableford event. It was
the opportunity for a place on the podium for some of the rookie Bunker
Boys and the course was well presented with surprisingly medium to fast
greens.
The event was won by John Healey and Brian Bellis, who
both shot 35 points and Barry Pethig made his mark for the second week by
receiving his first Bunker Boys’ Banana Booby for forgetting his
membership card and being asked to pay the full ‘visitor’ rate for the
green fee. A lesson there for us all. His first round previously with the
Bunker Boys saw his golf shoe disintegrate on the third hole and he
flapped his way around for the rest of the round and awoke the next day
extremely stiff. There were no birdie two’s and this news was greeted
with delight by those who were ‘resting’ for the IPGC ‘big one’
and they’ ll be back, for sure, for the next outing.
Teams battle for third and fourth place
Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League
First place teams Three Sisters and second place Brother D, just keep on
winning but the rest of the league are in constant flux. This week it was Q
Cars who moved back into third place after taking four points from VFW Post
9876. Captain Gert rolled a 229 game, 535 series and Lenz had games of 203,
201, 181 for a 585-pin count for Q Cars.
200
bowlers, Lenz, Bill, Kran, Sven and Gert
House of the Golden Coin won four points from Jack &
Tar and moved into a tie for fourth. Sven led Golden Coin with a 204 game
and 512 series. Captain Kran led her Cafe Kronborg team to a three-point win
over Alt Koelle as she rolled a 213 game and 524 series and got her team out
of the cellar moving up two places in the standings.
Captain Otto tipped over 503 pins for Alt Koelle. First place Three
Sisters took three points from Cafe Ole and Second place Brother D, led by
Ooy’s 520 series, took three from Nam Tip.
Pattaya 9 Ball Pool League
Lawn Bowling League from The Bowling Green
Wednesday Quiz League
Sunday Quiz League
Pattaya Pool League
The Square Ring
by Howie Reed
The American newspaperman, Horace Greeley is reported to
have said, "Go west young man, go west." Well it ain’t true! It
was John Lane Soule in 1851. How could this be? Well things do go bump in
the night, stuff happens and we have "An olla podrida of topics"
this week. On a non boxing note, the Thai government obtaining a portion of
the Liverpool footie team is now ‘officially’ deader than Kelsey’s
reproductive organ. True fact.
Last week I wrote, "Last Monday the WBC Filed for
Chapter 7 Liquidation." Didn’t happen. The WBC Did Not file for
Chapter 7. Why? No idea! The most logical guess is that the WBC is still
trying to arrange a cash settlement with Graciano Rocchigiani. Everyone
seems to have an opinion on what effect the WBC demise will have on boxing.
In fact no one knows. It’s all a crapshoot!
Two Thai fighters that will be immediately impacted are
Veeraphol Sahaprom (43-1 WBC Bantam Champ) and Pongsaklek Wonjongkam (51-2
WBC Flyweight Champ). They both have been offered championships by the UBC
which is a ‘new’ sanctioning organization.
Strangely silent in all the chatter is Roy ‘The Jerk’
Jones jr. It was his giving up the light heavyweight title that started the
entire mess. It’s not surprising that the narcissistic Jones has done
nothing to assist the WBC. "Roy is about Roy". One who has stepped
up to the plate is Antonio Tarver who laid a 2 round whipping on Jones.
"I am so proud to represent the WBC as their
champion. The green and gold to me represents the most prestigious belt any
fighter can attain in this sport. I would be remiss to see this organization
with its rich history go away because of one fighter. I wonder where I would
be today had the WBC not stepped up for me? I can only hope that Mr.
Rocchigiani puts his differences aside and thinks of all the great fighters,
famous, and not so famous who came before us. As a fighter, I can understand
his desire to be crowned a world champion. His dream of being a world
champion has always been my dream. If he wishes, I can help him realize his
dream and hopefully that small gesture on my part can help bring life back
to the green and gold, the belt that I wear with dignity and pride."
Rocchigiani had 5 chances to ‘fulfil’ his dream. He
lost twice to both Dariusz Michalesewski (48-1) and Henry Maske (30-1), who
retired in 1996. Rocchigiani’s only championship win was against Drug Thug
Michael ‘Better Than’ Nunn by a phoney hometown decision
Back to the "Go West" theme of the Square Ring.
A couple of Brits and Thai’s favorite battery, that would be 3K, are
heeding the advice to look for "Gold in Them Thare Hills".
Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton (36-0) after his easy win
over Carlos Vilches to retain his WBU light welterweight title a couple of
weeks ago is off to the colonies. He’ll probably fight Paul Spadafora
sometime in October. That is if Spadafora can work out his ‘issues’ with
the law. Issues with the Law? Yea he keeps breaking it...
The never ending saga of Yodsanan ‘3K Battery’
Nathachai (43-2) may finally be over. I have it on good authority that all
is well and ‘good to go’ for his WBA 130lb title match on August 7
against Steve Forbes (24-2). The fight at Foxwoods Casino will support what
should be a ‘battle royal’ between Acelino Freitas 35-0 vs. Diego
Corrales (38-2) for the WBO 135lb crown.
Last Saturday night in Great Britain, the two Harrisons
(Scott & Audley) hooked up, not against each other physically, but in
duelling televised fights. Audley appeared on the BBC, which earlier in the
week KO’d Audley Harrison from further BBC Telecasts. Alan Hubbard writes
in the Independent, "The bitter ending of his glove affair with the BBC
must be a massive blow to Harrison’s ego. It comes about, he claims,
because the Premiership is returning to the Beeb, who will have no room in
future for Saturday-night fights. However, I understand that negotiations
actually broke down because the BBC had demanded greater quality control of
his opponents after the procession of inadequate no-hopers and has-beens who
have crossed Harrison’s path, albeit that this is the traditional route
for a heavyweight hope."
Audley Harrison’s 16-0 record was in jeopardy when he
faced an equally undefeated Tomasz Bonin at 26-0. The Square Ring’s Chris
Jones reports, "Bonin was surprisingly a good fighter. The fight was a
see-saw from start to finish with each round being nicked rather than
convincingly won. Harrison did take some good punches but was a bit too
arrogant and by the 9th he was losing by 2 rounds. Realizing this, Harrison
threw a flurry of punches that rocked the Polish Palooka. Suddenly ref John
King jumped in and stopped the fight. Great fight with a tainted ending. A
real shame!" The BBC reported that " Referee John Keane’s
decision to stop the bout was greeted by boos from fans at London’s
Alexandra Palace and by a show of protest by Bonin, who felt he was fit to
continue. But although the fighters were close on points at the time,
Harrison looked on course for an imminent knockdown. Unsurprisingly, the
Briton refused to question the referee."
In a surprising decision, Harrison said after the fight,
"I’m taking a break from boxing for six months. I’m still
undefeated and we’re sitting with Frank Warren about a fight with (British
heavyweight champion) Matt Skelton."
The Scott Harrison (22-2) WBO 126 title defence against
William Abelyan (23-5-1) was suppose to be competitive. It was but only if
you think Desert Storm was!
The Square Rings Chris Jones was busy filing this report, "Scott
Harrison the unknown quantity from the UK advanced towards his dream of
getting the major titles in the division by destroying Willaim Abelyan in 3.
It was one of the best performances of Harrisons career. He dominated the
from the opening bell, not allowing Abelyan to get into boxing rhythm.
Harrison was always on top of Abelyan. Harrison put Abelyan on the canvas
twice in the 3rd. The fight was stopped shortly after the final knockdown
when Harrison unleashed a barrage of punches. In 2 words very
impressive!" That’s four words and a number but heck "I’ll
drink to that."
Clean sweep for 788 Autosport
Asian Touring Car Series Round 4, Bira circuit
Motorsport Asia Limited
It was a clean sweep of the top three podium positions
for team 788 Autosport on Sunday in Round 4 of the Asian Touring Car
Series, with a thrilled Lo Ka Chun making up for the disappointment of
Round 3 with a win.
"I didn’t have such a good start," he said.
"But my car is in excellent condition, so I was able to win. This is
a very good result for me and I hope to continue this position throughout
the season!"
Hongkong’s,
Lo Ka Chun in the lead during round 4 Asian Touring Car Series at Bira
after a disappointing round 3.
Behind Ka Chun was Gary Sham, also in a Honda Integra
DC2, with Lo Ka Fai in third, making it an all-Hong Kong podium. Ka Fai
had had a narrow escape during the race and was delighted to have finished
in third.
"N. Jakthong spun in front of me, and I had a real
job to avoid him," he said. "We touched slightly which damaged
my car. I had problems with braking and handling and Kirakiat (Yenmanoj)
managed to get by me, but I found a perfect place on the very next corner
to regain my position."
Yenmanoj finished fourth for 3 Crowns Racing, with the
second Thai driver, Jakthong, racing for Soopanava Team, in fifth, both at
the wheel of Toyota Altezzas.
In Division 3, it was Danny Stacy Chau who took the win
for Team IMSP. "I had a lot better race than the last one. Once I was
leading my division, I just concentrated on avoiding any accidents at all
costs!" he said.
Taiwanese driver, Shih Shih Weh was second in Division
3 in the Buddy Club CPC Honda Civic EK4. "I like this circuit very
much, but I was having transmission problems for the whole race,"
said Shih, who last raced in the series two years ago.
Japanese driver, Junichi Koizumi was third for Ao’s Racing in a Honda
Civic EK9.
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