SPORTS
HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]:

Ramli takes second win as local favourite denied victory

Annual Pattaya Youth Beach volleyball tournament runs its course

3 Sisters Golf

Gerry’s Swan song

PSC golf from the Café Kronborg

PSC Golf from Bobby Joe’s 60s Bar

Pattaya to become a new center for Sports-tourism

All Blacks and Springboks face changes ahead of Saturday matches

St Andrew’s...patron saint of drivers?

Join in the Bangkok vs. Eastern Seaboard Golf Challenge

Pearce & Healy back, and in form

Lamun, Al and Phil are the IPGC Champs

Leigh Sienkiewicz Bedevils Wangjuntr

Norm Robinson Wins IPGC Warm-up

Teams battle for third and fourth place

Pattaya 9 Ball Pool League

Lawn Bowling League from The Bowling Green

Wednesday Quiz League

Sunday Quiz League

Pattaya Pool League

The Square Ring

Clean sweep for 788 Autosport

PATTAPA SPORTS ROUND-UP

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.