One Gold and two Bronze for Thailand at South East Asian Bodybuilding Championships

Somsri Turintaisong won Gold in the 70 kgs category in Bali at the South East Asian Bodybuilding Championships, last weekend.

Two other Thai competitors, Kongthid Hanchayuttakom (65 kgs) and Somkhit Sumathovechakul (55 kgs) each were placed third in their weight category.

Pakpong Kriangsak (center), Thailand Bodybuilding Association president with the Thai medal winners at South East Asian Bodybuilding Championships, recently held in Bali.

More than 52 athletes from Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Myanmar, Indonesia and Thailand took part in the competition in Bali.

Pakpong Kriangsak, Thailand Bodybuilding Association president said, "I was pleased with the performance of the team and I have high hopes for the Thai team for the next Asian Championships which will be held in Bahrain in September this year".

Somsri Turintaisong won Gold in the 70 kg class in Bali.

"There are more young men joining the sport of bodybuilding in Thailand so we hope to see more Thai athletes able to join the international competition", he added.

For more information please contact to Pakpong Kriangsak Tel. 0 2254 9540 or Nattawan Iamsittipol Tel : 0 2634 3220-1.

American wrestling is coming to Pattaya!

Grand opening July 3

Top wrestling superstars from around the world will be invading Pattaya at the Market complex on 2nd Road.

A new purpose-built venue has been especially designed by an architect from Bangkok, which is in the progress of being constructed ready for the grand opening on the July 3.

A spokesman for the Thailand Wrestling Federation (TWF) who will be promoting three shows every evening in Pattaya has stated the events will prove to be extremely popular with both tourists and locals alike and with the national TV coverage which is also planned. It will attract many wrestling fans from further a field. At the moment you can only watch televised shows on cable TV here in Thailand, however due to the popularity of the entertaining sport it is destined to become one of Pattaya’s top live night spots.

Top wrestling superstars from around the world will be invading Pattaya at The Market on 2nd Road, from this weekend.

Famous wrestlers from all over the world will be flying in for the shows kicking of with the former WWF superstar Doink the Clown, British Welterweight Champion Johnny Storm, the outspoken heavyweight title holder Shooting Star from Las Vegas, USA, British Amateur Champion and bodybuilder Charlie Rage, colourful ring superstar from London, England Baxter Burridge, the UK’s youngest wrestler at 16 years of age Phil Lea and former WWF star Dusty Wolfe from Texas, USA who has fought against Hulk Hogan and many other top American wrestlers all over the world.

Wrestlers will be competing in different types of matches from standard, single and tag contests to American Rumble events, ladder matches and hardcore events. With non-stop action guaranteed all the way and with the special lighting effects, sound system etc.

The atmosphere will be electrifying and is good all-round entertainment for people of all ages. A large range of wrestling souvenirs will be on sale and you will also have the opportunity of having a photograph taken in the ring with the wrestling superstars. Refreshments will also be available at the venue.

There will be three shows nightly at 7 p.m., 8.30 p.m. and 10 p.m. Tickets for ringside and tiered seating are available in advance at the Market Complex Box Office Tel. 038 488 196.

Paul Quodomine Bang On at Bangpra

IPGC Bunker Boys at the OK Corral

On Tuesday June 22, more than twenty bleary-eyed golfers took the road to the beautiful Bangpra International Golf Club for their weekly medal event. Many had stayed awake until four in the morning, savouring England’s football victory, but the draw of a round of golf was too strong and all thoughts of sleep were postponed.

The course was immaculately presented and the greens had lost some of their legendary ‘zip’, a result of the heavy rains of late. Scores were good and with the cut at 13, the two divisions held promise of a tight contest. Division one saw Don Frances post a fine net 73 which was good enough only for third place, as Bob Pearce’s level par 72 took second. John Healey’s consistency was rewarded with the spoils of victory and his net 70 took the day in the top flight. In division two the returning Bill Hewitt found the going tough and a stuttering back nine reminded him that it takes more than a couple of days to find a rhythm in Thailand.

PJ Redmond posted a net 75 to take third place, one behind Brian Bellis’s 74. Paul Quodomine’s previous round was in the IPGC Championship, and was a catalogue of disasters but this time he managed to take thirty-seven shots off his round and an excellent net 69 brought him the flight victory. Bob Pearce had the temerity to shoot two birdie two’s and he shared the Super Sawng award with Ryan Martin but Mr. Loy’s confusion with names at the presentation made sure he would be the beneficiary of the Banana Booby. It was a good day but for many the thought of sleep was the perfect ending!

Healey and Pearce Complete Double

Another large group of Bunker Boys travelled to Eastern Star on Thursday June24, for their weekly stableford event and found the course very well presented, with the exception of the greens which had been recently sanded. With the cut at seventeen the two divisions found the strong breeze a constant problem and they struggled to put together good scores. Division two heralded Mr. Loy and Tom McCarthy and their brace of 34 point totals gave them a share of the runner-up place. The old head of PJ Redmond was canny enough to keep his game together and his level par 36 point score proved the best in the flight.

Division one golfers could be forgiven if they suffered deja-vu because it was the same pair of golfers at the top of the pile as previously as Bob Pearce’s 36 and John Healey’s 39 were the best returns of the day.

Steve Nowell also turned in a 36 point card but he has generously taken a cut of three in Bunker Boys’ competitions, leaving him with a competition score of 33, thus Rick Schramm took the final place on the podium with his 34 point total. There were three birdie two’s and Len Jones, Norm Robinson and Bill "Birdie" Hewitt all took a share of the Super Sawng pot. Paul Quodomine’s low score of 26 points was ignored as Mark Joshua arrived at the presentation and received the Bunker Banana Booby for a catalogue of misdemeanours, including missing a presentation, forgetting a golf rule and beating Mr. Loy at pool! It seems nobody is safe when the fruit is about to be awarded.

Tereszkiewcz spells trouble for the field

IPGC Golf From Lewiinksi’s

Sunday June20
Green Valley White Tees
Stableford

1st Place A Flight: Rick Sharp, 42 points

2nd Place A Flight: Clive Bruce, 41 points

3rd Place A Flight: Jack Grindvold, 40 points

1st Place B Flight: Joe Mooneyham, 39 points

2nd Place B Flight: Richard Tereszkiewcz, 38 points

3rd Place B Flight: Bob Lindborg, 38 points

A scant week after Leigh Sienkeiwicz’s name set atop the weekly column who should come along but Richard ‘The Alphabet’ Tereszkiewcz to do the same. Is it the lure of the Society’s name? Are there golfers out there that do not realize that the patron saint of the pub is the former mouthpiece of the former American President, or has the place been mistakenly adjudged a Polish halfway house? Whatever the case, there is little doubt that Richard was deserving of the recognition although, admittedly, it began with a relatively non-descript second place finish in this day’s B Flight to Joe Mooneyham’s winning 39 tally. Further, the second place award was only by benefit of the dreaded count back over steady Bob Lindborg. It should be noted that the Alphabet’s 38 points computed out to a score of 90, one shy of the never before, by him, penetrated 80s. Would the Alphabet’s chance come later in the week? Read on.

Ah, ‘The Hermit’! Self-admittedly off form the past several weeks, rumors were circulating that it might be time to hang up the golf shirts and accept that seeming date with the destiny of a monk’s frock. But not so quick! Swinging, stumbling and slashing his way around home course Green Valley came the ol’ boy himself and put a 42 point shellacking on the A Flight field. The hardest hit victims were podium mates Clive Bruce and Jack Grindvold who themselves were brilliant at 41 and 40 points respectively. This left only unspendable kudos for the sub-handicap efforts of John McHugh (39 points), Mike Allidi (38 points) and Steve Mascari (37 points).

Monday June21
Pattaya C.C. White Tees
Stableford

1st Place: Lamun Hanley, 38 points

2nd Place: Ray Dell, 36 points

The better looking half of the Hanley household, Lamun, fresh from winning the Overall Ladies Championship in the recently completed 4th IPGC Championships, showed it was no fluke by leaving the field two points adrift with her 38 point outpouring. Ray Dell garnered what accolades were left with a count back victory over Jim Brackett, who was to play well all week after coming off a bad back induced hiatus from the game.

Wednesday June23
Khao Kheow, A & C White Tees
Stroke/Medal

1st Place A Flight: Rick Sharp, net 65

2nd Place A Flight: John Emmerson, net 70

1st Place B Flight: Colin Davis, net 67

2nd Place B Flight: Richard Tereszkiewcz, net 67

Near Pin: #C8 Brian Wilkinson

The day had originally been billed as an optional Yellow Tees/White Tees competition but the ominous winds and daunting architecture of Pete Dye’s Eastern Seaboard contribution found the entire field content with moving forward to the white tees. Consequently the scores were lower then might generally be expected. Rick ‘The Hermit’ Sharp who can still bang ‘em with the best continued his recent good form and cleared the A Flight field by five strokes! How did this scribe give this effort the title slot? Is it because he, and many of those around the Pattaya golf scene, are never surprised about what Rick can do on a golf course? Perhaps. Is it because Rick has won nearly everything in this town at one time or another? Perhaps. Whatever, the reason, suffice it to say ‘The Hermit’ is on form now! Relegated to a postscript, Golf Manager John Emmerson claimed the second step, one ahead of the only other A Flight player to better his handicap, Steve Mascari.

Colin ‘The Donkey’ Davis pipped Richard ‘The Alphabet’ Tereszkiewcz on count back to lead a host of sub-handicap players. Special recognition (but not the monetary kind) should be accorded to Pete Stonebridge and Ray Dell for their net 69’s and Ken Kutzing and Tom Noonan for their net 70’s. It escaped the scope of this coverage but ‘The Alphabet’ had broke 90 for the first time in his career the previous day in a friendly at Laem Chabang. His gross score of this day was 87. That’s twice now!

Friday June25
Phoenix, Mountain & Ocean White Tees
Stableford

1st Place A Flight: Mike Allidi, 39 points

2nd Place A Flight: Jim Brackett, 38 points

1st Place B Flight: Richard Tereszkiewcz, 39 points

2nd Place B Flight: Tom Noonan, 38 points

Near Pin: #7 Mike Allidi

Bring on scores in the 70’s. At least that is what Richard Tereszkiewcz was thinking as he buried the demons of the previously impenetrable 80’s by managing 39 points and a calculated score of 89 on the day. That was good for the lead in B Flight on the day and was his third eighty-esque round of the last four days. The Alphabet now belongs there! Tom Noonan showed he intended to supplement his vacation budget as he took the second slot in B Flight. Mike Allidi and Jim Brackett duplicated the winning scores of B Flight and that left Richard Garland, out in the count back cold. That poor ol’ Florida boy wouldn’t have had baht bus money home if it hadn’t been for a nice little donation by his playing sidekick Pete Murray.

KELLY & Kendall Excel

IPGC TAGGS Golf from The Haven

Monday June 21
Khao Kheow
Medal

1st Fred Ewins, 70

2nd Al Rolnik, 72

3rd Yasuo Suzuki, 72

High winds and humid conditions made the A & C course a little more difficult than usual off the short white tees and the scores reflected this. Despite the surprisingly firm fairways only Fred, playing as steady as ever managed to break par. Playing off the white tees it was not surprising that the 2’s were shared by four players, Yasuo Suzuki, Jimmy Little, Takeshi Hakozaki & Al Rolnik. Before presenting the prizes, Richard Livingston, the resident PGA Professional, welcomed back Glyn Nicholas.

Wednesday June 23
Bangphra
Stableford

1st Brian Kelly, 40
2nd Bob Lindborg, 37
3rd Mike Dabanovich, 34
4th Dave Lee, 33

Brian, in only his 5th game back from UK, swept the field on an excellent day for golf, slightly overcast, nice cooling breeze and a course in good condition with hard medium fast greens. No doubt his 30 putts made the difference as only Bob could also manage to break his handicap on the day. Mike, playing in his first game back scored a very creditable 34 points with Dave rounding out the podium positions. Brian scored the only 2 of the day and so left the Haven with a fat wallet. Prior to the prize giving, Richard Livingston welcomed Alan Griffiths and Chia-Lin Hsieh before making a sad farewell to Gordon Langtree.

Friday June 25
Pattaya Country Club
Stableford

1st John Kendall, 42

2nd Rick Scramm, 38

3rd Al Rolnik, 36

The day was overcast with frequent light showers and gusting winds. The course in poor shape with ragged tee boxes, over watered fairways and bumpy sanded greens, yet against all the odds, John managed to destroy the course with his best round for some time, He started with a snowman for a mediocre front 9 but stormed thro the back 9 in 38 gross. Rick and Al both enjoyed excellent form to round out the podium positions. The 2’s were shared by Saranya, Takeshi and the man of the day, John Kendall. Back at the Haven, Richard Livingston welcomed Gary Bingham and bade farewell to Glyn Nicholas, Takeshi Hakozaki & Paul Taylor

Footnote: Our host, Stephen Beard, was admitted back in hospital on Weds night in a very weakened condition and we all wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him in his usual chair very soon.

Tai And Saen Make At A Ladies Double

Mike Franklin

Tai Kennedy and Saen Jaroenwong capitalized on their success in Shenanigans Stableford competition earlier in the week, by returning the best scores of the day in the Diana Seniors & Ladies June Open at Pattaya Country Club. Tai continued her good form and accurate long driving off the tee by scoring 46 Stableford points to win the Ladies trophy.

Saen made a slow start but a back nine total of 26 points resulted in 41 points in total and the runner-up spot. Chris John won for the seniors with a steady round and 37 points that was just enough to beat Alan Pearce with 36 points into second place.

Danny Dyke took the Super Seniors trophy scoring 39 points just one better than Keith Avery’s wore of 38.

Tai Kennedy was nearest the pin on #5, Keith Avery on #7, newcomer Doug Chalkley on #12 and Vidor Enquist, also a newcomer, on #16. Longest first putts were sunk by Bob Short and Dickie Barbe on # 9 and # 18 respectively.

The weather was fine with a strong wind, making the playing conditions near perfect but not easier in terms of scoring, except for the select few.

Newcomers to the event were welcomed at the prize-giving, including Tai Kennedy, Saen Jaroenwong Vidor Enquist, Unti Lampinen, Terry Morris and Doug Chalkley, plus a welcome return by Dong Jeffrey.

The next Diana Seniors & Ladies Open is on Thursday July 29 at Pattaya Country Club. Sign-up forms are up in the Green Bottle and at the Diana Garden Resort Driving Range, North Pattaya.

At last a win for Jim

Tuesday June 22, The Bunker Boys went to Phoenix for a Medal competition playing the Mountain and Lakes courses on a very windy day.

Jim Payne notched up his first solo win. His net 71 was enough to edge out Mick Ramshaw into second place who came in with a net 72 whilst third place was claimed by Keith Smithson with net 74.

For a change The Bunker Boys played a ‘Nearest the Pins’ competition on the par 3 holes instead of their usual 2’s competition. These prizes were won by Gary Knapp, Vic Simmons and Keith Smithson and The Bunker Banana Booby prize was awarded to Brian Bradley.

Skill of the Irish

Thursday June 24 saw The Bunker Boys’ playing a Stableford competition at the Pattaya Country Club. Despite the greens being sanded there were some good scorecards handed in.

Topping the pile in first place was Irishman Seamus Brennan with a fine score of 38 Stableford points. Second place went to Keith Smithson and third place was narrowly claimed by Mick Ramshaw with 37 and 36 stableford points respectively.

Staying with the popular ‘Nearest the Pins’ competition saw Mike Parsons, Keith Smithson and Paul Rose walk off with the prizes whilst The Bunker Bananas were won by Joe Bailey.

The Bunker Bar hosted a re-opening party on Saturday June 26 after the recent refurbishment the Bar has undergone. This was attended by many regulars from their pool, darts and quiz teams with their partners as well as the loyal Bunker Boys’ golfers. With copious amounts of food and drink consumed everyone had a fabulous time and went home happy.

Don’t forget you can keep up to date with events at The Bunker by visiting our website @ www.bunkerboysgolf.com

Tai Kennedy prodigious off the tee

Mike Franklin

Chonburi Century is one of the most natural golf courses in the region and, like its neighboring courses Treasure Hill and Noble Place, is one of the most challenging. The lack of clubhouse facilities limits the visits that one can make in organized golf, but with smaller groups in the low season it becomes possible. Sensibly the management has increased the number of showers to seven and the addition of good lockers would open the door even more. That said the layout of the course is a pleasant surprise for newcomers, not to mention the relatively low cost of playing there.

It was a fine day with a clear sky and strong cooling wind. The greens are a challenge with subtle undulations and difficult to gauge the speed. The nature of the course throws up quite a few blind shots so a well chosen caddy is worth finding.

Saen, Tai, Mike & Banjob with Ice & Samm helping during the prize giving Shenanigans.

Best of the day came from Tai Kennedy with forty-one Stableford points, nine clear of runner-up Mark Guthrie with thirty-two. Tai does hit a long ball off the tee and was rarely out of the fairway and, with a respectable short game, was able to score well off a twenty-seven handicap - no doubt due for a cut.

There was a four-way tie for third place with thirty points. Saen Jaroenwong, scoring twenty points on the back nine, won the count-back over Mikael Andersson, Barry Rothberg and Jack Moseley.

The small field justified only three technical prizes. Everyone passed up the long par three 7th; Banjob Franklin was closest on the 13th and Saen Jaroenwong sank the longest putt on the 18th.

Back at Shenanigans it was business as usual with an excellent 100 baht ‘Tuesday Special’ comprising Roast Pork, Shenanigans Potatoes & Mixed Vegetables. Newcomers Dave Earthrowl and Jack Moseley were duly welcomed and it was welcome back to Barry Rothberg and Gary Blackburne.

Tuesday 6th July is the next outing, returning to Sriracha International Golf Club for a Pairs Scramble and to check out the continuing improvements there. Sign-up, in Pairs please, at Shenanigans.

Wednesday Quiz League

Jomtien 8 Ball Pool League

Pattaya 9 Ball Pool League

Sunday Quiz League

Standings remain unchanged as leaders lose

Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League

For probably the only time in this league no team has moved up or down the standings. Some teams did gain on first and second place as the leaders only managed to win one point each.

200 bowlers, Bill, Mai, Jim and Kran.

Cafe Kronborg who is starting to win more, took three points from first place Three Sisters with good bowling by both teams. Kran led Kronborg with a 216 game and 581 series. La was best for Three Sisters with a 529-pin count and P.K. added 500 even. Jack & Tar, lead by Mai’s 200 game, 513 series, took three points from second place Brother D. Captain Bill led his VFW Post 9876 team to a three and a half point win over House of the Golden Coin, as he rolled 220, 192, 177, 589 series. Tue was best for House of the Golden Coin with a 533 pin total. Cafe Ole kept them selves in the middle of the pack by taking three points from Nam Tip. Jim led Cafe Ole with a 204 game, 560 series and Somrak rolled a 515 series. Lenz bowled a 531 series to help Q Cars salvage a two-two
split with Alt Koelle. Captain Otto was best for Alt Koelle knocking down 538 pins.

Pattaya Pool League

PH3 Run 1059

What a great day for a run! The sun is out for the first time in two weeks. The bus ride smooth and easy; the A-site perfectly triangulated with the Learning Resort for optimum Osmosis of Knowledge. The Hares, Froggy and Froggette were in Frog heaven, their tongues lashing out in every direction recoiling covered like fly paper with froggy delights. To the non amphibian this was a fly infected pit where one had to wear a mask to avoid overdosing on protein.

Form a circle, Sir Chicken F christened a new pair of hush puppies (trend setting?) stuck to the feet of our long lost Gonzo. Flying Frog and V.V. explained the run in their finest English and when that didn’t work V.V. led everyone to the paper. It was a good run. Obewan and I set a torrid pace and were easily the first to return. Others straggled in shortly thereafter with some confusion over no paper. Some runners new to the area totally lost and confused returned after two hours. It was a hot evening and the beers were going down easy for myself and retired GM General Kidney Wiper. It was about then that our beloved Sir Airhead arrived appearing dazed and seriously alcohol poisoned.

As men of letters, he and Karamba exchanged large books with false novel like covers hiding the sex manuals inside. I continued pounding cervezas in a failed attempt to keep up with ‘Don’t come back’ when one again, form a circle. I found myself between Drippy and Gonzo, when out of nowhere came Sir Chicken F and hash flash, Tampax to tell me that I have won the lottery, I am hash scribe! I pleaded that I was in no condition for such a responsibility, but to no avail. I took to my task seriously, with my scribe kit in hand, taking copious notes. At nights end I placed them carefully on the bed stand only to awaken in the morning and find out that Scooby Doo, my wife, had eaten them. So that leaves me with my memory and senile dementia; needless to say, the rest of the night is somewhat cloudy. So check the hash stats to see what happened (page 3, or web page). The R.A’s were great, Sir Airhead, S. Stains, even Flying Frog. All were dishing out justice in their unique styles.

People were named and anniversaries were celebrated and someone got a 100 run T-shirt with a picture of a dog licking its little thing. I do remember the bus ride back. That was enough to bring all but a few back to their senses. The longest short ride ever! A good case here for some kind of hash security to be present on all return trips. The happy hour at Olala was a great feed in a great environment. Thank You! Then talking with Gonzo who was wearing a 15 year old hash shirt and by some reports hadn’t been seen since then; involved a few gestures like, Where you been mate? His reply "I had my d**k stuck in a door. Whiskey Tango it was." The message! "Don’t ever stay out of touch for so long".

On On
DLiD

Somtam Express sails away with the inaugural Quantum Naga Cup

June 26 & 27 in Phuket

Rarely does the situation arise in Phuket where yacht racers are faced with the dilemma of having to deal with big breeze. This was the case however, last weekend, where four of the regions top crews gathered for the inaugural Phuket Sports 8 Quantum Naga Cup.

An international event with competitors from Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia taking part in what is shaping up to be the emerging one-design yacht racing class for South East Asia. Sponsors the likes of Quantam Sail Design and Foster’s Lager also helped to increase the events status and also aided in making it a truly great weekend.

Strong winds and hard racing saw many clashes on the water last weekend.

‘Securicor Somtam Express’ skippered by Scott Duncanson dominated the very tough event, with 5 wins from 6 races and took home a brand new ‘Fusion M headsail’ by Quantum Sal design for his efforts. The regatta was held over the two days of sailing in quite uncharacteristic conditions for the resort island.

Races were structured into six windward/leeward returns where the fleet completed two laps of the course for one race.

Day one saw winds of 18-22 knots with gusts of at least 25 knots bustling through Chalong Bay at the island’s southern tip.

With three scheduled races on the first day Securicor Somtam Express and Pla Loma (which translates to ‘Dolphin’ in Thai) skippered by Singapore’s yachting veteran Keith Moore, were the boats to watch and they started Race 1 hot on each other heels, beating up to the windward mark where the fleet all seemed to enjoy the comparatively flat upwind conditions.

Securicor were the first boat to reach the top mark and after rounding, launched their fractional spinnaker at the front of the fleet and raced off down hill. Securicor however were the only crew to hold on to their shoot in such heavy breeze and some inexperience showed through from Vino by Watermark helmed by Joshua Lee who was on his second ever outing on his newly acquired Phuket Sports 8.

After the first jybe, Vino was hit by a big gust and was knocked-down to starboard. With the rudder out of the water, Lee had no steering capabilities, however some quick thinking from the skipper to release the halyard righted the boat and they kept sailing, managing to save their brand new spinnaker from any damage.

Securicor and Pla Loma neck and neck to the first mark in race 4 on day two of the inaugural Quantum Naga Cup.

Pla Loma and Image Asia Attitude 8 (skippered by Mark Horwood) also had problems in the extremely heavy conditions with both yachts losing control downwind.

Securicor managed to sail through without any major threat for a win in race one, followed by Pla Loma.

Image Asia Attitude 8 and Vino thought it better to stay with a two sail downwind run on leg 2 and finished well behind the front runners.

Race 2 on day 1 again saw Securicor lead to the first windward mark just in front of Pla Loma, and just after quite a heavy rain squall hit the bay. At the top mark however Duncanson on Securicor managed to catch his keel on the marks anchor rope resulting in a crew member having to dive under the boat to release the tangle. This cost Securicor valuable time and allowed Pla Loma, Vino by Watermark and Image Asia Attitude 8 all to sail past.

Vino again sailed their downwind leg on two sails trying to get a feel for the boat, which allowed Duncanson to sneak back into second position. Keith Moore on Pla Loma took the lead down to the leeward pin. Image Asia Attitude 8 again experienced some awful luck down wind, breaking their rudder stock under the increased pressure which unfortunately put an end to their regatta.

Securicor followed Pla Loma to the windward mark again pulling Moore into a tacking dual. Duncanson finally broke Moore’s covering maneuvers, got around the top mark and managed to maintain his lead to the finish line showing some brilliant bursts of speed downwind.

After the race mainsheet trimmer and tactician Muzza Nordstrand recalled speeds of 17-18 knots on the last downwind leg. Moore and Pla Loma finished only seconds behind with Vino by Watermark sailing into third place.

Race 3 and after another great upwind beat Pla Loma came around the top mark looking good. It seemed Moore had finally found his straps and began to feel comfortable on his first ever Phuket 8 outing. Securicor rounded only half a minute later to see Pla Loma running over their spinnaker after a hurried hoist. The shoot managed to wrap itself around the keel. Luckily, Pla Loma had Bruce Anson from Quantum Sail Design, the fleet’s sailmaker, on board.

Anson swiftly leapt overboard, gathered the entire spinnaker underwater and hacked it off just below the head, freeing the sail, which allowed the boat to keep racing. To the crews credit they also turned back to collect the damaged sail - not to keep, but to remove it from the race course where it could have caused other competitors some damage.

This mishap allowed Securicor to race away. Vino by Watermark scored a second place for the first time in the regatta and Pla Loma with their heads held high kept sailing and took out third place.

Day two saw the conditions lighten, but only slightly. Wave conditions in the bay had seemed to flatten out overnight resulting in some very competitive sailing.

Pla Loma and Vino by Watermark had seemed to iron out any flaws they may have had on day one and were now racing with renewed vigor.

Race 4 on day two saw Pla Loma and Securicor begin a battle which continued for the entire day. Pre race duals had the two boats hustling for position. Josh Lee on Vino by Watermark smartly decided to stay away from this struggle attempting to get a better start at the line than on the previous day.

Securicor and Pla Loma led neck and neck to the first mark in race 4 with little difference between them. Vino by Watermark experienced more trouble lifting their spinnaker just after the mark when their halyard was caught on their top spreader. They eventually managed to untangle the mess but lost valuable time and allowed the front runners to extend their lead.

In the second lap of race 4 Pla Loma’s upwind speed had greatly improved compared to day one. Securicor just managed to shut out Moore and Pla Loma with some good covering maneuvers at the top mark, and managed to maintain their lead to the finish once again showing some exceptional downhill speed.

Race 5 saw the tables turn and Keith Moore and Pla Loma after a cracking port tack start led all the way to the windward mark. Securicor also took to the starboard side of the course and the two boats dueled all the way upwind. Vino took off to port and once they all reach the top mark, the three boats were within seconds of each other rounding the buoy.

Downwind, all three crews kept it together, flying their spinnakers all the way to the leeward pin. Josh Lee and Vino by Watermark finally got in the groove downwind and looked splendid under full sail displaying their new and very apt logo of a winged wine bottle.

Upwind again in race 5 was another tacking dual between Pla Loma and Securicor. This time it was Moore’s persistence that paid off. After probably 15 tacks coming into the windward mark Securicor conceded, ducking beneath Pla Loma allowing them to round first. Pla Loma then led all the way downhill to the finish but only narrowly held out Securicor who crossed seconds behind. Lee on Vino also showed some downhill brilliance and finished another 20 seconds behind Securicor.

The last race of the weekend was certainly one of the most exciting. Josh Lee was finally showing confidence at the helm and the crew work on Vino seemed to have become a little sharper than on day 1. Pla Loma again showed their improved upwind speed and led all the way around the course to the second windward rounding. Shortly after rounding the mark it all went sideways for Pla Loma when they once again found themselves with the spinnaker in the water after the halyard became jammed between the lower shrouds. This gave Lee aboard Vino one final chance of a second place in their last race. It all looked like a dream run for Vino until they left their final gybe a little too late broaching directly in front of the start boat and allowing Moore to steal second place in the last race and the regatta.

The winner Duncanson commented: "Although the results may not show as such, it was a fiercely contested event. We didn’t let our guard down once and if we had Keith (Moore) would have been all over us. By the end of the regatta all crews had shown dramatic boat handling and tactical improvements, which is what one-design sailing is all about. To top it off it was also a wonderful social event thanks to Foster’s, Quantum and Latitude 8 our three sponsors".

The Phuket Sports 8’s will next meet at Phuket’s newest international regatta - Phuket Race Week held from July 10 -17 from the Evason Resort on Rawai Beach.

Final point scores:

Securicor Somtam Express 7 points; Pla Loma 12 points; Vino by Watermark 18 points; Image Asia Attitude 8, 25 points.

The Squore Ring

By Howie Reed

I would like to start this weeks effort with condolences to the wife of Paul Johnson who became just one of the latest victim of terrorism in the world. A Yank but like many of us, Johnson had spent many years in Thailand between tours of earning in Saudi. His wife, Kok, worked at Bourbon Street Restaurant, one of my favorite place’s when visiting Bangkok, for a number of years. In fact just a short time ago Johnson and his wife spent the New Years with friends Ned and Ott Hughes of the Silver Dollar in Bangkok and Moonshine in Jomtien. I didn’t know Mr. Johnson, but did share his love of Thailand and many friends. Our warm wishes go out to the family and friends. Also the Square Ring would like to acknowledge the death in an auto accident of Thailand Boxing Promoter Kamo Kris. He is remembered as bringing into the country fighters from foreign soil. He worked with champions Somsak, Denkaosan, Poomsawan for Galaxy Promotions

Favorite of this column, featherweight champion Manny Pacquaio was visiting Thailand with his family last week. If you missed his press conference on Channel Seven join the club. Me too. I did though have spies tell me that he was on the telly at the request of promoter Jimmy Chaichotchuang. His appearance was part of the hype for the IBF Pan Pacific Bantamweight title fight between Terapong Kaewnongsamed (15-0), IBF Pan Pacific Champ) and Michael Domingo (14-10-3). The date is July 12 in Bangkok.

Robin Reid (L) and Brian Magee in action during the IBO super-middleweight title fight at King’s Hall, Belfast, Saturday June 26. (AP Photo/Michael Cooper, PA)

Of more current news there were a couple of fights last week in the Kingdom. WBA #11 Pongsith Wiengwiset (11-1) the PABA superfeather champ kept his belt with a fourth round TKO over RP#2 Jesar Ancajas(2-3). Wiengwiset was a two time Olympian moving up the professional ladder. As both regular readers know when a Filipino fighter is invited to box in Thailand it’s usually like the barker say "Come on in. You like." Filipino fighter Gerome Alongso, with no official ring record, turned the tables and shocked a Thai crowd when he stopped former WBA 115lb champ in Yokthai Sithoar (29-6-3). Much like what’s behind the "Come on in Mister" he did it with bodywork. Sithoar like many fighters was going along swimmingly at 29-3-0 when the roof caved in. He lost a UD (07-96, 97-96, 97-94) to Manabu Fukushima (2406). Next out he lost a split decision (98-94, 97-97, 95-96) to Shoji Kimura Kitami (16-0). Last 5 the Thai is 0-3-2. Maybe time for another line of endeavor.

The good news was that last Saturday WBC#2 Napapol Kiatisakchokchai (25-2) defended his WBC International 122lb title successfully against Tanzanian champ Allan Kamote. He got a 4 round KO which was part of the celebration at 700 Years Anniversary Sports Stadium in Chiangmai. In another bout, WBC bantam king Veerapol Nakornluang (aka Veeraphol Sahaprom) 44-1-2 faced Rajabu Mahoja who had no "official record". TKO in 5. Next.

Robin Reid celebrates after beating Brian Magee in the IBO super-middleweight title fight at King’s Hall, Belfast. (AP Photo/Michael Cooper, PA)

Former WBC fly king now superfly Chatchai Sasakul (46-2, 30 KOs) successfully retained his ABCO 118lb interim title when he stopped Jun Macsipoc (16-18-4) last Friday in 8th. Two things of importance here. I have no idea what the ABCO "interim title" is worth. I would guess about as much as a "I love you all my heart" just before closing. Tye second but most important is that Jun Macsipoc is "terrible". Actually, "terrible" is much too kind a word. His 16-18 record may be a little deceiving. Over his last 16 he’s got 1 win, 12 loses and three draws. Still not convinced? Macsipoc lost to Jerry Pahayahay. Case closed.

Pretty darn good fight in Belfast. TSR’s Chris Jones reports. " Great fight! Brian Magee vs. Robin Reid for the IBO Super Middleweight Title, Closest fight I’ve ever seen! Brian Magee had to win to launch himself into the top echelon. Reid to save his career. The clash of styles might have been a problem. The first 4 rounds proved it. Magee lost a point for a low blow. Reid added to his point total with his first knockdown from a crunching left cross. In the 5th Reid suffered a severe head cut from a clash of heads. It seemed to give Reid a new lease of life as he put Magee down for the 2nd time. Round 8 though was the most eventful with Reid unleashing a devastating right cross knocking Magee down for a 3rd time. As soon as Magee got up he was put down for the 4th time. The reason it was so close was that apart from these knockdowns, Magee won each round, he wasn’t knocked down. It also helped he was in his hometown so the judges could have gone towards Magee but the unanimous decision (115-112, 114-111, 113-112) went to the veteran Robin Reid the new IBO Super Middleweight Champion!"

It’s official Mike Tyson will fight Danny Williams on July 30 in Louisville, Kentucky for nothing more than money. The final roadblock to the fight and the resumption of Tyson’s career was the King-Tyson lawsuit. That was settled just days ago. Here’s the Square Ring scenario. Tyson wins this fight, then goes to Atlantic City to face Antonio Tarver. Tyson wins. Then on to Las Vegas where he fights one of Don King’s heavyweight champions who now can’t even draw a stare much less a paying crowd. Laila Ali, daughter of, has been added to the Louisville card.

WBC 112 King, Pongsaklek Wonjongkam (51-2) will be defending his title for the 11th when he takes on Mexican Luis Angel Martinez (12-3-1) July 15 in Khonkaen. This is a mismatch of gigantic proportions. Martinez has struggled against average opposition in his native Mexico while showing little power. The Champ is a completely different story. He hasn’t lost a fight February of 1996. His two loses both came to Jerry Pahayahay. Wonjongkam would get some revenge when he finally beat the durable Filipino in 1998. If ever there was a poster boy for staying too long in the game it would be Pahayahay. His been on the slippery slope down with no apparent inclination to retire. With a record of 35-46-2 someone should step up and pass on the news. How bad is it? He’s 2-14 in his last 16 and 9-26 for 35. Yet he presented Wonjongkam who is considered the best in the world at 112 his only two losses. Funny old game. I’ll drink to that.

Oh yes. Happy 4th of July to all the Expat’s in the Kingdom. Some years ago I had the pleasure of spending July 4th with International Dart Ambassador Barry Twomlow. To all that ever came into contact with Brit Barry, it was an experience that one would never forget. I had the pleasure over 20 years. Barry passed on two weeks ago. One 4th of July I attempted to have a little fun. "Yep Fourth of July. Big Holiday in America. That’s the day we tossed you Brits out of the country. Told you to take a hike." He took a sip of his pint of amber liquid, "Yes, know the date well. Might I say we were pleased to be rid of the likes of you." I’ll tip a few for Barry this year.