SPORTS
HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]:

William Macey wins 2-day Bunker Championship

Arthur Hancock & Toi Blair Scramble Best

Trophy battle heating up

Royal Cliff and Dusit to join up

Wednesday Quiz League

Sunday Quiz League Results

Jomtien 8 Ball Pool League

Pattaya 9 Ball Pool League

Big week for Bill Plath

PSC 42nd Members Tournament

The Hanley’s take the honours at Green Valley

Bellis way out in front at Burapha

Bob Benda takes Burapha by storm

Doug Powell wins on count back at soggy Siam

Seraph Series has promising start at Ocean Marina

The Square Ring

Pattaya Grand Trophy opens in Pattaya

PATTAPA SPORTS ROUND-UP

William Macey wins 2-day Bunker Championship

PSC Golf with the Bunker

Day 1 - Phoenix
Country Club

On Tuesday September 14, the first day of a two day competition to decide The Bunker champion got underway.

William Macey (left) receives the Bunker Boys Championship Trophy from John Preddy.

It was a medal competition with 24 entrants, all being members of the Pattaya Sports Club; the overall winner would be the golfer with the best aggregate score over two days of golf at two different courses.

The first round was played off the white tees on the lakes and Ocean courses at Phoenix Country Club.

The first four ball returned to the clubhouse with George Redgewell handing in a scorecard with a net 74, but this was only to be in fifth place at the end of the day.

In the second four ball, 3 handicapper Mike Allidi found himself in the lead with a net 70 but in the next four ball William Macey returned a net score of 69 to take over the lead. Paul Rose in the fourth group returned a good net score of 71 to be within a shout while the fifth four ball saw Mitch Malone return to the clubhouse with a net 69. The last group didn’t trouble the leaders, so on to Century Ban Chang on Thursday.

Day 2 - Century Ban Chang

Thursday September 16 was a cloudy day with the threat of rain, indeed it did rain for half an hour during the middle of the round but that didn’t dampen the spirits of the golfers playing in the championship.

Terry Phur was to return with a net 68 to put himself in with a chance of a trophy and Mike Allidi carded a net 74 also to be in the running. But the main battle turned out to be between William Macey and Mitch Malone playing head to head.

The scoring was close throughout the game but the last four holes saw Mitch Malone falter and allow William Macey to overtake him to become The Bunker Champion of 2004. William carded two fine rounds of golf, with scores of 69 and 72 for a grand total of net 141. Mitch was one stroke back with 69 and 73 for a net 142, while Mike Allidi and Terry Phur were tied for third place, both finishing with net 144. Unluckily for Terry, Mike took third place on count back.

Bunker Championship leader board
1st place - William Macey - 141 net
2nd place - Mitch Malone - 142 net
3rd place - Mike Allidi - 144 net
4th place - Terry Phur - 144 net


Arthur Hancock & Toi Blair Scramble Best

Monday September 6 Century Ban Chang Medal

Mike Franklin

Pleasant overcast weather set the scene at Sriracha for the Shenanigans Pairs Scramble on Tuesday 14th September. Double booking on the 1st Tee caused a slightly confused start, but fortunately the 10th was clear for all groups, bar one, to set off.

(L to R) Shenanigans’ friendliest presenter Mike Franklin awards top prize to Toi Blair and Bob McLachlan, the latter being the friendly photo-call stand-in for winner Arthur Hancock. (Photo by Bill ‘Mosquito’ Johnstone)

Some good scores were returned on a rather damp course with little run, but all credit to the Arthur Hancock & Toi Blair pairing for a gross 71 and net 65 from their team handicap of 6. Runners-up Usa Chaiyosit & Mikael Andersson also scored gross 71 but a lower team handicap of 4.2 gave them a net 66.8.

The technical holes, kindly sponsored by Guinness, were the usual par 3s and were claimed by Ian Warwick, Charlie Davlin and Kim Fletcher. No-one managed to access the green on the par 3 8th. Toi Blair had the longest first putt on the 9th and I managed to sink a good one on the 18th, getting the line and pace from partner Banjob who narrowly missed. A high risk game this pairs golf!

The course continues to improve with quite a bit of work recently carried out on some of the greens, and the bunkers were in good shape.

Back at Shenanigans returning faces were duly welcomed in the form of Toi and Daryl Blair, Bob McLachlan and the inevitable Traylings Ed, Mam & Joe, now here to stay.

The Tuesday Soup & Pork Chop Night special at 150 baht was excellent, and part of the new Specials menu now available at Shenanigans.

The next outing on Tuesday 28th September is a warm-up at Eastern Star for the Shenanigans Men’s & Ladies Irish Open Championships on Friday October 1st.

Sign-up for both please, in Shenanigans.


Trophy battle heating up

Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League

With only three weeks remaining in this league the trophy hunt is heating up. Three Sisters lost three points to Brother D but remain in first place. Q Cars took all four points from Nam Tip and moved ahead of Café Kronborg into second place. VFW Post 9876 defeated Café Kronborg three points to one and knocked Kronborg down to third. Jack & Tar is in fourth place after taking three points from Alt Koelle. Cafe Ole lost to House of the Golden Coin winning only one point from Golden Coin.

200 bowlers (L to R) Gert-215, Kran-204, Jon-204, Lenz-215 & 208, and Bill-213.

The new league team draw will be held at PS Bowl above tops on October 15 followed by a fun-bowling day. The new league starts on October 22. All Pattaya Sports Club bowlers are invited to join the new league, just show up on October 15 at 13:30 and your name will be placed in the hat for the draw.


Royal Cliff and Dusit to join up

Local orphanages to benefit from marathon swim

It is a long way to walk from the Dusit Resort to the point at the Royal Cliff Beach Resort, but one man has found a shortcut. Simon Simms is ‘straight-lining’ it, intending to swim from the point, across the bay, to the Dusit. What is more, he is going to do this for charity, helping to raise funds for orphaned children, which will be administrated by the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya.

Simon Simms plans to swim from the Dusit to the Royal Cliff to raise funds for orphaned children.

Simon has been a Rotarian for many years and has done similar marathon swims for charity in Australia, but this is the first time he has done this here. Touched by the plight of children less fortunate than his own, he felt that a marathon swim could assist in a small way in bringing a little ‘extra’ something for the children.

The Jomtien-Pattaya Rotary Club has swung in behind him, as has the Pattaya Mail, and this novel event will happen on Sunday October 31 this year. All that is needed now is for some good-hearted folk out there in Pattaya (and the Eastern Seaboard) to get behind Simon and the Jomtien-Pattaya Rotary Club with some sponsorship. I am sure that for a reasonable sum in sponsorship, Simon could be persuaded to swim some of the way in corporate regalia!

Simon also welcomes any other long distance swimmers who would like to join him in the ‘swimathon’. Just bring along your swim trunks and some sponsorship! There will be one boat per swimmer, and so far he has never lost a swimmer in any of his marathons! Having been in the Australian Surf Life-saving association for many years, he means it too.

If you, or your company, would like to be part of this fun event, contact any member of the Jomtien-Pattaya Rotary Club, contact any member of the Jomtien-Pattaya Rotary Club, or Thor Halland tel. 038 488040, e-mail: [email protected]. Orphans will benefit from this aquatic experience.


Wednesday Quiz League

Results for 15th September 2004

Appeals

R2Q2: There are two Ossetia’s. One is North Ossetia which is a Russian Republic and the other is South Ossetia which is a province of Georgia. Beslan is in the Russian Republic of North Ossetia. The answer of Ossetia on its own is not acceptable. Nom’s Bar, Bunker, Londoner, Queen Victoria - all minus two points.

R3 Q8: The fastest hat trick in the football league was scored by James Hayter of AFC Bournemouth in a Football League Division 2 match against Wrexham in February 2004. Timed at 2 minutes 20 seconds.

R4Q4: Harry Oakes and Gwen Berryman were Dan and Doris Archer. In the 1950’s there were numerous ‘Archers’’ with names like Dan, Doris, Jack, Phil, Grace, Christine, Ben, Simone, Frank, Laura, Peggy, Lillian and Anthony William Daniel to name just thirteen. The Archers is too broad to accept. Cheers, LK Mansion, and Bunker - all minus two points.

R6Q3: A steelhead is a migratory form of Rainbow Trout and is a member of the salmon family. Either answer is correct. Two points to the twelve teams who wrote salmon.

R6 Q5: The Iron are Scunthorpe United. West Ham are the ‘Hammers’ although sometimes known as ‘The Irons’ (note the plural) No Change.

Appeals this week: Nom’s Bar 2, OK Corral 1.


Sunday Quiz League Results


Jomtien 8 Ball Pool League


Pattaya 9 Ball Pool League


Big week for Bill Plath

PSC Golf from the Cafe Kronborg

Monday September 13
Pattaya Country Club
Stroke

The much improved Pattaya Country Club was host for a stroke play competition in two flights, a flights 0 to 18 and b flight 18 up. Good scores were had by all.

Arthur Bailey

Bill Plath took the A flight with a net 68 ahead of Big Jeff Wylie in second with net 68. In third was Clive Robinson with Peter Stevens in fourth on net 76 after count back over Anders Carlson and Brian Noguer.

Steady Old Arthur Bailey took the B flight with a net 70 ahead of Richard Kubicki in second with a net 71. In third was Wayne Koch with a net 72, on count back ahead of Dave Richardson in fourth.

Thursday September 16
Laem Chabang
Stableford

Bill Plath

It is always a pleasure to visit this well manicured Jack Nicklaus course, and at this time of the year with ‘Sports Days’ on Tuesdays and Thursdays, it is time to fill up with memories before the ‘visitors’ come for the high season. Of course during this period we can make up the gap by playing the ‘lesser courses’ which we tend to forget during the summer.

On this day the test was the A & B courses, both tough and demanding courses. The winner of the day was, as also he was on Monday, Bill Plath with 40 points, ahead of in second Takeshi Hakozaki with 39 points. In third was Brian Noguer with 38 points and in fourth was Kenny Chung with 36 points.

Takeshi Hakozaki


PSC 42nd Members Tournament

Friday September 17
The Royal Thai Navy
Course Plutaluang

This competition is played in 4 divisions for the men and one for the ladies. The A & B flights are played in a stroke format, whilst the other three are played as a Stableford competition. On this day 96 warriors turned up for the test to be played on the North and West layouts of this 36-hole golf course.

Flight winners

On the day the course was well prepared and the players all assembled for a shotgun start after the normal efficient booking in, and changing in the fine new clubhouse.

Low gross and high points with golf chairman.

This is a fine complex of 4 nine holes, that anytime a group of golfers meets, starts the difference of opinion on the quality of the courses. There are those who are admirers of the courses and sing its praises, and there are those that do not play it if they can avoid it. The fact of the matter is that like all courses in the area, if you are playing well it is a great course, and if not, nobody can convince you it is not the course’s fault. One thing is certain, the welcome that is given by the controllers of the course and the fine service and prices in the clubhouse make this a venue to visit.

On the day the results were varied, but one thing is certain, when one man can shoot a gross 73, then the course can be played well. The rest of the results were special in that one or two others broke gross 80, in particular Jeff Wylie in the A flight and Ian Edwards in the B flight.

In the A flight the winner was the ever present Jeff Wylie with a fine net 70 and a gross 78. Jeff is always the one to beat in a gross competition. In second was Ito Akitoshi with a net 73 ahead of Sam Chinnapongse with a net 75. One of the innovations of the day was the new flight limit for the A flight, of handicap 12 in an attempt to get more ‘low’ handicappers to play. The ‘experiment’ will be closely watched.

In the B flight the run away winner was Ian Edwards with a net 65. Of interest to note is that Ian shot a Gross 79. If he keeps that up he will soon be good enough to play with the ‘Big Boys’. In second was Brian Noguer with a net 73 and in third was, losing a count back to Brian, Mike (Elvis) Gerrard, also 73.

So to the Stableford players, and the winner of the C flight was Richard Kubicki with 37 points, ahead of a count back on 36 points for second won by Phil Cause with Ramsey Smith in third.

The D flight was won by Danny Dyke with 36 points ahead of a count back on 34 points won by Keith Avery with Klaus Schiffer in third.

The ladies flight was won by Usa Chaiyosit with 35 points, ahead of Chant Schwulera on 33 points and Juanita Reed on 28 points.

The day was the ‘coming of age’ of the gross winner, as Thomas Johansson shot a fine 73 to win. Thomas has been telling me for some time he is better than his handicap of 6 and will come down, and on this day proved it. Maybe we should provide a perpetual low gross prize to save buying a monthly trophy.

The high points winner also has been knocking on the door for some time and 41 points saw Matt Kirkland win this easily.

At the presentation the golf chairman thanked all his helpers and his sponsors, mainly, PSC, Blue Parrot, Tahitian Queen, Cafe Kronborg, Mistys, Diana Group, 60’s Bar, Harley Bar and last but not least McAllisters.


The Hanley’s take the honours at Green Valley

IPGC TAGGS Golf From The Haven

Monday September 13th
Green Valley
Medal

1st Lamoon Hanley
2nd Trevor Schirmer
3rd Bob Lindborg

After the heavy rains of the previous day at Green Valley, the course was in excellent condition, although with the tees set right back, the course played very long, and not surprisingly there was only one score under par. That was from Lamoon Hanley, playing from the red tees that had not been moved back. Lamoon’s 71 was enough to beat Trevor Schirmer by two shots and Bob Lindborg who lost second place to the Sheep S*****r by virtue of a better back nine. The final podium place was taken by Big Al Rolnik who beat Masahi Kenata and Terry Morris on count back.

The Hanley Family - winners at Green Valley.

The twos were shared by Masashi Kenata and the other half of the Hanley household, John, in his last game before going back to Abu Dhabi.

Back at The Haven, Richard Livingston the resident PGA professional welcomed back Uto Kilvonen, Anders Eldebrandt and the Hanley family.

Wednesday September 15th
Bangpra
Bogey

1st William Lacy +2
2nd Trevor Schirmer A/s c/b a/s
3rd Al Rolnik A/s c/b 6 +1
4th Trevor Edge A/s c/b 6 -1

On a course that was, as usual, playing very long, only Bill Macy managed to shoot under par. His plus two was two shots better than Trevor Schirmer in second place and Al Rolnik in third, who edged out Trevor Edge with a better count back, back six.

Back at the Haven, Richard Livingston welcomed back P.J. Redmonds, Bill Macy and Chang Suh.

Friday September 17th
Eastern Star
Stableford

1st Richard Boyer
2nd Dave Lee
3rd Darryl Blair
4th Toy Blair

On a course that had been hit by heavy overnight rains, it was necessary to play with preferred lies. Trevor Edge managed to hit a long drive even beyond his wildest dreams - all of fifteen feet! Thereby exciting some of the local caddies. The competition itself was a stroll in the park for visitor Richard Boyer whose 43 points was six shots ahead of Dave Lee (Kimasabi), Darryl Blair and Toy Blair (no going to Bang Chang for Darryl). Dave took the second spot on the podium by virtue of his count back 21, with Darryl’s 20 and Toy’s 19.

The rollover twos pot was shared by Steve Lockart and Major Roy Thornton.

Back at the Haven Richard welcomed Malcolm McLachlan, and welcomed back Richard Boyer and Steve Lochart.


Bellis way out in front at Burapha

IPGC Bunker Boys from the OK Corral

A heavily overcast day on Tuesday, September 14, saw the Bunker Boys from the OK Corral travel to beautiful Burapha for their weekly medal event.

The assigned courses were the American Wood and British Links and the single flight played the course from the blue tees.

Scores were not great and Richard Wardell gets another mention this week for his net 75 which brought him third place. One shot ahead was Ron Gale who must be ruing dropping seven shots on B 6 and 7 for it gave him net 74 and no better. Brian Bellis, so consistent of late, fired the day’s only sub par round and his excellent net 71 took the day’s major honour.

Eddie Blackwell had the joy of securing two birdie twos. His failure to complete the course led to him miss the presentation, but he took comfort in the fact that he still avoided winning the Banana Booby. In fact, a strange coincidence led to two golfers, Harry Cowling and Ian Phillips, not from the same playing group, doffing their caps on the eighteenth and waving their clubs “cricket style” to celebrate their hundredth shot of the day. When the applause died down they found a banana split waiting for them! Maybe they should have left it for two more days when the aptly named Century Ban Chang would be the venue.

Bob does the job
at Ban Chang

It took a special reason for Mr. Loy to play only his second round this month and a Stableford competition at Ban Chang provided the motivation, on Thursday, September 16.

One of his favourite venues, it did not disappoint him or the other players in the way it was presented and the usual “regulars” were to feature in the lists again.

Brian Bellis assembled 32 points, despite “scratching” on three holes, and took third place, whilst Steve Nowell played an excellent back nine of twenty-one points to help him accumulate a total of 36 points and take the runners-up place.

Playing for the fifth consecutive day, old hand Bob Lindborg quickly found his rhythm with three pars and a birdie on the first five holes and maintained it during the rest of his round to post a score of 37 points and take the top spot.

Amazingly there were no birdie twos for the second consecutive round and the challenge at Laem Chabang a week later should be more tense than usual.

Elsewhere the cobwebs were showing in Mr. Loy’s game and his paltry total of 20 points was a dismal affair, guaranteeing him the bananas, but, being Ban Chang, the smile was soon back on his face.


Bob Benda takes Burapha by storm

PSC Golf from Bobby Joe’s 60s Bar

Tuesday Sept. 14
Burapha
Stableford

After a night of very heavy rain, by Tuesday morning it had eased off, but there was still a little rain. One or two golfers cried off but the diehards who turned up enjoyed breakfast and watched as the weather cleared slightly.

Nick, Joe, winner Bob Benda, Max and Kenny celebrate the ending of a fun day.

At 9 a.m., the intrepid golfers set out for the golf course and met two fellow protagonists there, but the numbers were still down due to the rain and there was only enough for two tee groups less than were booked. This causes much concern at Burapha because the PSC had booked and they complained that they had refused other bookings and that this had cost them money. Even though we saw no evidence of excess golfers, there is merit in what they say and all golfers who like to play these better courses should note that if we do not honor our commitments and bookings these courses may, in future, adjust our bookings.

Bobby Joe enjoys his birthday with some of the staff.

Anyway, back to the game at hand. The weather there was excellent, there was no problem with having carts and the course itself is in superb condition. The greens were fast and consistent, the best we have played on for a long time. Unfortunately, some of our play was below par, but we all enjoyed it. Back at Bobby Joe’s the crew was surprised with some “Quack” o’ vin (duck in red wine) while debating over bad shots and missed putts whilst making our way over the course and back to the clubhouse.

Not unusually that maestro Bob Benda took the honors with the minor technical prizes going to Joe Patch and Kenny Chung.


Doug Powell wins on count back at soggy Siam

Three Sisters Monday Golf

Well, it looks like the rainy season finally arrived. As far as I can remember, this is the first time this year that we did not have carts and the grounds were wet. This limited the field but we still had a decent turn out. As the grounds were wet and sometimes almost unplayable, the scores reflected the conditions of the course.

Doug Powell (left) won the day whilst Gordon McKnight (right) was left holding the bag after a round he would soon like to forget.

There were three golfers tied for the lead with 36 points but on the count back, Doug Powell won out for the day. Coming in second was Derrick Brook followed by Ian Edwards. It was anyone’s game for the taking but for a shot. Hopefully the conditions will be better next week so the cart riders can participate.

Holding the bag this week was an unfamiliar face. Normally Gordon McKnight is near the top, or at least running in the middle of the pack. This week the course conditions or his clubs did a trick on him as he skidded into the cellar position with a vengeance. I won’t even print his score as it might embarrass him. Gordon is a much better player as I sure he will show next week.


Seraph Series has promising start at Ocean Marina

by Peter Cummins

“Seraph”, the stately Danish-built schooner soon to reach 100 years of age, has a pedigree as long as ‘the arm of the law’, so to speak. Surviving life in the North Sea as a trading vessel for some 60 years, now, like many of us, “Seraph” has succumbed to the easy, warm life of Thailand’s magnificent waterways.

The happy sailors, sponsors and supporters at the Marina party.

This Pattaya Mail correspondent went aboard the “Seraph” for a first-hand look at the action, as Principal Race Officer Bill Gasson and his team laid out a triangular course to replace a long-distance event, due to the light and shifting winds.

The same correspondent was happy to learn that there was something older than himself out there - and that was the “Seraph” which is now the focus of Gulf Charters, based at the burgeoning Ocean Marina.

A crowded start-line

The stately old lady also serves as committee boat for the ongoing monthly regattas, the most recent of which was held last weekend, with a splendid party at the Ocean Marina’s waterfront lounge, to celebrate the first, highly-successful year of yacht racing out of the Marina.

It also initiated the first event in the three-month “Seraph Series” which includes three classes, namely: Keelboats, the Platu Sports Boats and an Ocean-Going Multi-hull class.

And, even as the ‘big people’ were in contention, a fleet of Optimists was competing in a regatta closer to the shore.

The event attracted 17 entries of which nine were Platus, some housed at the Marina and a number from the navy base in Sattahip.

Ms Juthaporn Rerngronasa, deputy governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Ms Nusara Banyatpiyaphod, executive director of the Ocean Marina Yacht Club officiated at the opening ceremony, held at the “Sailor’s Bar” on the pier. Both noted the success of the racing and the positive affect on marine tourism which such activities fostered.

Bill Gasson, the driving force behind yacht racing, first at Phuket and now in the Northern Gulf, pointed out at the party that as the “Seraph Series” opened and the Ocean Marina Yacht Club entered its second year, it promised to be bigger and better than the inaugural year.

The Series will be conducted through October and November and each participant will be able to count the best two results out of the three weekends of racing for the final placing.

Bill also announced the planning of a “Top of the Gulf” regatta, to take place out of the Ocean Marina in the first week of May, to co-ordinate with many yacht racing events being held around the Kingdom.

“This new regatta will include ALL classes racing in the Kingdom - ranging from the junior trainer, the Optimist, to the mighty ocean-going multihulls and keel boats,” said Bill. “We shall also include the Coronation Cup, a special event for Platus, held each year over the Coronation weekend of the fifth of May,” he added.

Phil Harper of Gulf Charters pointed out that monthly regattas are held at Ocean Marina on the 2nd weekend of each month.

Ocean Marina, Buzzcats and Gulf Charters are sponsoring the event and Phil noted that there will be some attractive chartering packages for the winners in each category.

“For those without a yacht,” Phil noted, there is a selection of yachts for charter ranging from 39ft keelboats to the 25-ft Farr-designed Platu sports boat.

As an adjunct to the rising momentum for the Marina’s endeavours, John Vause has started to organize the Ocean Marina Keelboat Group “Raft-ups” in Bangkok, to bring enthusiasts together. So far, two have been held and the next one is scheduled for Tuesday, October 5 at the Barbican at Thaniya Plaza, starting at 19.00 hours.

For more information on Gulf Charters, contact Phil Harper <info@gulfcharters thailand.com> For the raft-ups, contact John Vause <[email protected]> or Bill Gasson <gasson@ buzzcats.com>


The Square Ring

Howie Reed

Last Saturday night in Las Vegas the cream of the world boxing crop was ready to be harvested. It was either the gourmet table or down the middle hole of the bench seat in the little house with the half moon on the door and the Sear’s catalogue. Oscar De La Hoya (37-3) would fight Bernard Hopkins (44-2-1) for the WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO Middleweight titles. This, if you believe the pundits, was the “best the sport had to offer.” The greatest fight of the decade. Lest I don’t understand what a decade is that is pure and simple hooey. Using the definition of a decade as 10 years both Tyson-Holyfield (1996, 1997) contests dwarf De La Hoya-Hopkins in money, excitement, drama, action and interest. This one was OK.

Accepting the above as fact, and it must be as I wrote it, Bernard Hopkins KO’d Oscar De La Hoya at 1:38 of the 9th round to win “All” the middleweight titles that mean anything. It was a “see-saw” contest that had the scores 79-73, 78-74 for Hopkins and 77-75 for De La Hoya when two lefts to the liver ended it all. “”I wanted to recover but I couldn’t. There’s no excuses whatsoever. Bernard Hopkins is the undisputed champion of the world and a great champion.” Senior De La Hoya is one class act. Maybe some other fighters ought to ape is demeanor.

Closer to Pattaya, former superbantam champ Yoddamrong Sithyodthong (40-1-1, 18 KOs) outpointed an overmatched Edward Escriber of the Philippines in six. The fight in Surin was a warm-up for Yoddamrong’s challenge for the WBA 122lb title against Mahyar Monshipour (25-2-2) in November. The venue will be the Sports Arena in Paris. Yoddamrong doesn’t travel well. Got KO’d in Japan.

Ever have those times when “stupid” is the nicest thing someone could call you? Well join the club. Regular readers, either one of them, will recognize that in giving results I used the terms SD, MD, UD, TKO and KO. It was brought to my attention that while I had TKO (Technical Knockout which is sometimes a RSF or referee stops fight) and KO (knockout) down pat I was wrong in using the terms SD (split decision) and MD (mixed decision). A unanimous decision means that all three judges scored the contest for one fighter. How did I find out? Got the following e-mail:

“Howie ... your not being completely understanding of the difference between “Split” and “Majority” decisions is very common. So common, in fact, that I have been at ringside on occasions when “commissioners” do not know the difference. But it is really a very simple difference. If a decision is “Split” ... it means that two judges have voted for one fighter and one judge voted for the other ... therefore it is ‘split’. If two judges have voted for one fighter and the other judge votes it “even” ... then it is a “majority decision” in favor of the fighter with two judges voting for him... You will also hear a decision given as a “majority draw” ... in this situation it means that two judges have voted the bout as even (a draw) and one judge has given the bout to either one or the other boxers... I realize and agree that the synthesis and mere understanding would be simpler to consider all of the above as ‘splits’. But the difference in the ‘decision’ call is as I have described. Hopefully, I have given you the information in a simple enough explanation to help your confusion. Elmo” There will be a test on this later.

A couple of Fridays ago you might well have been in front of the radio with pictures when IBF#8 Fahprakorb Rakkiatgym (42-3-2) won a hard fought twelve round decision over Wang Jong Hyon (11-2-1). It was hard fought contest that looked easy because of the UD (116-111 twice and 115-112).

After the fight Rakkiatgym said, “I proved with this win I can defeat any featherweight in the world and that includes Manny Pacquaio. He did defeat me when I challenged for the title in year 2002 but I am a much stronger boxer in 2004.” Well maybe and maybe not. As the lady says, “Is up to you.” One of the problems is that while the press reported that Wang Jong Hyon with a record of 11-2-1 was the defeated warrior, boxing records claim that the loser’s name was Wanjon Hai with a record of 0-0. Big difference.

The bout with Pacquiao took place in October of 2002 with Cousin Bruce McTavish doing the honors as the only man in the right when the bell rang in a shirt, slacks and tie. It ended at 2:46 of the first round with Rakkiatgym out colder than a punter with no baht. “Rakkiatgym, the mandatory challenger, was knocked down four times and rushed to the hospital in stretcher after spending more than 20 minutes on the canvas.” Hard to believe that the results would be any different this time. It’s clear that Rakkiatgym is a good fighter but not nearly in the same class with the cream of the division such as Pacquiao (38-2), Juan Manuel Marquez (42-2), Marco Antonio Barrera (57-3), Scott Harrision (22-2) or Oscar Larios (53-3.

Pacquiao, the Manila Mauler, is having a terrible time finding opponents so maybe a fight with Rakkiatgym is not totally out of the question. Pacquiao’s problem is that his promoter, Murad Muhammad, who is surrounded by young thugs in tight suits and bow ties, is a joke. He is though one lucky joke. In 2001 Pacquiao was on holiday in Los Angeles California with no bouts on the horizon. Pacquiao got a call as a last minute fill in to fight IBF Champ Lehlo Ledwaba in Las Vegas. The fight was over at :59 seconds of the 6th after Ledwaba had made three trips to “kiss canvas”. Murad just happened to be Muhammad on the spot.

Scott Harrison keeps issuing statements about how he wants to fight big names. Phooey. Scott Harrison may want fights against quality opponents but not his promoter Frank Warren. Instead of a super fight against Marco Antonio Barrera, Manny Pacquiao, Juan Marquez and Injin Chi he gets “undefeated” Samuel Kebede on October 29 at the Braehead Arena in Glasgow. Ethiopian Kebede may be 24-0 but it’s thin as a bar girl’s promise. This will be a blowout. “I know that every time I step into the ring it is my future on the line so I want to go out there and destroy whoever is in front of me as quickly as possible.” No problem and I’ll drink to that.


Pattaya Grand Trophy opens in Pattaya

Innovative businesswoman opens trophy shop for winners

Suchada Tupchai

Pattaya is seeing a new age of sports and competitions come to the region. And winners need trophies. That’s why innovative businesswoman Sudthida Jaikid, better known as ‘Maprang’ has just opened the Pattaya Grand Trophy shop on North Pattaya Road.

Chanyuth Hengtrakul, advisor to the minister of tourism and sports cuts the ribbon to officially declare the new trophy shop open.

The grand opening was held on the morning of September 12 with Chanyuth Hengtrakul, advisor to the minister of tourism and sports presiding over the ribbon cutting. Buddhist monks performed a traditional ceremony, where they gave their blessings to the new enterprise.

Honored guests included Prasert Chaimano, Past District Governor of District 3340, Rotary International, Pratheep Malhotra and Rotary backers.

Buddhist monks performed a traditional ceremony and gave their blessings to the new enterprise.

Afterwards, food was served and Maprang and her father introduced the shop so everyone could look around. Almost all of the items are prize cups, souvenir objects and all kinds of sports medals, trophies and shields. Guests purchased goods in the shop and many placed orders.

Maprang said she opened her first shop in Pattaya because it is a popular tourist town where so many different sports can be enjoyed. “Pattaya supports so many sports in the area and there is a real need for a shop like this.” She noted that normally sports promoters have to order their trophies from Bangkok, therefore her shop could respond to their needs faster with more convenience.

“In fact the shop is so well accepted we had customers stop by while we were bringing the items to the shop, before it was even officially opened,” she said.

The Pattaya Grand Trophy shop is located on North Pattaya Road opposite the Bangchak service station. For more information please call 038 371 245-6.