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Treasure hunters set sail
off Jomtien beach
4th annual windsurfing event heads for Larn Island
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
Over 30 windsurfing enthusiasts laid course for Larn
Island in the Island Treasure Hunt Race 2004 after a running start on the
sands in front of the Pattaya Park hotel. The annual event, now in its
fourth year was organized by the Amara Sailing Center and held last weekend.
 Pattana
Boonsawat (right), Pattaya deputy mayor proudly presents the youth and
overall winner’s prize to his son Ake.
Competitors from all age groups and nationalities took to
the water in three classes: Youth, Open men’s and women’s with only one
person being declared the overall champ.
Shortly after midday, windsurfers lined up for a running
start before making their way along the coast to the Royal Varuna Yacht Club
and across to Larn island in search of treasure. The 20 kilometer-plus
course was challenging enough, but the extra difficulty of windsurfers
having to carry back the items collected on route made the race more
exciting.
And
they’re off and racing in the 4th annual Island treasure hunt race.
The overall winner, Ake Boonsawat, took just 30 minutes
to complete the challenge. He also garnered the youth trophy and 1,500 baht
in prize money. In the women’s open class it was Tina Yoshida taking top
honors as did Svien Rudihaugen in the men’s class.
Prize giving ceremonies were held on the beach front
later that afternoon and presided over by Pattana Boonsawat, Pattaya deputy
mayor who proudly presented the first prize to his son Ake.
Amara Wichithong, race organizer and owner of the Amara
Sailing Center said, “This annual competition is aimed at promoting the
sport to the area’s youth and keeping them occupied with constructive
activities in a fun environment. Many have a God-given gift for the sport
and we want to give them the opportunity to use it to become Thai national
team members. Many of the kids come from lower income backgrounds and we
want to give them this chance. Although the prize money is not much, it is
however, aimed at encouraging them to continue with the sport.”
Amara has successfully represented Thailand in numerous international
competitions. She also revealed that the inspiration for the organizing the
event came from difficulties faced in her own life before attaining success.
Fly Inn fleeces Cotton Club
The Original Pattaya Pool League - December 6
Group
B: Cotton Club 3 - 6 Fly Inn
Round 2 of the season swung into action and on Monday
night it was war in Naklua as the Cotton Club “Renegades” (Soi 12)
engaged the “Knights of the Rectangular Table” from Fly Inn Euro Bar (Soi
18), currently sitting top of Group B. First up was “Wolf” against Ray
(Fly Inn). David versus Goliath; orthodox versus unorthodox; chalk and
cheese... Call it what you like - the difference in game play between
these two players was extreme! Wolf approached his game like he rides his
Harley Davidson - with raw power but controlled aggression whereas Ray
calmly potted, then played safe, strolling around the table between shots.
Soon only the black and white balls were left on the table. After three
attempts each, it was fourth time lucky for Ray as he breathed a sigh of
relief, winning the first game for Fly Inn.
 Sir
Alf confidently lines up the winning black ball.
Home team favourite “Beer Chang” met “Thunders”
aka Andy next. Chang potted a string of spots in quick succession and soon
only had two balls remaining against four of Andy’s stripes. It looked
like it was all over for Andy when he fouled with an in-off granting Chang
the two shots he needed to secure the game. Everybody thought he had won
when the black went down but their eyes were immediately redirected to the
white ball wandering around the table, which then trickled into the
opposite pocket too at the far end. Fly Inn 2 - 0!
Boss Rocco slowed things down against “Macka” Pete
in the third game. Both players were determined to outwit each other with
their tactical play. Rocco forced Pete to foul 3 times but Pete
consistently fought back displaying some trick shots into the bargain
which all added to the entertainment. The black ball however, proved once
again to be the hardest to pot. With no balls left on the table for a
snooker, it seemed the pressure finally got to Rocco as he mis-cued. Then
Pete failed on both his chances to sink the elusive black too. After an
error of judgement, Rocco finally left the black near the pocket and the
white not far away. Pete pounced on this opportunity for victory. Fly Inn
3 - 0.
It was now time for Fly Inn’s most distinguished,
veteran player “Sir” Alf, to seize the reigns against the mysterious
pony tailed Thai man, Tam. Ten shots were played before Alf sank the first
ball. He was soon down to his last 2 balls while Tam had yet to pot
anything. Was Tam merely allowing Alf to pot all his balls and awaiting
his turn to snooker his way to victory or had nerves got the better of
him? Tam’s next shot proved the latter to be the case. He missed, which
is not easy considering most of the balls on the table were his! That was
all Alf needed... Fly Inn 4 - 0.
With only one more game needed to secure the match for
the away team, things looked a bit desperate for James as he faced Brummie
John. Despite two fouls, James retrieved a game after playing the ‘shot
of the match’ on the black with a bank off the top cushion running back
the length of the table into the bottom pocket. There were cheers all
round proving that Rocco’s team had not given up yet!
Scot Tom, who has been known in the past to clear up
off the break, was the secret weapon deployed to play last and take Fly
Inn to a conclusive victory. But Andy was not taking things lying down.
After a staggering break from Tom (with the white going in-off), Andy soon
went to work. A few minutes later both players again were left with only
the black to finish. Andy narrowly missed the centre pocket, as did Tom,
after a daring attempt with the black ricocheting back and forth across
the centre of the table 5 times before coming to rest in the middle. Andy
nicked the second vital game for Cotton Club making it 4 - 2 at half time.
Individual plates, piled high with thick club
sandwiches and crispy French fries, were passed round to everyone present.
When all bellies were full the doubles’ games commenced. Wolf and Andy
conceded the first game to Ray and Sir Alf, thus confirming overall
victory for Fly Inn tonight. Rocco and James acknowledged defeat to the
formidable pair of Scot Tom and Super-Chow. But it was newly nicknamed
“Centre-Pocket” Chang (now famous for his ability to slice a ball from
any angle into a centre pocket) and Tam who played an inspired final game
for the home team against Brummie John and Rodger. Tam cunningly set up
Chang to finish in style who, after forcing John to foul at the crucial
moment, won the last game for Cotton Club.
Pattaya Bridge Club
Brother D takes over first place
Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League
The league standings made a big change this week as almost
all the teams either moved up or down the standings. Brother D moved into
first place after taking all four points from Friends. Domicil dropped down
to second after losing three points to Cafe Kronborg who moved into fourth.
Three Sisters is now in third place after winning four points from House of
the Golden Coin. Mai’s Thai Restaurant took three points from
Shenanigan’s, Jack & Tar grabbed three from VFW Post 9876 and Q Cars
won three from Cafe Ole.
200
Bowlers - Maliny, La, Jeed, Dang, Peter, Suphan and Tue.
Best bowlers of the day who lowered their handicap:
Somrak, Mai’s Thai Restaurant - games of 190,185,191 -
566 series
Jeed, Shenanigans - 234 game - 537 series
Dang, Cafe Kronborg - games of 165, 207, 199 - 571 series
Kran, Cafe Kronborg - 546 series
Peter, Domicil - 203 game - 517 series
Maliny, Brother D - 211 game - 534 series
Konrad, Brother D - 503 series
La, Three Sisters - 214 game - 557 series
Jim, Three Sisters - 518 series
Mai, Jack & Tar - 520 series
Tue, Jack & Tar - 528 series
PK, Q Cars - 523 series
Barry Winton cleans up at Phoenix for the TAGGS Invitational
For the first time ever, this annual event to celebrate
Stephen Beard’s birthday was actually held on his birthday, Dec 7 and 51
of Stephen’s friends turned out at Phoenix to play a stableford
competition in honour of his 64th birthday, one that he has been extremely
fortunate to see, given his terrible illnesses that all started with a
massive heart attack in May and actually left him clinically dead for 36
hours in June. We hope to all be present to celebrate his new 1st birthday
on June 22, 2005, the date on which he was revived from his coma.
 Barry
Winton (right) low gross and 2004 TAGGS Invitational Champion with Stephen
Beard.
The day was perfect for golf with a nice breeze to keep
the golfers cool and the Lakes/Ocean layouts were, as usual, in excellent
condition. On the day it was perhaps fitting that Barry Winton, local
Phoenix member and one of Stephen’s closest friends, continued his great
run of form on his home course to take the honours with a 72 gross worth 41
stableford points off his 5 handicap and so unusually take both of the
highest awards, Low Gross and 2004 Champion.
Final Results:
Winner 1st Division: Barry Traynor, 40 pts
Runner-Up 1st Division: Guy Billings 38 pts
3rd Place 1st Division
Richard Garland 38 pts
Winner 2nd Division: Gary Austin, 40 pts
Runner-Up 2nd Division: Jan Eriksen, 39 pts
3rd Place 2nd Division: Peter Johansson, 38 pts
Long Drive: Pekka Raiha
Highest Gross: Kristin Christianssen
Near Pins: # 2 Lakes Jimmy Little; # 6 Lakes Mo Bertrand; # 5 Ocean
Barry Traynor; # 7 Ocean Richard Garland
At the presentation back at The Haven, Stephen welcomed everybody to his
birthday celebrations and gave an eloquent speech, describing his illness,
his enormous luck and that thanks to his wife, Lumyai, he lived through the
ordeal to tell the story. Stephen then duly gathered the strength to blow
the trumpet, which heralded free drinks for everybody present. Prior to the
prize giving, Richard Livingston, the resident PGA professional, thanked
Dave Lee for his hard work in organising the competition and getting
everybody to the course, and naturally to Lumyai and the staff for the fine
buffet that was enjoyed and devoured by the hungry golfers. A loud rendition
of Happy Birthday was led by Richard in honour of not only Stephen, but also
for Richard Garland, who shares his birthday on the same day, but who is
just a teeny bit younger! The festivities went on long into the evening and
it was great to see Stephen enjoy more than a few glasses of red wine with
everybody.
And they call the wind Pattaya...
PSC golf with The Bunker
Monday December 6 saw The Boys from The Bunker travel to
Noble Place Golf Course for a stableford competition.
On a sunny day but with a nice cool breeze, the golfers
found the fairways to be very dry and the greens very fast.
 Les
Winch, the only golfer to hit a green at Crystal Bay.
Pensioner “Steady” George Redgewell fought his way
around the course to finish third with 37 stableford points, four points
better off came big hitter Jim Payne with 41 points but, even bigger hitter
Brynolfur “Binny” Jostenssen powered his way into first place by
hitting very long drives that, for a change were pretty straight enabling
him to “Nobly” march into the clubhouse with a fantastic 43 stableford
points.
Near pins prizes went to Paul Lavender (2), Granville
Swanson and Mick Ramshaw.
Crystal Bay Golf Course
Formerly known as Natural Park Resort Crystal Bay was
found to still be in marvellous condition and The Bunker Boys really
enjoyed their Medal round of golf even with another strong wind blowing
through the course.
Brian Wilkins excelled in the wind, returning his best
ever score playing in Thailand, coming in with a net 67 to take first
place, second came Duncan McGee with a level par net 72 and third place
went to Les Winch who scored net 73.
The strong wind caused the tee shots off the par
three’s to be very wayward with Les Winch being the only golfer to hit a
green to take the Near Pin prize.
Great Lake Golf Course.
An unscheduled stableford competition was played at
Great Lake Golf Course by The Bunker Boys. Playing on a lovely sunny day
but with yet another strong wind blowing the greens were fast and the
fairways very dry. Jim Payne proved that taking second place on Monday with
41 Stableford points was no fluke by scoring a magnificent 45 points to
walk away with first prize, six points adrift came Brian Wilkins with 39
points and a further point back was Duncan McGee finishing with 38 points.
If you fancy a round of golf call into The Bunker Bar on Soi Chaiyapoon
(near X-zyte disco) to pick up a golf schedule or consult the Pattaya Mail
every week and, as usual you can get the latest information about all other
sporting activities at The Bunker Bar by visiting our website @
www.bunkerboysgolf.com
PSC golf from McAllister’s Bar & Grill
Friday Dec. 10
Century Bang Chang
Stableford
This day sets you up for the weekend, there are those of
us who only play weekdays usually, and gives you your fix so you can take
two days off to relax, drink and enjoy yourself, before you are forced to
play again on Monday. Tough life this!
 After
a fresh day out at Century Bangg Chang (l to r) Dan Sell, Darel Evens, One
of McAllister’s lovely cashiers and Dennis Willet celebrate a fine day of
food and golf.
Of course, meeting at Century Bang Chang and spending
four or five hours spoiling a walk is a fine start to the day, until you can
get down to the fine things of life like wine, women and song at McAllisters
Bar and Grill. Almost forgot the food, best western stodge in the business,
there are no thin people at McAllisters, well they will not be thin for
long.
So to the day and the wind was howling and the greens
were fresh cut, so it made for a tough day, they even moved the tee at the
15th back to the blues, still who cares, it’s only a game as a famous
football manager used to say. What’s apoplexy?
Still back at the ranch as vast quantities of food, and things, were
consumed the winners were declared, and the winner was a golfer who had only
been playing for a year as Aussie Darel Evans won with 38 points, ahead of
Dan Sell in second with 37 points. Third place was won by Dennis Willet with
34 points on a countback over Dene Munday and Gerry Carpenter. And so to
bed, T.T.F.N.
Dale Murphy shoots a winner
PSC golf from the Three Sisters Bar
Another day of perfect
golfing weather and a good turn out for a holiday, we had another great day
of golf. The course is getting better and maintenance making it easier to
score. It showed, as Dale Murphy shot one of the best games of his life
coming in with 43 points. It was a close call as other golfers nipped at his
heels.
 Winner
Dale Murphy (right) and ‘Holding the Bag’ Jim Tully back at the Caddy
Shack after a cloudless day at Siam.
Have you ever heard of people saying not a cloud in the
sky? I thought it was impossible because where I grew up there were always
clouds in the sky, in fact I cannot remember when I did not see at least
one cloud in the sky. Well, I can now vouch for the saying as of 8
o’clock in the morning on Monday at Siam. I looked around and was
astounded, as there was not a cloud to be seen.
After Dales great round at Siam, the following golfers
gave good chase. Doug Chalky came in second with 42 points, Dennis Willett
with 40, and Dave Miller, Dene Mundy, and Gerry Carpenter all coming in
with 38 Points. It was a brilliant day for golf and it showed in the
scores.
Again, tripping and falling into the cellar was Jim Tully. At his age
he is still in tremendous shape. He can’t hear and he can’t see, but
physically, he is in great shape and can still walk the course, which is
more than I can do. Tully came in with 24 points sliding past his playing
partner Rollie Weese who managed 25 points - one better than Tully. It was
close, but Tully again holds the bag for the week.
Simon Does a Philbrook
IPGC Golf From Lewiinski’s!
Sunday Dec. 5
Green Valley
Stableford
1st A Flight: Mark Woods, 40 pts
2nd A Flight: Gerry Power, 38 pts
3rd A Flight: Jim Wickstrom, 38 pts
1st B Flight: Paul Walia, 36 pts
2nd B Flight: Terry Phur, 35 pts
3rd B Flight: Brian Lee, 32 pts
1st C Flight; Peter Emslie, 38 pts
2nd C Flight; Ken Kutzing, 36 pts
3rd C Flight: Brian Orr, 35 pts
1st D Flight: Fred Theobald, 38 pts
2nd D Flight: Steve Blissett, 36 pts
3rd D Flight: Toy Theobald, 35 pts
Near Pins: #5 Mark Wood; #8 Phil Corbin
Because he’s such a fine Scottish lad, we will start
the column with a kind word about Mark’s best on the day 40 point.
Mark’s round was further notable in that it was supported by a gross 75.
Best gross round on the day went to local teaching pro Ian Ashenden, who
didn’t even place with his gross 72! “Excellent efforts unaccompanied by
reward” was a distinction shared by Mark Hefferden (74), Steve Mascari
(77) and Woody Sherwood (78). Also included in that group was Simon
Philbrook, our hard luck title boy, who lost a countback to Jim Wickstrom,
both with 75’s, for the A Flight bronze. Nestled in amongst this maelstrom
of A Flight 70s was Gerry Power’s silver medal winning 38 point, gross 80,
outing. Mark Heffenden, Ian and Gregg Galoucher represent, in this
scribe’s rum sodden memory, the first time that three ‘zero’ handicaps
have played in a single Society event.
Paul Walia snuck a level to handicap 36 points into the B
Flight (hcp 12-16) stack and came up the winner. He was followed by usually
consistent, albeit slightly slumping, Terry Phur. And newcomer, along with
his wife Linda, Brian Lee showed he had the hang of it by persevering with
32 points and winning a countback over the Headmaster, the lovely An, and
the good Capt.
Peter Emslie, raiding the Lewiinski’s coffers from the
friendly home base of the Haven, took C Flight (hcp 17-21) with an excellent
38 point offering. That left K4 and Irishman Brian Orr adrift in one point
increments. The D Flight story was two Theobalds, Fred and Toy, with a
moment of “Bliss” between them, Steve Blissett, that is.
Monday Dec. 6
Century Banchang - White Tees
Stableford
1st A Flight: Rick Sharp, 36 pts
2nd A Flight: Robert Sellick, 33 pts
3rd A Flight: Ron Claridge, 33 pts
1st B Flight: Jean Francois Lachsagne, 42 pts
2nd B Flight: Mike Craighead, 39 pts
3rd B Flight: Larry Nicholas, 37 pts
Near Pin: # 7 Ron Claridge
Newcomer to the society Jean Francois Lachsagne was
‘Homme’ of the Match with 42 points. With the participation on the day
of his friend and coutryman Chris Vielle and long time Society participant
Serge Straeten, owner Steve Mascari is contemplating doubling the stock of
Chicken Condon Bleu. Mike the Mechanic, now a weekly podium fixture, took
the second spot in B Flight, with Larry “Mulligan” Nicholas sweeping up
the rear.
Yawn! “The Hermit takes first.” There it is, I said
it, again this week. Robert Sellick, OBE, had the better of three Yanks, a
Swede and a countryman in a six-way countback for second. That left five
vying for third and, at least, given the numbers, and the patriotic bent of
this scribe, Ron Claridge grabbed the last A Flight podium step. Ah yes,
about that “countryman”, yes, it was Simon Philbrook. Two days, two
count backs, two losses.
Wednesday Dec. 8
Bangpra -White Tees
Stableford
1st Yellow Flight: Klaus Schackt, 38 pts
2nd Yellow Flight: Steve Mascari, 37 pts
3rd Yellow Flight: Eddie Blackwell, 36 pts
1st White Flight: Ken Kutzing, 41 pts
2nd White Flight: Mike Criaghead, 38 pts
3rd White Flight: Larry Nicholas, 37 pts
Near Pins: #12 & 19 Jim Munns
The Volkscomputer, edging, and, this scribe suspects,
practicing, his way back down to a single handicap after a brief hiatus, was
the top man off the longer yellow tees. The Society president popped in with
one under handicap 36 points. And Eddie Blackwell won a count back for third
over, Oh No, Simon Philbrook! This is the first time in the annals of
Society Golf that one person has fallen out of the money three times in a
week as a result of count back. To honor this mathematical peculiarity, that
is, falling out of the money via count back three times, it shall henceforth
be referred to as “a Philbrook”. Losing three count backs, but not
falling out of the money all three times, will be a “Tiger Philbrook”.
The Man of the Match was K4, and his 41 points, but then
he is “The Man” whether he wins or loses. There was the Mechanic,
padding his Social security, his dole and his retirement benefits of the
several other countries that this vagabond served Pan Am in, with the lucre
attendant to the second step. The Irish Crustacean was third for the second
competition running. I would suspect, albeit naively, that this will be the
last of his begging for extra handicap strokes. Capt Fogg, in a week of
oddities, won both Near Pins.
Friday Dec. 10
Plutaluang - South and East -White Tees
2-Person Better Ball - Stableford
1st Place: Mark Wood and Jez Lees, 44 pts
2nd Place: Louise Tweddel and Seamus Brennan, 43 pts
3rd Place: Ken Kutzing and Mike Craighead, 42 pts
Near Pin: #S7 Rainer Helling; #E8 Sean Murphy
Beginning the week as he started it and coupling with a
mate with which he has had former team success, Jez Lees, Mark Wood took on
the South and East course of the Navy Course and came away with 44 Better
Ball points. This format, which takes the best stableford score between the
two team players on each hole and totals it for the team score presented
some scoring challenges for the Society constituency but when the pencil
lead settled the large field had a great day. Louise Tweddel, sporting a
British golf pedigree of very nearly unparalleled quality, teamed with
everyone’s common man, “Shameless” Seamus Brennan, to fall but one
point a drift of the top rung. Ken Kutzing and Mike Craighead had played
well all week individually and thought “Why Not?” Their strategy proved
sound as their 42 points was good for third. Near Pins were won by two old
friends of the Society, Rainer Helling and Sean Murphy, with the latter’s
stroke stopping on the cup’s edge. Thank God that Simon’s team came
joint 11th!
Three out of four visiting teams do the business
Jomtien 8 Ball Pool League
This week was a time for the visiting teams with only
Moonshine Place the exception. The predicted opening up at the top of the
Jomtien 8 Ball Pool league duly occurred when most visiting teams outplayed
their hosts. Hide-A-Way and Rose & Thistle move clear of 3rd place
Simple Simon while Moonshine and Bolaget consolidate the bottom of the
table.
The home and
away teams; Las Vegas hosting Moonshine for another round of 8 ball.
At the Las Vegas Bar the visitors, Moonshine Place, made
it an all American affair, in theory. Moonshine’s desperate bad luck
continues; after taking the first frame and losing the second there was high
dudgeon in the third frame. Mine hosts were playing one another with
Moonshine’s Ted on the black. Home host Fred had 3 colours closing down
one corner pocket with the black very adjacent. An attempt by Ted to extract
the black resulted in a pocketed colour off the black. The referee called a
professional foul, some discussion took place, and Las Vegas were awarded
the frame. However, the incumbent referee absented himself from further
proceedings!
After the singles it was 4-2 to the home team. Following
refreshments (ham sandwiches) the fray was re-entered. Moonshine’s hopes
were high on taking the first doubles game but plummeted to zero when a
winning chance was squandered in the second doubles and the match was lost.
Final score 6-3 to the hosts, Las Vegas Bar.
There was action in plenty on Thappraya Road with
neighbours Woaw’s Pub and Country Club both having home fixtures. Lucky
Bar were the visitors at Woaw’s and re-entered the chase for the league
title with a tough 6-3 win over their hosts. Lucky Bar boss, Tuk, took (by
taxi?) her team into a 4-2 lead at the interval. Tuk’s surprise victory
was completed with a well-taken length of the table bank shot on the 8 ball.
The 4-2 lead at the supper break was quickly turned into a match win when
Lucky Bar grabbed the first doubles game to secure victory and keep
themselves in touch with the league leaders.
Meanwhile, next door at the Country Club the visitors
Hide-A-Way were giving their hosts a torrid time. Even mine host Hans’s
birthday celebrations and bell-ringing marathon could not lift Country
Club’s performance. Hide-A-Way proved too strong on the night and they
took the honours 7-2 to maintain their top of the table standing.
Soi 5 saw action from hosts Simple Simon, 3rd place
receiving a visit from 2nd place visitors Rose & Thistle. This meeting
was undoubtedly the most exciting fixture of the evening. A finely balanced
performance from both teams that went down to the black in the last of the
doubles games before a victor emerged. It does not get any closer than that!
When Rose & Thistle finally made it 5-4 in their favour they held onto
their 2nd spot but did fall further away on game difference from the league
leaders.
Next weeks fixtures include a bye for Rose & Thistle while leaders
Hide-A-Way visit resurging Lucky Bar. No prizes will be awarded for guessing
whom Rose & Thistle will be supporting to avoid a gap opening up at the
top. At the other end of the table Moonshine Place host Country Club in what
may be their best chance to take their first points of the season.
Jomtien 8-Ball Pool League Table
Maurice Herberge returns to win at Plutaluang
PSC golf from the Cafe Kronborg
Monday Dec. 6
Plutaluang
Stableford
The Royal Thai Navy Plutaluang South and East layouts were
host for a stableford competition in two Flights, A Flight 0 to 19, and B
Flight 20 upwards. The course on the day was in fine condition and being a
holiday everything moved right along.
 Maurice
Herberge, A Flight winner.
Maurice Herberge, back with us after nearly a year, took
the A Flight with 40 points, Bill Plath was second with 38 points, Rainer
Helling third with 36 points and Don Richardson fourth with 35 points.
Kevin Dinan took the B Flight on countback from Alex
Backlund in second, both with 41 points. In third we had Bob Rasmussen on a
countback from Arthur Bailey in fourth with Nev Goode losing out to them
both, all with 39 points.
Near Pins: S4 Juhani Pylkkonen, S7 Don Richardson, E2
Toroddor Rangnarsson, E5 Juha Kolari.
Long Putts: SP Dave Richardson, E9 Juha Kolari.
Thursday Dec. 9 Khao Kheow
Stableford
I think I must be past my sell by date; everything seems
to be flashing past my eyes again just as if it had happened before. I just
finished a write up again on Plutaluang and feel it was only a week or so
since I last did it, monthly tournaments and monthly mugs seem to come up
twice a month, McAllisters seems to be at Bang Chang every week and to cap it
all, I am making Xmas Cards out and sending off presents as if I didn’t
just seem to have done it a few weeks ago. Indeed it only seems a few weeks
ago I saw the New Year in with fireworks over Pattaya Bay.
 Barry
Kerr
Now to cap it all... we are back at Khao Kheow again, as
if we didn’t get tired of it kicking the ‘butts’ of everyone who played
it. As said, of the last 156 players who have played it, we have only had 4
players beat it, and 3 of those with 37 points, this has to be the monster of
all the, (Maybe Natural Park Hills as it was challenges it) courses, and we
are back again. Still we have some fine players and some ‘big’ handicaps,
this time!
Arriving at the course the 39 players booked in and set
off to take on the A & B Courses, tough enough to be going on with, and
headed into a very strong wind. By the time we reached the first par 3 we
were wind blown, and picking balls out of the lake, and we were
‘reasonable’ golfers. We soon came into reality as we were blown every
which way and by the end of the first nine were well under the cosh. Surely
someone could hang in there, after all look at the scores at the previous
competitions at pretty tough courses, many 40 plus point scores. The wind did
abate on the back nine, the B Course, giving some relief, but my four balls
cards were a no-no.
Tucking into the ‘Kheo Kheow Beef’ the courses
specialty, back in the clubhouse, we heard one tale of woe after another,
until at the end it became apparent that the score was as usual, Kheo Kheow
39 - Cafe Kronborg 0, and not just beaten but ‘clobbered’. Scores of
late, PSC 4 (being kind ) Kheo Kheow 190. Help needed, or come back Pete Dye,
all is forgiven.
So to the A Flight, 0 to 17, and the winner was Don
Richardson with a ‘fine’ 33 points. You only have to have the best score
one the day, and if you can keep your head whilst others are losing theirs
etc, in second was Brian Noguer with 31 points winning a countback, with Kris
Helgason in third. In fourth was Marty Allred with 30 points.
In the B Flight, 18 upwards, the winner was Barry Kerr
with 34 points on a countback over Bob Rasmussen in third. Barry is back with
us again after returning to Aussie for a while to save up to buy a new shirt
and doubtlessly you will see him in these reports quite often in the weeks to
come - there is no holding him now. Elias Magnussen was in third with 32
points and Kevin Dinan in fourth with 30 points. Do I not remember having
said most of this before? Thanks Kheo Kheow for making the write ups easy.
T.T.F.N.
Near Pins: A3 Maurice Herberge, A5 Dave Richardson, B3
Gary Wedl, B8 Don Richardson.
Long Putts: A9 Brian Noguer, B9 Einar Johansson.
Impressive Hat-Trick
for Mr. Loy
IPGC Bunker Boys at the OK Corral
On Tuesday December 7, the golfers from
the OK Corral left Soi Rungland and took the ever-improving route 331 to the
forgotten course at Century Chonburi. The course, rarely played, is a jewel
in its current condition and represents the best value in the region, in
golfing terms. The only thing spoiling the day was the strong breeze which
took control of many long shots, making low scores a rarity in the medal
event. With the cut at eighteen and under division one saw a tie at the top
as Al McGrory and Dave Smith went head-to-head throughout the day and took
the top spot with net 72 each.
 Bob
Wighton all smiles after his gross 75.
In division two Barry Pethig returned to the podium with
his net 73, two shots behind Ben Findon whose net 71 was a very creditable
effort in the conditions. Lording the field was Roy Mitchell whose golf has
been in the doldrums for a year now but his return to his former form is a
reflection of his prowess with a five wood and the return of his high
putting standards. His victory was the third in as many competitions and he
wore a warm grin at the presentation.
The wind put paid to birdie efforts on the par threes and
single handicapper John Cunningham suffered his worst round in Thailand and
was thus rewarded with the Bananas for his round. But for Mr. Loy it
remained an impressive hat trick of victories and all eyes will be on him in
the week’s second tournament.
Way “Down Under” par for
Aussie Bob
On Thursday, December 9, a large group of golfers
travelled to Phoenix from the OK Corral bar for their weekly stableford
event over the Ocean and Mountain nines. The course once had a reputation as
being very forgiving but the addition of 850 new trees has put paid to that
and currently Phoenix is at its best with lush fairways and expansive and
quick greens. It is the ultimate test for golfers. Division two golfers
found the going difficult and a trio of new members established themselves
at the head of the field, with Rob Dolon and Ben Findon posting scores of 33
points to share runners-up place. Jan Eriksen managed to break par and his
37 points was enough to take the day in the flight. Division one saw the
long hitters hold sway with John Cunningham and Wilf Latham setting high
standards with 39 points each. It was especially pleasing for Wilf as he has
had a very sad year on and off the golf course, and the lad from the land of
pig’s trotters and frothy Boddington’s certainly is long overdue the
honours.
At the head of the field, playing the round of the year with the Bunker
Boys, was smiling Aussie Bob Wighton. Bob plays off nine and hits the ball a
country mile, and his gross 75 was an astounding round, giving him 43
points. His three dropped shots came on the relatively easy Mountain seventh
and the rest of his card was memorable. He also had the honour of sharing
the two’s pot with Peter Fitton whilst Mr. Loy managed to confuse
everybody at the presentation to the extent that Mr. Denis, mine host,
echoed the feelings of the assembled players and presented him with the
Bananas. It was an excellent day’s golf and for the star of the day, Bob
Wighton, a memorable experience.
18th Phuket Regatta: A stunning success
Peter Cummins, Phuket
Thai sailors excelled in several of the classes as the
18th Phuket King’s Cup Regatta - arguably the best on record - closed on a
very up-beat tempo, the same way it opened on the previous Monday and
continued throughout a week of fine racing, excellent conditions, great
parties and good fellowship. In fact, a total of five nationalities took the
honours in the Regatta.
Very close
racing on day of this year Phuket King’ Cup Regatta as ‘Vida’
skippered by Brian Hadyn edges ahead of Suwan Poopoksakul’s ‘ Lawana.
(Photo Amupan Supanusorn/ARTASIA Press)
Close racing was a feature; with Hong Kong’s Neil Pryde
adding this year’s Racing Class title to his last win in 2001, narrowly
beating Aussie winner for 2003, Peter Ahern. In fact these top two skippers
finished equal on points, Neil taking the honours on the tie-breaking count
back.
Geoff Backshall, racing Bill Gasson’s Buzz 8, won the
Sports Boat Class, while Malaysia’s Richard Grimes won the American
Express Banking Premier Class and, as in the Racing Class, winning on a
tie-breaker from Vida, scoring an equal nine points.
Other winners were Christain Eschenberg (Sunsail One
Design), New Zealander John Vause (IRC 1), Royal Thai Navy 1 (IRC 2), Hong
Kong Greg Coops (IRC 3), Germany’s Helmut Schutte (Ocean Rover), Kym
Thomas/Peter Plant (Multihull) and Germany’s Klaus Kartha (Classic).
Since the inaugural event, established to salute the
Monarch on his fifth-cycle, 60th birthday in 1987, the regatta has been held
over the week of the Royal birthday, this year, for the first time, actually
opening on the day itself, with a candle-lit ceremony on the beach-front of
the Kata Resort.
Spinnakers
flying at full capacity with a variety of classes during the start of Day 2
racing. (Photo John Everingham /ARTASIA Press)
It has developed - with a few minor set-backs, such as
the 1997 economic melt-down, SARS, the war in Iraq and Avian Flu which have
affected tourism in general - to this year’s record-breaker. It is not
just in the number of entries of 101 craft registered in 10 classes, but
also 2004 set the stage for a huge corps of more than 120 press, media and
television personnel reaching out to the four corners of the world.
To further the superlatives, sponsorship also reached new
heights with principal sponsors the Krung Thai Bank as a new-comer and the
Binatone Royal Phuket Marina, nearing completion on Phuket’s East Coast,
as an ongoing supporter.
Co-sponsors included American Express, Beer Chang, the
Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort and Spa, Mom Tri’s Boathouse, Phuket Air,
Raimon Land and Sunsail.
The
competition was so close and seconds separated yachts, seen here on the
final day of the regatta. (Photo John Everingham /ARTASIA Press)
The Phuket Magazine, which has just celebrated its 15th
anniversary of excellent coverage of the greater Phuket region, was the
official regatta publication and, of course, the Kata Group has completed
its seventh year as host sponsor.
New Zealander John McLennan officiated at his ninth
regatta as Principal Race Officer, Australians Mark Pryke, international
juror and perennial chairman of the protest committee and Howard Elliot
churning out the results, made a fine team.
As the competition was so close and seconds separated
yachts, Mark and his international jury had their hands full. “All in a
day’s work,” said Mark.
One of the features of this year’s event was the big
contingent of Thai participants and Thai-based foreign residents who fared
extremely well, winning three of the 10 classes that comprised the regatta.
Furthermore, an interesting development, concomitant with
the burgeoning marine sector in the Kingdom, has been that many of the
yachts entered have been built in Thailand. For example, the Phuket 8,
designed and built on the island and the Buzz 8 similarly evolved at
Pattaya-Jomtien, in the Sports Boat category and the Coco Blues, the
interesting “tandem” catamaran, built and recently launched in Koh Samui.
The more than 1,000 participants are coming from many
quarters and skippers include sailors from Australia, Austria, Belgium,
Britain, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Holland,
Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Malta, New Zealand, Singapore, St.
Vincent, USA and, of course, host country, Thailand.
Final Results
Racing Class (first three only): 1. Hi Fidelity, Neil
Pryde (HK, 12); 2. Yo, Peter Ahern (Aust, 12); 3. Mandrake, Burns and
Kinmonth (HK, 16).
Sports Boats (first six only): 1. Buzz 8, Geoff Backshall,
(Thai, 6.0); 2. Jativa, Hannes Waimer (Mal, 16); 3. Pink Pussy Cat, David
Bell (Thai, 18). 4. Panic!, Stuart Harrison (UK, 21); 5. Happy Endings,
Jonathan Mahony (Sin, 24); 6. Emma Mathilde XX, Morton Jakobsen/Jens
Overgaard (Thai, 31).
American Express Banking Premier Cruising (first six
only): 1. Yendys, Richard Grimes (Mal, 9.0); 2. Vida, Brian Hadyn (Aust
(9.0); 3. Hocux Pocux 2, Marcel Liedts (Brirish Virgin Islands, 10); 4.
Stormvogel, Ermanno Traverso (UK, 19); 5. Lawana, Suwan Poopoksakul (Thai,
22); 6. Ma Du Zi, Viroj Nualkair (Thai, 26).
Sunsail One Design (all): 1. Princess Anne, Christian
Eschenburg (Thai, 4.0); 2. Princess Arieta, Nick Cox (Thai, 8.0); 3.
Princess Athena, Per Svendzsen (Thai, 13); 4. Sharda , Mark Hamil-Stewart
(Thai, 13); 5. Princess Isabella, Janne Heikkilae (Thai, 19); 6. Princess
Christina, Peter Jung (Thai, 24).
IRC1 (first 6 only): 1. Ruby Tuesday, John Vause (NZ,
16); 2. Foxy Lady, Bill Bremner (Sing, 20); 3. Octopussy, Kawin Nualkair
(Thai, 23); 4. Di Hard, Rob Williams (Thai, 23); 5. Blue Juice, Joji
Motoyoshi (HK, 33); 6. Big A, Horst Lakits (Malta, 34).
IRC2: (first 6 only): 1. Royal Thai Navy 1, Lt Peera
Sagultem (Thai, 4.0); 2.Royal Thai Thai Navy 2, Lt. Jg.. Veerasit Puangnak
(Thai, 9.0); 3. La Samudra, David Lindhal (UK, 10); 4. Emerald Blue, Nick
Rose (Canada, 22); 5. Pytheas Aura, Chris Pooley (Canada, 22); 6. La
Croisette, Andre Salti (France, 24).
IRC 3 (first 6 only): 1. Abraxus, Greg Coops (Hong Kong ,
9.0); 2. Minx, Kevin Gillow (Thai, 10); 3. Patrice III, Tracy Williams (Den,
12); 4. Simba, Bob Ashman (Sin, 18); 5. Ava, Somkiat Poonpat (Thai, 18); 6.
Vara Peto, Riku Ruokolahti (Thai, 18).
Ocean Rover (first 6 only): 1. Aquavit III, Hellmut
Schutte (Ger, 5.0); 2. Cordelia, Alex Joyce (Ger, 10); 3. Tarawadee, Team
Yachtpro (Thai, 12); 4. Blue Moon, Al Boone (USA, 16); Forrest, Bobby
Golding (Thai, 16); 6. Dek Talay, Team Yachtpro (Thai, 21).
Multihull (first 3 only): 1. Coco Blues, Kym Thomas/Peter
Plant (Thai, 5.0); 2. Charro, Mark Pescott (Thai, 6.0); 3. Ceberus, Henry
Kaye (Thai, 14).
Classic (all): 1. Greensleeves, Claus Kartha (Ger, 5.0); 2. Phuket Sail
Sanokk, Julian Hill (Thai, 9.0); 3. Sunshine, Peter Wood (Thai, 10); 4.
Sylvia, Marc Massari (UK, 13).
The Varuna Cup this weekend
The Royal Varuna Yacht Club is holding their major
sailing event of the year this coming weekend, The Varuna Cup. A big turn
out is expected in this Class Racing event with 5 races.
Race officers and organisers have worked hard to garner
big name sponsors, such as BMW, Park Chidlom, Heineken and many others. All
members and sailor are invited to register and compete in the event.
There are a large number of prizes on offer, a polo
shirt, a buffet dinner on Saturday evening and plenty of beer, all included
in the race fees. For more info and registration visit:
http://www.royal-varuna-yacht-club.com/up-coming.htm
Suh & Andersson’s gross
sixty-six is enough
Shenanigans Very Friendly Golf Society
Mike Franklin
Shenanigans returned to Plutaluang (S & E) for their
December 8 Pairs Scramble. It was a fine windy day with fast running
fairways and the rest of the course neat and well presented as usual. Mikael
Andersson, paired with newcomer Chang Suh, clearly found the ideal partner
as their gross 66 was to be commended, and was the best of the day resulting
in a net 62.2 from their team handicap of 3.8. Never far away were Ian
Warwick and Larry Willett returning a gross 71 and net 65 to take the
runner-up spot.
 (l-r)
Chang Suh, Mike Franklin and Mikael Andersson at Shenanigans for the prize
giving after a day out at Plutaluang. Chang and Mikael returned a gross 66
score to win the pairs scramble.
Near Pins were claimed by Charlie Davlin, Chang Suh, John
Larder and Curtis Hessler. Chang Suh made the longest putt on E # 9 and
Graham Rudd sank the other on S # 9.
It was Steak Night back at Shenanigans and due welcomes
were extended to Curtis Hessler, Ursula Lehna, Andrew Murphy and Chang Suh
playing with Shenanigans for the first time, and it was welcome back to John
Larder.
The Shenanigans golfing year comes to an end with the Santa Scramble at
Eastern Star on Wednesday December22. This is the ultimate fun scramble and
very festive too. Full details on the notice board in Shenanigans where you
can sign up, in pairs please.
Farewell Boby Joe
Tuesday December 7 was the final outing under the banner of the 60s Bar.
Having succumbed to an offer he couldn’t refuse, Bobby Joe has given up
his leasehold and gone into temporary retirement.
From all the golfers who have played out of the 60s Bar
for many years, we thank Bobby Joe for his friendship and generosity and
wish him the best of luck in future ventures.
As of Tuesday the 14th December the bar will have been
fully renovated and will be trading under a new owner and a new name
Tropical Berts.
Bert and his lovely wife Poo have ensured their continued
support for the golfing group and the Pattaya Sports Club - all conditions
will remain the same with breakfast and sign in at 8 a.m. and depart at 8.50
a.m.
Golf at Eastern Star Tuesday
7th December
A reduced number of players turned up because of the
uncertainty of the 60s bar but we still had enough. We went to Eastern Star,
which is always a fair challenge to the average golfer. The course was in
great condition but with a more than brisk breeze and some very difficult
pin placements the day was not easy and resulted in very mediocre scores.
The eventual results put the top three within one shot of
each other with Bob Noble just pipping Perry McNeely and Bob Lawrence.
Suzuki San bows
out with a win
IPGC TAGGS golf from The Haven
Thursday Dec. 9 Great Lakes Medal
Division 1 (0-20)
1st Yasuo Suzuki, 71
2nd Tore Eliasson, 72 - c/b 35
3rd Peter Emslie 72 - c/b 36
Division 2 (21+)
1st Barry Chadbourn, 66 - c/b 35
2nd Toy Theobold, 66 - c/b 36
3rd Susi Lawton, 68
A rare trip to Great Lakes by the Haven ladies &
gentlemen and one that many of the large contingent thoroughly enjoyed. The
course was in generally good condition and although there were some poor
lies on the rock hard fairways. The greens were excellent. On the downside,
the bunkers were devoid of sand and anyone finding themselves in these
hazards were certainly penalised! Course conditions and strong winds made
for a tough day of golf, yet scores were surprisingly good, especially in
Division 2 where Barry Chadbourn played some super golf to just edge out Toy
& Susi and all three will no doubt see a reduction in their handicaps.
For the lower handicappers in Division 1, it was a different story and
scores were extremely close with Yasuo Suzuki gaining his first win on the
last day of his two month stay. No doubt he will celebrate with a little
saki when he arrives home in Tokyo! Chasing him all the way to the finish
were Tore & Peter who took the honours on countback from Chang Suh and
Brian Kelly. Given the excellent green conditions, it was no surprise that
five 2s were recorded and the 2s pool was shared by Randall Penrod, Chang
Suh, Al Rolnik, Kjell Christianson and John Squitero. Prior to the prize
giving, Richard Livingston, welcomed back Brian Cole, John Squitero &
Tore Eliasson, before bidding farewell to Olaf Malmberg and Yasuo Suzuki.
Wednesday Quiz League
Mickey Mouse Darts League - Week 8
The Square Ring
by Howie Reed
Holy Moley but there were a plethora of fights around the
world last week. Just as you’re rushing to get your Teelock that special
something for Christmas, Lotsa Baht always seems to do the trick, so boxing
promoters and fighters are shopping for that last payday of ’04. Pattaya
of course, got an early Christmas present with the return to paradise of the
Lord of Pattaya. He’s also known as the Swedish Prince. That would be Mr.
Stefan Lord, now 50 years old on the down hill road of life. Of primary
local interest was the match up between Manny Pacquiao (38-2-2) vs. Fahsan
Por Thawatchai (44-7-1) for no official title.
Trainer Freddie Roach wanted Pacquiao to get the job done
and no fooling round. “I told him that if he can take out this Thai in one
or two rounds, then he should do it. There’s just too much at stake for
Manny down the road so he can afford to take it lightly. What if he suffers
a cut or injures his hand?” Pacquiao didn’t listen to his trainer but he
darn sure tried. With 25,000 fans going “Coconuts” at The Fort in Taguig
City the Pac Man floored the Thai visitor in round 2, round three and twice
in round 4. The final knockdown in the 4th caused Referee Ferdinand Estrella
to stop the bout at 1:26 without a count.
There was no “official title” on the line, but
unofficially they fought for the Ring Magazine Featherweight Crown. As if
there weren’t enough ranking organization Ring Magazine has been trying to
get in the act for years. Does anyone care? No! Old Geezers like my readers
can remember when Ring was the “Bible of Boxing”. Now it’s just
another publication reprinting story’s about boxing. There is a new boxing
writers ranking system that will start up in February with your humble
correspondent as one of the voters. BoxingRanks will accept votes from
‘established’ boxing writers throughout the world. That be me. Proud to
be a member.
At The Excel Arena in London, England Ricky Hatton
advanced his record to 38-0 when he handily took the measure of Ray Oliveira
(47-10-2). The BBC reported on the 10th and final round.
“Oliveira appears to have problems with his left ear
and Hatton continues to rattle it with some big right hands before sending
the challenger to the deck. Oliveira, down on one knee, clutches his ear
with his glove, winks to his corner and the fight is stopped after 1 minute
38 seconds of the round.” The fight was overshadowed somewhat by the
claims by the Hatton Camp that a fight with Kostya Tzysu was a done deal.
One British journalist whined, “This fight brings to a close a frustrating
year for the unbeaten Manchester fighter who has seen major fights with
Kelson Pinto, Sharmba Mitchell and Vivian Harris fall through for a variety
of reasons.” I hate to correct my learned colleague but there are not a
variety of reasons. There are two. Frank Warren, “We have a verbal
commitment with IBF junior welterweight champion Kostya Tszyu.”
“I’ve got no idea what he’s talking about,” Tszyu
told The Square Ring, “There definitely hasn’t been any verbal agreement
from me!”
In regard to Vivian Harris the next up for him my be
budding super-star Miguel Cotto (22-0) who took veteran Randall Bailey
(28-5) to the woodshed to retain his WBO jr. Welter belt. Kinda brave of
Cotto getting in there with KO Artist Bailey who has 27 KO’s from his 28
wins. The bout was only competitive in the first when the fighters traded
bombs. Cotto took control in the second when right hand deposited Bailey for
one of his two trips to the canvas. Down again in the third bailey held on
until the 6th when with both eyes bloodied Bailey said, “No Mas.” Cotto,
fighting in Vegas on the under card of Klitschko-Williams, might need a
couple of more before he tackles the likes of Harris. Although he gets
nothing but A’s for his showing against two time champion Randell Bailey.
It’s easy to downgrade the heavyweight division but the
fact remains, that it’s still considered around the world the Marquee of
boxing. Most would be surprise to see the “official” paydays that Vitali
Klitschko (34-2) and Danny Williams (33-2) received for their WBC title
match last Sunday morning. Klitschko got a base of $350,000 (USD) and Danny
Williams $300,000. Two things to consider here. That does not include the
fighters portion of the ppv in either the USA or overseas. Any seas. The
Klitschko Brothers under the name K2 were co-promoters with Frank Warren. If
as suspected by your humble correspondent, this fight did little
pay-per-view Williams could actually end up with more money. Promoting your
own fights is like being your own Lawyer - “You have a fool for a
client.”
“He shocked the world when he KO’d World heavyweight
champion Mike Tyson,” the radio adverts blurted out hawking the Williams-Klitschko
fight. Williams may have KO’d Iron Mike but he was a long way from his
world championship days. Tyson last week was back in trouble. Tyson was
leaving a nightclub when a gentleman stopped his car to allow the Tyson
party to walk by. Tyson started to lisp insults then jumped on the hood of
the gentleman’s new Lexus. Yes a Hood on a Hood. “Mr. Tyson welcome to
the Scottsdale Arizona penal system.” The Tyson crew were leaving the
Pussycat Lounge after an evening of viewing classical dance in it’s purest
form. All charges were dropped later in the week. With Tyson it’s not a
matter of “if” but “when”
What happened with Klitscho-Williams? Klitschko knocked
the ‘stuffing’ out of Williams. True fact! For 8 rounds WBC heavyweight
champion Vitali Klitschko knocked Danny Williams around like a dog that had
done the business on Teelocks clean floor. It was not pretty for the
“loud-mouthed Brit” who actually though he could play with the big guys.
In the process of knocking Williams down four times the Champ landed five
times more punches. Referee Jay Nady stopped the contest at 1:25 of the 8th
canto.
The last really important fight of the year takes place
tomorrow from the Staples Center in Los Angeles California when Antonio
Tarver (22-2) and Glen Johnson (41-9-2) got at it for the Light Heavyweight
title. What light heavyweight title? Well actually none, its just “The
Light Heavyweight Title”. Between them they own the IBF and WBC crowns.
Rather than pay the sanctioning fee’s both fighters instead did a Tom
Cruse. “Show me the money.” A win for Tarver will probably make him
fighter of the year although Bernard Hopkins will garner a lot of votes.
By-the-bye looks like Hopkins next will be against Brit Howard Eastman early
next year. Both Tarver and Johnson knocked Roy Jones jr. on his butt. There
is no doubt but that they are the best. One Yank write opined, “Is there a
better fighter with nine loses on earth than Johnson ?” Nope! Should be a
barnburner.
The final event of 2004 will be held at the Mike Shopping Mall on the 5th
floor. I kid thee not - “I no lie you.” To quote from the press release:
“On the 28th of this month, there will be a big International Thai/English
Boxing Gala in the Mike Shopping Mall 5th floor.” For the International
bout the third man in the ring will be none other than Patrick the Fighting
Flying Frog. Drink to that!
Hingis and Martinez to play Volvo Women’s Open 2005 in Pattaya
Martina Hingis, former World No. 1 and holder of 76 WTA
titles will be returning to the WTA Tour next month at the Volvo Women’s
Open in Pattaya. Her return is linked to a charity initiative, to raise
funds for 4 charity foundations: the Paveena Foundation, the Father Ray
Foundation, the Foundation for the Better Life of Children and the
Suthasinee-Noiin Foundation for Children and Youth. . She will be joined in
Pattaya by former world No 2 and ex-Wimbledon Champion Conchita Martinez of
Spain. The two player’s combined WTA title haul is an astounding 118
titles!
 Martina
Hingis, former World No.1will play in Volvo Women’s Open in Pattaya to
raise funds for 4 charities.
Hingis will be appearing in her first WTA match since she
played in Fildestadt in 2002. During her career, Hingis has created many
milestones; she was the youngest-ever player to reach No. 1 in the world, at
the age of 16 years and 6 months. She is also one of only five women to have
been ranked No. 1 in singles and No. 1 in doubles at the same time, a feat
she achieved for 35 weeks between June 1998 and March 2000.
Hingis said, “Whilst I am in Thailand, I am very much
looking forward to spending time with those that benefit from the good work
of the Paveena Foundation, the Father Ray Foundation, Foundation for the
Better Life of Children and the Suthasinee-Noiin Foundation for Children and
Youth. I hope to raise awareness of the support needed for those who are
less fortunate and living in impoverished conditions in Thailand and around
the world.”
Conchita Martinez also has a string of titles to her
names winning 32 singles titles and 10 doubles titles; her highest ranking
was No. 2 in singles and 7 in doubles. She has achieved 50 wins in a season
six times.
Chaiyapak Sriwat, Volvo Women’s Open Organizing
Committee chairman said, “We are very excited that Martina and Conchita
are coming to Thailand. It is very refreshing that Martina has chosen to
play in Pattaya to raise funds for local charities. We are certain that she
will help raise awareness of the plight of the underprivileged in the
country and around the world.”
The Volvo Women’s Open will be held at the Dusit
Resort, Pattaya from January 29 to February 6, 2005.
Tickets for the tournament are now on sale.
Admission is free for the qualifying rounds, from Monday
- Friday they are priced at 300 baht and for the Saturday (semi-finals) and
Sunday (finals) 500 baht and 1,000 baht. For more information contact
Pentangle Promotions Co., Ltd on 02 382 3491-3.
Volvo Car (Thailand) Ltd, The Shell Company of Thailand, The Tourism
Authority of Thailand, The Dusit Resort, Pattaya, Konica-Minolta, Wilson,
Reebok, BenQ and Babolat are The Volvo Women’s Open sponsors for 2005.
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