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Darren Ottaway and Usa Chaiyosit crowned club champions
PSC 9th Annual Club Championship
Monday March 21
& Tuesday March 22
Burapha East &
West
Darren Ottaway and Usa Chaiyosit became this year’s
Pattaya Sports Club Champions in a two-day tournament held at the Burapha
Golf Course. Chris Balzli with returned a net 130 over both days to take the
net trophy the 9 PSC Club Championships. The competition selects the best
Gross Player, and thus the ‘Club Champion’ and the best Net Player in
both Male and Female flights.
The first day began as normal, with all the players
booking in through Ian’s very efficient system, then onto C or D. First
tee off was at 10 a.m. and with 139 players went on until 12.16 p.m. or so.
 Leif
Kirkegaarde Flight C winner and Brian Maddox Flight D winner with Chris John
(center), PSC golf chairman.
The course as one would expect was in perfect condition,
and some of the players took full advantage.
It has to be said that the Club Champion, being a Low
Gross Prize, is beyond all but a handful of the players, still the gross and
net prizes in their respective Flights gave them something to fight for.
After Day 1, the Low Gross in A Flight, and obviously
favourite for Club Champion, was Darren Ottaway with a superb gross 69. Mind
there is many a slip etc. Flight B was Geoff King with a gross 83, Flight C
was Lief Kirkegaarde with a gross 83 and Mark Guthrie was in the lead with a
gross 89 in Flight D. Meanwhile the leading lady was Usa Chaiyosit with a
gross 81.
Darren
Ottoway (left) Low Gross champion and Chris Balzi (right) High Points with
receive their trophies from Chris John.
In the net section, that perennial winner, Jeff Wylie,
was in the lead in A Flight with a net 70, whilst in the B Flight Larry
Willett lead with a net 65.
In the C Flight Jim Lucente led with a net 64 whilst the
best net of the day was in the D Flight where Chris Balzli shot a net 62.
The Ladies also played well and Pid Overgren had a net 65.
 Usa
Chaiyosit, this year’s Ladies Champion receives her trophy.
So as can be seen, many players went to bed and slept
soundly in the knowledge that they were in the lead. Or they tossed and
turned - I wonder which?
The second day dawned bright and hot, and would continue
to get hotter, with a nice breeze at times. The test for the day was the A
& B nines, for many their favourite and a fair, but tough test.
The course was in superb condition and as per the day
before, the players teed off from 10 a.m. onwards, and proceeded to test
themselves against the best. For some, nerves came in, whilst for others the
pressure helped to produce some fine scores.
Jeff
Wylie (left) A Flight winner & Valur Sigurdsson (right) B Flight receive
their trophies from the golf chairman.
So what were the scores on the doors? Back in the
clubhouse the A Team, under our Ian, ground away as the scores came in and
after some hard work produced the results.
On the Second Day, the gross winners were A Flight,
Darren Ottaway with gross 72, B Flight was Bill Miles with a gross 81, C
Flight Richard Kubicki with a gross 89 and D Flight Herb Schweiterman with a
gross 91. The Ladies best was Usa Chaiyosit with a gross 79.
The Net Winner were A Flight Jeff Wylie net 65, gross 72,
B Flight Gerhard Schultz net 66, C Flight Herbie Ishinaga net 71, and D
Flight Alan Jones with a net 68. The ladies Net Winner was Pid Overgren with
a net 66.
Meanwhile upstairs in the banquet room the prizes, and a
lotta, lotta prizes there were, were laid out and emcee Alan, paced whilst
he awaited the final results. At the back of the room the buffet was laid
out, and a fine one it was, and it was a question of standing to one side or
getting crushed in the stampede.
Then the big moment and the final results and the
presentations could get underway. Alan was in his element, and as usual the
Golf Chairman was stopped from falling asleep, by having to present the
prizes.
In the Net Arena the two day Flight Champions were
called. In the A Flight the winner, as expected winning both days, was Jeff
Wylie with a net 135. In second was Tony Oakes with a net 141 in a countback
over Ian Warwick.
In The B Flight the winner was Valur Sigurdsson with a
net 138 ahead of a countback for second on Net 140 won by Gerhard Schulz
with Phil Cawse in third.
In the C Flight Leif Kirkegaarde came through with a Net
140 ahead of Herbie Ishinaga on net 141 and in third was Jim Lucente with a
net 145.
In the D Flight the winner was Brian Maddox net 140 ahead
of on countback over Michel Descoover in second. In third was Alan Jones
with a net 141.
The ladies saw a different format. The leading Net Lady
was also Ladies Club Champion, and this was Usa Chaiyosit with a net 138.
Second, and not far behind, was Pid Overgren with a net 139, and Ploy
Thongpen came in third with a net 144.
So to the ‘Big Boys’ and the Net Champion was Chris
Balzli with a net 130, and The Club Champion was Darren Ottaway with a very
fine 141 gross, this is 3 under gross. Very well played to all.
PSC golf chairman, Chris John, thanked all his ‘golf
committee for their help, and also to Burapha, to the course management
team, Mike Patrick and their staff. He also thanked his sponsors, The Harley
Bar, Diana Group, Blue Parrot, McAllister’s, TQ, Deng Guest House,
Shenanigans and Roo Bar for the cards.
So at the end of two long days we can put the day to rest with a new
worthy Champion. T.T.F.N.
Results:
Men’s Gross Champion: Darren Ottoway
Men’s Net Champion: Chris Balzli
Ladies Champion Usa Chaiyosit
Two Day Flight Winners Net
A Flight: Winner Jeff Wylie; Second Tony Oakes; Third Ian Warwick
B Flight: Winner Valur Sigurdsson; Second Gerhard Schultz; Third Phil Cawse.
C Flight: Winner Leif Kirkegaarde; Second Herbie Ishinaga; Third Jim Lucente
D Flight: Winner Brian Maddox; Second Michel Descoover; Third Alan Jones
L Flight Winner: Usa Chaiyosit; Second Pio Overgren; Third Ploy Thongpen
Technical Prizes
Day One
Long Drives: C3 Graham Rudd (A), Unto Kilvonen (B), Richard Kubicki (C),
Alan Jones (D) and Ploy Thongpen (L).
Long Putts: C9 Bill Thompson (0 to 18), Leif Kirkegaarde ( 19 to 40); D9 Mam
Trayling (0 to 18), Michel Desloovers (19 to 40)
Near Pins: C5 - Sigurdsson Vaivr, Terry Curtis, Mam Trayling; C8 Jeff Wylie,
Jim Lucente, Ute Menges-Kiemle; D2 - Peter Bacon; Dick Worden; Usa
Chaiyosit; D8 - Peter Bacon and Alan Jones.
Day Two
Tech Prize Hole Flight A Flight B Flight C Flight D Flight L
Long Drives: B6 - Dennis Willett, Gerhardt Schultz, Richard Kubicki, Scott
Cosban and Ploy Thongpen.
Long Putts: A9 - Geoff King (0 to 18), Alan Jones (19 to 40); B9 - Doug
Williams (0 to 18); Fred Theobald (19 to 40).
Near Pins: - A3 Kevin Dunne, Ronny Waldfridsson, Ute Menges-Kienzle; A6 -
Terry Morris, Geoff Parker, Nora Haugsjordet; B3 - Akitoshi Ito, Doug
Powell, Usa Chaiyosit; B8 - Darren Ottaway, Peter Johansson and Chaba
Charney.
The Beautiful Game?: Welcome Back, Premiership
Riz Taylor
After a series of insipid World Cup qualifying games
the attention turns once again to the Premiership this weekend, where
things are starting to get interesting. Here’s a brief rundown of
what’s going on throughout the division.
The race for fourth position is perhaps the most
enticing. Liverpool’s win over Everton prior to the international break
closed the gap between the rivals to a mere four points. Need an extra
twist? Were Liverpool to shock everybody except the most optimistic of
their supporters and win the Champions League but finish fifth in the
Premiership - it would mean they won’t automatically qualify for the
competition next season. The Football Association would then be faced with
the awkward dilemma of recommending Liverpool for the competition at the
expense of - yes that’s right - Everton. It’s an unlikely scenario but
one that would make for no small amount of entertainment.
Coming up on Liverpool’s shoulder are Bolton
Wanderers, who are just a point behind prior to this weekend’s matches.
The two face each other this weekend in an enormous fixture for both
sides. Bolton have quietly moved up the table since the New Year, Sam
Allardyce continuing to turn water into wine at the Reebok Stadium.
When you consider the budget that the club has to work
with, which is next to nothing, Allardyce (along with David Moyes at
Everton) must be a contender for the ‘Manager of the Season’ award if
he can succeed in hauling Bolton into European competition for the first
time in the club’s history. Although that particular accolade is nearly
always presented to the manager of the Premiership winners surely ‘Big
Sam’ would be a more worthy recipient?
Perhaps the defining moment for Bolton came a few years
ago when Allardyce managed to lure World Cup winner Youri Djorkaeff to
Lancashire. The gamble paid off and since that bizarre signing we’ve
seen the likes of former Real Madrid players Ivan Campo and Fernando
Hierro arrive and perform well despite their advanced years. Yet
Allardyce’s greatest achievement might be the transformation of Kevin
Davies, who has played the best and most consistent football of his career
recently. Another often overlooked aspect is the British contingent at the
club, and although players such as Nicky Hunt and Kevin Nolan don’t have
fancy foreign names their contribution is a key factor in the club’s
success.
The game at Anfield tomorrow looks mouth-watering, so
expect the TV schedulers to instead serve up Arsenal versus bottom side
Norwich City.
Should Arsenal and Man. United win their respective FA
Cup semi-finals it would result in the seventh-placed Premiership side
also qualifying for a UEFA cup spot. This gives an added incentive to the
chasing pack that contains Charlton, Tottenham, Middlesbrough, Aston Villa
and Newcastle, meaning the season is far from over for this bunch of
underachievers, Charlton being the exception.
A little more than ten years ago there was a club with
a ludicrously wealthy sugar daddy. They recruited a high-profile manager,
purchased a number of top footballers and were accused ‘buying’ the
Premiership trophy. Sounds familiar? This side was the Blackburn Rovers of
course, and for a few seasons they squabbled over the title with
Manchester United before recoiling into obscurity. Nowadays they have a
United player of that era to thank after Mark Hughes has helped haul
Rovers away from the drop zone. The exciting world of mid-table obscurity
beckons for Blackburn, and perhaps they can go further next year.
Down at the bottom it’s a fight between six clubs or
so. It’s looking tricky for the three sides promoted last season to
avoid heading straight back down, but they can take heart from some of the
more established Premiership sides just above them being equally useless.
Step forward Southampton, Fulham and Portsmouth. The meeting between those
last two on Sunday might be worth a look.
The title race? Over, it seems, unless Chelsea implodes
in spectacular fashion, they’ll be claiming the trophy with a few games
to spare. Below them United and Arsenal still have something to fight
over, this being the automatic qualification for the Champions League
group stage that comes with second place. The winner would be allowed the
luxury of jetting off for a moneymaking promotional tour, perhaps here in
Asia, whilst the other must prepare for a nervy Champions League
qualifying game.
As much as I care for the shareholders of both United and Arsenal, and
truly I do, I’d be disappointed to see these two teams dominate the TV
schedules in this region as they have done all season. Around the division
there are other, more exciting battles to focus on.
8 weeks remaining and Cafe Kronborg is making a move
Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League
Cafe Kronborg took four points from House of the Golden
Coin and moved into second place. First place Brother D beat Three Sisters
three points to one knocking Three Sisters down to third. Mai’s Thai
Restaurant defeated VFW Post 9876 four points to nil. Domicil grabbed three
points from Friends and Q Cars beat Jack & Tar taking three. Shenanigans
made a move up the ladder as they won all four points from Cafe Ole.
 200
bowlers - Tue and Mai.
The lanes at PS Bowl were in poor condition again as is
reflected by the average pin counts on the day.
Best bowlers of the day were:
Tue, Shenanigans: games of 172, 202, 204 - 578 series
Kran, Cafe Kronborg: 539 series
Mai, Jack & Tar: 200 game - 538 series
Lenz, Q Cars: 526 series
Sven, Cafe Kronborg: 519 series
Dang, Cafe Kronborg: 514 series
Mio, House of the Golden Coin: 513 series
Leo, Brother D: 511 series
Konrad, Brother D: 507 series
Two-Day Joy for “Roy’s Boys”
IPGC Bunker Boys at the OK Corral
The first day of spring saw the Bunker
Boys from the OK Corral journey to scrumptious Green Valley for their
monthly two-day event, brushing aside the inconvenience caused by the annual
Thailand Amateur Championship being held over the same course at the same
time.
Showing deference to the popular OK Corral group the
amateurs were allowed to tee off early giving Mr. Loy’s party a relatively
empty course on the second day. The format was three-ball teams with the
best two net scores per hole to count, and all scores counting on the par
three eighth. From the outset the advantage of having a lady in the team
confirmed “Ya and the Noodles”, aka Harry Riley, Ya and Wilf Latham, as
favourites and they duly won the first day, romping to a score of nine-under
par 138, with Ya contributing an excellent personal net 69. Scratching their
heads in second place were “Roy’s Boys”, made up of Roy Mitchell,
Steve Nowell and Nile Sheehan, whilst the team of Brian Bellis, Richard
Wardell and John Hughes stood down in favour of Margaret Wilkinson, Sharon
Burton and Ben Findon.
The second day saw better scores, as the wind had
dropped, but the seemingly unassailable lead of Ya’s team was slowly being
whittled away as the “Noodles” became dumplings on the back nine,
allowing the gap to close. This was mainly due to the incredible form of
Steve Nowell who shot net 69, including gross 35 for the front nine. Final
results saw the team of Brian Wilkinson and the long-suffering pair of Doug
Campbell and Don Scott surge up the table to take runners-up on the day and
third place overall, whilst the first day results were overturned giving the
honour to “Roy’s Boys” with an advantage of ten shots over “Ya and
the Noodles”.
The makeshift team of Dave Wilkinson, Phil Burton and Len
Jones took the Bananas despite a spirited second day display, which saw them
placed third, whilst Steve Nowell, Don Scott and Ya shared the Super Sawng
award. It had been an enjoyable two days and, without the annual Korean
visitors, Green Valley is again the place to savour a day’s golf.
Mike Allidi’s ‘dream
round’ at Treasure Hill
On Thursday, March 24, the golfers from the OK Corral
took route 331 to the “monster” at Treasure Hill for their weekly
stableford tournament and found the course in a shabby condition with
parched, sandy fairways and scorched greens. A strong wind was very evident
and, with a storm brewing, the monster was snarling at all who tried to tame
it but the Bunker Boys from the OK are made of strong stuff! With the cut
made at seventeen and under those in the lower flight struggled to come to
terms with the conditions as Les Hall’s score of 30 points was to be good
enough for third place, one behind Bob Turner’s 31. Gallant Ben Findon set
the lead and shook his fist at the beast, winding it with an excellent
three-under par 39 points to become the day’s first true hero. In the top
flight Mark Joshua and Nile Sheehan managed to squeeze 31 points each and
share second place, whilst an incredibly focussed Mike Allidi was set to
turn the nightmare course into a dream with a round of exquisite skill.
Playing off two he lost his total handicap on the first two holes, starting
bogey, bogey, but after that he produced golf of a different class with four
birdies pulling him back to victory. He completed the course in a gross
level par score, giving him 38 points. It was an amazing display of
concentration and skill and he is destined to achieve his ambition of
playing off scratch. Norm Robinson and Peter MacKay shared the twos award
whilst the true winner of the Bananas should have been Barry Winton whose 16
points belied the usual quality of his game but, in his absence, Norm
Robinson took them for his low score of 20 points, which included the
aforementioned birdie two.
Back at the OK the talk was all about the day’s star
round and those who witnessed the effort will long remember it.
Holmes, Sweet Holmes
IPGC golf From Lewiinski’s
Sunday March 20
Green Valley, Stableford
1st A Flight: Graham Holmes, 39 pts
2nd A Flight: John Emmerson, 38 pts
3rd A Flight: Joe Carney, 38 pts
1st B Flight: Brian Wilkinson, 39 pts
2nd B Flight: J.J Wright, 38 pts
3rd B Flight: Peter Emslie, 36 pts
1st C Flight: Jez Lees, 43 pts
2nd C Flight: Jim Bell, 38 pts
3rd C Flight: Nat Meesuk, 38 pts
Near Pins: #13 Greg Pommerenk; #17 Joe Carney
George Jackson is finally vindicated. George has long
been carrying on that Jez’s handicap has been too high. This,
notwithstanding that Jez, despite an abundance of athletic prowess, is held
out as an example of a young man who can neither putt nor chip. But every
once in awhile, the planets align and the offending shots are not faced, and
Jez leads the parade to the victory stand. Today was such a day and there
stood Jez, the Man of the Match with 43 points and the winner of C Flight.
Jim Bell put a final punctuation on his successful annual visit to Pattaya.
Given this C Flight silver, thanks to a count back over the Nat(ural), we
might be seeing Jim more often.
Before you read the headline and jump to conclusions that
Graham now is the star of a Splash and Throb Show, first appreciate that
this scribe is on the hook to generate at least 52 titles per year.
Occasionally he will take a week off and utilize something trite just to
make it through that week, throwing the possibility of defamation to the
wind. Such was the case today where Graham provided evidence that his
recovery for a tough off season, health wise, was complete as he took the
premier Flight gold with 39 points. The Golf Manager, and this month’s
medal bearer, pulled rank to count back second place over Irish Joe Carney.
Brian Wilkinson was speechless when he found out his 39
points won first place in B Flight. If you believe that you will believe
anything. There is inadequate space here to pass on his shot-by-shot
description of the round and you should fell blessed that such is the case.
In a quiet, private ceremony J.J. edged consistent Peter Emslie, a count
back winner over Jan Eriksen, to fill out the middle bracket.
Monday March 21
Royal Lakeside - Blue or White Tees
Stroke/Medal
1st Blue Flight: Gordon Kerr, net 75
2nd Blue Flight: Simon Philbrook, net 75
3rd Blue Flight: Phil Groves, net 75
1st White Flight: John Foote, net 69
2nd White Flight: Natsuda Heitmann, net 69
3rd White Flight: Risto Manerus, net 71
With a group of luminaries knotted atop the Blue Flight
at net 75, the ol’ count back was dragged out and the log jam was quickly
sorted. Gordon “the Galloping Gourmet” Kerr edged Simon of Philbrook by
a net stroke, and then the latter edged Phil “The Swim Instructor”
Groves by the same margin. It should be highlighted that this is the first
time the Society has taken on the Blue, 6,815 yard, configuration of the
Royal Lakeside course and that might just be the embellishment this
well-kept, but flat, layout needs to capture the attention of the low
handicappers.
On the more familiar White configuration, John Foote
softened the wrap-up of another Pattaya visit with his wife Lyn, by taking
top rung. Natsuda, the better half of the every improving Heitmann
household, came second with Risto Manerus tidying up the bronze.
Wednesday March 23
Burapha - A & B
Blue or White Tees, Stableford
1st Blue A Flight: Graham Holmes, 42 pts
2nd Blue A Flight: Rick Sharp, 38 pts
3rd Blue A Flight: Phil Groves, 37 pts
1st Blue B Flight: John Foote, 40 pts
2nd Blue B Flight: Serge Straeten, 37 pts
3rd Blue B Flight: Ed Melott, 36 pts
1st White Flight: Mike Craighead, 41 pts
2nd White Flight: Bill Henry, 41 pts
3rd White Flight: Eddy Beilby, 40 pts
4th White Flight: Ralf Heitmann, 39 pts
Near Pins: #A6 Natsuda Heitmann; # B8 Klaus Schackt
Three fifths of the large field chose to take on the
somewhat mis-named Blue Tees of the A & B Course of Burapha. Our title
boy and Man of the Match, Graham Holmes amassed 42 points to take the
premier Flight of the Blue Division and post the best point total of anyone
in the field, regardless of course length. Four points back was The Hermit
followed by the S.I., with 38 and 37 points respectively. Johnny Foote made
it two wins in two days, this time with 40 points. Following John, were
Monsieur Serge, with 37 points, and Hawaii’s Ed Melott, with 36 points, to
round out the B Flight of the Blue Division.
The Mechanic used the guile that is akin to his senior
status to make his 41 points better than Bill Henry’s and thereby take the
top step in the expanded White Division Flight. Eddy Beilby was left only
the bronze despite a fine 40 point effort. Ralf Heitman who came down seven
strokes this visit from his well-seasoned previous 31 handicap this visit,
rounded out the White Division.
Friday March 25
Century Ban Chang - White Tees
4-person Scramble, Stroke/Medal
1st Place: Richard Wardell, Gerhard Schulze, Nora
Haugsjordet, Moon Schwulera: net 54.3
2nd Place: Rick Sharp, Joe Mooneyham, Terry Wagner, Ed
Melott, net 56.9
3rd Place Team: Billy Borta, Alan Atwell, Gary Emmett,
Jeff Cordeiro, net 57.0
You couldn’t get a bet against them when they signed
up. And, as always, they didn’t disappoint as they swept this edition of a
format that has become a monthly Society feature, the 4-person scramble, and
they did so by the unheard of margin of over 2 and one-half strokes! Nice
guy and long time member Richard Wardell, and old friend Gerhard Schulze,
who plays very well in competitive events, teamed up with the Enchanting
Scourge of Phoenix C.C., and now perhaps Century Ban Chang, Nora
Haugsjordet, and the charming but tough-to-handicap Moon Schluwera. Bags of
sand were used to construct the awards podium.
A couple of old guards, Joe Mooneyham and The Hermit,
teamed up with a couple of newcomers who have vowed to return promptly,
after each recovery period in the their homeland Hawaii, Terry Wagner and Ed
Melott, to take the competitive portion of the tournament. Third was left to
a count back as the impromptu four-ball of Billy Borta, Gary Emmett, Alan
Atwell and Jeff Cordiero snuck one past the tough team of Bob Wighton, Bob
Philp, Terry Phur and Brent Dalby. The bronze medalists formed a bond that
golf and such team events encourage and took their winnings on the town to
show newcomer teammate, Jeff, some of the high and low lights of the Extreme
City. The hard luck count back losers showed great sportsmanship but vowed
to return next month to avenge those foul mathematics.
Mosquito Outbreak - Glen settles the bill
Mike Franklin
In an unprecedented performance of golfing partnership,
‘Mosquito’ Bill Johnstone led Glen Tyler through a blistering back-nine to
win the ‘JIGS’ Pairs Better Ball competition at Eastern Star on Wednesday
March 23.
Their 47 stableford points was just enough to take the
podium, with Tony Oakes and Cyril Wallwork runners-up with 45 points. Tony and
Cyril, playing off 12 and 8 handicaps respectively and partnering each other for
the first time, had a fine round that included two eagles on holes #12 &
#15.
Mosquito
(Bill, right) outbreak - Glen (left) to the rescue at Jameson’s.
Eastern Star had promised to complete the coring maintenance
on the greens by this day, and that was certainly the case. Running at 7.5 - 8,
the greens were good, as was the rest of this consistently well maintained golf
course.
A field of 28 players teed-off in fine, breezy hot weather,
with the sun taking its toll on some arms and legs even though sun lotion had
been applied. A warning to take precautions and great care, as we are now in the
hottest period of the year.
The usual technical holes were on offer, with John Larder
being nearest the pin on # 3.
The Carneys, Joe and Chaba, playing with Jameson’s
International Golf Society for the first time, made their mark with Chaba being
nearest the pin on # 6 and # 13 and Joe, not to be outdone, being closest on
#17. Vincent Smyth claimed the long putt on # 9 and, inevitably, Mosquito Bill
sank an outrageously long putt on # 18.
Back at Jameson’s it was the Curry Night Carvery, and Chef
‘Beckham’ really does put the boot in on that one and produce a fine
assortment of curries and accompaniments.
New faces joining JIGS were duly welcomed including Julian
Trant, Phil Johnstone, Andrew Murphy with Alan Bishop, John Larder and David
Kinsella, Michael Dige and Joe & Chaba Carney.
Wednesday April 6 is Chakri day and a Public Holiday. Undeterred, JIGS will
be going to Century Banchang for a Pairs Combined Stableford. Sign-up for that
at Jameson’s on the Golf notice board behind the Pool tables.
PSC golf with The Bunker
Crystal Bay Golf Club
The Bunker has chosen Monday’s to play the more difficult
courses that are farther away from Pattaya because the traffic is lighter on a
Monday. On a Wednesday we play the courses in the medium distance and keep
Friday’s to the courses closest to home or down south. So there was no
surprise to find Crystal Bay in good condition and high scores for the day. The
best score of the day was 37 stableford points that was returned by P.J. Redmond
in division “A”. Runners-up were Roger Privett and David Harvey with 36
points. In division “B” saw a tie for first place between John Preddy and
Mick Ramshaw both with 36 points. Third place went to Jan Von Spellen with 34
points. Near the pins were won by John Preddy, Rick Ramshaw and Brian Walker.
Century Ban Chang Golf
Course
Century Bang Chang was the venue for the Bunker Boys on
Wednesday, not in bad condition, but the greens were difficult. There were joint
winners in division “A”. John Hughes and Paul Smith both returned net 71.
Third place went to Brian Bellis with a net 75. Division “B” the scores were
higher with Thea Von Spellen winning with net 76. Second with 78 was Glen Reamue
and third was Mick Ramshaw with a 79. Near the pins were won by Jan Von Spellen,
Peter Habgood and Ganville Swanton.
Siam Country Club
Friday was a hot sultry day, but no rain for the visit to
Siam Country Club. The greens were good and it was a very enjoyable day. Brian
Bellis was the winner of division “A” with 40 stableford points. Joint
runners-up were Mitch Malone and Geoff Parker with 38 points. Mick Ramshaw
returned the best score of the day with 41 points to win division “B”. Joint
second was Mark Thomas and Bryan Rought with 38 points. Near the pins were won
by John Preddy, John Hughes, Mike Ramshaw and Bill Hewitt.
The Bunker Boys are playing three times a week during the
high season, (Monday’s, Wednesday’s and Friday’s) so if you would like a
round of golf, call into the Bunker Bar on Soi Chaiyapoon (near X-zyte disco and
across the street from Tony’s Disco II) to pick up a golf schedule or consult
the Pattaya Mail every week.
Danes take home the bacon
IPGC golf from The Haven
Monday March 21,
Khao Kheaw - A/C, Stableford
1st Phillip Larsen, 37 pts - c/b 20
2nd Cyril Wallwork, 37 pts - c/b 19
3rd Claus Nilsson, 36 pts
4th Robert Webb, 34 pts - c/b 17
5th Bob Lindborg, 34, pts - c/b 16
A welcome return to Khao Kheow after some months away and
it was a pleasant surprise to see water back in the lakes, which were empty
some three weeks ago. As the fairways are rapidly improving from the
drought, no doubt the green keepers are managing to get the sprinklers
working overtime. The conditions made for a pleasant round of golf and it
was the low handicappers who dominated off the yellow tees.
Cyril, playing out of the Haven for the first time,
though certainly no newcomer to Thailand, played steadily all day off his 8
handicap and managed to split the dynamic Danes, Phillip (4) and Claus (6).
In the 2s competition, Trevor Schirmer pulled off the
only 2 of the day in division 1 to pay for his day’s golf and for once
there were no 2s recorded in division 2, so rollover time at Burapha on
Wednesday! Prior to the presentation, Richard Livingston, resident PGA
professional, welcomed Brian Stewart, Charlie Hartley and Cyril Wallwork and
welcomed back Peter Aitcheson before bidding a sad farewell to Roar Berger,
back to help out in the family’s 5 star hotel in Norway.
Wednesday March 23, Burapha -
C/D, Medal
1st Phillip Larson, net 72 - c/b 37
2nd Norman Isherwood, net 72 - c/b 39
3rd Claus Nilsson, net 73 - c/b 35
4th Trudie Chadbourn, net 73 - c/b 38
A lower turnout than usual at Burapha, no doubt due to Major
Roy’s penchant for playing medal rounds off the long blue tees. As it turned
out, just two golfers managed to play to their handicaps and most scores carded
ranged between 74 - 82 with several “no returns.” This time it was
Norman’s turn to split the dynamic Danish duo, with Phillip gaining back to
back wins and Claus having to be content with 3rd spot again. In the 2s
competition the division 1 sharpshooters, Barry Winton, Norman Isherwood and Roy
Thornton shared the pool whilst yet again no 2s were recorded in division 2, so
a double rollover coming up for the high handicappers on Friday at Siam Country
Club.
Back at the Haven, Richard Livingston bade a fond farewell to
Don Scott who is off to New Orleans for a few gigs to earn himself some extra
bucks!
Friday March 25, Siam Country
Club, Stableford
1st Trevor Schirmer, 38 pts - c/b 19
2nd Jarn Lyngby, 38 pts - c/b 18
3rd Serge Straeton, 37 pts
4th John Desmond, 35 pts
Another all to regular return to the Siam Cement Factory
which more and more golfers are giving a miss due to the poor fairways that some
said were akin to “muddy concrete.”
The dynamic Danes together with Norman and Major Roy were off
for a four man scramble at Century Ban Chang, so the field was more than a
little optimistic to seek those podium positions.
As it was, Trevor blasted back to form to just pip Jarn on
countback leaving Serge and John to round out the minor placings. But it was
Serge who was beaming from ear to ear when he learned he had the only 2 in
division 2 and so took home the double rollover jackpot! In division 1, Cyril
Wallwork and Peter Tucker shared the pool. On the day, there was a Ladies
Division and Toy Theobold came out the winner with 31 points.
Prior the prize giving, Richard Livingston welcomed Peter
Tucker and welcomed back John Desmond, Mike Allidi and Mark Cooper before
bidding farewell to Kevin and Samantha Taylor to their oil refinery in Doncaster
and Cyril Wallwork.
Golf News
Mike
Franklin
Golf innovation is always welcome,
whether in golf course design or golf club and equipment
manufacture. The planned golf course close to the Bangpra
reservoir in Chonburi Province, reported by Frank Lynn in
2004, was to feature a double ‘floating green’ and,
whilst this development has yet to materialize, the
concept of having a floating green is about to become a
reality.
Bangkok Post, on Monday March 21, 2005,
featured an Amata Group wrap supplement announcing a new
course due to have it’s soft opening in May. Named the
Amata Spring Country Club, it features a floating green at
Hole 17, as well as other spectacular features.
This week Forrest Franks, the
celebrated golf analyst, reports the launch of a
sensational ‘state of the art’ new range of golf
equipment by the Nogamura Group. His detailed report and
analysis follows, covering the technological innovations
and features of the new exciting Nogamura range.
Nogamura launches sensational new golf range
Forrest Franks, Asia Assoc. Press
Nogamura’s new profile-matched and personalized range of
clubs features the sensational Rubidium 70 contact sensor material.
The Putters feature a Rubidium 70 sonic insert in the heads
with through transitional particle power transference and tri-directional
dispersment that provides an ‘allover’ sweet spot. The putter face assumes
amoebic like properties that synchronize with clubface contact on the ball
resulting in quite extraordinary feel and control. The putter range offers
variable shaft lengths of 28" - 36", and the unique Nogamura
Polymerous Pro-feel grip, described later.
The revolutionary Rubidium 70 technology is carried though to
the exciting range of Nogamura Irons, available in 2 iron through Sand wedge
with additional wedges available in 58, 60 and 64 deg. lofts. Iron sets are
tailored in length and loft (3 deg. upright - 3 deg. flat) to personal
requirements and are available for Juniors, Ladies and Seniors as well as
standard player categories. Rubidium 60 is the featured material for the
Professional range
The iron heads have a Rubidium 70 insert and peripheral
Rubidium weighting. The satisfying ball contact sound and extraordinary feel
provided by these irons, likened to striking a ripe plum with a baseball bat
(‘Plum Touch’), and is also due to advanced shaft technology. The shafts are
made with a Rubidium sensitized graphite material with variable flex and molded
to the head through a Beryllium hosel. The shafts for the entire range come in
Nogamura Strata-blue with an optional iridescent finish.
The Nogamura Metal Woods are something else, as they are
treated somewhat differently. The Rubidium 70 material is co-fired with a
Disydium X compound to produce the Di-Rubidium alloy that is proven to be more
receptive to modern golf ball material and properties than any other known
material, including Titanium. The Di-Rubidium alloy provides the outer casing of
the metal club heads that are then injected with a Polymerous high density foam.
The club head faces feature lateral inlaid strips of Rubidium with alternate
high density carbon fiber inserts. The club heads are all beautifully finished
in iridescent Nogamura Strata-blue. Drivers come in 400, 500, & 600cc forms.
The metal wood range also features 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 & 9 woods finished in
iridescent Nogamura Strata-blue, with standard lofts and Rubidium sensitized
graphite shafts in the same iridescent Strata-blue finish.
The shaft technology applied is the same as for the irons,
with the exception that the club head to shaft fixing is an advanced super-fix
bonding method.
The final element distinguishing the Nogamura range of clubs
is the unique Polymerous Pro-feel grip. The grip is made from a polymerous
moldable compound that intelligently recognizes the contours and body
temperature of the hands and fingers, and adapts accordingly to provide perfect
feel and ‘bird in the hand’ grip pressure.
So much so, that with the excellent adhesion properties of
the grip material, the use of a golf glove can be optional, ‘Couples’ style.
This is known as the ‘CE’ factor (Couples Emulation).
All grips come in Nogamura Strata-blue with a detachable
Rubidium personalized ball-marker inserted at the top of the putter grips.
The Nogamura Rubidium range, destined for its official launch
on April 1st 2005, will carry with it a promotional offer to the first 70
customers buying a tailored and personalized set of clubs. They will receive a
free 15" Nogamura-Pro golf bag in Strata-blue with a unique built-in
insulated thermos container for cold or hot drinks. A Nogura beer-can
‘condom’ is also included. The bag has the patented Nogamura Zip pockets
throughout and a Nogamura Strata-blue automatic umbrella crafted in
‘Stealth’ material and tipped with authentic ‘ lightening-proof’ NASA
heat shield material. A dozen Nogamura Pro GZ balls, with the new septagonal 470
dimple design and Strata-blue putting line, will also be included.
Leading golf clubs will have demo sets of the range from
April 1st with an on-line free phone connection to the Nogamura Regional office
to transmit orders and details of your personal requirements. Delivery to the
first 70 customers taking up the introductory promotional offer will be made by
courier within 14 days.
Further information is available by e-mailing Rubidium70.golf@ Nogamura.com
or referencing the web site at www.nogamuragolf.asia.com
18 team line-up announced for
the Lighthouse Phuket International Cricket Sixes 2005
Brian Jacks, the well-known English former Olympic judo
athlete, champion of BBC TV’s “Superstars” show, and now the corporate
ambassador for Lighthouse International Property in Thailand, announced the
18 teams to compete at the inaugural Lighthouse Phuket International Cricket
Sixes 2005.
Mr. Jacks, now based in Thailand, said “It’s been a
fantastic response from cricket clubs internationally to the Lighthouse
Phuket International Cricket Sixes.
“Attracting eighteen teams to this first full
international Sixes tournament in Phuket says a great deal for the
tournament, Phuket as a sports-tourist destination, and the hard work put in
by the organizers to make it happen,” said Mr Jacks.
“I am overjoyed that so many teams will be flying in to
support and enjoy the Lighthouse Phuket International Cricket Sixes.”
“With nine different countries represented the Phuket
Sixes is now truly a major international cricket event,” said Michael
Maher, Chairman of co-organisers the Asian Cricket Sixes Tour.
“Just look at the diverse countries of origin of the
teams who’ll be participating in the Phuket Sixes, and supporting not just
the event but the people of Phuket as well,” he said.
“It’s a great advert for the event and for the sport
of cricket as well.”
Howard Digby-Johns of event co-organisers The Green Man
said, “We’re delighted to welcome so many overseas cricket teams to
Phuket.
“It’s a great plus for the tournament and is just the
kind of tonic the Phuket tourist economy needs right now.”
The Lighthouse Phuket International Cricket Sixes 2005
will be staged at the Karon Stadium, Karon Beach, Phuket, Thailand from
April 7 to 10, 2005 with matches every day from 8.30 a.m.
Cricket Sixes is a short form of the sport of cricket
where six players make up each team rather than the traditional eleven. In
some ways the idea is similar to Rugby Sevens in that each Cricket Sixes
match is designed to incorporate all the most exciting aspects of the sport:
high scores, fast action and exciting match finishes.
Each innings consists of 30 balls with batsmen retiring
at 30 runs. Now recognized worldwide, the Sixes format is a definite
“crowd-pleaser” with each match lasting about 45 minutes.
Entrance is free and all are welcome to come and enjoy
the ‘fun in the sun”!
For further information contact Mark Burns at: media
@phuketsixes.com or see the event website: www. phuketsixes.com
The competing teams in the Lighthouse Phuket
International Cricket Sixes 2005:
Open Competition - 14 Teams:
Perth Postels (Australia); Warathai’s (Australia);
Applecross Postels (Australia); Lamma CC (Hong Kong); Kudu Bar Cavalry
(Malaysia); Macau Mongrels (Macau); Gauhati Town CC (India); Corner Tigers
(Pakistan); Wild Men From Borneo (Indonesia); Sunshine CC (India); PALPA
(Pakistan); CBB Chiang Mai Postels (Thailand); Phuket Cricket Union
(Thailand); 4. Island Cricketers (Thailand)
Spoon Division - 4 Teams:
Greenman Gunna’s (Thailand); Bangkok Postels
(Australia); Plantation Kamalas (Thailand); Blythswood CC (England).
Casual Imitation
MBMG Casuals League- week 23
In many ways the MBGM Casuals League appears to be a pale (ale) imitation
of the Premiership; minor teams have their moments but the title is
realistically only attainable to a select group of three (including one
bankrolled by ‘new money’). Perhaps may now also be the time to mention
the similarity of the respective league’s growing problems of ‘tricky’
foreign players trying to fool the officials with their theatrical diving
and yelling... But then, perhaps not.
This week saw league leaders Dubliner in a rampant mood
as they tore apart a dispirited Patana outfit 10 -0 with even Japp Stam
look-a-like Jamieson bagging a brace - unusually these turned out to be
goals and not mobile phone numbers. Second placed Londoner just about
managed to keep up the pressure with a tight 1 - 0 victory over third placed
Brazilians, with keeper Torrance saving a late penalty to cap a fine
performance. The similarities between the Casuals League’s top three and
England’s finest are uncanny, with the exception that The Dubliner did not
steal all of their best players from West Ham.
Elsewhere results were the usual mixed batch of
surprises. British Club Casuals and Robin Hood both beat potentially
stronger teams, The Winking Frog and The Scans respectively, 3 - 2
respectively. AFC Shrewsbury had their recent good run halted by a 2 -1
defeat at the hands of a well disciplined Bangkok United - an
ill-disciplined St. Patricks Day ball the night before may not have helped
the teacher’s team there. Both Pattaya teams notched up home victories,
Seaboard adding to Gallic Les Gaulois galling recent run of results with a
fine 5 - 2 scoreline, though Blitz FC must have been pleased with their best
result of the season, losing only 3 - 0 to RC Pattaya, possibly by
defaulting the game - now you don’t often see that in the Premiership.
Well, not outside White Hart Lane! Read more at www.somtam.com
Results: British Club Casuals 3 VS 2 The Winking Frog
FC; Robin Hood FC 3 VS 2 Scandinavian Vikings; Bulls Head Brazilians 0 VS 1
Londoner FC; The Dubliner 10 VS 0 Patana; Racing Club Pattaya 3 VS 0 Blitz
FC; Seaboard FC 5 VS 2 Les Gaulois de Bangkok; Bangkok United 2 VS 0 AFC
Shrewsbury.
Bangkok International Soccer 7s
April 23-24, 2005
After the very successful 2nd Phuket International
Soccer 7s tournament that has been conducted in Karon Stadium on the November
27-28 2004, with 25 teams from 12 countries and more than 30 nationalities,
Reperages Thailand and Leisure Events are proud to announce their inaugural
Bangkok International Soccer 7s that is scheduled on from April 23-24, 2005.
The philosophy of the Thailand International Soccer 7s
events is to combine “Sport and Leisure” for all people from any country,
race and religion through friendship seven-a-side tournaments. These
tournaments were created to foster international friendship through sport and
also to promote Thailand as a sports tourism destination. Thailand Soccer 7s
tournaments have quickly developed a reputation as being among the best of
their kind in Asia with their professional organization and quality of teams
participating. They attract soccer teams from all over the world and have
become major competitions in the Asia Pacific region for football players.
The inaugural Bangkok International Soccer 7s has been
created to foster international sporting relations and to provide
opportunities for players, coaches and administrators to experience
international competition in a socially competitive atmosphere. 16-20 teams
from 9 countries are expect to participate at this tournament: the Kanto
Celts from Japan, British Malaysia FC from Malaysia, Saigon Saints from
Vietnam, Boca Seniors from Hong Kong, Voodoo FC from China, Hibernians FC and
Lions FC from Singapore, Real Canon FC from Nigeria, SCI Gecko and
Scandinavian Vikings from Thailand, to name just a few of them.
This will be an invitation tournament that provides a
socially competitive environment for players who approach the game with the
right attitude and in the right spirit. There are no entry fee for spectators
on the playing venue.
For more information on these tournaments, or if you want
to register a team, thanks to visit the official website at:
http://www.soccer7s.reperages-thailand.com
PSC golf from the Cafe Kronborg
Thursday March 24,
Khao Kheow
Stableford
Yes the course is correct, of course not being able to
contact all who were due to play with us this day, as some were going to the
course direct, we were unable to tell them of the change of venue. Our
original course, Pattana, had booked up all three of their nines and when
one had to be closed it meant some pretty drastic adjustments had to be made
to our tee times, which were totally unacceptable to us. So of course some
had to go to Khao Kheow via Pattana, and surprise, surprise, not only did
they not object but nobody else did, well maybe one did. So with the
scrambling over and the calls to me sorted out we set out for K.K.
 Mick
O’Connor
So to the course and the Test for the day was the A &
C Courses, and they were in fine condition. I played with Rick ‘Mr.
Golf’ Evans, the most passionate golfer in Pattaya, and he played super.
For a while that is - Eight holes without blemish, a great drive on nine,
pretty good iron to the bunker, and a 7 on the cards. This is what a lapse
of concentration on this great course can do.
Rain, yes we had some, in fact a lot, balls we lost some,
in fact a lot, got wet, and yes we had some, in fact a lot. Shots we had
plenty, and fun by the bucket load.
Good scores, well as usual in short supply, but the A
Flight, 0 to 15, played well and the B Flight, 16 up were pretty, well, not
good.
 Kuni
and Ute.
In the A Flight the places were all sorted out over 1
shot and countbacks. The winner with 38 points was Kuni Wakabayashi, on
countback over Ted Morris. In third was Ute Menzes-Kiemble with 37 points on
countback over Rob Brown in fourth.
In the B Flight the winner was Mick O’Connor with 35
points. In second was Jim Lucente also 35 points, losing on countback. Jim
in fact had ‘volunteered’ to play off a lesser handicap as he has played
so well of late. In third was Kris Helgasson with 32 points and in fourth
was Peter O’Donnell with 30 points.
Full of Khao Kheow Beef we all travelled home. T.T.F.N.
PSC golf from
Tropical Bert’s Beach Bar
Tuesday March 22, Phoenix Stableford
There was a lot of golf going on, around Pattaya, on this
day with the ‘Club Championship’ at Burapha and of course this day out
from Bert’s at Phoenix. There was something for everyone, and for me a
breakfast at Bert’s and a day out at Phoenix sounded just the job.
Book in
ready to go!
So early to Bert’s and a large number of players were
enjoying their breakfast and signing in with Bob at the hub. The atmosphere
was light, as with most of the ‘Stars’ playing elsewhere a friendly day
was expected.
At Phoenix we were given Lake and Ocean to play, and why
not. This course, which used to be one of the easiest on the circuit, has
now been toughened up considerably and is a really tough test. The course
was in great condition, and was a pleasure to play, but it was pretty humid
and tiring.
The scribe played first to allow himself to zoom down to
The Club Champs at Burapha, and requested the winners to stay until he got
back to Bert’s, unfortunately by the time I got back, very late, all had
left and only our new golfing Star, ‘Little Bobby’, was left so I took
his photo and had a few beers as the night progressed. T.T.F.N.
Division A: Winner Bob Pearce; R/U Bob Noble;
Div B: Winner Martin Bullen; R/U Colin Bavington
Near Pins: Bob Benda, Derek Brook (2), Bob Pearce, Bob Lawrence, Nooket.
Long Putts: Derek Brook, Nigel Cannon, Allan Gummer.
PSC golf from McAllisters Bar & Grill
Friday March 25: Century
Ban Chang Stableford
Yes golf at McAllisters is still alive and well, and the
players enjoy their day out here as much as usual. Early in the morning a goodly
crew turned up bright and breezy to test themselves on this tough course.
 Kenny,
Herby and Sus with staff at McAllisters.
Here is the good news, it did not rain, in fact it was a fine
day and the course was in good condition, and we had the usual bunch of
reprobates, even ‘No Show Joe’ turned up and we had a crew cut Elvis.
Meanwhile in Pattaya it poured down.
Back at Don McAllisters Bar, the food was laid out and as
usual was of top quality, and free for the golfers. There was even a Birthday
cake for Bob Benda, who went on one, a Bender that is, and a free draw for some
‘Fosters Beer Golf Shirts’.
It is fine to say Simon won, but had to go home early, so we
will give the glory to the players just behind, all with 41 points, who having
more stamina certainly deserve it. So Kenny Mau, probably as usual, Mau that is,
Herbie Schweiterman and Sus Ige step forward. Fancy a great day out, well you
can do worse than this. T.T.F.N.
The Square Ring
by Howie Reed
Always good to welcome a new name to the impressive list
of those that toil in the journalistic wonderland for the Pattaya Mail. You
may have noticed that Riz Taylor did a heck of job reporting on the EPL.
Welcome aboard Riz. Acceptance success comes from those that are good enough
to read our efforts and to comment. I’ve got just such a gent in “My Pal
Steve”. Steve is a great supporter of Aussie boxing and never misses a
chance to put this Yank in his place. Which occurs often. After Danny
Green’s recent loss to Markus Beyer, Steve commented on my reporting in
regard to referee Lawrence “The Clown” Cole of the USA. “He, who
again, may have screwed up a good match. If he did my Pal Steve will be
typing away at the computer.”
“No complaint from me today Howie, the better man won
on the night and even the officials did a stand up job. Just a pity Green
brought his C game along on the night looking very heavy and slow allowing
Beyer to counter punch well. He didn’t show the power he is capable of
either and his clean shots on Beyer didn’t affect him the way they usually
do. My humble opinion is that Green’s 5 weeks on the road leading into the
fight which included 3 weeks in LA for some hard sparring and training then
another long flight onto Germany left him over cooked and with a body
looking very bound up with tension. He looked exhausted in the final round
when he had his chance to knock a wobbly Beyer out but had nothing left to
give. A surprise for the incredibly fit fighter he is and testimony to my
belief that he was crazy to set off on such a long preparation away from
home without his bodywork expert to keep him loose and balanced.” That
says it all and NO Mr. Riz you cannot borrow “My Pal Steve” to keep you
straight on reporting “football”. What does an Aussie know about
football? I know, What does a Yank know about beer?” ask any Aussie and
they’ll tell you “Nothing.”
While on this Aussie run , as a prelude to
Pacquaio-Morales there was a “WBC title Flyweight eliminator” between
Jorge Arce (39-3-1, 29 KOs) and Australia’s Hussein Hussein (26-1) who had
to be the favorite going in. Arce was moving up in weight from Light Fly.
Some call it the “Nothing Weight”. Hussein’s only loss came at the
hands of Champ Pongsaklek Wonjongkam (48-2) considered the best of all the
flyweights. Granted Arce had only three losses all a long time ago. He lost
twice in Tijuana. Once in the Toreo de Tijuana to maybe the greatest Light
Fly of all time in Michael Carbajal. Still the Jeff Fenech trained Hussein
should have been able to quiet the partisan crowd at the MGM. Hussein was
horrible. He would have had to improve to be terrible. Arce was in complete
control from the opening bell. In the 10th after an exchange of punches,
trainer Fenech jumped in the ring and stopped the fight. Arce now next in
line for Wonjongkam. Will be a hell of a fight.
Last night in the Land of Kiwis and nervous sheep as
David Tua made his first ring appearance in eons against Talmasdge Griffis.
How long is an eon? In the case of Tua it is 2 years and two days since he
got a gift draw against Hasim Rahman in the Philadelphia, Pa. USA. As this
column was tucked in and read a bedtime story long before last nights fight
the “official results” aren’t known. An educated guess is that Tua got
the win in the ring and a loss outside. “A New Zealand judge has ruled
that 30% of Tua’s gross purse and 80% of other earnings from his fight
against Talmadge Griffis must go into an escrow account until Tua’s legal
battle with former co-managers Kevin Barry and Martin Pugh is resolved.
“We want the show to go on and we want David Tua to fight,” said Pugh.
“Kevin and I have 2 years left on our management contract and we will
enforce that term so everyone gets paid what they are rightfully owed. This
is what the whole case is about.” That’s not really true from the Tua
standpoint. He feels, maybe rightly so, that Pugh and Barry ripped him off
for million and now want that last ounce of blood. It should surprise no one
that Don King is somehow involved.
Some of the local lads had darn good outings lately. Last
Friday Former WBC fly champion Medgoen Singsurat (40-3,27 KOs) ended what
ever hopes Dragon Zheng had of becoming a “International Champion” at
1:35 of the 6th stanza. The visitor from Chania started fast holding his own
for the first couple of rounds. The experience and talent took over. From
that point on it was a question of when” not “if”.
Fahprakorb Rakkiatgym (48-3), IBF #3, didn’t hurt his
standing with a 5th round KO of Pedro Malco (13-8) recently in Bangkok. That
would be Rakkiatgym’s 13th on the trot since he got whacked out by Manny
Pacquiao in 1 two years ago. In that one, referee “Cousin” Bruce
McTavish called a halt to the fight after Rakkiatgym had been down 4 times.
He was rushed to the hospital after laying on the canvas for 20 minutes.
Promoter Jimmy Chaichotchuang said, “Rakkiatgym should challenge for the
title against Marquez in 2005. When this happens Thailand will have a new
world champion.” Ever notice how brave promoters are? Juan Manuel Marquez
might look good financially but from the health of the fighter might be
better to pass.
WBA #1 Somsak Sithchatchawal (41-1) easily stopped Gonsalez Bin Anur
(3-1-1). “Well I should hope so.” Bin Anur, who probably should use the
name Bin Whipped, was down four times before the referee stepped in at 1:22
of the second round. This was Somsak’s 17th title defense of the useless
title he holds. Number will probably go to 100 if he keeps fighting. On the
same card WBO bantam champ Ratanachai Sor Vorapin (62-8, 42 KO’s) won a 6
round UD (60-55 all) over Filipino Joven Jorda. Jorda’s record? 12-22-3.
Way to go champ. Impressive, No wonder when good Thai fighters get against
real International competition they fold like umbrellas. When an umbrella
salesman and a lady from Manila marry and have children, what do you call
their children? “Manila folders?” Drive a man to drink. Thank you I
will.
PH3- Run 1098
Well where I shall begin? It’s been a while since
I’ve dragged my sorry ass to the Monday run and now that I did I’m glad.
My day started by waking after spending the previous day in the TQ and other
bars with lovely ladies spinning around in them. Not feeling the best, I
dragged myself down to sign up and off to the A site. Whilst on the bus I
noticed a group of men who looked rather curious, they seemed to be a cross
between men at work (due to the high viz waistcoats) and gay disco dancers
(due to their coloured glasses and head bands). They proceeded to sing a
song about sticking things up the holy of holes and shouting “that’s
good” which I’m sure is a rule six offence. Still they seemed to be
enjoying them selves. Once at the A site the GM called the circle and in
with the new shoes. In my opinion the A site was of standard and that is to
be secluded and free of dead dogs. Hares on in which were VV and Two Time.
I’ve known VV for a few years and done quite a few of his runs before so I
knew what to expect. The run was on its way and at this time I felt like I
was going to blow up so I fell off the pace. I was glad to see Cabbage Head
and John Wardley (the runner) taking the front but that was the last thing I
had to do with it. The run was well laid out and nothing more to add except
that King Yao Yao apparently had a problem with a local bull, so he called
in one of the ladies who went to work on the bull with a piece of grass and
intern saved our king. Well, by the time I got back there were hashers all
over the place doing what hasher are good at which is drinking and telling
stories. The Bi-curious blokes were now full at it with Scandi hooligans at
the helm still singing that song about holes and still shouting “that’s
good”. I then saw an old pal coming in (Flying Frog), looked a little damp
and a little red. I must add that this is when I caught up with some old
faces and it was great to see them all. Sir Airhead walked over and this is
when I came up with cunning plan, which was to keep him talking and to keep
his mind off that piece of cardboard that he was writing on. He started to
move on when I thought I had escaped. Well, let this be a warning to all you
sinners, that god does not forget and on the hash you can make up your own
minds who that is. There I was, once again in the headlights of justice
after two years away as Sir Airhead came back to confirm my name on the
Monday run.
The circle was called and the hares back in. Good run
declared. Then it was back to the Bi-curious blokes. I must say that the
Scandi blokes are good for people like me. It used to be me throwing myself
on the ice due to the many sins I used to commit daily, with too many
witnesses to record the facts. It was established that the Scandi’s had
been committing offences from p*ssing in the street and p*ssing off the
police and they were warned by Sir Airhead that it was unwise to do the same
to the local militia. As a few of us know, this can be expensive and also
very uncomfortable especially when they put you in that small box after they
deem you unfit to share a cell after you have attacked some of your other
cell mates. Anyway the minute of reckoning was on me and it was time for me
to grab a seat along with F’ng Dog and King Yao Yao. F’ng Dog for not
liking helmets and Yao Yao for the bull incident. Myself, well that was for
just been me! I knew then I had returned and it was good to be back.
Next in was Karamba, a good friend of mine who has joined
me on the ice numerous times, usually trying to save my sorry ass and also
committing lots of sins. This time it was for becoming the face of the hash
due to his expensive teeth and also being a member of an old boys club, but
the less said about that the better. Chicken F’r and Terminal 4 joined
him. Where you see one, you can bet the other is close by.
A story about fuel gauges and no gas was to follow. The
Bi-curious lot were back in with two taking a seat for being proud and the
others standing for been wise.
Next in line was Poncho and VV. This was due to Poncho
being a day early for VV’s birthday. Now it was time for the returnees.
Once this was out of the way I felt it was time to get back down there on
the ice as I was called in to report on one of my friends Cabbage Head, for
been spotted in that bar where the guys in skirts hang out. There were
questions to the strength of my evidence and once again Karamba came in to
defend Cabbage Head and in turn rode more ice. Next in was John (the runner)
for winning the Thai temple race and it was decided that he was a hash hero
for the day. Let’s get this guy named.
Next in was the runner from Norway Arse-A-Holic for his
150th run mug and Spag Head for his 300th mug. Then it was back to business
with Poncho being iced for abusing the GM. A young guy (the man with the
broken leg) joined him, along with Karamba. This was due to the broken
legged man standing up Ewok on a date. I must add at this point, if she
still needs someone for a date that I’m free most nights. Karamba’s part
in this was he came up with the excuse that the guy didn’t show due to him
breaking his leg, which looked a little suspect when he turns up the next
Monday ready to run.
Uncle Fester then stepped in, as it was discovered, that
Ewok could see her errors for going for the younger guy and had decided to
stick to the more experienced warrior. I-Da-Ho and Care Bear then came in to
discuss false pregnancy and Chicken iced himself so he could get his hands
on Nurse Dick and talk about vibrators.
All said and done in came Peler for forgetting Oslo Fn’
Ere’s150th run mug last week. Then on to a song from Seaman Stains and
then onto the hash hymn. Back then to Patrick’s for the On On and the food
was great and all seemed to play by the rules by sitting and getting a drink
first. Well this is the end to my little tale. Great to be back and see you
all and thanks for another high point in my break in the land of grins.
Remember one last thing if you sin you will ride.
On On
R.F.S.
Orienteering
comes to Pattaya
For the first time in Pattaya, an orienteering event will
be hosted at Jomtien with start times from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on April 7.
Professional mapmaker Per Bjarne Roste has produced a new
map (March 2005) using satellite imagery and extensive fieldwork using GPS.
The map is on a scale 1:6,000 (1cm on the map equals 60 meters in the
terrain).
 There
will be 60 orienteering runners from Scandinavia visiting Pattaya to run on
3 different courses, 6km, 5km and 2.5km. The courses have been planned by
“around the globe orienteering traveller Ivar Opsahl”.
In addition, there will be a 2km very easy course for
beginners. For children we will have a marked trail which can either by
walked, run alone or together with friends and parents etc.
If you want to come and just watch, a bus is available to
take you out to a spectator site where you can see the runners coming out
from the forest and see them visiting a control and make their entries on
their control sheet.
Free soft drinks and hot dogs for spectators and all
participants.
Registration to be completed by the latest 4 p.m.
Wednesday April 6 and is free for everyone residing in Thailand. There’s
also a chance to win some big prizes.
Contact Per Bjarne Roste by email: [email protected] or
phone 09 185 2504
Directions: Take Sukhumvit road south towards
Sattahip. Drive past Pattaya Tai for 0.9km. Turn right into Thepprasit road.
Drive 1.1 km and make a sharp left turn into soi 5. Look out for red/white
signs. Drive along soi 5 for 600 meters and turn right into a dirt road. Go
another 400meters and you will see the meeting point next to the small lake.
From south Pattaya drive on Thappraya road in direction of Jomtien. When you
meet Thepprasit road turn left and follow Thepprasit road for 1.8 kms and
turn right into soi 5. Look out for red/white signs. Drive along soi 5 for
600 meters and turn right into a dirt road. Go another 400meters and you
will see the meeting point next to the small lake.
Boonchu Chandecha sets new course record in Men’s Marathon
Record participation
at ING Thailand Temple Run
More than 2,100 runners including over 400 foreign
runners from 29 countries participated in the 2005 ING Thailand Temple Run
on March 19. Participation numbers increased by almost one hundred per cent
from the pervious year underlining the growing popularity of the event
locally and internationally.
Thai runner Boonchu Chandecha was first to cross the
finish line in a new course record time of 2:38:51h ahead of compatriot
Kordey Senmud (2:39:02) and defending champion Jirasak Sutthichart
(2:40:47).
Thailand’s leading marathon runner Boonchu overcame hot
and humid conditions to win the race for the first time after coming second
in the half marathon in 2004.
“It was very, very hot and I was very tired”, Boonchu
said. “I’m happy with my performance and my time is a bit better than
Jirasak’s time last year.”
The women’s category was won by Sunisa Sailomyen in
3:25:02h with Ketmanee Senaphan (3:26:45) and Saipin Padchun finishing
second and third respectively.
In the Half Marathon, Southeast Asian Games 10,000 meters
champion Boonthung Srisang proved again that he is hard to beat on the 21.1
k distance winning in a time of 1:14:28. Amnuay Tongmitr (1:14:35) and Sutut
Kallayankitti (1:15:04) were the other two runners on the podium.
The top three female Half Marathon runners were Saifon
Piawong in a time of 1:31:33 edging out Saifon Lalee (1:31:36) and Vilaiwan
Khampitak (1:33:56).
Race director Raimund Wellenhofer was very pleased with
the event. “The size of the event has almost doubled from last year. That
is a big step and three is still a lot of potential for growth. The great
support from title sponsor ING has given the ING Thailand Temple Run a very
high profile, which is already reflected, in the increased number of
participants”.
Despite the grueling heat only ten marathon runners did
not finish the race and the medical team reported no serious incidents.
“We had to treat some runners for minor heat stress and dehydration but
apart from that everything went well despite the hot conditions,” said
medical director Dr. Francis Nettl.”
Commenting on the heat, race director Raimund Wellenhofer
stated that the afternoon was a new approach: “We wanted to start in the
afternoon hoping that the cooling conditions will favor the runners and to
increase participation numbers for the shorter distances. We will look at
the starting times critically in our post race evaluation and then decide
what to do for next year”
After a traditional Thai opening ceremony runners were
sent on one of the most picturesque marathon course in the world leading
past Buddhist Temples, through banana and coconut plantations, past rice
paddies and through typical Thai villages. They were cheered on along the
course by Thai cultural bands and interested villagers.
After nightfall torches and globe lights along the course
combined with the sound of crickets and traditional Thai music created a
mystic atmosphere.
Singaporean wheelchair racer William Tan who is currently
on a world record bid to become the first wheelchair athlete to complete
seven marathons on seven continents in 70 days could tick another continent
off his list. The former Paralympian completed the course in 2:18h and was
delighted after his race. “It was a really beautiful race. I really,
really enjoyed it.”
The last runner across the line was eco-marathoner Hajime
Nishi from Japan. He completed the course in just over 6:30h. After finding
out that he was the last runner across the line he line said: “I am happy
to hear that I am the last finisher. This means that I must have enjoyed the
race the most”.
Prior to the three main races local school kids took part
in the “ING Run for my School” Kids Run. More than 150 kids lined up for
the one-kilometer race. After the run five local schools were presented with
checks by ING Life Thailand CEO Jim Brown to help buy learning materials and
sport equipment.
The ING Thailand Temple Run was this year’s first ING
marathon in a series of seven marathons currently sponsored by the financial
services company. Other events this year include the ING New York City
Marathon, ING Ottawa Marathon, ING Edmonton Marathon, ING Taipei Marathon,
ING Brussels Marathon and ING Amsterdam Marathon.
A highlight show on the ING Thailand Temple Run will air
next month on UBC Thailand and Asia wide on the Star World Asia network.
Exact times will be announced.
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