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A PSC week at Bangpra
48th Monthly Members Tournament
Friday April 8, Bangpra
It would have saved money this week, if some of the
golfers had booked into the nearest hotel. They say people do things in
threes; well the main outlets of PSC seem to have taken this to heart, with
Tropical Bert’s playing here Tuesday and Cafe Kronborg playing Thursday. I
wondered if this would make their performance better third time around.
 Rungru
Deane, Ladies Champ receives her trophy from Chris John, PSC golf chairman.
The day started early, well for me, with both tees used
from 10 a.m. and the normal efficient booking in system, marshalled by
Bernie. One of the innovations was Tony Oakes walking around with a badge
saying ‘Handicap Secretary’. Now that is bravery above and beyond the
call of PSC.
Still, the new requirements announced, after some hiccups
of late, will certainly help, with an obviously brave new Handicap
Secretary. They have decided that to get a handicap, the 5 cards have to be
controlled by a major outlet, no walk around on your own. To have a handicap
to play in a Monthly Tournament, you have to have at least 20 cards in and
to play in the Annual Championships you have to have played in 3 monthly
tournaments. Also for long term visitors, say 3 months or so, those who come
with a handicap, the handicap will be entered 20 times, as per USGA, and
from then all rounds will be entered so the handicap changes. Leave and they
take the handicap info home, and the holiday is over. Sounds good to me, as
does more manual adjustments.
 Monte
Sykes (left), Low Gross winner and David Strang (right) High Points receive
their trophies from the golf chairman.
Back to the plot, and 95 golfers teed off in hot humid
weather, that was obviously going to have an effect. Still out on the course
the cares of the world disappear and all is well.
The course is naturally still a little dry, with many
water holes being dug out, however the water seems to be returning. It was
with amazement we stood at the little water hole on the left of the 11th
tee, and watched whilst a large lizard, maybe 3 foot long, happily swim
around and around before us.
Round over we assembled in the restaurant expecting
another long wait, but Bernie was back and this was one of the quickest
presentations I can remember, and so much the better for it.
 Mikael
Anderson and Ebrahim, A and B Flight winners respectively receive
recognition for their efforts.
Emcee Alan Pearce got on with it and called out the
winners.
In the A Flight the winner was Mikael Anderson with a net
69 ahead of Anders Myhr in second with a net 72 and close behind was Dennis
Willet with a net 73.
In the B Flight we saw one of the results of the day when
the ever-present Ebrahim came in first with a net 66. Back in the dust we
had a countback on net 71, which saw Ake Overgren in second and Stefan Hoge
in third.
The C Flight saw a good fight, with the winner Thierry
Bibinet winning with 38 points ahead of a countback for second with 35
points which saw Arthur Bailey take the place ahead of Terry Curtis in
third.
So to the tightest fought Flight of the lot, when all the
places were decided by one shot. The winner of D Flight was Chris Platten
with a net 37 ahead of Ken Ince in second and Peter Wilson in third. Both
had 36 points but Ken won the countback.
Now to the Ladies, and we do have some fine players in
this section. The winner was Rungru Deane with 41 points, ahead of Usa
Chaiyosit with 38 points and Chant Schwulera on 34 points.
The main winners were, Low Gross - Monte Sykes with a
gross 80 and Highest Points was David Strang with 41.
Presentations over in record time and the golf chairman
thanked all, especially the Sponsors. T.T.F.N.
Results:
Low Gross: Monte Sykes
High Points: David Strang
A Flight: Winner Mikael Anderson; Second Anders Myhr; Third Dennis Willet.
B Flight: Winner Ebrahim; Second Ake Overgren; Third Stefan Hoge
C Flight: Winner Thierry Bibinet; Second Arthur Bailey; Third Terry Curtis
D Flight: Winner Chris Platten; Second Ken Ince; Third Peter Wilson
L Flight: Winner Rungru Deane; Second Usa Chaiyosit; Third Chant Schwulera
Technical winners
Long Drive #4: Michael Lawrence, Ake Overgren, Thierry
Bibinet, Van Den Bogerd and Usa Chaiyosit
First Putt #9: Mam Trayling ( 0 to 18 ), Ken Ince ( 19 to
40); #18 Nora Haugsjordet (0 to 18), Mickey Moore (19 to 40)
Near Pins: #2 Clive Robinson, Danny Dyke, Cecile Nielson:
#8 Gerhard Schulz, John Gibson, Cecile Nielson; #12 Bill Miles, Dick Worden,
Usa Chaiyosit; #17 Kuni Wakabayashi, Dan Sell and Usa Chaiyosit.
Orienteering finds
its way to Pattaya
Scandis lead the pack
The age-old sport of Orienteering navigated its way to
Pattaya last Thursday for the first ever orienteering run in the city. The
course was set out in the wilds of Jomtien. A group of sixty plus
orienteering runners, mostly from Scandinavia, were in Pattaya for the
inaugural event.
Prior to their arrival, a map had been prepared for the
Jomtien area south of the Thepprasit road. The location was ideal; as
runners ran over open grassland in coconut plantations, bush tracks on the
search for the control points.
Orienteering
runners navigated their way through fields and streams past grazing
elephants, some not normally seen in Scandinavia. (Photo courtesy of
“Odd Job”)
Three courses ranging between 2.5 and 6.5km were set
out in the terrain. Starting time was set at 8 a.m. with the early start
time for the Scandinavians. The runners were affected by the heat and felt
exhausted most of them walking back from the trail.
“The tropical sun took everything out of me. I even
saw pink elephants on the trail,” said Turid Nygaard
Two Swedish runners in their 60s abandoned the trail
half way due the heat. They managed to walk over to a Soi in the outskirts
of Jomtien and were later were found by a German who fed them with
chocolate and energy drinks before taking them safely back to their hotel.
Jens Kristian Kopland PWT Tour operator who brought the
group to Pattaya was very satisfied with the stay and he hoped that the
sport receives the foundation to enable more runs arranged on a regular
basis.
Jens also won first place in the event with a handicap
adjusted time of 6 mins 56 sec/ kilometer. Course handicaps were
calculated on age and physical strength to even out the competition.
Orienteering, an outdoor adventure sport, where runners
traverse an unmarked trail between control points. These control points
are drawn on a map, which are obtained at the starting point. Control
points are man made features such as road intersections, corners of
buildings, fences or terrain details such as stones, small knoll, and
river bends etc.
To help you finding your way a compass is used for
directions between the control points.
Event organizer, Per Bjarne Roste said, “In
Scandinavia kids as young as 10 are running in orienteering races. The
courses are adjusted to a handicap. Orienteering is a family event and all
generations can participate in this fantastic sport.”
The Pattaya run proved a successful first event as a
vast age group ranging from 30 to 70 participating in run. Organizers are
hoping to spread the word among the masses and build up this popular
thinking and endurance sport in the region.
Those interested to know more about orienteering can contact Per Bjarne
Roste email: [email protected]
Neil Cameron to continue illustrious career
IPGC golf from Lewiinski’s
Sunday April 3
Green Valley
String - Medal/Stroke
1st A Flight: Charles Li, net 68
2nd A Flight: Jim Brackett, net 70
3rd A Flight: Julian Clarke, net 70
4th A Flight: Steve Mascari, net 70
1st B Flight: Robbie Bennett, net 76
2nd B Flight: Peter Emslie, net 77
3rd B Flight: Nat Meesuk, net 78
4th B Flight: Larry Nicholas, net 78
On a week when the Society gave the “String
Tournament” format its initial trial, one would think that the person who
‘sussed’ out the winning strategy should deserve the title. With all
apologies to Charles Li, events that transpired at week’s end transcended
even his fine effort.
As to the “String Tournament’ format, each competitor
is given a length of string equivalent in foot length to the number of
his/her handicap. That was his/her only aid on the day, as the standard
reduction in hole score was thereby waived. The string could be used at any
time to move the ball at no charge other than a reduction in their personal
string reserve commensurate with the distance they had moved the ball.
Needless to say, the caddies found this format most amusing but were soon
measuring, cutting and spooling with the best of them. So with little
sympathy to the scribe and the GM who had to measure and cut all those
bundles of string, the intrepid gang set out to conquer the day.
As indicated earlier, none did it better than Charles Li
who ruled A Flight with a net 68. No post tournament interview was had and,
therefore, Charles’ personal strategic tips may never be known, but it was
generally surmised that using the string for short puts was the key. A brace
of 70’s in the persons of old guard, Brackett, Clarke and Mascari,
followed Charles up the podium. One would suspect that this would be a
format that the wily Donkey would excel at, and well he did, only to have
his 70 rebuked at the pay window due to unfavorable count back.
Ah, B Flight! There was enough string doled out to the
junior Flight to run a nice kite contest. Realize some four balls left the
gate trailing in excess of 100 feet of twine. Curiously, despite having this
secret weapon, the scores soared. Robbie Bennett, packing a mere 18 feet,
“led” the field with a net 76. Peter Emslie, showing that Senior
Citizen’s were up to the format (hear that Hermit!), came second, a shot
adrift. The Nat(ural), the Irish Crustacean and Jez “The Principal” Lees
had their strings untangled by count back, with beauty prevailing and
intellect failing, and cantankerousness stuck in the middle.
Since you asked, the round does not count towards
handicap and the field finished in normal time or better.
Tuesday April 5
Laem Chabang - A & B
Blue or White Tees
Stroke/Medal
1st Blue Flight: Steve Mascari, net 68
2nd Blue Flight: Bob Patterson, net 72
3rd Blue Flight: Mick O’Connor, net 74
1st White Flight: Gary Blackburne, net 68
2nd White Flight: Rick Sharp, net 69
3rd White Flight: Bob Philp, net 72
The Lewiinski’s Golf Society moved its Monday to
Tuesday to avail itself of Low Season Sports Days at local area courses that
seem to predominate on Tuesdays. As has been our tradition in years past, we
use the opportunity to visit the always immaculate Laem Chabang layout.
Although the Green Fee is well-reduced, the build-up of caddy fee and cart
still created sticker shock amongst the faithful.
The bombers have always felt that the Jack Nicklaus
layout, off the Whites, was a bit short, so those that wished were given the
opportunity to “step back”. More than half of the good sized field
choose the Blues and the scores generally bore out the choice. The Blue
Flight was dominated by the President, the Senator and the Chef. The
Pres’s gross 73, net 68 off the Blues matched the best on the day off the
Whites.
The fellow the Pres numerically matched on the day was
none other than the current holder of the Lewiinski’s Open title, Gary
Blackburne. Gary was one better in the White Division than The Hermit, who
himself was three better than Bob Philp.
Interestingly enough all winning scores in both flights
were at Standard Scratch, or better.
Wednesday April 6
Century Ban Chang
White Tees
Stableford
1st Dave Boran, 46 pts
2nd Colin Davis, 38 pts
There I was making apologies to Charles Li about not
getting the title spot and not a word about Dave Boran. It was great for all
involved to see the absolute elation on Dave’s face as he shot net 80 for
the first time in his life and amassed 46 points off his 18 handicap! Dave
is back in England but he will be equally elated that his handicap has
dropped three points to a 15, a trend that this sportsman and good friend
hopes to continue. Enough about nice guys, The Donkey swept up the rest of
the loot on this quiet holiday.
Friday April 8
Phoenix - Mountain & Lakes
Blue or White Tees
Stableford
1st Blue Flight: Geffrye Ives, 34 pts
2nd Blue Flight: John McHugh, 33 pts
3rd Blue Flight: Rick Sharp, 33 pts
1st B Flight: Neil Cameron, 39 pts
2nd B Flight: Gary Blackburne, 37 pts
Near Pin: #L7 Betty Koehler
Many young (50 and below) Pattaya residents know Neil
Cameron only as the Clubmaker to the Stars. But there was much more to this
fellow, who in his youth was known only as the Wee One from Aberdeen. He was
a golfer of import, mentioned in the same frosty Aberdeen breath as Paul
Lawrie, Billy Brooks, Mark Woods, Billy Main and “Sparky” Ewen. He was
even the subject of respectful utterances saved for the Glasgow greats,
Colin Montgomrie and Mike McLaren. But alas the years have passed, the pints
have been swilled, and the once negligible handicap has let its belt out a
few notches until it was poised at the precipice, 17.4. The Wee One was
heard to have said in years gone past, “If it ever gets to point where my
handicap provides me one stroke a hole, I quit!” A lesser man would have
packed it in and said to his grandchildren and to the girls on Soi 6, “I
never was an 18 handicapper!” but not the Wee One. Like Braveheart, he
painted his face, albeit with 45 sun block, and took his game to the white
tees of Phoenix’s Mountain and Lake Course. Showing the Scottish spirit as
he had those many years ago on the links of Aberdeen, he served notice that
the Cameron plaid would continue to be sported on Pattaya courses for some
time to come as he put together a White Flight winning 39 points. So there
will be no Auld Lang Syne sung for Neil Cameron this day, no sir, ‘cause
he’s a 16.8 now!
In related news, Gary Blackburne mounted the podium for
the second time this week as he stood below, but at eye level to, Neil on
the White Flight podium. Newcomer, and new friend to all, Geff Ives, took
the larger Blue Flight, trailed by Johnny McHugh, who put the count back on
The Hermit.
The Beautiful Game?: Learning to Sit on the Fence
Riz Taylor
I like Michael Owen. He’s a charming and well-mannered
little chap; the sort of upstanding young man you’d approve of marrying
your only daughter. He’s made an admirable effort in Madrid this year
despite spending much of his time warming the substitutes’ bench, but as
you’d expect he hasn’t gone whining to the newspapers about his lack of
playing time. He is also obscenely wealthy, takes care of his family and
friends, and I’m sure that if you asked him about the life and times of
Joseph Stalin he’d find some nice words to say about the tyrannical former
Soviet leader.
And there’s the problem.
There seems to be an ever-growing number of young
footballers who have been schooled in the art of turning interviews into
staggeringly tedious events by saying nothing controversial. It’s called
‘Media Handling’.
Whilst the beautiful game is sometimes barely
recognisable from the football that more senior readers may remember, there
have undoubtedly been many improvements that cannot be ignored. The arrival
of the Premiership saw football begin to take itself more seriously, and
thanks to television money and Taylor Report recommendations (following the
Hillsborough tragedy in which 96 people were killed) we’ve seen the
appearance of modern, safer stadia and with that much more attention to
pitch quality that rewards technically gifted players. That is indisputable
progress, but those of you who like to complain can relax - there’s always
something to moan about.
How about the modern football fan increasingly becoming a
bit-part in the whole show? Spiralling ticket prices price mean that
champagne-quaffing investment bankers will soon be the only people who can
afford to watch their team. There is talk of reducing ticket prices for away
fans due to falling attendances, but changing ridiculous Sunday lunchtime
kick-offs is out of the question, of course. And more recently, thanks to
the awareness of image and marketing, the advent of ‘media handling’
means that fans must also have their intelligence insulted by players and
managers that are clearly talking gibberish. It leaves a sour taste in the
mouth.
If you’ve no idea what I’m talking about, take a few
moments to analyse what footballers are saying to TV reporters next time you
get the chance. Someone somewhere is giving them instructions on fielding
questions from journalists, but rather than making them interesting young
men who able to offer us an insight into the game we are instead offered
quotes that are as bland and inoffensive as possible.
Perhaps the first player to demonstrate this unwanted
talent was Alan Shearer. It’s said that Shearer is a real ‘character’
in the dressing room and off-camera, but I certainly can’t see it. He
seems unable to offer any real opinion on anything when a microphone is
shoved under his nose.
Football is slowly being invaded by these types. The
headmaster-like Sven Goran Eriksson leaves me cold with his pre and
post-match comments, but even worse is that a cloning process seems well
underway to create a thousand more of this breed.
For this reason I was delighted when Azerbaijan coach and
World Cup winner Carlos Alberto mistakenly ranted about Michael Owen prior
to his side’s match with England the other day. Amongst other comments
during his outburst he said: “I have a history in football but what is the
history of this guy, this midget? He ought to clean his tongue and wash the
boots of David Beckham as they are so wet tonight.”
Owen predictably played the incident down and Alberto
later realised his error and apologised. But there should be more like
Alberto; more people ready to speak their mind and climb aboard their high
horse at a moment’s notice, if for no other reason than to keep us
entertained. Give me a Gordon Strachan, a Jose Mourinho or even an Alex
Ferguson any time. At least they tell us what they’re thinking!
And bring back Brian Clough.
A limited week
IPGC golf from The Haven
Monday, April 6
Siam Country Club
Medal
The good thing was it only rained twice on Monday. The
bad thing was, it rained once for six hours and once for four hours.
Undeterred by the pouring rain, the hardy golfers from
the Haven set off for a day’s enjoyment at Siam. That fact that the
majority were English players, to whom the conditions were almost ideal, had
more to do with their high spirits than that they all were firm believers in
both the Tooth Fairy and Father Christmas, even though they were all past
the age of expecting to see either of their two hero’s’ again any time
soon.
In the event the conditions proved to be just a little
too extreme, even for the hardiest who braved four holes before the flooded
greens finally got the better of them.
Ah well, just another day in paradise and the course even
gave each player a free rain check at the same cost as they had already paid
for the non-day’s golf. Presumably working on the basis of; “If they
will pay for nothing, they will be over the moon to pay again for
something”. Home Sweet Home!
By now regular readers will have gathered that the usual
Scribe is away on his spring break and “The Doc” is back in charge of
the asylum for the duration.
Wednesday was a rest day in consideration of Chakri Day,
another opportunity for the local courses to get on the gravy train with the
local Thai golfers and charge the prices usually reserved for all the rest
of the world, hence no play.
Friday April 8
Phoenix Country Club
2 Person Scramble
Stableford
1st Philip Larsen & Roy Thornton, 42.8 pts
2nd John Desmond & Trevor Schirmer, 42.4 pts
3rd Bob Lindborg & Peter Emslie, 39.4 pts
Phoenix as always nowadays is in first class condition
compared to all the courses in the area, including the much vaunted but
extremely expensive Laem Chabang, which costs four times more on a normal
day to play and is definitely not in better condition. A bit like buying
designer jeans in back in one’s the home country, when the same article
can be had for a fraction of the price but without the undoubted (?) benefit
of the name.
Just for a change the format was altered to suit the
winning team’s attributes and advantages.
Teams scored with usual format of stableford before
application of handicaps and did not have to play the chosen ball first and
then added the handicap of 20 % allowance of their combined handicaps to the
resulting total score of stableford points. Although very different in
application it did produce a close result for first and second place with
Philip and Roy just seeing off John and Trevor by virtue of a better
stableford score of 39 points plus 3.8 handicap against38 points and a
handicap of 4.4. Both teams were the only ones in the field to record a
gross score below par for the round.
Bob and Peter were the best of the rest with a score of
33 plus 6.4.
All in all, everyone agreed a good day’s entertainment,
even without the rain and an event to be repeated at some time in the near
future.
Hall in a day’s work for Suzuki
IPGC Bunker Boys at the OK Corral
On Tuesday, April 5, Century Ban Chang welcomed
the Bunker Boys from the OK Corral on the occasion of their weekly medal
event, on a warm and humid day. The popular destination was well presented
and the intense pruning of the trees on some of the holes, notably the par
threes at number seven, thirteen and fifteen gave the golfers a new
perspective of the course. All was thus set fair for a fine tournament and
no one was to be disappointed. The cut was set at sixteen and under and in
division two Roy Mitchell and Rob Heath levelled par to take the runners-up
spot, four shots behind Les Hall whose current fine form helped him to fire
net 68 to take the top position. In division one Sam Fitzsimmons and Bill
Hewitt both bagged net 74s for a share of third place, with John Cunningham
taking second with net 70. This gave him the best gross of the day, 78, but
he was to be usurped on the rostrum by a beaming Yasuo Suzuki whose net 68
served to underline the skill of this popular Japanese golfer. Les Hall,
John Wassall and Tony Shepherd all managed birdie two’s for a share of
the daily pot and Mr. Loy held out the hand of welcome to old friend Andy
“Smiler” Rides in the form of the Bananas, for his dismal net 94. In
his defence Smiler claimed he had not yet recovered from his jet lag but
was desperate to visit Ban Chang. Aren’t we all!
Big Ben chimes at Eastern Star
Thursday, April 7, must have been the hottest day of the year
so far, and sundry “mad dogs and Englishmen” from the OK Corral chose the
day to play their weekly stableford event at Eastern Star.
From the start it was destined to be an ordeal and a challenge for both the
spirit and the body as the hot sun seared the course, which was in fine
condition, and deserted. The cut was set at sixteen and under and in division
one nothing could separate the top four with sixteen year-old Carl Matthews
rubbing shoulders with the elder statesmen John Cunningham, Sam Fitzsimmons and
Mark Joshua and sharing the honours with 32 points. Carl’s eighty-four was
also the best gross of the day. In division two Richard Wardell and Roy Mitchell
both scored 31 points to share second place but it was left to Ben Findon,
currently in fine form, to bask in the glory of the day with a table topping 34
points. It was a fine performance from the dedicated English golfer, taking
twenty-two points from the back nine. Steve Nowell, running hot at the start of
his round, fired a birdie two at the third and shared the Super Sawng award with
John Cunningham, whose birdie two on the sixth was also accomplished in fine
style. The heat threw up many candidates for the Banana Booby but the demise of
Don Frances’ form gave Mr. Loy no other option than to recognise his paltry
eighteen points with the booby fruit. It had been a tough day at Eastern Star.
Chiang Mai Cricket Sixes: Better by the year
Peter Cummins,
Chiang Mai
The Eighteenth edition of the Chiang Mai International
Cricket Sixes, played out at the classic Chiengmai Gymkhana Ground last week
was, indeed, different to the previous seventeen. For example, it saw a number
of the junior Thai cricketers entering the senior ranks and going on to
international competitions overseas. There was a record entry of 30 teams.
 The
fabulous Dixie Belles.
Perhaps most importantly, the event became truly
international, with match-by-match descriptions beamed around the world via the
Internet, with the most able, witty and erudite Sixes Commentator Rick “the
Viking” Davis receiving huge input from cricket enthusiasts world-wide. There
was even a groundside beauty parlour this year.
I have always wanted to start one of my stories with a real
clich้. Poor old Charlie and Camilla were obliged to take a ‘back
seat’ by the demise of the Holy Father Pope Giovanni Paolo ll and his burial
on Friday, April 8. The day after that was the British obsession, the Grand
National and, it too, threatened to eclipse the non-event of these pathetic
oldies “being joined in Holy Matrimony”. But they survived and went
‘forward’.
 Umpire
John Bell presents a plaque of recognition to the ‘father’ of the Sixes,
Myles de Vries.
So, I can now go forward with my clich้ and the story
on cricket and proclaim that, “cricket is not everybody’s cup of tea”
(ugh!).
Yet, although it is played principally by former colonial
types, nevertheless, there is now virtually “cricket fever” sweeping
Thailand, spurred on by the phenomenal rise of the sport among Thailand’s
youngsters, specifically the Chiang Mai Schools Cricket Association (CMSCA).
The 18 th Chiang
Mai International Cricket Sixes and the concomitant sixth Sawasdee Cricket Cup
have just held the most successful event ever, with a record 30 teams, superb
action and a great social ambience.
The
budding Thai juniors.
Then there are competitions in Bangkok, Hua Hin and a new
venue at Phuket which, although having only its first full international sixes
in Phuket, has attracted 18 teams to the “Lighthouse Phuket International
Cricket Sixes 2005”, to be played out at the Karon Stadium, Karon Beach.
For the uninitiated, Cricket Sixes is an abbreviated form of
the regular game, featuring only six, instead of the standard eleven players. It
could be compared to the well-known “Rugby Sevens”, the Sixes having the
great advantage of being able to feature, in a compact match of about 45
minutes, all the good features of cricket: high scoring and spectacular
shot-making, great bowling and fielding and close finishes.
Each innings is limited to 30 balls (five overs), with any
batsman who reaches 30, being obliged to retire.
Gone from these fast, furious games are the rather tedious
international test matches lasting five days, with five tests in all for a
championship.
 Junior
Thai cricketers in action.
Meantime, back to the Chiang Mai “cup of tea”. Played at
the delightful 107-year-old Chiengmai Gymkhana Ground, the 30 teams competed for
the five major trophies: The Surrey Vagrants beating Marchweil for the premier
title, the Cup; the Warathais beat the Lords Taverners for the new category, the
Shield, donated by perennial Sixes Director Maurice Bromley and his hard-working
wife, Renita; the Ashwell Crusaders beat Silver State in the Bowl Final; and the
local heroes, the Gymkhana Cavaliers beat the Wombats in the Spoon final. In a
rare decision, the umpires declared a draw between the Irish Pub Gang Green and
the Drifters, in the Plate Division.
Although Kim Fletcher’s TQ Malakas were competing out of
Pattaya, it was without the Landlord himself. Ensconced in his new Irish Pub,
Jameson’s in central Pattaya, Kim is just so busy with a packed house every
evening, he told me, “that he could not even think about cricket,
unfortunately”.
 CMSCA
youngsters in action.
His new “office” is superbly furnished and decorated with
some rare prints from an Eire of a bygone era and, as a trained chef, Kim knows
how to prepare some great meals. Drop by on Monday and try the steak. It is
delicious and at only 150 baht, unbeatable value.
One of the many features this year was the ‘junior
challenge’ which was a clear demonstration of how much progress Thai children
have made, with a hard-hitting, fast bowling and fielding game. With
constantly-rising standards, this year’s junior match featured a number of
Thai youths who have been selected to play in several international tournaments
overseas.
Aussie test
cricketer, Trevor Chappell holds the (Bromley) Shield, surrounded by his
victorious Warathais, Renita and Maurice Bromley.
In other games, Best of the Rest beat the Sri Lankan All
Stars, a team comprised of many professional test cricketers. And last, but by
no means least, the Chiang Mai Chassies (and were there ever some ‘chassis’
among them) continued on their unbeaten record in the women’s division, to
demolish their archrivals, the Dixie Belles. One could not help but notice a
bottle of champagne propped neatly behind the wickets at both ends. These girls
take their Sixes swing – and their occasional Swig - seriously!
At the tournament - and there to present trophies - was the
‘founding father’ of the Chiang Mai Sixes, Myles de Vries who, to a standing
ovation, was awarded a plaque of appreciation for how much he has contributed.
Myles was smiling even more than usual that day!
Among the Chiang Mai recidivists, was the Perth Postels team,
having their jubilee cricket tour. Cajoled, led and summoned to obey the call
from the fearless leader of the Postel Group - Michael “Cat” Maher – who
was, as usual, high profile at the ground and on the social scene, his Perth
Postels made it all the way through to the Cup semi-final, before being
“KO’d” by the Surrey Vagrants. Throwing a great party to celebrate their
10th Sixes, Cat vowed they would go
through to the 20th and, right after Chiang Mai, Cat and the Postels were on
their way to Phuket. for the “Lighthouse Sixes”.
The ever-vigilant Barbara McHerron, the Therapeutic Masseuse
and her Phuket hospital nurses and medics were kept very busy, with many
cricketers seeking relief for sprains, bruises and fatigue. There was even a
broken ankle and a depressed fracture of the cheek, to add to the list of
injuries in a hard-fought competition.
And, there was a new dimension in this year’s Sixes: a
beauty parlour, right opposite the press tent at the Gymkhana Ground. Thus,
there was no problem for the Post and Nation reporters to locate their
respective ladies: if they were not opposite having a makeover, they were out
shopping. So what’s new?
But, one client of said beauty shop, must go down in history
– and not just as the man who hit the winning run to bring the Gymkhana
Cavaliers to win their first Spoon Final.
Eric Little, the dedicated Aussie who captained the Cavaliers
and has been long-time coach and coaching co-ordinator of Thai junior cricket,
the CMSCA, submitted himself to the manipulations (machinations?) of the
lovelies at the Beauty Parlour.
And what did he have done? He went for a triple hair
colouration – passionate pink, day-glo yellow and bilious green. Each colour
was sponsored for 5,000 baht to be donated to the CMSA. But, the old lad baulked
at a few tattoos and ear, nose rings.
And so, the curtain descended on another highly-successful
Sixes Tournament, with the 19th
already scheduled for early April, 2006.
But, if any of the non-cricketing population finds this game
somewhat confusing, here are the INS and OUTS of Cricket, “as she is
played”:
You have two sides; one OUT in the field and the other IN.
Each player that’s in the side that’s IN goes OUT and when he’s OUT he
comes IN and the next man goes IN until he is OUT. When they are all OUT, the
side that’s OUT comes IN and the side that’s been IN goes OUT, striving to
ensure that those who have come IN are OUT.
Sometimes there are players who are still IN and not Out.
Finally, when both sides have been IN and OUT, including the not-OUTS, the game
is over.
Simple, really!
No clouds under mountain shadow
PSC golf with The Bunker
Monday March 21,
Khao Kheaw - A/C, Stableford
Mountain Shadow Golf Course
It was a gloomy, rainy Monday morning, which appeared to
be a non-golf day, but a good bunch of dedicated golfers arrived and set off
to Mountain Shadow. They made a good choice because they were rain free the
entire round. Due to the threat of rain, there was only one division and
Mark Thomas won by returning 38 stableford points. Joint runners-up were
John Hughes and Granville Swanton with 35 points. Near the pins were won by
Mark Thomas, Mick Ramshaw, John Hughes and Paul Smith.
 Jim
Wooler (left) and Mark Thomas (right) pose for a picture before their round,
while John Hughes studies the course layout.
Royal Thai Navy Course
On April 6, Bob Pearce won his first tournament at the
Bunker with a net score of 75 to take first place in the “A” division.
Joint Runners-up were John Hughes and Paul Smith with net 76s. In division
“B” Mark Thomas continued his find form by winning again with a net 74.
Second came Granville Swanton with 78 and third was Canadian Rod Stevens
with a net 79. Near the pins were won by Bob Pearce (2), John Preddy, and
Peter Habgood.
Siam Country Club
It was P.J. Redmond with a stableford score of 39 points
that brought a fine week of golf to a closer. He was followed by Mitch
Malone with 37 points and third place went to Paul Smith, Geoff Parker and
Mick Ramshaw all with 35 points. In Division “B” Mark Thomas and Rod
Stevens shared top honors, both with 37 points. Third went to Jim Payne and
Jim Wooler with 35 points each. Near the pins were won by Jim Payne, Bob
Turner, and John Hughes.
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.
New 2005 season cues off
The Jomtien 8-Ball Pool League cued off on
Thursday April 7 at the new start time of 8.30 p.m. The league welcomed
three new teams and nine returning members to give a healthy dozen
competitors in total. Paweena’s (Soi 5), San’s Snack Bar (Soi Welcome),
both off Jomtien Beach Road and S & N Palace, Thappraya Road all played
their first game away from home with only San’s SB managing a win.
Moonshine
vs S & N in the start of the new Jomtien 8-Ball Pool League season.
Paweena’s went 5-4 down to Bolaget while S & N Palace
were unlucky to meet an in form (much improved) Moonshine Place. Moonshine took
5 of the 6 singles games to take the win into the interval (lovely sandwiches
Ted!). There was some face saving in the doubles but the final score of 6-3 to
Moonshine puts them in an unusual place in this league, joint leaders.
Elsewhere, last years league winners, Hide-a-Way, took a 6-3
win away from home at Country Club and Simple Simon also away beat last years
runners up Rose & Thistle by the same score. These two teams together with
Moonshine stand as joint table leaders. R & T must be disappointed with
their start to the season as this scribe overheard their aspirations to win the
league this time out.
Lastly, but not least, Woaw’s went down at home 4-5 to
visitors Twilight Zone.
Next week sees the newcomers at home where hopefully they will fare somewhat
better. Hide-a-Way hosts Moonshine so it is not too difficult to predict that
there will be some changes at the top of the table after this event.
PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s Beach Bar
Tuesday April 5
Bangpra
Stableford
For this time of the year a ‘Goodly Crew’ turned up
at Bert’s for a good breakfast before climbing aboard cars for the trip to
Bangpra. This promised to turn into a Bangpra Week, with Bert’s on
Tuesday, Cafe Kronborg on Thursday and the PSC Monthly on Friday.
 Michael
Anderson (right) with Bob Noble and staff at Bert’s.
The course was in fine condition, except of course for
the bunkers, which looked like a play sand pit. This I find very surprising
as in the many years I have run competitions here, I have never seen it
before. Other courses yes, but not Bangpra. Still one must look at the good,
the greens are speeding up and the fairways are in good condition.
Still, this being a ‘friendly’ - this is a fine day
out on a nearly fine course. Did I tell you it was hot and humid, seems like
it’s that time of the year.
Round over and refreshments taken, it was off to the cars
and back to Bert’s, where a treat was waiting. Bert had prepared
individual macaroni cheese, and good they were.
So the results, and our illustrious leader, Bob, declared
the results, and a winner in Michael Anderson. T.T.F.N.
Near Pins: Nooket Gummer, Colin Cronin, Jeff Wylie (2),
Bob Pearce, Nigel Cannon Perry McNeely, Jenny O’Donnell, Peter Wilson and
Peter O’Donnell.
Long Putts: Kris Helgasson, Max Matthews, Colin Bavington and Brendon
Devlin.
Jomtien 8-Ball Pool League
Cafe Kronborg gains on Brother D
Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League
200 bowlers
- Dang, Tue and Peter.
Cafe Kronborg took three points from VFW Post 9876 and is
closing the gap on first place. Q Cars beat Brother D three points to one
but Brother D still has a big lead in the league with six weeks remaining.
Three Sisters are still in third place as they grabbed three points from
Cafe Ole. Shenanigans moved into a tie for fourth as they split their match
with Domicil at two points each. Jack & Tar won three from Friends and
Mai’s Thai Restaurant took three from House of the Golden Coin.
Best bowlers of the day were:
Tue, Shenanigans: 225 game; 543 series
Kran, Cafe Kronborg: 518 series
Mio, House of the Golden Coin, 509 series
Dang, Cafe Kronborg: 200 game; 508 series
Lenz, Q Cars: 505 series
Peter, Domicil: 225 game
PSC Thursday Darts
PSC golf from the Cafe Kronborg
Monday April 4
Noble Place
Stableford
In spite of heavy rain, dark clouds and the absence of
their regular leader, a stealthy group of sixteen golfers departed from the
Kronborg for lands afar to tackle Noble Place.
Unfortunately as they journeyed north the weather
worsened somewhat and earlier optimistic predictions of “it will brighten
up in a hour or so” were quickly proven to be folly.
Spirits heightened however on arrival when it was
discovered that the princely sum of 350 baht was all that was required to
purchase 18 holes inclusive of caddy and the group took to the task with
gusto.
With the exception of the bunkers (which appear to be an
ongoing problem with a number of local venues lately) the golf course was
found to be in good condition, with relatively quick true greens, all of
which stood up well to the persistent downpour.
Happily, all competitors completed the course without
drowning although one or two did look as if they had fallen in the lake.
No technical prizes and only one flight on this occasion,
with first place going to Bob Rasmussen with a fine 41 points, an excellent
score given the difficult wet conditions.
Bob is keen to get his handicap down and I am sure
following yet another good performance the PSC’s handicap committee will
be only to pleased to oblige.
Second place was taken by Kuni Wakabayshi (36pts) with
Rob Brown (35pts) third and Gunshi Nabuo (34pts) and Kevin Callaghan (32pts)
in fourth and fifth respectively.
If the weather does not improve next Monday the cries of
“come home soon Dave!” will be deafening.
Thursday April 7
Bangpra
Stableford
Ted Morris took the day over at short notice and was
thrown in the deep end, the normal organizer being hit by “The Lurgi”
and was helped out by Bob Benda. It was noticeable that all the ‘old
timers’ helped and so the day passed pretty well.
In fact this was a ‘breath of fresh air week’ as
neither of the organizers were there, Clive running Monday. Be warned they
will be back.
So with Ted at the helm, off they all went to Bangpra to
be met with the course in its usual condition, fast and tough. However one
must say the bunkers are starting to get in the same condition, not raked,
as many ‘lesser’ courses.
On the day the man in form, Bob Benda took the A Flight,
with a fine 41 points. No doubt we’ll not hear from him, being so modest,
of his ‘Eagle’ at the 16th. Well not more often than every time we play
Bangpra. It is now his favourite hole on any course.
In second was Brian Noguer with 38 points and in third
was Rob Brown with 37 points.
The B Flight saw a return to form for John Swanson, as he
won with a fine 41 points. In second was Dave Millar with 36 points and in
third was Nobuo Gunshi with 35 points. T.T.F.N.
Near Pins: #2 Bob Benda; #8 Lamar Short; #12 Marty
Allred; #17 Thierry Bibinet.
Shenanigans Funhill Cup on again for 2005
Burapha Golf Course, Thursday, April 21 sponsored by
Guinness & Heineken
Format: Pairs Team Scramble, Shotgun Start at 12 p.m.
playing in groups of four. Handicap Allowance: 20% of combined. Maximum
handicap: Men 28, Ladies 36.
Entry & Registration: Entry Forms, With Entry Fee,
should be given to Simon Dutton at Shenanigans or to Gerry Carpenter.
Registration at Burapha on Thursday April 21 from 10a.m.
- 11.30 a.m. with a Shotgun Start at midday. Field limited to 144 players.
Rules & Handicaps: R&A and USGA Rules will apply,
plus Burapha Local Rules. Handicaps will be accepted from PSC, IPGC, Crown
Royal and other Bangkok Golf Groups affiliated with the TGA, USGA or
R&A. Players without a PSC/IPGC/CR handicap, must show proof of current
handicap at Registration. Players not qualifying as above will play off
scratch.
Entry Fee: 2,000 baht per player includes: Green Fee,
Caddy Fee, Shenanigans ‘Funhill 2005’ Shirt, & more. Free Carvery
from 5:30 p.m.
Prize-giving and Lucky Draw at Shenanigans 7:30 pm
approx. Happy Hour 5-8:30pm. 2 x Free Heineken or Tiger will be served at
Shenanigans upon arrival. Also, Bloody Mary’s and Chef’s Brunch Pie at
Registration .
Prizes & Lucky Draw: Shenanigans Funhill Cup Trophy
and prize for 2nd, 3rd & 4th Team places.Technical prizes for Near Pins,
Straight Drives, Long Drives and Long Putts & ‘Nearest the Keg’ and
Lucky Draw.
Entries to the Shenanigans Funhill Cup 2005 Close April
18th - before if full.
Mountain bike race aims to stimulate Koh Larn tourism
Narisa Nitikarn
Deputy Mayor Wattana Jantaworanont chaired a meeting
last week at Pattaya City Hall with the Pattaya Mountain Bike Club
committee announcing the upcoming competition.
The aim is to organize a Mountain Bike on the Island
competition on Koh Larn, with the objective of promoting tourism to the
island.
Scheduled for May 7-8 this year, the project was
created by the Mountain Bike Club in cooperation with Pattaya City. The
main prize will be the Princess Somsawali Cup, and cash prizes will total
50,000 baht.
The club says the competition will have two categories:
Cross Country and Down Hill. The cross country competition will be divided
into five groups: Group A for professional riders, B for amateurs, C for
beginners such as Koh Larn residents and students, D is for youngsters,
and lastly a VIP group. VIPs will pay a 1,000 baht registration fee, and
travel a distance of 10 kilometres. This group is limited to 20 people,
and competitors will have the special right to join Groups A through D
without an additional fee. The Down Hill competition will be divided into
eight groups. The former and current national team will participate in
these groups as well.
Pattaya City has allocated a 300,000 baht budget, but
the club declared that the offered amount wouldn’t cover all of the
expenses. This is due the competition will be organized on the island and
hidden costs such as moving and boat transportation fees for the riders
must also be considered. They said that the estimated costs would be
around 400,000 baht.
A solution was however reached with the decision taken
to look for additional sponsors for advertising, or at a starting point
that would be able to meet the expense requirements.
For further information about Island Mountain Bike Race 2005 contact
Chor at the Namchai Bike shop on 038 222 018.
DSL Pattaya 9- ball Pool League
Mickey Mouse Darts League
Standings April 9 - Week 4
Well done Ron from Smugglers with a 180 but despite his
efforts they still lost.
Congratulations to Stars in their Eyes four out of four.
There will be no games on 15/4/05 due to water festival.
A note to remind all teams that there is a 500 baht fine to be paid to
the home team for late cancellation of a match and the offending team
forfeit their home game.
Soi 6 Wednesday Quiz League
The Square Ring
by Howie Reed
The excitement of Thailand’s and former “no weight”
champion Fahlan Sakreerin (54-2) was higher than a water tosser’s
adrenalin level during Songkran (Oh yes, Happy Songkran) when he traveled to
Merauke City, Indonesia to face IBF mini-fly champ Muhammad Rachman (49-7).
The Square Ring wrote about this bout a few weeks ago guessing that
Sakreerin had his work cut out for him. First he was coming off a
devastating loss in America to Victor Burgos via a 7th round TKO, then there
was the added problem of fighting the hometown guy in his hometown. Rachman
was undefeated since 1998 having won the crown last September from Daniel
Reyes by “split decision” at home.
Split decision at home is code for he probably lost.
Still at the final press conference, which Rachman ducked, Sakreerin was
upbeat. “I will knock out Rachman in “tam” (three) rounds! Rachman
won’t attend this press conference because he’s afraid of me!”
Well, he didn’t knock Rachman out in “tam” but he
did escape from Indonesia all in one piece and in the long run not the worse
for wear. Indonesia leads the world in ring fatalities so not going our feet
first is a plus. A perusal of the wire service reports indicates that the
opening stanza was slow. During the second both fighters tried to attack
with Rachman getting the nod on aggressiveness and in the third there was an
“accidental clash of heads”. Rachman exited the clash of noggins with a
gash on the right temple. The ring doctor “suggested” that the cut was
too deep for the champ to continue, so Referee John Wright stopped the bout.
Technical draw. The local guy keeps his title and Sakreerin lives to fight
another day.
Tomorrow night in Tokyo (Nihon Budakan), Veeraphol
Sahaprom (46-1-2) makes yet another defense of his WBC Bantamweight title
that he won way back in December of 1998 when he KO’d Japan’s Joichiro
Tatsuyoshi in 6. Since winning the title he’s 12-0-2 in title bouts and
22-0-2 over all. Both title fight draws came against durable Toshiaki
Nishioka. Tomorrow night’s opponent Hozumi Hasegawa (17-2) is no Toshiaki
in any reckoning. Hasegawa has only 5 KO’s from his 17 wins which puts him
at a great disadvantage against Veeraphol who can flat out hit as 33 KO’s
from 47 wins indicates. This one may be competitive early but the Thai
should come on late for either the decision or the outright KO. Now if there
is a choice of whether to go out and throw water or watch the fight, watch
the fight.
Also tomorrow night there’s a boxing event on at The
Mall Shopping Center in Bangkhae district, Bangkok. Topping the bill will be
former WBC lightfly king Saman Sorjatorong (46-6). He’ll be facing
Filipino Dammy Bracuso over six canto’s. Doesn’t really matter what the
opponents record is Sorjatorong has been on a downhill slop since he lost to
Yo Sam Choi (22-1) by 7 round KO back in 2001. In ’02 he was 1-1 and after
being out of the ring got KO’d in 4 last February. Sorjatoromg’s
management thinks that the step up in weight to flyweight will make a world
of difference. I wouldn’t bet the retirement nest egg on that one but
stranger things have happened!
Not too far away is the weekend of June 3 and 4, which
may be the biggest in boxing this year from an International Standpoint. On
June 4 Kostya Tszyu (31-1) will defend his IBF jr. welter belt against Ricky
“The Hitman” Hatton (38-0) in Manchester. Now the promoter has added a
“mega fight” the evening before at the same venue. This one between
Scotsman Scott Harrison (23-2) against hometown lad Michael Brodie (35-2)
for the WBC Featherweight title. Harrison you might remember got a gift
against Victor Polo last out and now goes on the other guy’s turf. Does
that bother Harrison? Not so you’d know it. His only comment to this point
has been, “It’s going to be a cracker.” The 30-year-old Brodie is
happy about fighting in his hometown but admits, “If I lose that’s the
end of me.”
If that weren’t enough hype for what will be “THE”
weekend of the year, there is a “swirling rumor”. Got to love those
swirling rumors! If Amir Khan’s April 30 re- match with Olympic Gold
medallist Mario Kindelan is delayed then it will be the pro tour for the
young super star in waiting. That pro debut would be on June 3rd or 4th.
Probably me but I have this feeling that Khan is a “PIA” in training.
Someone else that fits that description is Iron Mike Tyson. Reports have him
in training in Phoenix Arizona under the tutelage of Jeff Fenech. Boxing may
be given an added shot in the arm if rumors that Anthony Mundine is thinking
of returning to rugby. “Go Anthony Go”, a loyal boxing world yells.
Pal F. Frog wanted some information and here it ’tis:
“Hi Howie, What’s happening with my friend Yodsanan?” Well Patrick’s
friend Yodsanan Sor Nanthachai (3K Battery) is gearing up for a April 30
fight in Madison Square Garden against Vicente Mosquera (20-1-1) where 3K
will defend his WBA Super Feather Title.
“Why in God’s name can’t he get any more fights? He
is the WBA champion and should defend his title at least once a year?” Mr.
F Frog has a great point. 3K won the title 2002, defended it once that year
against Lamont Pearso (KO) but then didn’t defend again until February of
2004 against Japan’s Ryuhei Sugita (25-1-2). Following that fight 3K
became involved with American Promoters who put him in with a world-class
fighter in Stevie Forbes (24-2). Not only was it a fight in the USA but on
national TV. This time 3K will be on the undercard of the heavyweight title
scrap between James Toney-John Ruiz. It’s a PPV show but still a great
showcase for 3K.
A parting shot from F. Frog. “Thai managers are weird
and full of chicken s**t! He (3K) probably will end up like former champion
Samson, who sells noodles for a living now. I don’t drink to that!”
I’m not sure whom Mr. F. frog is referring to. The best known recent
Samson would be Samson Dutch Boy Gym. He retired at 43-0 after his last WBF
Super Fly title defense against Alfren Bulala in April of ’02. If in fact
Dutch Boy Gym is selling noodles that is a sad commentary on all of boxing.
Although my Pal Monkey House has found his last four wives selling noodles.
Managers and promoters the world over are all about the same. They protect
their investment while maximizing their profit. Mr. F. frog is correct that
too many Thai promoters and mangers err on the side of cautiousness in an
effort to protect their investment. There’s an old song from, World War 1.
It’s called “How You Gonna Keep’em Down on the Farm after they’ve
seen Paree?”
That’s the way it is with Thai fighters. Once the
fighters get out of Asia they find out that there’s “Gold in Them Thar
Hills.” Problem is that many times it’s “Fool’s Gold.” It’s
attitude adjustment time. I’ll have just one.
Porsche unveils awesome new
Carrera Cup Asia Racing Machine
In one of the most exciting new developments in Asian
motor sport, Porsche Asia Pacific will this week unveil the new 997-based
Porsche 911 GT3 Cup which will take to the region’s race tracks from the
start of the 2006 season.
The Porsche Carrera Cup Asia was launched in 2003, and
immediately took the region by storm, generating massive interest and
raising the levels of motorsport competition and professionalism to new
heights. In just two seasons, its signature brand of fast, close racing has
earned legions of dedicated fans and an international field of truly
professional racers.
The new
997-based 911 GT3 Cup car due to be released next week for the Porsche
Carrera Cup Asia series.
Television coverage of the series, which already runs in
to hundreds of millions Asia-wide, was recently boosted with the addition of
a further 21 China broadcasters confirmed for the 2005 season, including
CCTV5, Beijing TV, Shanghai TV and Guangdong TV.
The number of 997-based 911 GT3 Cup cars for the Porsche
Carrera Cup Asia 2006 season is limited to 18 and, as the car will not be
available to private purchasers until the following year, Asia’s leading
sports car competitors are expected to leap at the chance to get behind the
wheel of this remarkable automobile as early as next February.
Porsche Asia Pacific’s Managing Director, Christer
Ekberg said: “The Porsche Infineon Carrera Cup Asia is about to take the
next exciting step. We already have a field which includes some of the most
talented sports car drivers in the world, not just in Asia, extraordinary
media exposure, astonishing on-track competition - and it’s all about to
move up a level with the arrival of the awesome new racing Porsche. The
series is going from strength to strength and we can see no limits to its
future”
The new car will make its Asian debut at the Shanghai
Motorshow on April 21, before touring the region at Porsche Centre showrooms
in Kuala Lumpur (May 14), Bangkok (June), Seoul (July 13), Hong Kong
(August), Beijing (September), and Shanghai (September - October).
For Porsche Infineon Carrera Cup Asia drivers, the new
features incorporated in the 997-based Cup car will mean even faster, closer
racing than ever before. The six-speed sequential gearbox makes gear
shifting faster and more failsafe, while the ABS brakes are replaced in the
new car by tandem racing master cylinders and an in-car brake bias
adjustment control. This feature will enable racing drivers to brake later
and gain maximum braking effect.
The revised front-end aerodynamics will further improve
handling, and the full digital read out data logging dash (MOTEC) will
assist drivers and engineers by providing more data. In the
ultra-competitive world of the Porsche Infineon Carrera Cup Asia, data
logging is critical in determining where drivers can gain that crucial
fraction of a second.
The Carrera Cup series have long been recognised as the
pinnacle of “one make” sports car racing across the world, and the
concept is for drivers to compete in identical racing Porsche machines with
only minimal modifications permitted. The famous reliability of Porsche
technology ensures that it is driver skill, alone which dictates success on
the racetrack, resulting in the thrilling racing for which the series has
become so well known.
For drivers, the Porsche Infineon Carrera Cup Asia
provides a comprehensive, centrally managed Service package, which includes
technical race services, mechanics, spare parts, and transportation and
logistics services. Series partners and two of the most famous names in
international motorsport, Michelin and Mobil1, provide the best in tyre and
lubrication technology as well as on-the-ground technical support.
For sponsors, the series offers major media exposure,
myriad marketing opportunities, extensive television syndication,
world-class hospitality at each event - and the prestige of association with
the prestigious marque, Porsche.
Add to this a full calendar of races across Asia,
including Formula 1 support races in Malaysia and Shanghai, and the season
grand finale at the Macau Grand Prix, and it is clear why the Porsche
Infineon Carrera Cup Asia has become so quickly and firmly established.
Supporting the Porsche Infineon Carrera Cup Asia are two
of the most recognised names in international motorsport, Mobil 1 and
Michelin. Mobil and Porsche have been partners since 1996. Close
co-operation in research and development has to led to every new Porsche
engine being filled with Mobil1 high-performance lubricant. Porsche Infineon
Carrera Cup Asia drivers also have the advantage of racing on cutting-edge
tyres supplied by series partner Michelin. The consistent performance and
leading technology of Michelin tyres constantly improve the performance of
many teams in international motorsport. The partnership between Michelin and
the Porsche Infineon Carrera Cup Asia has emerged from a worldwide agreement
signed between Porsche AG and the Michelin group.
The Porsche Infineon Carrera Cup Asia runs as part of the Asian Festival
of Speed, organised by Malaysian-based Motorsport Asia Limited.
MotoGP - Jerez 7-10 April 10
Sete Gibernau headed all three practice sessions, two on
Friday and one Saturday morning and must have been confident for pole
position. However, in the qualifying practice on Saturday afternoon,
Valentino went almost half a second under Sete’s time to snatch pole
position. Sete’s new team-mate, Marco Melandri, completed the front row of
the grid with second row positions going to Hayden (Honda), Nankano
(Kawasaki) and Capirossi (Ducati). Max Biaggi (Honda) qualified a miserable
16th.
 Valentin
Rossi - Jerez (photo courtesy of motogp.com)
There was drama in the morning warm-up session on race
day when Rossi binned his Yamaha number one bike, rider ok but the bike was
trashed such that Rossi had to ride his number two bike in the race.
For those of you not fortunate enough to watch the 27 lap
MotoGP, suffice to say it was exciting from start to finish. Rossi rode a
determined race, stalking Gibernau from lap one until lap 23 when Rossi made
his move and overtook the Honda man to take the lead. However, this was not
the end, Sete successfully re-took the lead and there were several
leadership changes between the pair in the last two laps. Going into the
final left hand hairpin it was Gibernau who lead but Rossi forced his way up
the inside to overtake. In doing so the bikes collided and Sete was forced
into the gravel trap but stayed on to regain the tarmac and still finish
second.
Melandri was gifted the third podium spot when Hayden
crashed out with eight laps remaining. Other placings were 4. Barros, 5.
Nankano, 6 Bayliss, 7. Biaggi, 8. Tamada, 9. Edwards, 10 Checa.
The next event, MotoGP Round 2 takes place 15-17 April in Portugal. That
is on Sunday, 17 April, where local time is six hours behind Thailand.
MotoGP should commence at the later time of 8. p.m., but please do check
your TV guides.
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