IPGC Golf From Lewiinski’s

Sunday April 24
Green Valley
Stroke/Medal

1st A Flight: Bob Patterson, net 66
2nd A Flight: Jim Brackett, net 68
3rd A Flight: Don Lehmer, net 68
1st B Flight; Bob Lindborg, net 67
2nd B Flight: Frank Pilkington, net 70
3rd B Flight: Steve Mulberry, net 70
1st C Flight: Jeremy Masse, net 64
2nd C Flight: Stan Dismuke, net 68
3rd C Flight: Andreas Grunenberg, net 71

You think it is tough to garner the title slot. Well read on. We start with our title boy, Jeremy Masse who lit up a hot, hot field to net 64 off his 18 handicap, a handicap that was seasoned by 35 scores over the last couple of years. There is no diminishing the significance of Jeremy’s performance, but it must be said again that Green Valley on Sunday is a good place to re-establish your confidence. Poor Stan Dismuke was left with but a C Flight silver for his fine net 68. Andreas Grunenberg ensured that the every prize recipient of each of the podiums was under par as he carded a net 71 to count back The Quiet One, Jan Eriksen, and round out the junior stand.

Now what, you might ask, do Steve Mascari, Phil Mitchell, Brian Holden and Jim Wickstrom have in common, that is, other than being fine single digit golfers? Well, their respective gross scores of 72, 77, 79 and 79 were not worth a plug baht! That’s right! Mascari’s gross 72, net 68 was a count back loser to, first, Jim Brackett (gross 77) and then to Lady’s Man Lehmer (Boy, that “apostrophe ‘s’” makes a powerful difference in that nickname). And a fellow who might have been Man-of-the-Match any other day, Sen. Bob Patterson (Wis-I), sat atop A Flight with another gross 72, but a net 66! It was Bob’s second-to-the-last round before returning to his constituency after a long winter hiatus in Pattaya. Unfortunately, judging from the weather reports, Bob should have hung on in the Land of Smiles a bit longer if he wished to miss all of the winter in the Land of Cheeseheads.

It should come as no surprise to the frequent readers of this column that the Guru of Green Valley, Bob Lindborg, took the top step in B Flight, with a fine net 68. Frankie “The Pilk” took a three-way count back from Steve ‘Around the” Mulberry “Bush” and Victor “The Inflictor” Hestor.

Tuesday April 26
Laem Chabang C & A
Blue or White Tees
Stableford

1st Blue A Flight: Graham Johnson, 36 pts
2nd Blue A Flight: Phil Mitchell, 35 pts
3rd Blue A Flight: Phil Groves, 34 pts
1st Blue B Flight: Brian Holmes, 36 pts
2nd Blue B Flight: J.J. Wright, 32 pts
3rd Blue B Flight: Bill Collis, 30 points
1st White Flight: Ian Halfpenny, 38 pts
2nd Whtie Flight: Norm Robinson, 37 pts

As is the Society’s tradition on most Low Season Tuesdays, it was off to Laem Chabang and this time the Valley (C) and the Mountain (A) sides. The Valley (C) might be the toughest, par 36, 9-hole layout, in Pattaya, and that is from the Whites. Try it form the Blues! 70 % of the big field took it on. And with success!

Graham Johnson’s 36 points, gross 79, knocked back the 35 points, gross 78, of Phil Mitchell. Graham made Phil pay for the 2 stroke lower handicap. Phil “The Swim Instructor” Groves continued his consistent and fine play with 34 points, edging Simon of Philbrook on count back. Gross 79 proved to a non-winner for both Simon and caddy to

Freddie Jacobsen, Mark “Woody” Sherwood.

In the junior Bomber Flight, it was the ever dangerous Brian Holmes packing away 36 points, leaving some surprise spoils to J.J. Wright’s 32 points and Bill Collis’s 30 points. In the smaller White Flight Ian 1/2 penny led Stormin’ Norman Robinson across the line as the pair proved the cream of the flight, being six and five points clear of the next competitor, respectively.

Wednesday April 27
Burapha -
Dune & Crystal
Blue or White Tees
Stableford

1st Place Blue Flight: Eddie Blackwell, 40 pts
2nd Place Blue Flight: Vic Hester, 35 pts
3rd Place Blue Flight: Bob Dibben, 34 pts
1st Place White Flight: Steve Allinson, 43 pts
2nd Place White Flight: Larry Nicholas, 35 pts

Eddie Blackwell proved the golfing, and to a lesser surprise, the sartorial class of the Blue Flight with 40 points on the Dune and Crystal side of Burapha. The “Inflictor” was unabashed to accept that second place lucre, despite the gap. Bob “The Caliph of Oman” Dibben put a count back on old Splinter, Jack Moseley, to round out the big hitter podium. Steve Allinson took a big spoonful out of the Irish Crustacean’s rice bowl as he put an Omani curse on the White Flight with 43 points. That was Steve’s first win with the Society and left the I.C. with but second.

Friday April 29
Crystal Bay - A & B
White Tees
Stableford

1st Place: Jorn Finnerup, 41 pts
2nd Place: Jeremy Masse, 40 pts
3rd Place: Jon Pratt, 40 pts

With a couple hands full of the lads and lasses away on a Visa/Golf run (see below), the slightly abbreviated field was left to one good-sized flight. Jorn Finnerup started his much sought after downward handicap move with a best on the day 41 points. Our title boy was but a point adrift and those were favorably distributed, as he took second on the day and left Jon Pratt to a count back induced third.

Soi Dao Visa Run
Soi Dao Highlands
Thursday & Friday
April 21 and 22

The inaugural Golf and Visa Run was undertaken on Thursday and Friday. The general concept is to lessen the pain of a visa run by wrapping it up in two rounds of golf, and an overnight stay, at one of the premier destinations of Thailand, Soi Dao Highlands. It is a brilliant layout, ballyhooed as one of the top ten courses in Thailand (this scribe would put in it in the top five, at least), which is nestled in a magnificent, almost mystical, setting in one of Thailand’s National Parks. The accommodations and facilities are every bit adequate and the border crossing is about 25 minutes away. A good time was had by all and the popularity of the outing is sure to spread. Inquiries and reservations can be made at the Lewiinski’s front desk, 038 429 444, or by talking directly to any of the golf principals.

IPGC golf from The Haven

Monday April 25
Century Ban Chang
Stableford

1st Yazuo Suzuki, 39 points - cb9 21
2nd Barry Traynor, 39 points - cb9 18
3rd Michael Dige, 38 pts

Following his recent successes at the unique Century course, Yazuo Suzuki continued with his exceptional form by claiming Haven’s Monday outing albeit by the better back nine ahead of Barry Traynor who could not quite keep up the momentum that he had generated over the front half. Yazuo on the other hand dug in and took control birdying the last three holes to steal the win.

Michael Dige put in a very creditable gross 73 but had to be content with third with the two leading players in such good form.

The twos were shared in division one between Mikael Andersson and Yazuo Suzuki. There were none in division two so the pot was carried forward.

Before presenting the prizes Richard Livingston, the resident PGA Professional, welcomed back Paul Hartley, Gerhard Schulze and John Biangazzo and said a fond farewell for another year to Barry and Trudy Chadbourn.

Wednesday April 27
Phoenix
Monthly Medal

Division 1
1st Charles Li, net 72
2nd Kuni Wakabayashi, net 75
3rd Trevor Schirmer, 76 - cb9 41.5
4th Bob Lindborg, net 76 - cb9 43.5
Division 2
1st Glynn Nicholas, net 77

Once again the Monthly Medal was played from the blue tees over the Mountain and Ocean courses and it proved to be just a hole or two too far for the majority of the second division most of whom failed to complete their cards leaving the podium a little short of people.

Glynn Nicholas just kept going, although the odds seemed stacked against him, and was very surprised to find himself at the top of the prize list in the second division.

The first division was a more closely contested affair with new boy Charles Li heading the list of international players in the form of Kuni Wakabayashi in second and the old sheep rearer Trevor Schirmer in third. Bob Lindborg was just out of the prizes with a poor back nine after a promising start.

In Division one Takeshi Hakozaki achieved the only two and therefore swept the pool. Once again there were none in division two and the double pot was carried forward.

Prior to the prize giving Richard welcomed Charles Li and welcomed back Richard Garland and Mo Bertrand.

Friday April 29
Burapha West
Stableford

1st Stefan Hoge, 38 pts
2nd Chang Suh, 37 pts
3rd Roy Thornton, 35 pts

Stefan Hoge rubbing the sleep from his eyes and struggling with jet lag, having just returned from an extremely arduous stint in the desert, managed to keep the in-form Chang Suh at bay with a workmanlike 38 points buttressed by a brace of twos that were worth 4 points each.

Roy Thornton having narrowly missed out several times recently continued in the same vein as he slipped back to third with an uncharacteristic 13 points on the back nine. He is already looking forward to the return of the Danish contingent to at least get back in the winning rut even though it will only be in his four ball.

It was good to see Neil Sandilands and Jason Payne back on the golf course, but judging by their scores the time away had not been spent on the practice area.

There were no two’s in the first division and the pool was carried forward, but this time there were three in division two one by Rich Wibrow and two by Stefan Hoge.

Before doing the presentations Richard welcomed back Neil Sandilands, Jason Payne and Stefan Hoge.

Monday April 25: Plutaluang Stableford

The Royal Thai Navy Plutaluang Golf Course, East & West Layouts, were host to a stableford competition in two Flights, A Flight 0 to 17, and B Flight 18 and above. The Course on the day was in very good condition and as usual the course services were spot on.

Kuni Wakabayashi took the A Flight with 41 points, Richard Kubicki was second with 39 points and Brian Noguer was third with 38 points.

Kuni Wakabayashi

Newly returned to the fold, Philippe Berra, took the B Flight with 37 points, Norwegian Lass, Diane Skipnes, was second with 36 points and Barry Kerr was third with 33 points.

Sign up for Pappa Ray Rogers 90th Birthday Scramble, on May 9, at Pattaya Country Club, is available at Cafe Kronborg whilst space is available. It is Baht 2000 for a team and a feed at Pappa Rays House. Sign Up Now.

Thursday April 28 Siam C.C. Medal - The Monthly Mug

Once a month, the faithful gather to do battle for the prime prize at the Cafe Kronborg. We of course have those who have more than one, and those who are still trying, maybe we will have a new winner today, and then maybe not.

So off we go to Siam, where Herbie and his fourball are as usual waiting to go. The now you see them, now you don’t, crew are ideal pace makers. So off they went and we met them at the first rest stop, as it poured down. Thought we might mention the rain, as it poured down. And when it stopped, why it started again, until the fairways were running with water and only the brave ventured forth. There were none brave enough.

Philippe Berra

Eventually it stopped raining, and low and behold, wet soggy golfers ventured forth to hit balls onto fairways ankle deep with running water, where you could see where the ball landed by the splash. Also to find it by the splash.

Of course, with the break and the soggy fairways, one expected scores that were not brilliant. However one also got superb after shower weather, it was really nice.

Back in the Cafe Kronborg as the scores were declared, it became obvious the rain had won. In the A Flight, 0 to 17, the winner was Clive Robinson with a net 72 ahead of a countback on net 73 won by Ted Morris with Sus Ige in third.

In the B Flight we had a resolute John Swanson who battled on at the head of the field to win with a net 70, ahead of a countback on net 73 for second between the Ladies, won by Toy Theobald with Diana Skipness in third.

So to the Winner, and I played with him. When the rain came down we had a long, long, stop in the rest stop after the 5th. It rained so long, with his old aching joints he laid out a limit of time for it to stop. Well it did not and after Herbie took pity on him and let him play through, he continued, he took an 8. So all I have to say is maybe Bob Benda had a tough time, but he buckled down to it and came in with a fighting net 70 to squeeze in on countback. With 4 wins over the years, Bob reckons he will have to put up a new shelf just for the Mugs. T.T.F.N.

Near Pins: #4 Toy Theobald, #8 Takeshi Hakozaki, #12 Sus Ige, #16 Kuni Wakabayashi

Long Putts: #9 Herbie Ishinaga and #18 Kris Soerli.

Riz Taylor

Whooping, hollering and the popping corks of champagne resounded around West Ham’s Upton Park last week, but only in the ‘away’ dressing room as visitors Sunderland clinched the ‘Championship’ title, and with it promotion to the Premiership at their second attempt. The home side, by contrast, must wait and hope that other results go their way, as they struggle to make the lottery of the play-offs in an attempt to join their North East visitors.

It took just 45 minutes of football to decide the fate of these two sides. West Ham, leading at half-time, saw Sunderland draw level in the second half and so threw caution to the wind in an effort to secure three vital points. But as so often happens they were attacked on the break and substitute Stephen Elliot wrapped things up with an 87th minute winner.

Two years ago Sunderland was a club in despair. Former Republic of Ireland national coach Mick McCarthy clambered aboard what looked like a sinking ship, inheriting a workmanlike squad of players low on both talent and, perhaps more importantly, on morale. Teetering on the brink of relegation after the Peter Reid era and the short but disastrous reign of Howard Wilkinson, McCarthy’s job of keeping the Black Cats in the Premiership looked like mission impossible.

And it was. In the final fixtures Sunderland went down with a whimper rather than the fight that a big club should have put up, and with club accounts into the red by over 30 million pounds it looked as though the slide might continue into a Sheffield Wednesday-like abyss. Last season conjured up more heartache after a playoff defeat to Crystal Palace, but somehow McCarthy has managed to operate on a tight budget, signing players from the lower divisions, and get the club promoted back to where many neutrals feel it belongs.

Next year will no doubt see the side struggle to make an impression in the bright lights of the Premiership, but with the windfall of promotion and the guarantee of two further years of ‘parachute’ payments designed to assist teams leaving the Premiership, making inroads into the clubs debts may be as important as top-flight survival, in the long term.

Joining Sunderland in automatic promotion will be either Wigan Athletic or Ipswich Town. Wigan need three points at home to Reading this Sunday to make things safe (1 p.m. UK, 7 p.m. Pattaya), who themselves are battling West Ham for the final playoff position. Should they succeed, Wigan will have no such financial worries if they go up. Bankrolled by Dave Whelan, a man with more than a little spare change from his sports store business, the club will invest in the team during the post-season and Paul Jewell will have the luxury of picking up at least five experienced Premiership campaigners to bolster his side’s chances. A few teams in their new division will nervously be looking over their shoulders come next season, should they pip Ipswich at the finish line.

In the Premiership itself, it came as no surprise to see Chelsea clinch the title with a few games to spare, funnily enough on exactly the fixture Jose Mourinho had predicted they would six months ago. But it’s not all good news. Speculation that the club may move out of Stamford Bridge whilst upgrading the stadium to cash in on the huge demand for tickets threw up the small matter of their name. ‘Chelsea FC’ is a name owned by Chelsea Pitch Owners (CPO), who also own Stamford Bridge. Amongst the safeguards put in place were that Stamford Bridge may not be redeveloped for commercial use, and that the name ‘Chelsea FC’ may not be traded on anywhere other than the club’s home.

West London Wanderers, perhaps?

Things can change quickly in football. Only twelve months ago it was Arsenal who seemed invincible after going unbeaten all year, but this season has seen them unable to realistically compete for the Premiership and fail in Europe yet again. Rumours that the Gunners might have a clearout sale this summer continue to circulate, with Robert Pires, Jose Antonio Reyes and Patrick Vieira being linked with returns to the continent. Vieira, consistently chased by Real Madrid every summer, may find that the Spanish giants no longer fancy him this time around thanks to the form of bargain signing Thomas Gravesen.

Steven Gerrard is another player that might find his price-tag off-putting to potential suitors. Chelsea are thought to have cooled interest in the England man, and may turn their attention elsewhere.

One player seemingly NOT on his way to West London Wanderers is Tottenham’s Jermain Defoe, who has put pen to paper on a new four year deal at White Hart Lane. Everton are one of the club’s interested in his team-mate Robbie Keane, who is unsettled at the club after slipping down the pecking order behind Defoe, Freddie Kanoute and Egyptian signing Mido. Spurs, buoyant after a 5-1 demolition of Aston Villa last Sunday, travel to Middlesbrough this weekend for what looks like being a decider for the seventh place, and the final UEFA cup spot that comes with it. Looks like an almighty fixture for this pair.

And finally in the news this week, Rio Ferdinand continues to stall on signing a new contract at Manchester United, despite the club sticking by him (and paying him in full) during his self-imposed suspension for ‘forgetting’ a drug test last year. He’s allegedly demanding 120,000 pounds, or 9 million baht, for each week of his valuable Old Trafford work.

That rules out a move to Sunderland, you’d expect.

Ariyawat Nuamsawat

In a press conference at City Hall on Monday, Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn announced that the Koh Larn Mountain Bike Race will take place on May 7 and 8, with the starting line at Saem Beach on Larn Island.

The May 7 and 8 Koh Larn Mountain Bike Race was announced by organisers and sponsors in a press conference at city hall on Monday.

Mountain bike enthusiasts will vie for the Princess Somsawali Trophy and a share in the 50,000 baht prize money on offer. Racing in two categories will be held, Cross Country and Downhill. For hardcore mountain bikers there is a 35 km route, hobbyists and novices can choose the 20 km route, and there is a 10 km route for juniors in the cross-country class.

The downhill category is a 2km course and open for both men and women from 13 to 45 years and up.

The event has been organised and sponsored by Pattaya City, the Cycling Club of Pattaya-Chonburi, SMP Company and Namchai Bicycles.

Those interested in racing can register at City Hall by calling 038 371 123 ext 412, Namchai Bicycles on 038 222 018, or the Koh Larn sub-district office on 038 434 160.

The Square Ring

by Howie Reed

Got a very urgent note from Pal Vic “OR” Cross who needs my help. “ Howie: I need you to be an impartial arbiter regarding a bet I have with a Swede in Pattaya who also is a big fan of The Contender. This guy was going on about Ray Leonard and said that he could now beat any of the boxers who are on the series. I say no way! We have a beverage wager on this question and he has agreed to let you be the judge, so step up judge and give us your decision.” There are not many that I would step up to the plate for but O.R. is one. I’m in a difficult situation right now as I made a friendly wager with a Swede (Stefan the Lord of Pattaya), won but have yet to collect. My answer may jeopardize my collecting. I must put that aside as the impartial individual that I am.

No! Sugar Ray Leonard could not beat any of those boxers currently on The Contender. Not a Chi Com’s chance. Sugar Ray is 49 years old, has had his battles with “white stuff” in the past and hasn’t been in the ring since March 1 of 1997 when he got KO’d by Hector Camacho in 5. Leonard retired after his 1987 fight with Marvin Hagler where he got a “strange” looking split decision win. The scoring was 118-110, 113-115, 115-113. Some years later at ringside in Vegas, Leonard said to Haggler, who by that time was a big time movie star in Italy, “We ought to fight again.” “Why?”, answered Hagler, “I beat you the first time.” Post Hagler, Leonard would have a difficult time beating any of those on the Contender. Pre-Hagler... no contest. At equal age and weight Leonard would go through them like corn through a Seagull. “Don’t look up Maude.”

Prior to getting to an important fight I am forced to report that “WBC fly king Pongsaklek Wanjongkam (56-2, 31 KOs) easily scored a 3rd round TKO over Daniel Julan in a ten round non-title bout at Petchpaiboon Market in Petchaburi, Thailand.” OK. That I was forced to report. Now the rest of the story. The WBC Fly King beat Daniel Julan who is 15-11 and is 2-6 over his last 8. Paid workout! Reports surfaced that Pongsaklek is now negotiating with Mexican Jorge Arce for his WBC fly mandatory title defense. Pongsaklek had better think twice. Arce hasn’t been fighting 15-11 set-ups and would be tough to beat especially in either Mexico or in Upper Mexico which some call Las Vegas/Los Angeles. Take your pick.

It was not a good night for Thailand’s Yodsanan Nanthachai (44-3-1) in New York City Sunday morning Pattaya time. In what has been called “an epic battle,” Vicente Mosquera dethroned Yodsanan via unanimous decision (116-111, 115-112, 118-108) to claim the WBA super featherweight title. Yodsanan kissed canvas in rounds one and 11 with both fighters down in the third stanza. The new champ improved his record to 21-1-1. Going in it looked like Yodsanan’s power would rule the night but Mosquera’s 10 KO’s from 22 wins was deceptive.

Also at Madison Square Garden in New York City was a heavyweight battle that no one would call “epic”. Going in to the battle for the WBA Title challenger James “Lights Out” Toney said he was going to add to the worlds heavyweights by subtracting Champion John Ruiz. Toney is a man of many words who is able to “talk the talk and walk the walk.” Proving what many have though Toney dismantled John Ruiz over 12 to win the heavyweight tile. The three judges all had it easily for Toney (116-11, 116-111, 115-112) as did the always on top of things Square Ring (115-113). Toney was credited with a 7th round knockdown that wasn’t but it made no difference. After the fight former champ Roy Jones predicted that Toney would handle either one of the Klitschko’s with ease and have trouble only with a fighter like Hashim Rahman.

Boy-oh-boy, are there some good fights on tap for Sunday morning in the Land of Smiles, chuckles and grins? The answer is yes indeed. From Las Vegas - Diego Corrales (39-2) is a fighter. A “tiger is a tiger is a tiger.” The record of only 2 losses from 41 fights speaks for itself, except his record is actually better than it appears. Back in January of 2001 he fought Floyd Mayweather jr. for the WBC Super Feather title. He got KO’d in 10 in a fight where outside influences probably played a part. He had serious personal problems which sent him to jail. One of the judges that night was Thailand’s Anek Hongtongkam who had it 89-79 for Mayweather jr when the end came.

Corrales second loss was a travesty. In a slam bang event Corrales and Joel Casamayor would trade knockdowns until the competition of the 6th round. Then the ring doctor rode in on her broomstick and stopped the fight because of a “cut inside Corrales mouth.” It was a terrible call. Five months later Corralles would win a split decision against Cassamayor. Jose Luis Castillo (52-6-1) shares two common opponents with Diego. He’s lost twice to Mayweather jr. (once with judge Anek Hongtongkam scoring it 111-116) and he has a split decision over Cassamayor. The KO records of the two fighters are about the same, they can both box and it promises to be a classic. This is definitely a “not now dear I have a headache “ type of fight.

Another world title fight, this one at the Volkswagenhalle in Braunschweig, Germany provides the opportunity for Joe Calzaghe to get his 39th win without a loss and defend his WBO Super Middle Title for the 14th time. Mario Veit (45-1) is your typical German based boxer. He fights at home and takes all the advantages that may provide. If this contest weren’t in Germany it would probably be a stroll down the “Walking Street” for Calzaghe. They’ve both beaten Charles Brewer and Kabary Salem, which takes care of the common opponent angle. When Veit met Salem there was a class of heads in the 7th round and the referee got as broken nose. That’ll show ‘em. Calzaghe by split decision to set up a rematch in Wales.

If I was a betting man, and I am, I would make it “6/5 on” that Manny Pacquiao has finally gotten serious about his problems with bogus promoter Murad Muhammad. Was easy to write that when Pacquiao has “reportedly” hired attorney Judd Burnstein. “Pacquiao is suing Muhammad regarding the revenue sharing from the March 20, 2005 pay-per-view featuring Pacquiao against Erik Morales.” If in fact if Burnstein joins the fray on Manny’s side the fight is over. “To be sure, I have had very serious discussions with Team Pacquiao regarding representing Manny in his case against Murad Muhammad, but I have not made a final decision as to what I will do,” stated Burstein. “I think he is a great fighter and it would be a honor to represent him.” Go get ‘em Judd. The suit was filed in New York with Pacquiao asking for 33 million dollars US. I could be wrong but I think that Attorney Burnstein was representing Graciano Rocchigiani when he got 31 million dollars US from the WBC. I’ll drink to that.

Rossi wins first China MotoGP

The new Shanghai International Race Circuit lived up to its promise and provided a perfect setting for the most recent MotoGP. The weather played its part as well, providing a range of practice conditions from hot and dry to distinctly cool and damp, but the full downpour was saved for race day itself.

Honda’s young gun Nicky Hayden dominated free practice number one (FP1) and put in the fastest lap. Fellow Honda riders Marco Melandri and Sete Gibernau followed close behind him. Fastest in a straight line was Carlos Checa on the Ducati.

A cool damp FP2 was lead by veteran Kenny Roberts on the Suzuki with Barros and Gibernau not far behind. Checa headed the standings for FP3 with Melandri and Barros in close attendance.

Qualifying saw Sete Gibernau pull out the stops with a late lap under two minutes. Completing the front row of the grid were fellow Honda rider Marco Melandri and Ducati mounted Loris Capirossi. The second row was headed by John Hopkins (Suzuki) with Nicky Hayden (Honda) and Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) over 1 second off Sete’s pace. What was outstanding was the terminal speed of the Ducati of Carlos Checa in seventh place, timed at 342.9 kph (213 mph) on the long Shanghai straight. Amazing and scary to contemplate on two wheels!

Race conditions were dreadful, relatively cold (19 degrees C) and very, very wet. The start of an earlier race was delayed because of standing water on the circuit so that indicates the conditions prevailing on the day. From the start Suzuki mounted Hopkins lead briefly before running into the gravel from where he extricated himself to rejoin the field well down.

Roberts, an acknowledged expert in the wet, soon took the lead followed closely by Rossi. These two quickly broke from the following pack to establish a six second buffer between them. Unfortunately for Roberts his Suzuki developed a mechanical problem on lap five and he exited the race leaving Rossi in front of a six-man chasing bunch lead initially by Gibernau. Also in the pack were Biaggi, Melandri and surprisingly Olivier Jacques on the Kawasaki, standing in as a replacement for the injured Hoffman.

Rossi quite simply ran a perfect race, grinding out the laps in the wet conditions without taking chances. The chasers were slowly closing but never looked like catching Rossi. A splendid charge by Jacques in the later stage of the race saw him take the second podium place while Gibernau lost out to team mate Melandri to finish fourth (mechanical problem allegedly).

Other placings were, 5. Biaggi, 6. Jurgen vd Goorbergh, 7. Hopkins, 8. Edwards, 9. Hayden, 10. Xaus.

Of the others Bayliss and Checa both crashed out, riders unhurt, while jump start penalties of a drive through were given against Barros and Elias.

Championship Table; moving a further 18 points clear of his nearest challenger is Rossi with 70 points, followed by new second place man Melandri with 45 points two clear of Barros. Sete languishes in fifth place with 33 points, two behind Biaggi.

The next event, MotoGP Round 4 takes place 15th May in France from the famous Le Mans circuit. Race start time will be 2 p.m. local time, so Thailand broadcast is expected to be the more usual 7 p.m.

Honda will not give up in their efforts to beat Yamaha mounted Rossi who has truly “rubbed their corporate noses in the dirt” since leaving them for Yamaha. Expect renewed attempts by the entire Honda mounted men to finish ahead of Rossi, there will be some hefty bonus for anyone displacing Rossi from top of the pile!