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Thai champion challenges for first WBC Muaythai World title
The Pattaya Mail was happy to welcome a team of
boxers from the new Pattaya Fairtex sports club & resort, on Friday, 25
November. Included in the group was Thai champion boxer Yodsaenklai Fairtex,
who was here to promote his upcoming fight for the first ever WBC sanctioned
Muaythai World Championship Title. The fight will take place December 10 at
the Gold Coast Convention Center in Australia and Yodsaenklai’s opponent
will be hometown boy and champion Muaythai fighter, John Wayne Parr of
Australia.
 Yodsaenklai
Fairtex on his recent visit to the Pattaya Mail.
Yodsaenklai, (original name Yodthanong Photiratt) is 20
years old and is a native of Nong Bualampoo. He has been fighting since the
age of eight and he has fought 215 times winning 160 of those bouts. He
presently holds the Lumpini welterweight title, which he won in sensational
fashion earlier this year and was signed up to the Fairtex stable for a
contract fee of 1,700,000 baht, the highest amount ever paid for a Thai
boxer in Thailand. He is now regarded as the dominant “big man” in
Lumpinee’s heaviest weight division and feels he is ready to test himself
against the best of the international competition.
Yodsaenklai’s ring opponent on Decmber 10, John Wayne
Parr is no stranger to Thailand himself. Parr, (29 years old) lived and
trained in this country for 5 years and fought at all of the major stadiums.
He has traveled around the world and is widely regarded by his peers as
being one of the greater Muaythai fighters. His record of 57 wins from 77
fights speaks volumes about his caliber.
Despite this, local boy Yodsaeklai is confident that he
can claim the first ever WBC sanctioned Muaythai title. In an exclusive
interview with the Pattaya Mail he explained: “I’m not worried
about fighting Parr. I’ve studied tapes of his fights and I have trained
very hard for this fight. The only thing I have to worry about is fighting
in Parr’s ‘neck of the woods’ so I will have to make it clear and
decisive.”
Whatever the outcome of the bout, it has clearly caught
the imagination of the Australian public and the fight will be broadcast
live on Australian national television as well as being carried by other
international stations. The fact that the WBC, the world’s most respected
boxing authority is giving its full backing to Muaythai is a clear sign that
they see this sport rivaling Queensberry Rules boxing in terms of public
appeal, in the not too distant future. Already, more World Title fights are
being planned for the coming year.
When Yodsaenklai returns from Australia, he will be
permanently based and conduct his training at the brand new Fairtex complex
in north Pattaya which is currently nearing completion. A full report on the
Fairtex Pattaya sports club will be carried in a forthcoming edition of the Pattaya
Mail.
In the meantime, we wish our Thai boxer well in his first ever trip
overseas and hope to see him return to the Pattaya Mail with the
World Championship belt firmly in his possession. We shall leave the final
words to the fighter himself as he departed the Pattaya Mail office:
“Don’t worry, I will bring the belt back to Thailand”.
Seaboard FC return to league action in style
Seaboard FC returned to action this weekend in the MBMG
Bangkok Casuals League after a two week break and went on a goal scoring
spree that saw them romp to a league record 15-1 victory over Sunbelt
Thaivisa.
Seaboard’s
Peter Ndjana scores the second of his five goals
Frustrated by a lack of fixtures in the first quarter of
the season Seaboard came out of the blocks eager to take control of this
match early on and with only 50 seconds on the clock, an incisive pass
inside the Thaivisa fullback from John Campbell found Ernest Romario, whose
dangerous cross was palmed away by a defender leaving the referee no option
but to point to the spot and to dispatch the Thaivisa player with a red
card. Peter Ndjana stepped up to take the kick sending the Thaivisa keeper
the wrong way. Seaboard had got the start they had been looking for and 2
minutes later it was Campbell again opening up the Thaivisa defence with a
neat ball out to Mark Brittain on the right whose ball inside found the
unmarked Ndjana, who slotted home for his and Seaboard’s second on 3 mins.
Seaboard continued to pile on the pressure and a cross
from Ndjana was put wide by Brittain, when it seemed easier to score.
Brittain was unlucky not to make amends for his earlier miss on 8 mins when
he volleyed just over from a cross by the impressive Keng. It seemed only a
matter of time before Seaboard would increase their lead and when Keng found
Adam Gardner out wide his cross was hammered home on the volley by Romario
to see Seaboard 3 up in 10 minutes.
With the Seaboard keeper Torn almost a spectator, skipper
Gary Munro sliced open the Thaivisa defence again to find Ndjana, who
rounded the keeper but his shot from an acute angle hit the post and was put
behind for a corner. On 16 mins Seaboard were awarded a free kick 25 yards
out which Campbell curled over the wall and past the keeper but the ball
came back off the crossbar and was cleared away to safety. Seaboard were to
increase their lead however on 17 mins when Colin McCubbin crossed for
Brittain who expertly controlled on his chest before driving past the
stationary keeper. Seaboard seemed to take their foot off the pedal at this
stage allowing Thaivisa more possession of the ball but with Munro and Lee
Homer strong in defence, Thaivisa could not create any clear cut chances.
Seaboard stepped up the pace again for the last 5 minutes
of the half and the lively Ndjana was unlucky not to score, shooting just
wide from a through ball from Homer. He did however complete his hat trick
right on the break when he latched onto a ball from Romario and lobbed the
advancing keeper from the edge of the box. This was almost the last action
of the half and Seaboard went in at half time 5 goals to the good.
Seaboard manager Rick Bryant could afford to make changes
at half time and introduced Phil Orr and Guy Pola for their league debuts.
However, Seaboard were caught out almost immediately after the restart when
a ball over the top found the onrushing Thaivisa forward who was heavily
challenged in the box by the Seaboard keeper Torn, and the referee had no
option but to point to the spot with the Seaboard keeper receiving a yellow
card. Oumar Diane stepped up to easily dispatch the kick for Thaivisa.
This seemed to spur Seaboard back into life and straight
from the restart Seaboard should have scored when Pola outpaced the full
back to cross for Cliff West to head just wide of the upright. West did not
have to wait long before his next chance and it arrived when he was involved
with some neat inter-passing with Romario before slotting the ball past the
Thaivisa keeper. One minute later Seaboard were to score their seventh of
the afternoon when it was Campbell again with the pass that found Romario
who crashed in off the inside of the post. Romario was now causing all sorts
of problems for the Thaivisa defence and after a run that saw him glide past
3 players before rounding the keeper, he was tackled with the ball breaking
out wide to Pola, whose cross was volleyed home by Brittain.
Seaboard were once again in total control and Pola was to
score his first goal for the club 12 minutes into the second period when he
was found by a cross from Romario and he calmly slotted home. Seaboard were
to score their tenth and best goal of the afternoon 1 minute later when
Homer picked the ball up in his own half and following a series of return
passes found himself free in the box to calmly curl the ball round the
advancing keeper and into the bottom corner.
Thaivisa did not give up although well behind and almost
punished Seaboard again with a long ball over the top but the Thaivisa
forward drove the ball wide of the target from 18 yards out. Seaboard went
straight up the other end and a blocked shot from Campbell fell back to him
on the penalty spot and he drove the ball through a crowd of players into
the centre of the goal.
With 15 minutes to go Mark Brittain was to be the second
Seaboard player of the afternoon to complete a hat trick when he managed to
head home a corner from Romario. Ndjana who had been a thorn in the side of
the Thaivisa defence all afternoon continued to press and after going just
wide on several occasions latched onto a ball from Campbell and shot home
his fourth and Seaboard’s thirteenth of the afternoon. 3 minutes later in
a copybook move, Ndjana again found the net this time the supply line coming
from Gardner.
Surin and Jake Baker were introduced for the last 12
mins. and Surin was unlucky not to score when he timed his run perfectly to
meet a cross from Craig Banks only to see his header hit the post. Young
Baker was to be more fortunate though when in the last minute he outpaced
two defenders before driving home the final goal of the afternoon from a
very acute angle to notch up his first league goal for the club.
Seaboard manager Rick Bryant was obviously very pleased
with his side’s performance but will have to be aware of any complacency
with the visit of the league leaders to Pattaya next week. Seaboard’s next
home game will be at Horseshoe Point against the Bulls Head Brazilians on
Saturday December 3, kick off 4:00pm.
Seaboard FC have been fortunate enough to secure the
sponsorship of AGS Four Winds International Movers and Cranes and Equipment
Ltd. Europe-Middle East-Asia for this season and would like to thank them
for their continued support.
Anybody who could be interested in joining Seaboard FC, whether their
stay in Thailand is for a long or short period is more than welcome to come
down to the football pitch in Naklua every Tuesday evening at 6:30pm,
contact us at [email protected] or call Peter on 01 810 1470.
Double winner Roger on song at Green Valley
PSC golf with The Bunker
Mountain Shadow Country Club
Monday 21 November
 Roger
Privett takes first place honors at Mountain Shadow and Green Valley
This week did not just feature three great golf courses.
On 24 November, we celebrated John Preddy’s birthday with an American
Thanksgiving feast. The turn out was incredible and John Preddy along with
the Bunker extends it hearty thanks for all those who attended. The hardest
part of the week started with a medal competition at the ever so hard
Mountain Shadow course. Two divisions were set with a 16 and under cut.
Roger Privett won the “A” division with net 75. Joint runner-ups with
net 78 were Alan Heywood and Barry Murnin. In division “B”, P.J. Redmond
returned the best score of the day with a net 74 to capture first place. Rod
Stevens scored net 76 for a second place finish and Charlie Gooch came third
with net 78. Near the pins were won by Barry Jones, William Macey, Stuart
Tinkler and Eddie Martin.
Century Chonburi
Wednesday 23
November
Two divisions were set for the Boys from the Bunker as
they set off for a stableford competition. The best score of the day came in
the “B” division were Doug Landsbourough returned 38 points for victory.
In second place with 35 points was Stuart Tinkler. Third place finish went
to Sean McVitty and Jim Wooler each with 31 points. In the “A” division
Paul Edgar scored 35 points for first place honors. Joint runners-up were
Terry Gill and John King with 31 points each. Near the pins were won by P.J.
Redmond, Colin Wilkins, Brain Lund and Gordan Melia.
Green Valley
Country Club
Friday 25 November
The week came to a close with a medal competition at
Green Valley. In division “A” Roger Privett won for the second time this
week with a 4 under par 68. Geoff Parker scored net 73 for a second place
finish and Tony Scrambler secured third place with a net 76. The best score
of the day went to D. Green with a net 63. Geordie Hudson scored net 70 for
second place and P.J. Redmond came third with net 72. Near the pins were won
by Brian Walker, Tony Scrambler, Gordan Melia and Frank Pinkington.
As a reminder, during the high season, all golfers must register for
their golf 15 minutes prior to departure time. The Bunker Boys are located
on Soi Chaiyapoon (near X-zyte disco and across the street from Tony’s
Disco II). Monthly golf schedules are available or consult the Pattaya Mail
every week.
Smooth sailing at Noble Place
The 54th PSC Member’s Monthly Tournament
Friday, November 18 - After the trials and tribulations of
last month at Pattaya Country Club, what a pleasure it was to take the long
road for a return visit to Noble Place. The course was in immaculate
condition and is impeccably managed by Khun Charkrit and his team and the
weather was also just right for the 115 golfers who checked in under the
keen scrutiny of Bernie Tuppin whilst Jeff Wylie sorted out the handicap
queries. Mike Gerrard acting as starter, got the troops off on time and
ensured there were no delays throughout the competition. He even managed to
change into his Elvis suit. You can take the boy off the stage but you
can’t take the ham out of Mike!
All
the winners with Chris John, golf chairman.
Overall the scores on the day were fairly predictable
with Jeff Wylie and Kale Karlberg taking the low gross spots in the top two
divisions. C flight saw Andy Spence take top place, whilst in D flight,
playing partners John Dillon and Brendon Dougal were the only golfers to
break 40 points. Intira Goransson cleaned up in the ladies flight with a
first place; two near the pins and the long drive. Last month’s Mr.
Blobby, Gordon McKnight lost out in a count back for a third place but won
two near pins -a big improvement.
Back in the clubhouse Chris John, the golf chairman,
thanked the organizing committee of Ian Edwards, Tony Oakes, Jeff Wylie,
Alan Pearce, Bernie Tuppin and Mike Gerrard as well as all the sponsors
namely The Diana Group, The Harley Bar, Shenanigans, The Hot Shot Bar, the
TQ and The Blue Parrot.
All golfers should note we are now in the high season so
sign up early in the clubhouse for next month at Sriracha on 16th December.
A 200 baht non-refundable entry fee is mandatory. Additionally, if for
whatever reason you cannot attend, please let us know or better still find a
replacement. There were 25 golfers who could not enter this month and seven
no shows.
CJ
Sports Quiz
Unfortunately, there were no correct entries
received for last week’s Sports Quiz before the deadline. Thanks go out
all those who tried and better luck next time. In case you were wondering
about the answers, here they are…
1) Who is the record goal scorer for Liverpool?
Answer: Ian Rush
2) Who captained South Africa when they hosted the 2003 Cricket World Cup?
Answer: Shaun Pollock
3) Who won the Men’s 1500m in the 1968 Olympic Games?
Answer: Kip Keino
This week’s questions are:
1) Which was the first London club to win the League Cup?
2) Which was the last country to win the Five Nations rugby tournament?
3) The horse Brigadier Gerard raced eighteen times. How many did he win?
Tatsumi Noguchi aces at Mountain Shadow
IPGC golf from The Haven
Mon 21 November
Bangpra, Stableford
ivision 1 (0-14)
1st Barry Winton: 34 c/b17 c/b6 11
2nd Rick Holmes: 34 c/b17 c/b6 10 c/b3 6
3rd Phil Groves: 34 c/b 17 c/b6 10 c/b3 5
Division 2 (15plus)
1st Dave Spendley: 34
2nd Tony Quaid 32: c/b 13
3rd Brian Kelly 32: c/b 12
A late change from the scheduled visit to Siam Country
Club due to the increased green fees and poor course condition saw another
large turnout for a repeat visit to Bangpra. This time in real Thai wintry
conditions, it actually felt quite cold in the chilly northeasterly winds
and coupled with fast greens that had been cut to 3.4mm, it was a
much-changed course from last week and played much tougher, as can be seen
from the scores! A three-way tie on 34 points in Division 1 that gave
Stephen and Richard a headache saw Barry just pip Rick on count-back 6 who
in turn just edged Phil on count-back 3. In Division 2, scores were no
different with Dave also winning on 34 points, but a little more comfortably
from Tony and Brian. With true, fast greens it was not surprising there
would be a few “2”s and Rick Holmes, Chang Suh & Al Rolnik shared
the Division 1 pool, whilst Mark Woods & Micky Moore divided the
rollover spoils in Division 2. Prior to the presentation, Richard
Livingston, the resident PGA professional, welcomed back Chang Suh & Jay
Nakagawa on a day when 25% of the large field were single handicappers.
Wed 23 November
Century Chonburi, Stableford
Division 1 (0-16)
1st Chang Suh: 37 c/b 20
2nd Barry Winton: 37 c/b 18
3rd Arthur Tiefenthgler: 33
Division 2 (17plus)
1st Brian Kelly: 34
2nd Peter Emslie: 32 c/b 17
3rd Tony Quaid: 32 c/b 16
A long awaited return to the excellent layout of the
Century course, which is ridiculously cheap, even for the quality of the
dreadful clubhouse and locker rooms! But at just 300 baht (for green fee and
caddy) what more can one ask? Yes a little sand in the bunkers would help
for a start, but the fairways were good as would have been the greens had
they not been sanded. Still, the continuing strong winds, again made
conditions cold and tough on the day and again, scores were poor. This time,
Barry had to be content with second place in Division 1, as Chang charged
home in 37 gross on the back 9, to snatch victory on count-back. If Barry
had scored as many points as he had “pee’s” on the course he would
surely have won, but remember, bears don’t like cold conditions! In
Division 2, Brian finally found his touch to easily take the honors from
Peter and Tony. His 34 points included three “wipes” as a result of two
lost balls in the rough, so hopefully there are better scores to come! Chang
Suh rounded off a super round with the only “2” of the day and once
again there is a rollover in Division 2. Back at the Haven, Richard
discovered that amazingly, there were no welcomes or welcome backs and no
good-byes despite the large field!
Fri 25 November
Mountain Shadow, Stableford
Division 1 (0-12)
1st Derek Fotheringham: 34 c/b 19 c/b6 13
2nd Barry Winton: 34 c/b 19 c/b6 12
3rd Phil Groves: 34 c/b 15
4th Martin Grimoldby: 33
Division 2 (13plus)
1st Jens Gunnarsson: 36
2nd Tom Sathrum: 33 c/b 17
3rd Mark Woods: 33 c/b 15
4th Frank Hughes: 32
A surprisingly large number of golfers turned out to do
battle at the tough but popular Mountain Shadow and amazingly 35% were
single handicappers, hence an all time low division cut at just 12. The
story was almost identical to Bangpra on Monday as once again three golfers
in division 1 tied on 34 points for top honors. This time it was perhaps
fitting that Derek should claim his first win on his last game before
returning to UK. Barry just lost out again for the second successive time as
did “swimming instructor” Phil Groves. In division 2, the “Ice Man”
Jens, continued his good run of form to comfortably take the top prize by
three clear points! The “2’s” competition, well Barry Winton, Rainer
Helling and Martin Grimoldby all carded a “2” in division 1 whilst Jens
Gunnarsson scored the only “2” in division 2 but all to no avail as
Tatsumi Noguchi aced the par three 5th hole to take the jackpot, both
division prizes including the rollover in division 2, so bad luck guys, the
rule at the Haven is that a “hole in one” takes all! Well done Tatsumi
San, who rang the bell amidst much cheering, to celebrate his good fortune!
Prior to the presentation, Richard Livingston, welcomed back Rainer Helling,
Sakari Pinne, Pekka Raiha, Kari Laukkanen & Eero Pirohonen, all single
handicappers from Finland and from Japan, Yusuke Watnabe and the man of the
day, Tatsumi Noguchi. Perhaps the greens at 10 on the stimpmeter helped
Tatsumi, but they certainly destroyed many a competitors card.
Pete Emslie does it all
IPGC golf From Lewiinski’s
Sunday 20 November
Green Valley - White Tees, Monthly Medal
1st A Flight: Graham Johnson, 40 points
2nd A Flight: John McHugh, 40 points
3rd A Flight: Jim Munns, 39 points
1st B Flight: Jan Eriksen , 38 points
2nd B Flight: Bruce Milner, 38 points
3rd B Flight: Colin Davis, 38 points
1st C Flight: Peter Emslie, 40 points
2nd C Flight: Kevin Moraghan, 39 points
3rd C Flight: Stan Dismuke, 39 points
1st D Flight: Lyn Foote, 39 points
2nd D Flight: “Loz” Shaw, 36 points
3rd D Flight: John Ginnane, 35 points
NP’s: #2 Sugar Ray Handford; #9 Peter Emslie; #12 Paul
Shaw; #16 Peter Emslie
2’s: Graham Johnson; Jan Eriksen; J.J Wright; Peter
Emslie (2); Trucy Chadbourn;
Sugar Ray Handford
Peter Emslie is never far from the brass ring. His name
can be found amongst the Flight leaders on many of his Sunday visits to the
Society. However, on this Sunday, he not only tied for Man of the Match and
won C Flight with 40 points, but he also had two “2’s” and two Near
Pins. This scribe does not recall such dominance by a player on a given day,
so congrats to the big ol’ guy! Peter’s ‘career day’ left soon to be
Pattaya resident Kevin Moraghan and “Jeremy’s Friend” knotted at 39
points. The knot was untied by count back, with Kevin having the better of
it. Tying for Men of the Match were the tandem of G-r-a-h-a-m J-o-h-n-s-o-n
and Johnny McQ. As a going away gift to G-r-a-h-a-m, John yielded the top
spot in A Flight on count back. Capt. Fogg was but a point in arrears in A
Flight third. Graham’s gross 74 was also the medalist round edging Jim
Wickstrom’s gross 75 and Johnny’s gross 76.
Lyn Foote in what was close to the farewell round of her
and John’s current visit, took the top spot in D Flight, being three
points clear of surging Loz Shaw and John Ginnane. John needed a count back
over the two lovely ladies, The Nat(ural) and Auntie Toy.
In B Flight it was The Quiet One taking a four way count
back at 38 points that saw Aussie Bruce Milner a step below, followed by The
Donkey. Alas to Nick Payne, as there was no step left for his two below
handicap effort.
Monday 21 November
Khao Kheow - B & C - Yellow or White Tees, Stableford
1st Yellow A Flight: Jim Munns, 38 points
2nd Yellow A Flight: John Emmerson, 37 points
1st Yellow A Flight: Leo Spratt, 35 points
1st Yellow B Flight: Tom Sathrum, 38 points
2nd Yellow B Flight: Dave Porter, 33 points
3rd Yellow B Flight: Kurt-Erik Persson, 32 points
1st White Flight: Bruce McAdam, 40 points
Near Pins: #B8 (yellow) Seamus Brennan; #C8 (white) Ken
Kutzing
2’s: Nico Coulouras; Trevor Powell
Capt. Fogg continues to amaze as he quickly acclimates to
each new, lower handicap level. This day was further evidence as Jim
garnered 38 points and a one-point victory over ‘The Golf Manager’ for
the top spot in A Flight of the Yellow Division. Leo Spratt prevailed on
count back, in spite of his 7 handicap, over ‘The Quiet One’. Tom
Sathrum, competing for Brian Wilkenson’s “wireless” moniker, for the
right reasons, was top man in The B Flight of the longer Yellow Division.
Dave Porter’s modest 33 points turned out to be sufficient for second
place leaving third to the triumvirate of Kurt-Erik Persson, Jeremy’s
Friend and Shameless. As was appropriate, the two younger players yielded to
the venerable K-E. A couple of handfuls of players in the big field chose to
relax on the shorter white tees. Bruce McAdam led them home with 40 points.
Wednesday 23 November
Mountain Shadow - Blue Tees, Stableford
1st A Flight: John Emmerson, 32 points
2nd A Flight: Colin Davis, 32 points
3rd A Flight: David Snell, 31 points
1st B Flight: Poo Supaporn, 33 points
2nd B Flight: Brian Cooper, 33 points
3rd B Flight: Colm Mullen, 30 points
Near Pins: #5 Jack Grindvold; #17 Ian Dale
2’s: John Emmerson; Colin Davis; Jan Eriksen; Brain
Cooper; Keith Dyson
Well it wasn’t pretty and nobody’s handicap is going
to go up as the lads and lasses threw a “non-counter” at the demanding
Mountian Shadow course. Tales of horror abounded as the greens were
Augusta-fast. ‘The Golf Manager’ and the ‘First Lady’ each stood
atop their respective Flight podiums in a moving ceremony. ‘The Donkey’
was not unlike a ring-bearer as he stared wistfully upward from his A Flight
second place vantage point. He was accompanied, albeit a step below, by
David Snell, who needed a favorable count back to best newcomer Eddie
Graham. The ‘First Lady’ was followed up by the nearly svelte Brian
Cooper. Two mates were seen brawling it out for the last spot in B, but it
was Colm Mullen who counted better than Roger Koehler.
Friday 25 November
Plutaluang - White Tees 4-Person Scramble, Stroke/Medal
1st J.J. Wright, Lee Adelly, Steve Mulberry, John McHugh
- net 54.7
2nd Lyn Foote, John Foote, Leo Spratt, Dave Tanner - net
55.7
2’s: 17 of them, too much data to list.
Johnny McQ picked up some scramble experts from across
the Soi in the person of J.J. Wright, “the guy that knows more about golf
than any 14 handicapper around”, Lee “Caddy to the Stars” Adelly and
Steve “Blackburn” Mulberry. The 54.7 effort was one clear of the Foote
family and Messrs. Spratt and Tanner.
A tough test at Plutaluang
PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s
Tuesday November 22
Plutaluang,
Stableford
The test for the day was the South and East nines, a
tough test for any group, and as the day dawned, for once of late we were
promised a nice day. At Bert’s, over ‘Brekkers’, Tim laboured to make
sure that all had transport and all knew where and when they were playing:
That dealt with, off we went.
 Winners
on the day: John Gee and Pete King.
Bob, now free from hassle, zoomed off early and got to
the course to ensure the nines for the day were correct and started first to
ensure the pins were out correctly: The rest followed on
The day was fine, but a bit blustery, and neither of the
nines played easy, especially as the greens were not in their usual fine
condition. Still, this is a good value course and on a tough day all got
around in good humour.
One of the drawbacks these days is that since the fire,
the showers in the main block are out of commission, so after finishing the
round the use of a cart is advisable to nip up to the old clubhouse to
remove the dust of the day.
The restaurant still provides some of the cheapest food
and drink around, and a cold one always goes down well after a hard day on
the golf course. Back at Bert’s the food was being served, a beef stew,
and Tim girded his loins for his moment of glory. He declared the winners as
John Gee in the A Div and Pete King in The B Div. As is usual at Bert’s, a
cold beer after a long day is a pleasure and the view of the day ending and
the night beginning is one of the highlights seen from here. With the Sun
setting and the Sea calm, what a fine way to enjoy the pleasures of Pattaya.
T.T.F.N.
Winner:
Div A - John Gee, Div. B - Pete King
Long Put: Bob Short, Jackie McPherson, Vince Callaghan
Near Pin: Bob Pearce, Derek Brook, Jackie McPherson, John Wassell, Colin
Cronin, Tim Holt, Chris Harroll
Gordie & Chang, the honeymooners triumph at Crystal Bay
PSC golf with the Grapevine
Thursday 24 November saw the Grapevine
boys & girls travel up Sukhumvit to play the Crystal Bay A & C
layout, 24 players in all, with the flights split at 0 - 15 & 16 up. The
course was in the usual high standard we have come to expect, and so it was
a good test for all golfers on the day. In the top flight Gordon Everingham
(33) shot a day’s best of 39 pts to take the top spot while Frank
Pilkington (16) played well to take 2nd place with 36 pts. In the low
flight, Chang Suh (6), back in Pattaya for his honeymoon (but playing golf,
what’s that about?) scored a solid 37 pts, including an eagle on A6 to be
declared winner, ahead of Jeff Wylie (5) who played steady to score 36 pts.  Gents
from L to R: Gordon, Frank, Kuni, and Jeff with Da (2) and Da (1).
The technical prizes were mixed up this week with only
Kuni Wakabayashi grabbing 2 near pins. Others were secured by Paddy, David
F, Frank K, Chang & lady newcomer Dixie. The long putts were just too
hard on the day with nobody one- putting the A9 hole, pin was tricky, down
hill, triple breaks, all the excuses under the sun, you know what it’s
like. With the non-claimed technical prizes rolled into the lucky draws we
saw, Dave A, Nile, Colin & Don pick up some handy vouchers on the day.
All in all another good day of golf and camaraderie, with Malcolm &
Opal continuing to provide golfers with some fine complimentary tucker &
cold drinks. If you are looking for a game on a Thursday, drop in to the
Grapevine, Soi Regent Marina & sign up. Look forward to seeing you
there. Cheers & Good Golfing.
Pattaya City Council, the Jet Ski Association of Thailand and the Tourism Authority
of Thailand prepare for a huge “World King’s Cup 2005 Thailand”
Weerawat Khakhai, Pattaya City Deputy
Mayor presided over a meeting with Dr Santat Sasivanich, President of the
Jet Ski Association together with, representatives of the Tourism Authority
of Thailand and private sector organizations to discuss preparations for the
“World King’s Cup 2005 Thailand” which is to be held at Jomtien Beach,
Pattaya from 10-11 December 2005.
Weerawat said this year’s event will be huge and the
organizing committee has already completed necessary preparations. Jet
skiers like current champion Chokuthit Moree and competitors from more than
30 countries have shown an interest. The competition will be the most
exciting event of the year. The public relations effort is the most
important aspect at this time and steps have been taken to inform locals and
tourists about the event. Plans have been made for a news conference and
advertisements in the various media; all that remains now is the
coordination. It is anticipated that large crowds will come along to cheer.
“The King’s Cup will be brought to the stage on
December 10 in a magnificent ceremony befitting the event and will be
carried by a commission of three officers from Sattahip naval base, carrying
the Royal Letter of Appointment.” Weerawat added.
The Galway Hookers come up trumps on Thanksgiving Day
PSC golf from The Café Kronborg
21 November
Khao Kheow, Stableford
The Khao Kheow Country Club was host
for a Stableford competition in two Flights; A Flight 0 to
13 and B Flight 14 up. The wind was blowing a gale and
provided a real test for the day on the B & C Nines,
and surprisingly the course was very dry, but judged to be
in very fine condition.
Jimmy
Flanagan, Kevin Callaghan, Ted Morris and Marty Allred; winners of the Papa Ray
Rogers Thanksgiving Day scramble.
Neil Skilton won the A Flight with a
fine 37 points considering the conditions, ahead of Don
Richardson on 33 points and in third was Kevin Callaghan
on 31 points on count-back over John Isles.
Icelander Einar Johansson won the B
Flight with , again a fine 37, points ahead of a
count-back for second on 32 points, won by fellow
Icelander Kris Helgasson with Patrick Browne in third.
Long Put: #B9 Ted Morris
Near Pin: #B3 Brian Noguer, #B8 Patrick Browne, #C3 Neil
Skilton, #C8 Brian Noguer
24 November
Pattaya Country Club,
‘Papa Ray Rogers
Thanksgiving Day Scramble’
It is that time of the year again, and
once again the golfers of Pattaya gather for one of
Ray’s special days. In years gone by, the days would be
centered on Rays house as he laid on a spread, however
with the passing of time it was decided to hold the after
day facilities at the Cafe Kronborg. This is easier on
Ray, and after all Bjarne and family always assisted, why
not!
The day dawned bright and cool as the
70 golfers gathered at Pattaya Country Club, and teed off
on the 1st and 10th holes. The course as usual was in fine
condition, and on this day clear of other players, so the
groups could get around fast. One of the high spots on the
course was the Albatross scored by one of the groups. They
actually asked that I did not mention their names, as they
are so shy; I like that.
Back in the restaurant the cards were
handed in and Dave was hard at work, this is a big day and
Dave had spent a lot of time organising and dashing around
the shops for prizes. The restaurant was packed, so
Pattaya Country Club were happy, and after refreshments
the players began to slowly depart for the Cafe Kronborg
for a Thanks Giving meal and the presentation.
Back at the Cafe Kronborg, the Nielsen
Family were hard at work, and soon a fine spread was laid
out, of course Turkey had to be to the fore. However all
the other goodies were also in abundant supply. Food
nearly consumed, we once again found out that Dave had
found the microphone; there is no holding him now. Dave
then declared the winners. In third place was the team of
Jeff North, John Boon, Vince Smythe and Graham Bournemont
with a net 57.1. In second was the team of John McMullen,
Steve Cooper-Reeve, Paul Mallon and Graham Houston with a
net 56.5. So to the winners, and this team is always to
the fore, The Galway Hookers won again with a net 55.9,
the team was Jimmy Flanagan, Kevin Callaghan, Ted Morris
and Marty Allred. Presentation over the remainder of the
buffet was consumed and a good night was had by all.
T.T.F.N.
Nearest Pin: #5 Kevin Callaghan, #7 Nial McCarthy, #12
Alan Pierce, #16 Clive Robinson
Long Put: #9 Perry McNeely, #18 Mats Song
Paul Scully victor on first visit
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the OK Corral
Tuesday, November 22 - A large group of
golfers joined the Pattaya Golf Society as they travelled the short trip to
Pattaya Country Club to play their weekly medal event. Under cloudless skies
an incessant strong breeze made conditions very pleasant, but toughened the
challenge. With the cut at twenty and under the golfers in the top flight
played out a close encounter with three players sharing runner-up place.
Bill Hewitt and Chang Suh performed well to record net 75 and they were
joined by the day’s best gross of 78 presented by Mike Allidi off his
three handicap. The winner was only one shot ahead and that honour went to
Finnish giant Unto Kilvonen, as usual playing his golf with a smile.
Division two golfers found the wind more troublesome and some struggled to
get to grips with the round but Ed Trayling “shot his age”, an admirable
net 77, leaving many others wishing they were a dozen or more years older so
they could claim the same honour! Veteran Ed was joined in third place by an
effervescent Denis Smith whose golf turned the heads of his playing
partners. Only the previous week he had put his disastrous form down to
forgetting his spectacles and on this occasion he credited his lack of a hat
with the return to form that he has been desperately seeking. The pair were
one shot behind second-placed golfer, John James, but a country mile behind
the day’s winner, Paul Scully, whose first visit to the course gave him a
fine three-under par winning score of 69. There were no birdie twos and the
Booby Bevy was awarded to Len Jones who conducted the presentation with his
usual panache, until he found he had left half of the prizes back at home!
The PGS had enjoyed another fine day’s golf from the OK Corral
Dolan
& Riley show the way
Thursday, November 24, saw the Pattaya
Golf Society take its weekly stableford event to the
glorious Mountain Shadow golf club and found the course in
excellent condition, with the legendary large and
undulating greens ready to pose the usual problems to
nervous putters! The weather could not have been finer and
a cooling breeze set the day up perfectly for a good
competition. Playing off the blue tees Sam Fitzsimons made
his mark immediately, having n/r’d the previous round,
and his score of 32 points stood unchallenged until Harry
Riley posted 34 points to take the lead. Playing in the
final group a rediscovered Rob Dolan found his shots again
and joined Harry on 34 points to share the day. In his
defence, Harry was christening both a new driver and a new
putter, and he immediately pronounced both acquisitions a
success! Sam shared the twos pot with Martin Hoblyn and
Chaten Patel whilst Aussie Evan Millar, visiting from Viet
Nam, savoured the Booby Bevy after his first round with
the PGS, for his low score of the day. But even he could
declare the day an enjoyable experience on a wonderful
golf course.
Double celebration for Keith Fortt
I.P.G.C. golf with The Caddy Shack
 Keith
Fortt and wife, winner division 2 and 18 yrs married.
Tuesday
November 22 - the golfers from the Caddy Shack travelled to Noble Place for
a medal competition and the courses of A&B were selected. The course was
in excellent condition and the price is great value. The cut was made at 14
and under. In division one Mr Tay from Japan scored a net 73 to come in 3rd
place, Terry Phur scored a net 72 to come in 2nd place, the winner was Neil
Skilton with a very nice net 66. Division two Nile Sheenan scored a net 74
to come in 3rd place, in 2nd place was Richard Wardell with a net 73 and the
winner of division two was Keith Fortt with a very nice net 71. This was a
double celebration for Keith as he also celebrated his 18th year wedding
anniversary with Koy his wife. The Two‘s were won outright by Neil Skilton
whilst the Bananas were awarded to David Keats for his phone always ringing
on the course, although back at the Caddy Shack he denied even having a
mobile in his possession. The 3 Japanese golfers led by Mr Suzuki
surprisingly ordered back at the Caddy Shack Pie and Mash, Liver and Bacon
and Spaghetti Bolognaise, which they enjoyed very much.
Thursday November 24 - The Caddy Shack went to Sattahip for a Stableford
competition, the tough North and West courses were selected. The cut was
made at 15 and under. In division two Les Hall managed 34 points to come in
3rd place, Ben Findon got 35 points to finish in 2nd place, way ahead with a
very nice 39 points was Mike Larsen to take 1st place. Division one had a
tie for 3rd place between Wilf Latham and Jan Eriksen with 34 points, Steve
Nowell was in 2nd place with 35 points, but way ahead was Mike Allidi with
41 points to come in 1st place, this is very special as he plays off 3
handicap, (but I don’t think he will be next week). The Bananas were
awarded yet again to Angus the Horse for his dismal 11 points, someone
better tell him its the most points needed in Stableford not the least, also
the last hole he changed headwear and traded places with his caddy and let
her finish his round. The water carry of about 120yds was cleared with ease
and she went on to score a point for him. John Wassal won the free prize
draw back at The Caddy Shack. Tuesday December 6 we are at Mountain Shadow
and we leave at 9.00am and Thursday December 8 we are at Green Valley and
leave at 11.00am.
Record fleets join 2005 Raimon Land Varuna Cup
By Peter Cummins
The just-finished Raimon Land Varuna Cup was a
‘roaring’ success, although by no means was the wind roaring. It was
more like a whimper, mostly. But there was still enough wind for the Medds,
Claire and Simon, to win the Hobie Tiger spin event from class newcomers,
the two Davids, Race and Jezeph.
Happy
winners of the record-breaking Raimon Land Varuna Cup.
Bob and Judy Gardham, out from Oman for the event, merely
added to their recent success in the Varuna Commodore’s Cup, by winning
the Hobie Cat 16 class. There was something appropriate about this latter
win particularly, for Bob is Commodore of the venerable Ras Al Hamra Boat
Club in Oman. Close behind them were fellow Omani sailors, Chock Heller and
Liesbeth Dewit.
Arch rivals in both the Optimist ranks and the 4.7 Rig
Laser, Ruben Menke eased out Dominik Lehmann, winning the 4.7 class, by just
one point. A similar scenario took place in the big Lasers: Japanese ace
Naomichi Hayakawaalso scraped in ahead of Royal Varuna rival, French
national Philippe Narbonne, by a scant two points.
 Light
winds during the Raimon Land Varuna Cup tested everyone involved.
The huge fleet of Optimists, honed up by their recent
Asian Sailing Championship, had close, exciting racing, with Sattahip lad,
Nuttawut Panyam, the clear winner, with four firsts out of five starts.
Jittiwa Tanawitwilai and Sittisat Ponpun were equal second on 18 points
while Patrick Littlejohn, defended Varuna honour; finishing fourth, in a
very tough fleet of 40 entries.
Frank Teeuwen beat out Les Nyerges and Alberto Cassio, in
the solo sailor, the Nacra 16 Square, while, in the Open class, Bob
Garner/Jouke Postma, brought Bob’s light, fast Taipan 4.9, into victory
over Benoit Gresillon/Jean Philippe (Nacra 17 spin).
There was an incredible change in the weather pattern as
last Saturday dawned for the start of the Raimon Land Varuna Cup. For four
days and nights the preceding week, the northeasterly howled in at around 25
-30 knots. Saturday morning: flat calm, a heavy cloud cover and increased
humidity. But not even the weatherman can mess with our Royal Varuna sailing
secretary and race officer Dickie van den Heuvel, when he has decided there
will be racing. An hour or so of waiting and then the races started, albeit
slowly but surely in light winds but with occasional huge wind shifts.
 The
‘on land’ action at the Raimon Land Varuna Cup.
A record 104 craft and some 160 sailors took the first
starting signal, from the committee boat, set well over towards Koh Larn.
There were some 30 Lasers, including the smaller Radial Rigs and the 4.7, 40
Optimist dinghies, and an assortment of felines, ranging from the powerful
Hobie Tiger to Hobie Cat 16s, to Nacra 16 Sq. single-handers and the fast,
light Taipan 4.9.
The advent of Raimon Land as a major sponsor of the
yachting circuit is the best news for the marine leisure sector since the
abolition two years ago, of the punitive taxes, which were crippling
marine-related activities and sports in the Kingdom.
Raimon Land, starting out as a co-sponsor of the 2004
Phuket King’s Cup Regatta has now opted to become the principal sponsor of
that event for the foreseeable future. Then followed, the hugely-successful
‘Top of the Gulf Regatta’ sailed over the week surrounding Coronation
Day week, last May; A minor role in one of the Kingdom’s newest regattas,
the Evason Phuket Race week in July and, now the first venture into the
Varuna Cup, one of the Royal Varuna Yacht Club’s hallowed events.
If some of the sailors were slightly disappointed with
the action on the water, they were absolutely exhilarated with the social
scene as the sun set on Royal Varuna and the usual Raimon Land flair for a
throwing party, entertainment and simply having a great time. The Veltin
Weihenstephaner Weis Bier established in 1824, flowed in the Brau tradition
but fortunately, the brew at Varuna was somewhat fresher. In fact, it was a
great brew that the Varuna Cuppers demolished rather rapidly!
The wine also flowed and there was a great buffet to feed
hungry sailors and race management. With a stage and backdrop panorama of
Pattaya Beach, the band belted out a huge variety of tastes, styles and rap
music, which set the feet moving.
Nigel Cornick and Henri Young of Raimon Land were
extremely happy with the two days’ racing and the event organization: this
is good news for everybody, and the Saturday night party ended with a
splendid fireworks display.
Now, for many, including the Raimon Land sponsors, it’s
on to Phuket next week for the 19th sailing of the Phuket King’s Cup
Regatta, also now known as the Phuket Regatta week: taking its rightful
place alongside some of the oldest and best-known sailing fests: Cowes week,
Antigua week and Australia’s Hamilton Island week.
An added incentive at Phuket will be the Third Phuket International
Marine Expo (PIMEX), to be held on and off the water at the Phuket Boat
Lagoon, from 8 - 11 December.
The King’s Cup Regatta: a giant step in Phuket’s recovery
by Peter Cummins
The
handsome Permanent King’s Cup Trophy, designed by ML Tri Devakul sits
before the Royal Varuna memorabilia board of Their Majesties.
It is that time of the year again when yacht racing in
the Northern Gulf abates somewhat and all eyes turn to Phuket for the 19th
Phuket King’s Cup Regatta. A generous new sponsor, Raimon Land, has
appeared the past two years and has taken the major role in the Regatta for
the foreseeable future.
Also, for the first time in several years, the presidency
of the organizing committee has again become incumbent upon the present
Commodore of the Royal Varuna Yacht Club which, since day one, has had the
proprietary rights to, arguably, Asia’s best regatta.
The 24th Royal Varuna Commodore, Santi Kanchanbandhu, a
native of the south, is particularly pleased to see the entries racking up
and expects around the 100 mark for craft divided into 12 Divisions.
Close,
exciting racing will again be a feature of the 19th Regatta
“As we have done every year since the inaugural event
in 1987, we dedicate each and every sailing to His Majesty the King, as a
tribute to the monarch, who is the regatta royal patron – this occasion
being the 19th regatta for the King’s 78th birthday”, Santi pointed
out..
Santi paid tribute to H.E. Udomsak Verawarapunga who has
placed much priority on this year’s event, regarding the regatta as a
panacea for the tragic events which befell Phuket and surrounding areas
during the tsunami which struck savagely late last year.
 One
of the classic schooners will be back again.
Santi announced that, apart from the annual contribution
to HM the King’s charities and development projects from regatta proceeds,
this year there will be a special allocation to the Tsunami Relief
Foundation, Rajprachanukroh under Royal Patronage
The official opening of the 2005 Regatta will also be a
little different. Held, as usual at the Kata Beach Resort, the home of the
event for eight years now, there will definitely be a more nautical theme.
The Governor and Khun Viroj Nualkair, representing the
Yacht Racing Association of Thailand will inaugurate the event by ringing a
ship’s bell and hoist the PKCR flag with a ship’s siren as
accompaniment. In the days of the old sailing frigates, this was the
announcement of an impending attack!
 The
Naval Academy will be back to take home some regatta silverware.
The Governor noted that it is almost one year since we
were devastated by the tragic tsunami, although Phuket and the badly-hit
southern provinces are slowly recovering, there is still a long way to go,
with many families still suffering.
“I would like to take advantage of this August
forum”, the Governor said, “to thank sincerely the thousands from around
the world who have come to the assistance of Phuket’s people, helping them
recover from their losses to livelihood and way of life.”
Thus, to the Governor’s office: this year’s King’s
Cup Regatta takes on a special significance, for the big number of
participants coming to Phuket from all corners of the world, sends out a
clear message of renewed confidence, hope and faith in Phuket and her
people. A vastly-expanded media and press programme will spread this new
confidence.
Since the disastrous tsunami struck Phuket and
surrounding provinces last December, it has been a long haul back to
normality, vis-เ-vis the tourism industry and, fully aware of this,
the Tourism Authority of Thailand is now placing much emphasis on yachting
and the marine industry to help re-vitalize the flagging economy, based on
tourist arrivals and subsequent spending.
Thus, the 19th sailing of the Phuket King’s Cup
Regatta, to be held from the 4th to the 11th of December, is poised to bring
Phuket back to prominence. Not necessarily by huge numbers, for, as
President Santi pointed out, there will probably be the customary 100 craft
or so and 1,000 sailors, coming from all points of the globe, as in the past
regattas.
Rather, the major contribution from the marine industry,
in this context, is that the 19th Regatta will show the world, through a
massive publicity and media campaign, that Phuket is the place to be: one
thousand sailors can’t be wrong and their return to the island province is
proof enough of a new confidence in a resurgent Phuket.
Raimon Land has become one of the Kingdom’s greatest
supporters of the marine sector, especially yacht racing. This eco-friendly
sport conforms to the company’s approach to the prime consideration of
environmental problems as being paramount to the Kingdom’s progress and,
not least the recovery of the tourism sector after the December tsunami
disaster.
Raimon Land, now in its second year of sponsorship for
the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, has opted for three more years which is
good news for all concerned. Furthermore, the company has placed its support
firmly behind the Top of the Gulf Regatta, sailed in the Northern Gulf out
off the Ocean Marina in May, the just-recently completed Varuna Cup and the
Phuket Race week in July.
The Kata Group, home for the King’s Cup for the past
seven years, is also quick to offer again its wonderful facilities and
services, along with perennial supporter, Mom Tri’s Boathouse which,
although sustaining considerable damage last December, arises again, having
supported the regatta since day one, 1987. The Boathouse will again be the
touching locale for the candle-lit beach ceremony to salute the Monarch on
his birthday, Monday 05 December, the regatta opening day.
The Royal Phuket Marina and Sunsail join again as
co-sponsors andThai Airways International PLC, as on many former occasions
will be making available flights for the expected large contingent of press
and media: many of them coming from world-wide destinations to Phuket, many
for the first time since the tsunami
Thai Beverages PLC, in the guise of Beer Chang, joins for
the second time while first-time sponsor are Coutts Bank, the
Singapore-based Merchant Bank and the Thailand Privilege Card Company (Elite
Card).
The Tourism Association of Thailand, too, views marine
tourism as a major attraction to help restore the depleted numbers of
tourists entering the Kingdom since last December and again supports this,
the biggest and best regatta in Asia. Thailand Elite Phuket magazine is
again the official publisher and supporting sponsors for this event, who are
the back-bone of marine developments in Phuket and Thailand overall are
listed as follows:
Ao Chalong Yacht Club, Canvas Creations, CAT Telecom,
Electrical Marine, Haad Thip, Kata Poolside Resort, Koh Samui Regatta, Lee
Marine, Neil Pryde, Nokia Thailand, Patongo, Pegasus Marine, Phuket
International Hospital, Phuket Sail, Royal Coffee, Securicor, Simrad Marine
Electronics, Tropical Garden Resort and Yacht Solutions.
Of course, not one of the 18 events so far held could
have even “left the moorings”, so to speak, without the overwhelming
support of the Phuket Governor’s office, the Royal Thai Navy, the Yacht
racing Association of Thailand and the founding club, the Royal Varuna Yacht
Club which holds the proprietry rights to this great regatta.
As is customary too, Rear-Admiral M.L. Usni Pramoj, will
again represent the King at the splendid awards and closing ceremony at the
Kata Beach Resort on Saturday, 10 December, 2005, as he has done every year
except 1988 and 1989.
For further information, contact: The Phuket King’s Cup
Regatta, P.O Box 386, Phuket 83000, Thailand.
Tel: 966 76) 383325; fax: (66 76)383 326; e-mail kingscup @loxinfo.co.th;
Website: www.kingscup.com
Squae Ring
There are those out there that
have implied that The Square Ring is always behind the information curve.
Not true. Need an example? The Square Ring on behalf of boxing fans
everywhere would like to wish ‘His Majesty King Bhumipol Adulyadej’ a
Happy Birthday. His Majesty was born on December 5, 1927 at Mount Auburn
Hospital in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Why Cambridge? His Majesty’s father,
His Royal Highness Prince Mahidol of Songkla, was living there after
graduation from the Harvard School of Public Health. His Majesty is a big
supporter of boxing and has been honored by world wide boxing organizations
for his support.
To celebrate His Majesty King Bhumipol’s sixtieth
anniversary, the ‘December 5th Foundation’ is promoting three big
events, which will be televised on Channel 3, Euro-sport and Canal Plus on
December 5. The scheduled TV time is 14:30 to 16:30 for this event from the
Royal Square in Bangkok. The top of the card is headlined by former WBA
Super Feather Champ Yodsanan Nanthachai (45-3-1); fact is, he’d still be
the champ if he hadn’t of run into Vicente Mosquera last April, losing the
title on a unanimous decision. I have no idea who he’ll face but I think
it’s Noriharu Iwatani from Japan. Do I know anything else? Sure... When
Yodsanan wins he’ll get a WBA title eliminator against Edwin Valero
sometime in February. Is that it? Yep. Do I care? Probably not.
On December 6 at The Mall Shopping Center in Ngamwongwan,
Nonthaburi, two-time world bantam champion Veerapol Sahaprom (50-2-2) gets a
turn against Tanzanian, Francis Miyeyusho. (15-2). With father time gaining
on Veerapol, he’s 37 years old; he’s looking for a rematch against
Hozumi Hasegawa. Last April fighting on his home ground of Japan, Hozumi
Hasegawa won a close, unanimous decision. On two of the three cards, one
more round for Veerapol would have resulted in a draw which would have
allowed Veerapol to keep his WBC title. A rematch would call for an outright
win if Veerpol wants to regain the title for a third time.
A fight being shown Sunday in Pattaya is the rematch
between Jermain Taylor (24-0) vs. Bernard Hopkins (46-3-1) for all the
middleweight titles that mean anything. If you remember back to July 16 of
this year, Jermain Taylor took all Hopkins titles with a strange split
decision. Strange? Strange in that two judges had it 115-113 for Taylor and
the other 116-112 for Hopkins. In all fairness, the 116 judge has a history
of seeing things different. Got to be nice to him as he’s a regular reader
and a really good guy. I remember once when I wrote of one of his
colleagues, “His ‘seeing eye’ dog had a bad night.” The gentleman in
question came up to me at a social event and said, “You’re as
assassin.” Yep that’s me “007”. Licensed to assassinate blind judges
That’s not the case with this 116-112. Regardless of
the judges’ decisions, Hopkins whined and moaned like your Tee Rak when
the baht runs low. He got a rematch - your Tee Rak got a new “old
geezer.” What do I think? I’d like Taylor to win again. He’s young and
getting better. Hopkins is neither of those.
Before we close the book on the “barely ready for prime
time” Mayweather-Mitchell event, one last comment: Mayweather jr. just
like the democrats in America would like to re write history. In his post
fight press conference, Mayweather said, “I want to thank my opponent for
stepping up to the plate when fighters like Zab Judah and Winky Wright would
not”. The truth is that Mayweather jr. runs from them like a cat after the
battery acid has been applied. He also ducks Antonio Margarito and Ricky
Hatton. Regular readers will remember, well maybe, that the Square Ring cast
doubts on the “body shot” that stopped Mitchell. In the post fight press
conference Mayeather jr. said, “I worked on that ‘crafty body shot’
throughout camp.” Yeah, and all the Go-Go girls in Pattaya will someday
dance at the Bolshoi ballet.
After 10 fights Malcolm Tunacao (19-1) was the WBC
Flyweight Champion. He lost the title to Thailand’s Pongsaklek Wonjongkam,
went into hiding and now he’s back. Since last we met, Tunacao won the
meaningless OPBF bantam title by “outmaneuvering” defending champ
Kumarnthorng Poh Pluemkamol of Thailand. The use of the term
“outmaneuvering” is interesting and must be code for “kicked his
ass.” Over 12 stanza’s the scores were 120-109,119-109,118-111.
Pluemkamol at (7-8) wasn’t the best but a win’s a win.
A couple of weeks ago there were “chick fights” at
the Gray Bar Inn in Pathumthani Province. A Californian was supposed to be
part of the main event. She was a “no show”. I wrote, “A friend of
mine that lives in the same area of California as Moreno contacted me with
the information that Ms. Moreno had cancelled her plans to make the trip
behind bars in Thailand.” Now for the rest of the story: cousin Bruce
writes, “Ms Moreno advised General Kovid that she contracted pneumonia and
was hospitalized.” Translation? “You come Thailand and we give you
money. No problems.” Yeah right!
It is well known in boxing circles that promoter Murad
Muhammad is a bottom feeder. It took Mani Pacquiao a couple of years and a
court suit to figure that out. I guess Fahproakob Rakkiatgym, (50-3 didn’t
get the message. Under the title of Banner Promotions (Art Pelullo),
Rakkiatgum signed for his first title fight against Valdemir Pereira (22-0),
at Foxwood Casino on January 20. Then, a couple of days after the fight was
announced, Murad issued a release that he had signed Rakkiatgym three days
before.
“It’s not that I’m a miracle worker it’s just
that I’m in the right place at the right time,” said Murad. “The
reason I’m called a miracle worker is that I enjoy making fighters happy
and fulfilling their dreams.”
‘Bull Hockey’. You are an opportunist of the worst
order. You make fighters so happy that they have to sue to get out of their
contracts after you’ve picked them clean like a chicken. You will notice
that Murad always hooks up with the IBF, which is run by his ex-wife.
Hatton stays on course
“This fight will not go the distance,” said WBA jr.
welterweight champion Carlos Maussa. “I will cut him open. He’s had
these kind of problems before. My hometown people will be dancing again when
they hear I have knocked out Hatton.”
Well Maussa got part of it right. He did manage to cut up
Hatton in the early rounds with head butts and the old laces to the face
ploy. What Maussa didn’t have was an answer for the aggressiveness or
power that carried Hatton to a 9th round KO. The Columbian did not hand out
much praise to Hatton prior to the fight: “Hatton is not a good boxer, he
is a fighter. I feel Miguel Cotto and Floyd Mayweather are better than
Hatton. They have better style and they are better boxers with more punching
power... [Hatton] is not creative and he only has one style of fighting. It
is very possible that I could open cuts on him and the referee will stop it.
It is going to be a knockout fight.”
Well yeah, except that at 1:00 min. of the 9th round
according to the BBC, “Maussa was caught clean by the decisive hook and
dropped dead-weight to the canvas, rising just too late to continue...
Clever of him to get up late when he was getting his butt kicked.
Hatton keeps his record unblemished at 40 and naught.
Besides dropping a bomb on Maussa, he also dropped one on the British boxing
fans. “It looks likely Maussa could be my last fight in Britain. None of
the big names seem to want to come here, so it seems all the big fights for
me are in the US.”
Like a TeeRak, Hatton could always change his mind but he
would be a welcome addition to the boxing scene in the USA.
Just a week ago in Queensland, Thai lightweight Somchai Nakbalee improved
his record to 7-0-1 with a 10 round UD over Oneboy Makhwelo, who had the
edge in experience with 23 fights but not the skill. Oneboy’s one chance
was when he acted like One Billy Goat, opening a 2 inch gash above the left
eyebrow of the winner. Elsewhere, WBA#1 super-bantam Somsak Sithchatchawal
(45-1-) got a well deserved 7th round KO over Indonesian Andrianus Kauni:
the latter with no official record prior to the fight. Yes that would make
him 0-1 at this point. This was just a tune up for Somsak’s February
meeting with Mahyar Monshipour for the WBA superbantam title. Somsak held
the WBF title for three years before giving it up as worthless... Now I’ll
drink three or more to that!
The Beautiful Game: Last orders for a pure genius
Riz Taylor
“I think I’ve found you a genius”, said talent
scout Bob Bishop in his telegram to his employers Manchester United after
setting eyes on 15 year-old George Best in a match for Cregagh Boys’ Club
in 1961.
He wasn’t wrong. The scrawny young winger went on to become one of the
finest players the game has ever seen; mesmerising fans across the world
during a career that had highs and lows which to this day remain unequalled.
Such was his fame that at the peak of his popularity Best was described as
“The Fifth Beatle”. At his peak, Best collected a European Cup
winner’s medal and the coveted European footballer of the year award in
1968, and was receiving 10,000 letters a week from fans.
He died a week ago today, aged only 59. The death was brought on by a
lifetime of alcoholism that led to multiple organ failure. Up and down Great
Britain a minute’s silence was held at every ground last week. In memory
of the great man, ‘The Beautiful Game’ presents a selection of quotes
from various sources (including from the man himself) that say more than a
column ever could.
RIP, George Best, 1946-2005.
“So George, where did it all go wrong?”
The hotel bellboy who delivered champagne to Best’s room and found him
entertaining a scantily clad Miss World on a bed covered with winnings from
the casino.
“From 1964 to 1969 he was the best player in the country. It’s as sad as
hell, but I don’t think we saw the best of him. I think he went on the
blink at a time when he could have got even better. You hit your peak as a
player at 28 and he was gone by then. Even so, I’d put him on a par with
the top six I ever saw. I wouldn’t like to choose between George, Di
Stefano, Cruyff, Maradona, Pele and big John Charles. Bestie definitely
belongs among that elite”
Denis Law, former Manchester United teammate.
“The world of football has lost a great. I’ve lost a great old friend. I
feel sorry for his family. At a moment like this we can remember how
important this man was for British and world football. He was fabulous.”
Eusebio, Portuguese star who played against Best in the 1968 European Cup
Final
“In 1969 I gave up women and alcohol - it was the worst 20 minutes of my
life.”
George Best
“I grew up in Manchester in the 1960’s. I watched Best, Bell, Law, Lee,
Charlton & Summerbee. I watched the Champions of England & the
Champions of Europe play each other in Derbies. As a Manchester City fan I
thank God that I saw George Best play, he was one of my golden childhood
memories and there is no doubt he will live forever in the hearts of my
generation. One of those special footballers that made you glad to be alive.
Adding genius to our sport. To see him play was a priceless experience
bought for a few shillings. How lucky we were.”
John G.Hall, Manchester City supporter on www. football365.co.uk
“In my later days at United, I used to go missing quite a lot: Miss World,
Miss Gt. Britain, Miss Universe... “
George Best
Someone once reported that I’d dated 7 Miss World’s. That wasn’t true:
it was only 4. I didn’t bother showing up for the other 3.”
George Best
“Everything you want in a footballer, he had it. Many people criticise him
for the way he led his life, but if he had never led his life like that,
maybe he wouldn’t have been the player he was.”
Kenny Dalglish, former Celtic and Liverpool striker
“George was unique, the greatest talent our football has ever produced,
easily.”
Sir Alex Ferguson
The closest I got to him was when we shook hands at the end of the game.
Northampton player Roy Fairfax, who had been “marking” Best when he
scored six goals in an 8-2 FA Cup win for Man Utd in 1970.
“The commentator said that I had beaten nine defenders before I scored.
That wasn’t quite right: I only went past three of them but I beat each
one 3 times.”
George Best on comments made about a ‘wonder goal’ he scored for Fort
Lauderdale Strikers
It was hard in training, because he didn’t listen to a word you said to
him. He’d get the ball, dribble past two or three team-mates and burst out
laughing. It was all easy for him. But that irreverence was the essence of
his talent. He played with joy: soccer wasn’t a job it was entertainment.
Many players go down in history because they’re successful but few are
remembered for their magic. George spread magic.”
Antonio Simones, Best’s coach at San Jose Earthquake.
“George must have had cotton wool stuffed in his ears at the team talk
because we were supposed to start cautiously.”
Sir Matt Busby, Best’s former Manchester United manager, speaking of
Best’s influence on United’s 5-1 win in Benfica’s Stadium of Light in
the 1966 European Cup quarter-final. Best scored two and created another in
the opening fifteen minutes to put United three ahead.
“I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just
squandered.”
Best speaking on the disappearance of his huge earnings.
The Best Files
1946 Born on 22nd May in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
1961 Spotted by Manchester United scout Bob Bishop.
1961 Joins Manchester United as a 5ft, 8st 7lb amateur in August. Leaves
next day
with homesickness but returns after father talks to Matt Busby.
1963 Turns professional on 17th birthday.
1964 Wins first of 37 caps for Northern Ireland, against Wales after playing
only 15 league games.
1965 Plays a starring role in United’s league win.
1966 Destroys Eusebio’s Benfica in Lisbon in European Cup quarter-final,
which United win 5-1; christened ‘El Beatle’. Opens fashion boutiques in
Manchester with City’s Mike Summerbee; opens two nightclubs.
1967 Wins another league title with United
1968 Scores in United’s 4-1 European Cup final win against Benfica.
European Footballer of the Year, Football Writers’ Player of the Year.
1974 Leaves Old Trafford in January after arguments with then manager Tommy
Docherty.
1974-84 Plays for Dunstable, Stockport, Cork Celtic, Fulham, LA Aztecs, Fort
Lauderdale, Hibs, San Jose Earthquakes, Bournemouth, Brisbane Lions and
Tobermore Utd.
Records - Top scorer for United every season between 1967 and 1972; most
goals by a United player in a single match - six against Northampton, FA Cup
5th round, Feb 1970.
No change at the top of the standings
Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League
 Best
Bowler: Nual - Three 190 plus games and a 580 series.
For the first time in this league there is no change
in the top five teams. VFW Post 9876 remains in a tie for first as they won
three points from Caf้ Kronborg. Mai’s Thai Restaurant won three
from House of the Golden Coin and remains tied for first. Friends split
their match with Jack & Tar and remain in third place. Shenanigans
remain in fourth as they won three points from Domicil. Three Sisters lost
all four points in their match against Caf้ Ole but still remain in
fifth. Grape Vine beat Brother D taking three points in that match and moved
into a three-way tie for sixth with Brother D and Domicil. With six more
weeks remaining in this league and 24 points up for grabs it should be an
exciting finish to the league.
Best bowlers of the day were:
Nual, Caf้ Ole: games of 193, 194, 193 - 580 series
Nok, Jack & Tar: games of 205, 180, 170 - 555 series
Teuvo, Friends: games of 186, 179, 182 - 547 series
Lance, Spare Bowler: games of 177, 183, 185 - 545 series
Ooy, Caf้ Ole - 540 series
Sven, Mai’s Thai Restaurant - 534 series
Kran, Caf้ Kronborg - 511 series
Mai, Jack & Tar - 510 series
Pisamai, VFW Post 9876 - 633 series with handicap
A bit of ‘Bully’ for Jeff
McAllister’s golf society
November 25 - There were 25 players this week and The
Emerald course was in good condition, but over-watering is creating a
problem with the carts. The winner on the day was Jeff Wiley with 43points,
in second place was Tom Buckley with 40 points and Nile Sheehan came in
third with 37 points. A special welcome went to Tom Buckley all the way
from Geralston, Western Austalia and to our visiting lady golfer, Trudy
Chadbourn. Jeff was heard to say it was like playing darts, “I kept
hitting the Bulls Eye.”
Tom
Buckley, Jeff Wiley and Nile Sheehan strike a pose with the lovely Nut.
Again back at McAllister’s, all went well, with a ribs and chili
spread. Thank you to Khun Nut for livening up the photo of the winners.
Bob Benda beats the field and the weather to take top spot
PSC golf from Three Sisters Bar
Monday 21 November brought a good number of golfers to
Pattaya Country Club. Two golfers were tied at the top with 42 points -
Both Alan Pearce and Bob Benda scored well on a windy day. It was winter
weather for Thailand as the winds switched direction bringing cool fresh
air from the north. I guess both Alan and Bob liked the conditions but Bob
beat out Alan on the back nine. Bob charged home with 25 points making
birdies on a couple of holes and making pars on a few more.
A few other players broke their handicaps but not by much. Dale Murphy
came in with 37 points but was far behind the front-runners. Dick Caggiano
and Rollie were tied near the bottom of the pile with 17 points but Tully
managed to push them aside with his 16 points to enter the cellar again.
Tully was happy as there was no camera to record the event.
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