Amazing double for Brian Cole

IPGC golf from The Haven

Mon 05 December
Crystal Bay A&B, Stableford

Division 1 (0-14)
1st Takeshi Hakozaki: 39
2nd Steve Bertram: 38
3rd Barry Winton: 37 c/b 20
4th Glyn Nicholas: 37 c/b 19
Division 2 (15 plus)
1st Paul Hartley: 39
2nd David Shaw: 37
3rd Alex Tait: 36
4th Jens Gunnarsson: 35

Large numbers of golfers now seems to be the norm these days, bringing two divisions almost every competition. Despite being a bank holiday, today was no exception and everyone was well rewarded with a cool, overcast and dry day at the Crystal Bay resort course. Clearly the recent rains had left their mark as fairways were still wet and greens very receptive and the scores were good, though not brilliant. Local member, Takeshi, took the honors in division 1 from new boy Steve Bertram, with the Bear and Magellan completing the podium placings at the expense of Alan Beesley, who shot a very creditable 36 points. In division 2, Paul Hartley made his presence known with an opening 39 points on his return from overseas. David Shaw, competing for the “Magellan” title, as he keeps driving to the wrong course, shot a solid 37 points to just pip Alex and Jens. With the greens being receptive, there were always going to be plenty of 2’s and so it proved, with Yasuo Suzuki, Norman Isherwood, Tapani Maatta, Glyn Nicholas & Maria Neiglick all sharing the division 1 prize and the big rollover in division 2 being claimed by Brian Kelly, Alex Tait & Astor Eilandsson. Prior to the presentation, Richard Livingston, the resident PGA professional, welcomed Steve Bertram, Barry Murnin and Astor & Helga Eilandsson, before welcoming back Paul Hartley, Roger Lyons, Tapani Maatta, Maria Neiglick & Ole Steen.

Wed 07 December
Noble Place AB, Stableford

Division 1 (0-15)
1st Al Rolnik: 40
2nd Glyn Nicholas: 39 c/b 20
3rd Takeshi Hakozaki: 39 c/b 17
4th Barry Winton: 38
Division 2 (16 plus)
1st Brian Cole: 46
2nd Ole Stamnes: 44 c/b 24
3rd Tom Sathram: 44 c/b 21
4th Roar Berger: 40

A total of 35 golfers traveled up the 331 and what a day they enjoyed! Almost half the field shot below their handicaps on the AB layout, which was playing short as most of the white tees were placed on the yellow tee boxes. Nevertheless, 46 points... Wow! Unheard of at the Haven and the incredible four-ball of Brian Cole, Roar Berger, Ole Stamnes and Tony Quaid totaled an amazing 168 points! The unlucky 8 golfers who beat their handicaps but failed to make the podium were Michael Andersson, Alex Tait, Tony Quaid, Dave Lee, Brian Kelly, Alan Howell, B J Smith and Tapani Maatta. Congratulations one and all, but particularly to Al Rolnik and Brian Cole on their fantastic winning scores. In the 2’s competition, Pekka Raiha, Kari Laukkanen, Glyn Nicholas, Rainer Helling and Tapani Maatta shared the division 1 prize, whilst B J Smith walked away with the pot in division 2. Prior to the presentation, Richard Livingston, welcomed Mike English & Elaine Bertram and welcomed back Jack Thorne and David Dines, before bidding a sad farewell to Yasuo Suzuki.

Fri 09 December
Eastern Star,
Stableford

Division 1 (0-15)
1st David Dines: 37
2nd Roy Thornton: 36
3rd Barry Winton: 35
Division 2 (16 plus)
1st Brian Cole: 42
2nd Roar Berger: 39 c/b 21, c/b6 14
3rd Mickey Moore: 39 c/b 21, c/b6 11

A hastily re-arranged fixture after Pattaya Country Club reneged on their contract agreement still saw 30 golfers travel to Ban Chang for the third stableford competition of the week. The weather was fine, fairly cool and the golf once again hot! Brian Cole completed a memorable ‘double’; 88 points in two consecutive rounds is sure to see a large cut in his handicap. Nevertheless, a great week for Brian, breaking 100 for the first time ever and carding the only ‘2’ of the day for the division 2 prize. Another feat, it was Brian’s first ever 2. Elsewhere, it was the three title contenders for the “Order of Merit” that enjoyed a fine day; Roy Thornton, Barry Winton and Mickey Moore all made podium places and are very tightly placed at the top. So congratulations to David Dines and Brian Cole for their wins, to the Berger King and also Tom Sathram and Ole Stamnes who all continued where they left off at Noble Place. Prior to the prize giving, Richard Livingston, welcomed back Fred Chadwick and Karl Holm before bidding farewell to Phillipe Berra, Alan Beesley, Roger Lyons & Steve Bertram.

You Can’t Knock on Wood

IPGC golf from Lewiinski’s

Sunday 4 December
Green Valley - White Tees, Stableford

1st A Flight Mark Wood: 42 points
2nd A Flight Rick Sharp: 40 points
3rd A Flight John Emmerson: 38 points
1st B Flight Geoff King: 40 points
2nd B Flight Charles Li: 40 points
3rd B Flight Jim Munns: 39 points
1st C Flight Roy Thornton: 39 points
2nd C Flight George Jackson: 36 points
3rd C Flight Sean Murphy: 36 points
1st D Flight Roger Koehler: 40 points
2nd D Flight Jez Lees: 38 points
3rd D Flight Mike Craighead: 37 points

NP’s: #2 Klaus Schackt; #9 Mick Brett; #12 (tie) John McHugh and Joe Mooneyham; #16 Seamus Cotter

2’s: Mark Wood (2); Rick Sharp; John McHugh; Joe Mooneyham (2); Jeremy Masse, Roy Thornton; Sean Murphy (2); Colm Mullen

Non-2: Mick Brett

It seemed a quiet week, although the Society turned out in its usual solid numbers. Perhaps it was just quiet because One Ball wasn’t dissed all week. It took the empanelment of the Title Slot Committee but when the dust settled it was deemed that the performance of the week was Mark Wood’s medalist numbers of 42 points and gross 73 and deserved the klieg lights. Looking up the A Flight awards podium at Mark were The Hermit with 40 points and the ol’ Silver Back with 38, the latter a count back winner over Flipper.

A couple of ‘Shackers’ went to count back in B Flight, as Geoff King edged the Society’s good friend, Charlie Li. That left the bronze to Capt. Fogg and his considerable 39 points. D Flight found improving Roger Koehler on the top step with 40 points, two in front of The Principal and yet another in front of The Mechanic, a count back winner over John Knight. Roy Thornton, MBE, was three clear in C Flight, that being over our redoubtable One Ball and the fairest of leprechauns, Sean Murphy. The Luck of the Irish couldn’t carry Sean past “He Who Was Slighted Last Week.”

For the first time in Society memory there was a tie for a Near Pin. Despite the use of the most sophisticated scientific technique no distinction could be made between the position of Joe Mooneyham’s and John McHugh’s respective golf balls, so they both left the awards ceremony gleefully, with their pockets lined with loose change.

Monday 5 December
The Emerald -White Tees 2-Person Scramble, Stroke/Medal

1st Jez Lees & George Jackson: net 59.9
2nd John McHugh & John Emmerson: net 60.0
3rd Rick Sharp & Dave Porter net: 61.0

2’s: Lees/Jackson; Sharp/Porter; Tanner/Burton; Thornton/Breslin; Corbin/Galoucher

With prices and crowds increased due to the The King’s Birthday, the Society organized a two-person scramble on the relatively nearby, and fast improving, Emerald Course. Good mates, The Principal and One Ball, combined to take the top rung, a scant 0.01 ahead of McQ and the GM. There was more than just the day’s purse on the line. The face-off between these two teams had been building up over the past week and was embellished with a side bet. The steady duet of The Hermit and Master Porter rounded out the crowd at the pay window.

Wednesday 7 December
Khao Kheow - Yellow or
White Tees, Stroke/Medal

1st Yellow Flight: Dave Tanner, net 70
2nd Yellow Flight: Brian Holden, net 73
3rd Yellow Flight: Vic Hester, net 73
4th Yellow Flight: Robert Sellick, net 73
1st White Flight: John Clements, net 73
Near Pins: Yellows: #B8 - John Taylor

2’s: Yellow: Brian Holden; Vic Hester; Trevor Robins; Roger Koehler (2); John Taylor; David Snell; Seamus Brennan

Non 2’s: Jack Grindvold

Wily Dave Tanner was the only player to solve the Khao Kheow riddle on this day, as he stood alone, the only competitor under par. In fact, Dave’s gross 82, net 70, off the Yellow Tees was three clear of a knot of players at net 73. Count back left Wake Forest’s Brian Holden in second, The Inflictor third and Sir Robert in the seldom paid fourth spot. John Clements, a raconteur of considerable note, led a small group who decided to enjoy the course from the more forgiving White Tees.

Friday 9 December
Treasure Hill - Yellow Tees, Stableford

1st Yellow Flight: John Emmerson, 38 points
2nd Yellow Flight: John McHugh, 36 points
3rd Yellow Flight: Bob Patterson, 36 points
4th Yellow Flight: Gary Emmett, 34 points
2’s: John Emmerson (2); Bob Patterson; Colin Davis; Andreas Gruneneberg; Jan Eriksen

The Society doesn’t travel well but the rewards were great as they ventured up the 331 to play the lightening fast greens of Treasure Hill. The GM decided that conditions that day dictated moving up to the forward Yellow tees, and his conservative approach was supported by the field’s performance. Of course, it worked out pretty well for him, as well, as he led everyone home with 38 points. Johnny McQ bettered The Senator on count back when their respective 36 points were laid side by side. Gary Emmett showed he is coming into form as he snuck into the second paying fourth place on the week.

Irish eyes smiling at Khao Kheow

PSC golf with The Grapevine

Thursday December 8 saw 32 Grapevine golfers head to Khao Kheow for our monthly medal tournament and what a battle we were in for; some more so than others. With good scores thin on the ground, and several net scores in the 90s, it is pretty obvious that conditions were tough with a strong wind blowing. Standing to the fore was Phil Dwyer (18) who, having squeaked in to the top flight at the cut off mark, was able to shoot a creditable 71 net to win the A flight and the ‘Tankard’ for December. The minor placings in the top flight were filled by Jeff (3M) & Kuni (8) who shot net 74s, both solid efforts in the tough conditions. In the 19+ flight, no one was able to shoot their handicap, despite the eventual winner even having a hole in one on the B3 hole. That lucky/skilful golfer was Andrew Galvin Jr. (24) whose ace was somewhat offset by an earlier 10, but he still managed to hold the field at bay to record a net 73 and a win. The runner up Keith Hodges (27) recorded a net 75 to make it 2 podiums in a row, while Gordie (33), our resident rocket scientist, rode his luck to make third place his with a net 81 (yes, that is correct!).

Phil Dwyer, (left) the Monthly Tankard winner with Andrew Galvin, Jr. who shot a hole in one.

The technical prizes were well won in the tough conditions: The Long Putts in the top flight were both won by Kuni, who also picked up a Near Pin; In the 19+ flight, the Long Putts were won by Gordie and Doug Powell. The rest of the Near Pins were won by Keith A., Bruce, Dick, Jeff, Phil, and of course Andrew. Hard to get inside that hole in one! Lucky Draws were won by Dave, Frank & Paul.

Despite no scores setting the world on fire, all agreed that the Khao Kheow course was a true test of golf and it’s condition was, as usual, very good. If you are looking for a game on a Thursday, we meet at the Grapevine, Soi Regent Marina at 8.00 am for breakfast before leaving about 9.00 for the golf course. Hope to see you there. Cheers & good golfing.

Tony Oakes wins by a hair at Emerald Banchang

PSC McAllister’s golf

December 9 - A total of 36 golfers turned out at Emerald Banchang last Friday to kick off the Christmas season in fine style. In good playing conditions on a very pleasant day it was Tony Oakes (handicap 11) who won on countback from Trevor Carnahoff (handicap 23) both of whom had 39 points. The scoring was even closer than the aggregate suggests in that both golfers had 18 and 21 on the two nines. Most of the golfers teed off on the back nine first although in the end it was decided to calculate the count-back by the card, Tony taking out first prize with his 21 points on the back nine, over Trevor who had 18 points. Third prize was also awarded on count-back with Jeff Wylie (handicap 3) prevailing over Ian Colville, both with 37 points.

Winners L/R: Ian, Trevor, Jeff and Tony with McAllister’s elves

Back at McAllister’s Bar & Grill, Don had the Christmas tree (not the “Holiday” tree) set up and was plying his patrons with a fine array of his Christmas baking. Many of us then went into hard training for the Camel Classic to be held the following day ensuring that we had sufficient sustenance and liquid aboard to attack Emerald once more. Asked by a curious bystander how he could account for such an astonishing display on the golf course, Trevor was heard to respond “I put it down to sobriety, celibacy and a healthy dose of righteousness”. Gerry Carpenter made the presentations followed by a lucky draw where PSC golfing paraphernalia was again handed out.

All are welcome at this popular event. Show up at Emerald Banchang on Fridays some time preferably between 7:30 and 8:00 am, but no later then 9:00 and you will be sure of a game with a very friendly group of golfers.

Shenanigans moves to the top of the standings

Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League

200 Bowlers - Lance, Kran, Peter and Bill.

Shenanigans was the only one of the top four teams to win on week 26 and they moved into first place but only by one half of a point. Shenanigans beat Three Sisters to take three points with only Shenanigans Ken Crow able to bowl above his handicap as he knocked down 501 pins. Friends fell to second place after a loss of three points to Grape Vine. Dang was best in this match knocking down 507 pins for Friends and Sven had a 514 series bowling as a spare. Caf้ Kronborg won three points from Mai’s Thai Restaurant and knocked them down from second to third place. Captain Kran led her Caf้ Kronborg team with a 205 game and 567 series. Lance bowling as a spare had games of 231, 174 and 234 for a great 639 series. VFW Post 9876 remains in fourth place but they lost three points to House of the Golden Coin. Domicil led by Bill Key’s 215 game and 514 series took three points from Caf้ Ole to remain in fifth place but they gained points on three of the leaders. Somrak bowled a 541 series and Ooy rolled a 517 series for Caf้ Ole. Brother D moved up to sixth place after beating Jack & Tar to take three points in that match

Sport Quiz

Congratulations to Steve Johnson for being the first to correctly answer all three of last week’s questions. 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 won the BBC Personality of the Year in 2003?
Answer: Jonny Wilkinson
2) Which footbal club did Brian Clough first manage?
Answer: Hartlepool
3) When was the last time that Great Britain won the Two Man Bobsleigh at the Olympic Games?
Answer: 1964
This weeks Questions are:
1) Who won the Women’s 10,000m at the 2002 European Championships in Munich
2) What is the biggest win in a FA Cup Final
3) How many times did J. Kurkowska win the Women’s World Championship for Archery (Target)

Allidi in a class of his own

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the OK Corral

Tuesday, 6 December, more than three-dozen golfers accompanied the Pattaya Golf Society on its monthly mission to Emerald Ban Chang for the occasion of their weekly medal event. The course was well presented with greens on the slowish side but fairways in excellent condition and the weather fine. The cut was at fifteen and under, and the second flight struggled all day to get the pace of the greens with Rob Dolan and Ed Trayling surviving many minor traumas to post scores of net 75 to share second place. The only golfer to acquit himself well in the flight was Chaten

John Cunningham & Fred Theobald, Siam’s successful duo

 Patel, of whom so much has already been written on this page, and his sub-par net 70 took the major prize in the division. Division one was a far tighter affair with Al McGrory playing fine golf to record a net 69 which was to be good enough only for third place! Steve Nowell played his best ever round at Ban Chang on his way to a net 66 but he could only share the victory with Mike Allidi whose gross 68 beggars description. This skilful Swiss golfer had all the shots in his bag and played one of the rounds of his life off his handicap of 2, giving him the outstanding performance of this, or any other week. It took two very special golfers to make Ban Chang the highlight of IPGC’s week. There were five ‘2s’ including a magnificent eagle on the seventeenth by Mike Lloyd and he was joined by Don Francis, Steve Brookeman, Bill Hewitt and lady golfer Mam Trayling in sharing the ‘2s’ pot. The Booby Bevy was used to lubricate Rob Dolan’s personal GPS after losing his way home, again, and he would have hidden his head in embarrassment, if he had not forgotten where to put it! Days like this one are memorable when a large group is treated to such a feast of fine golf.

‘Greed Valley’
forsaken for Siam

Thursday, 8 December, the Pattaya Golf Society had planned for weeks to take a large group of golfers to Green Valley for a stableford competition, but, on confirming the event the day before, the group was informed that the club had cancelled the fixture in favour of an in-house Korean tournament, without informing anyone! As a result, a hasty shift was necessary and eventually Siam C.C. was gracious enough to host the weekly PGS event. The “Old Lady” was in good condition and the greens had certainly speeded up since the last visit. The bonus was that the course was otherwise empty! Strong claims for victory were made by Harry Riley and Len Jones but hitches on the final few holes deprived them of success, allowing Brian Cole and Jim Wilson to nip in with 34 points to share the runners-up placings. John Cunningham and local member Fred Theobald held their nerves to take the victory with steady scores of 36 points, both recording consistent 18-18 scores over the two nines. Rob Dolan had posted the best halfway score of twenty points but an exaggerated effort on the tenth caused a muscular strain in his back and his round ended there, but he had already recorded a birdie two on the eighth and he was later joined by John Cunningham’s effort on the twelfth to share the ‘2s’ pot. Ultimately, Green Valley’s obsession with Korean golf fees had been a blessing in disguise for the Pattaya Golf Society and had given them the chance to savour an excellent day out at Siam Country Club.

I.P.G.C. golf with The Caddy Shack

Tuesday 6 December - the golfers from The Caddy Shack went to Mountain Shadow to play a medal competition, the weather was perfect for golf and the course was in superb condition, the only thing missing on the day was a good score. Apart from Trevor Fitzsimmons with his one under par net 71, the nearest rival was Wilf Latham with a net 76, the rest were not even worth mentioning. The bananas went to Sam for writing the next day’s date on his card; he asked his playing partner Wilf Latham the date, which he duly wrote down. The strange thing is Wilf gave him the wrong day but got the right day on his own card. Clark Alexander won the lucky draw back at The Caddy Shack.

Rob Heath, division two winner.

Thursday 8 December - an invasion of golfers amassed at the Caddy Shack for a trip to Green Valley for a Stableford competition: the golfers were split into two divisions with the cut being 16 and under. Division two had P.J and Steve Davies tying for 2nd place with 35 points whilst the winner was Rob Heath with a level par 36 points. In division one, Mark Joshua came in 2nd with 37 points but the winner was Kenneth Anderson with 38 points, playing off his 4 handicap and he was given a very nice round of applause from his fellow competitors. The ‘2s’ were fiercely contested with Mr Suzuki, Rob Heath, Terry Phur, David Lightfoot and Kenneth Anderson all getting one each. Tony Duthie slipped up thinking a non-return on his card would not qualify for the Bananas, but this did not stop the panel of judges from awarding the yellow perils to him. To cover his woes however, he went on to win the lucky draw of a free Sunday lunch at the Caddy Shack. Tuesday Dec 20 we go to Eastern Star with a 10.00am departure and Thursday Dec 22 we go to Noble Place and we depart at 9.30am. The Caddy Shack is situated on the second part of Soi 17 on the same road as the Harley Bar.

PSC golf with The Bunker

Great Lakes Golf Club -
Monday 5 December

Monday celebrated the H.M. The King’s birthday and many of the golfers had family plans, but a handful still arrived to take on the Great Lakes course. The competition was medal and Granville Swanton scored level par net 72 to take first place. Doug Landsborough and Eddie Martin shared second place with net 75 each. Near the pins were won by Dave Booton, Granville Swanton and Doug Landsborough.

Granville Swanton scores a Hat Trick. After a three month slump he returns first place honors Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Eastern Star Country Club - Wednesday 7 December

The day was a picture perfect golf day and the scores reflected that. Granville Swanton took the win in the “B” division with the best score of the day on 45 points. Sean McVitty scored 42 points for second place and Charlie Gooch scored 38 points to finish in third place. The “A” division found Alan Freeman taking top honors with 38 points playing off scratch. Tony Scambler took second place honors with a score of 35 points and David Booton took third with 34 points. Alan Freeman took all the Near the Pins prizes because of non-returns of three golfers.

The Emerald Country Club - Friday 9 December

Nothing but spectacular golf this week from Granville Swanton; he scored a hat trick by winning all week. Granville had not played good golf in nearly three months but surely came out of his slump this week. He scored net 65 to win the “B” division. In second place were Tom Breslin and Jan Von Spellen each with scores of net 72. In the “A” division Terry Gill took first place with net 73. Tony Scambler came second with net 75 and a three-way tie for third place, each with net 78’s went to Paul Edgar, Alan Freeman and Gordan Melia. Near the Pins were won by David Booton, Gordan Melia, Alan Freeman and Tom Breslin.

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.

The 27th Asean Bridge Club Championship was recently held here in Pattaya at the A-One Royal Cruise Hotel. From 26-30 November, competitors from five counties in the region battled it out for the honour of being called the Bridge champions of SE Asia. It is 8 years since Thailand last hosted the tournament and this was the very first time it was held in this country outside Bangkok.

Admiral Prasert Boonsong, Chairman of the Organizing Committee and Khunying Esther C. Sophonpanich, President of the Asia Pacific Bridge federation presided over the opening of the championships which were attended by local dignitaries and of course, the 100 players from the competing nations.

Khunying Esther C Sophonpanich, (left) President of the Pacific Asia Bridge Federation and Admiral Prasert Boonsong, Chairman of the Organising Committee presided over the opening of the 27th Asean Bridge Club Championship.

Altogether, there were 6 separate titles up for grabs including open pairs, mixed teams, ladies teams, youth teams and open teams A and B. The Indonesian team showed just why they are currently rated so high in the world rankings as they won all the ‘open’ events but national pride was restored to Thailand, as the team of See Fah was able to capture the youth team title. European players from the Pattaya Bridge Club also took part in the tournament and put up a fine showing against stiff competition. Next year, Thailand will host the 11th World Youth Team Championships in Bangkok from 29th July to 8th August.

For those of you interested in learning a little more about the game of Contract Bridge, Jan Chris Von Koss of the Pattaya Bridge Club kindly supplied the following article.

What is Bridge?

Contract Bridge is a card game with 4 players at a table. It is played all over the world and has recently also been provisionally accepted as a sport for the Olympic Games.

In Europe there are 312,000 internationally registered players whilst in the USA there are 3,200 clubs, and 1,100 yearly tournaments. And these figures only relate to the competitive, registered players; if we add all the private home players, the number of Bridge players worldwide would run into the millions

In the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) homepage they write; “Bridge is a partnership game using a standard deck of 52 cards dealt equally among four players. The players bid in a coded language to describe their hands to their partners and then play to make their contract. Generally, one suit is determined as “trump,” leading to the expression, “Play your trump card.” Duplicate contract bridge, in which each competitor or team plays identical hands under similar conditions, is the main form of competitive bridge.” The main forms of bridge competition are Duplicate Bridge and team competitions.

Duplicate Bridge

The idea of duplicate bridge, mostly played in the Bridge Club is that everybody plays with the same cards. In this way the element of luck is eliminated and the winners are the ones who make the best use of the cards.

An average club session will normally consist of 8 tables of 4 players each. The players at a table are referred to as North-South and East West, where NS is one pair playing against EW. Each of the 8 pairs will ideally play against all other 7 pairs, each time playing 4 games. Typically then there are 28 games (7x4), which will last less than 4 hours in total. All the 28 packs of cards are nicely divided into 4 compartments in a “Board”. Each board contains four pockets marked North, East, South and West in which the cards for the four players are stored. Each board also carries a number to identify it, and has marks showing which of the players is the dealer etc. When you start the game you take the cards out for playing and when finished, put them back in the board for the next pair to play the same board. The pairs play according to a playing plan and the number boards also follows a plan so that finally, all the players have played all sets of cards and all opponents. The scores that have been written down are then collected and the results announced.

The Bridge Team competition

A Bridge team consists of 2 pairs e.g. 4 people plus reserves. One team plays against another team. Team A, (North-South) plays Team B (East-West) and in another area (closed room) the team players sit the other way around. Each team thus has one pair playing with the better hand and one pair playing with the minor hand at the same time. The results are then deducted to get a net score. If both were doing the same contract with the same result, the net score is zero. After 8 boards (as a sample) are played, the total net score is calculated and a winner declared for that team session

Bridge and Olympic Games

In June 1995, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) admitted the World Bridge Federation (WBF) as part of the Olympic movement; awarding it the status of a ‘recognized sports organization’. This recognition was accorded under Rule 4 of the Olympic Charter.

The victorious Indonesian team: winners of all the ‘open’ titles.

Speaking at the opening of the 1st IOC Grand Prix in December 1997, President Samaranch declared that “Bridge is a sport and, as such, its place is here (in the Olympic museum) like all other sports”.

So far, Bridge has reached the same level as golf, rugby, squash, karate etc., which though recognized as sports, are not yet admitted into the full Olympic Games. At this level however, Bridge may belong to some international sports associations and be part of the Olympic Congress. The WBF logo and flag are included in IOC publications and displays.

In the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, Bridge was introduced as a trial sport. The WBF have applied to join the Olympic Winter Games (rather than the Olympic Summer Games) and it is hoped that the final step of Bridge becoming an Olympic sport discipline will be achieved at the 2006 Winter Games, scheduled to take place in Torino, Italy. Should this come to pass, 2006 could well witness the first, ever Thai competitor at an Olympic Winter Games.

Bridge in Thailand

In Thailand the game is organized under the Contract Bridge League of Thailand (CBLT) as an association under the Sports Authority of Thailand. As of last year, there were 267 internationally registered players.

Generally speaking, playing cards in Thailand is regarded as non acceptable form of entertainment however, the Pattaya Bridge Club has a good understanding with the local police and authorities and has received official letters from the Sports Authority and of course the Contact Bridge League of Thailand.

Locally in Pattaya, there has been some form of organized Bridge for the past 10 years and just recently, the Pattaya Bridge Club was formally amalgamated with the Pattaya Sports Club. (http://www. pattayasports.org/bridge). The Pattaya Sports Club (Bridge) meets every Tuesday and Saturday in Pattaya Tower, 2nd road Soi 4 (opposite Big C) at 1300 until 1700. Most active players play Monday Wednesday and Friday at 1300 to 1700 at the Olala Restaurant in 2nd Road, Soi 7. For both these venues, everyone is welcome and you can come alone or with a partner and show up 15 min before the start. See http://www.pattayabridge. com for more information.

Seaboard sailors triumph at 19th Phuket Regatta

By Peter Cummins, Phuket

In the 12 classes which comprised the recently finished 2005 19th Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, eastern seaboard sailors won three and finished in high placings in seven of the classes. The three winners were: Royal Varuna/Ocean Marina champion Morton Jakobsen, “Emma Mathilde XX”, in the Sports Boat category and Royal Varuna/Ocean Marina sailor - and a former SEA Games Gold medallist helmsman, Viroj Nualkair (Octopussy), IRC 1 Class. Ocean Marina helmsman, John Vause, finished equal first with Viroj in IRC 1 but had to accept second place on a tie-breaker (Thai Breaker?!!)

Two Royal Thai Navy teams from Sattahip finished first and third in the IRC 2 Class, namely, Lt Peera Sagultem and NC Poltep Sukudom, respectively. Royal Varuna sailor Suwan Poopoksakul, sailing “Lawana”, finished fourth in the Premier Class, while Royal Varuna/Ocean Marina’s Radab Kanjanavanit (Ceadar Swan) was second in the Multihull 1 and Saranya (Pook) Makinson (Raimon Land Chameleon), was third in the extremely hard-fought Multihull 2 Class.

A keelboat in action at the 19th PKCR.

As the sun set on the last day of the 2005 19th Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, it was a splendid finale to one of the best events that the some 1000 participants from 18 countries can remember, (at least for several years) in the 19 sailings since the inaugural in 1987. The participants included Russian, Chinese and Finnish teams for the first time. The racing in the the 19th Phuket King’s Cup Regatta closed with the Raimon Land Sprint. Appropriately enough, principal regatta sponsor Raimon Land - “developing a better environment” - had the final say and the company has agreed to sponsor the next three regattas: also a first for the regatta to have an ongoing principal sponsor.

Of course, one should not forget that regatta co-founder M.L. Tri Devakul placed the resources of his Nai Harn Bay Hotel for the all-important first 10 years and has been a perennial supporter via the Kata Beach Boathouse Wine and Grill for all of the 19 years.

Radab Kanjanavanit makes the most of the north-easterly.

The splendid Royal awards and closing ceremony was presided over, as usual, by HM the King’s personal representative Rear Admiral ML Usni Pramoj - as he has done for 17 of the awards nights. And, in their customary style, Raimon Land threw the most lavish of parties at the host regatta headquarters, the Kata Beach Resort.

The last day’s racing, The Raimon Land Sprint, featured basically the same weather patterns that have pervaded the event, i.e. light-to-moderate north-westerly winds in the 10 - 15 knot range, a fairly heavy cloud cover and manageable seas.

In the Racing Class, 1995 winner, Aussie Ray Roberts (Drumstick Quantum Racing) won easily with 10 points, five clear of erstwhile champion, Hong Kong’s Neil Pryde (Hi Fi. 15) and Britain Nick Burns who could not produce any tricks from (Mandrake), and finished third on 20 points.

In the Premier Class, another Aussie Brian Hadyn (Vida) just scraped in ahead of compatriot Geoffrey Hill (Strewth), to be on six and seven points, respectively. Third was Britain Andrew Rickards (Moonblue, 12) and first Thai skipper, Suwan Poopoksakul (Lawana, 17).

The Sports Boat category turned up a nice surprise for leading skipper Dane Morten Jakobsen (Emma Mathilde XX) when he invited a beach-comber aboard, 18 year-old British dinghy sailor, Claudia Spinks, who took the helm and thrashed everything in sight. Morten took over main sheet and tactician duties, to win comfortably on 8 points, ahead of Phuket’s Scott Duncanson (Songtam Express, 18) and Britain Jonathan Mahony, also on 18 points, but relegated to third on a count-back. In fact, at the end of Friday’s racing, Morten had won the Sports Boat category and, in a generous gesture, he turned the Platu over to a Finnish team who had flown out from Helsinki and had a long series of mishaps. “At least now,” noted Morten, “they will have a real taste of the King’s Cup Regatta.

Elsewhere, Thai skipper Viroj Nualkair (Octopussy) made a late bid in IRC 1, to finish equal on 12 points with New Zealander John Vause (Ruby Tuesday) and take the title on a count-back. The Royal Thai Navy 1 stayed ahead of the IRC 2 class, under skipper Lt. Peera Sagultem, on 5 points, with Britain David Lindhal (La Samudra), second and Royal Thai Navy (N.C Poltep Sukudom), third.

Britain’s Ian Wilkinson (Patrice lll), won IRC 3, on 6 points, from Aussie Mia Gillow (Minx) by a scant two points, with fellow-Aussie Graham Lind (Sumatra), third. Cermany’s Christian Eschenburg (Princess Anna) easily won the Sunsail One Design, by five points from Britain Tony Oates (Princess Christina, 9) and compatriot Philip Bowring (Princess Sharda, 11). Britains David Maddem/Keith Blankley (Bintang) sailed to the front of the Bareboat Charter class, a scant point ahead of Aussie Andrew Pearson (Team Camel Toe Tompa, 8) and Dutch skipper Bourkje Van Venrooy (Fidji 9)

A start sequence at the regatta.

The fastest boat out there, the Mark Pescott-designed Firefly, helmed by Roger Kindom (Moto Inzi) was clocked at an incredible 24.9 knots in a wind of around 21- knots during Wednesday’s Kata Group Andaman Sea Race. This is a triumph for the Thai marine industry: the Moto Inzi was built entirely in Phuket and the sails were made by Rolly Tasker’s Phuket loft - one of the world’s biggest.

Consistent Thai regatta participant, Radab Kanjanavanit (Cedar Swan, 9), had to settle for second, just one point ahead of Aussie Kim Thomas (Coco Blues. 10) in the Multihull 1 Class. In the Multihull 2 Class, Britain Chris Edwards (Chimera), was the undisputed master, six points ahead of Britain’s Merv Owen (Charro, 10) and great little Thai lady helm Saranya (Pouk) Makinson (Raimon Land Chameleon, 11). Fourth in this class was local sailor Mark Horwood, sailing the boat with the longest name (Ratri Jazzstaurant Latitude 8 Cyrene, 13).

In the Classic Class, which had suffered some damage to one craft (Eveline) early in the regatta, Thai-based Julian Hill (Sanook,) won by three points from Aussie Bryce Rassmussen (Silvia, 9) and Wade Kimpton’s Lady M (the protagonist in the collision which disabled Eveline), 7 points behind the winner.

Finally, The Ocean Rover Class, one of the most closely-contested in the event, Britain’s Simon Andrews (Jemini Jo, 9) pulled ahead of erstwhile series winner Germany’s Helmut Schutte (Aquavit lll, 11). Perhaps the presence of that (in)famous writer Jim Eckardt aboard spurred Jemini Jo on to victory). But, I doubt it...!

Principal Race Officer David Brookes withstood the unrelenting pressure from big fleets and changeable weather and wind patterns and, with a good on-water team, ensured all races were made fair. The International Jury chaired by Aussie and Olympic juror, Mark Pryke was, indeed very busy with some 25 cases of disputation and redress presented. Other members of the mandatory five-person team were: Rear Admiral Prasart Sribhadung (Thai), Howard Elliot (Aus), Katsuya Hashiba (Japan) and new-appointee, Adm. Varong Songcharoen (Thai).

As H.E. Udomsak Uswarangkura, Governor of Phuket said at the closing ceremony: “We are doubly happy with the 19th Phuket King’s Cup, with 86 entries from some 20 countries around the world. The regatta, sailed as usual, sends a clear message out to the world, through an impressive press and media campaign and by word-of mouth of the regatta participants: Phuket has recovered. Finally, I wish you a safe journey home and ask you all to come back again next year for the 20th Regatta and to enjoy an even better, brighter and more confident Phuket.”

Riz Taylor

The self-important FIFA suits, a smattering of famous ex-players and a huge media presence gathered in the sleepy German town of Leipzig last Friday to pick small balls out of goldfish bowls. Despite the event turning into a huge circus that even employed the services of an illusionist to entertain the 3000 guests, the draw for the World Cup Finals group stages itself proved to be a somewhat uninspiring affair.

Even up to the days preceding the draw, bungling FIFA had neglected to announce the system it would use to seed the top eight sides that would go into a ‘Pot A’ that would include hosts Germany and World Champions Brazil. Would England be amongst this elite club or would the USA benefit from their high FIFA world ranking that they’ve achieved from spanking the likes of Nicaragua and take the coveted spot?

As it turned out, due to a system that combined world ranking and performance at the two previous World Cups, England were bizarrely listed as the second highest rated seed in the draw behind the Brazilians and were joined by Argentina, Italy, Spain, Mexico, Germany and France. Among the second batch of sides were a few strong outfits that included the likes of Portugal, the Czech Republic and Holland, but it was old enemy Sweden that would join England in Group B, along with Paraguay and Trinidad and Tobago.

Sven Goran Eriksson was pleased with the draw, even though historically the Swedes have proved difficult opponents for England. You have to look back to the days of Bobby Charlton to find an English win against the Volvo-producing nation, and in the last ten meetings Sweden have won four whilst the other six have ended in draws.

“We have not beaten Sweden for a very long time and that seems to be our destiny,” he said. “But that is life, sooner or later we have to beat them. On paper we are the favourites with Sweden but you never know what will happen in the World Cup.”

“Trinidad and Tobago will want to beat England - but who doesn’t? I’m sure they will look forward to the match very, very much. They are difficult games of course but I am happy with the group. It could have been worse, much worse. It was a very tough group last time,” said Eriksson, referring to England’s 2002 group that contained Nigeria, the Swedes again and Argentina”.

The United States missed out on a seeding by a single point and paid dearly. Inevitably there would be a Group of Death or ‘Todesgruppe’ as they say in Germany, and the unfortunate Americans were handed appointments with Italy, the Czech Republic and Ghana in what will be the most intriguing group by far.

But perhaps thanks to the 32-team format that seems here to stay, the groupings appear a little too predictable to get excited about just yet. Here they are, just in case you’ve been holidaying on Mars or visiting your new family in upcountry Isaan.

Group A: Germany, Costa Rica, Poland, Ecuador
Group B: England, Paraguay, Trinidad and Tobago, Sweden
Group C: Argentina, Ivory Coast, Serbia and Montenegro, Netherlands
Group D: Mexico, Iran, Angola, Portugal
Group E: Italy, Ghana, USA, Czech Republic
Group F: Brazil, Croatia, Australia, Japan
Group G: France, Switzerland, Korea Republic, Togo
Group H: Spain, Ukraine, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia

Dutch masters lead the way

After missing the 2002 tournament it’s pleasing to see the return of the Netherlands to next summer’s event in Germany. Some nations should be handed automatic entry for being entertaining, and none would be more deserving than Holland with their colourful fans, fancy ‘total’ football and inevitable bust-ups between senior players and the coach in the days leading up to their first game.

The 2006 tournament will also be a landmark for the nation: a staggering one in eight teams will be managed by a stereotypical ‘Dutch Master’. Along with Marco van Basten’s stewardship of his home nation and Guus Hiddink taking the bemused Aussies to their first finals since the 1970’s, Trinidad and Tobago will be led by Leo Beenhakker and South Korea marshalled by Dick Advocaat.

Jan Reker, the head of the Dutch Professional Coaches Association is naturally delighted to see his counterparts doing so well. “They are just the tip of the iceberg,” Reker smugly told uefa.com. “In total there are 93 Dutch coaches working abroad worldwide, including youth coaches and assistants. As well as the World Cup coaches we have four other national team coaches - Jelle Goes with Estonia, Henk Wisman, with Armenia, Azing Griever at Aruba, and Jan Brouwer with Gambia, not to mention club coaches such as Martin Jol and Frank Rijkaard.”

Filipinos thank computer nerd

Congratulations to the footballers of Thailand, who scooped gold in the South East Asian Games last week. Striker Teerathep Winothai helped himself to a hat-trick in the final as ‘Amazing’ Thailand cruised past Vietnam in Manila. Naturally the team dedicated the victory to His Majesty the King, who celebrated his birthday the following day. The Vietnamese, meanwhile, will have to find solace in being the smartest nation in the region after picking up every available medal in the sport of chess.

But the story that caught my eye involved not the finalists but the host nation. The Philippines Football Association received an anonymous e-mail from a player of a football management game before the tournament, informing them that two academy players on Chelsea’s books were eligible to play for them. The eagle-eyed gamer somehow noticed that brothers James and Phillip Younghusband were born of a Filipino mother.

“One young kid was playing the game on his PlayStation and found the Chelsea reserve list,” national coach Jose Ariston Caslib said. “There were two players eligible to play for the Philippines.”

The boys headed east and proved an instant hit, James opening the scoring in the win over Cambodia whilst Phillip grabbed a brace in the 4-2 defeat by a strong Malaysian side. The boys’ mother Susan also flew in to watch her sons and declared: “I’m proud of them. I did not need to convince them to play for the Philippines.” The pair were also mobbed by girls after the game, declaring “We love it here, especially the support of the crowd”.

The Square Ring

by Howie Reed

In what may well be the biggest annual boxing event of the year anywhere, more than 100,000 showed up at the Grand Royal Palace grounds to watch an afternoon of international and muaythai boxing. The occasion for this celebration was of course the 78th anniversary of the birth of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The muaythai portion will be televised worldwide on Eurosport and Fox at a later date. Sharing the spotlight with His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej was former WBA super-feather king Yodsanan 3-K Battery Nanthachai (46-3-1). Former? Yep he lost his title in April to Vicente Mosquera (20-1-1) on a UD at Madison Square Garden in New York City. In true Thai tradition, Bart Abapo (16-4) was more a showcase for 3-K than a real challenge. Over six rounds 3-K sent Abano to the canvas three times. It was a good workout, which had the crowd cheering wildly.

Those that thought the Jermain Taylor-Bernard Hopkins “yawner” was to decide who was the best middleweight in the world should maybe have a second thought. One of those that disagree is Las Vegas boxing writer Steve Kim. He wrote, “This past weekend in Las Vegas, Jermain Taylor and Bernard Hopkins boxed once again to decide just who is the world’s best middleweight. And it’s clear who that is - Winky Wright, who takes on Sam Soliman this Saturday night at the Mohecan Sun. But more on him later.”

Now is ‘later’ as I review the Wright fight. Going into this fight, one had to question the credentials of Australian Sam Soliman (31-7) who provided the opposition for Wright. There were also reports that Wright was “slightly” sick in the days leading up to the fight. For Soliman fighting entirely on his home turf one would think that his 7 loses would have come against top-notch competition. They did: Howard Eastman (24-0), Raymond Joval (24-2) and a young just starting out Anthony Mundine (8-0). Since the loss to Mundine, Soliman has gone 18-0 on the trot including a KO of “Moechrody” (0-7). Who’s Moechrody? An Indonesian who after the loss went back to whatever he did before. Good thing he didn’t give up his day job.

At The Mohecan Sun in Uncasville, CT, USA, Winky Wright got his record to 50-3 when he won a UD over Melbourne’s “Smiling” Sam Soliman in 12 interesting rounds. If this was to have been the defining bout for Wright, (considered by “those that know” as the best middle in the world), it didn’t happen. The unorthodox, Tasmanian devil style of Soliman might not have won the fight but it did win the fans approval. Sam, punching from all angles for 3 minutes of every round also illustrated some flaws with the Wright style of “defensive boxing”. Lacking in power, Wright had nothing to stop the Gatling gun like assault of Soliman’s attack. Clearly Soliman won the crowd over whilst showing weaknesses in the “pound-for-pound best”, Winky Wright..

Setting the stage for Audley Harrison (19-0) vs. Danny Williams (33-4) last Saturday in London, 19-year-old former Olympian lightweight star Amir Khan moved to 4-0. He dropped Daniel Thorpe (18-45) in rounds one and two, forcing Referee Richie Davis to say, “No Mas” at 2:57. Way to build a record, beat a guy that’s 18-45. Impressive. Next up for Khan is Jeff Thomas on February 25th in Glasgow. Thomas is 8-4 but only 2-4 his last six.

Danny Williams predicted that he would win the battle of the Commonwealth. He was spot on. After a lackluster 9 rounds, Williams scored a knockdown in that round and the fight turned into a ‘fight’ and the crowd actually cheered for the last three rounds. Williams got a strange split decision. Two judges had him winning 116-113, 116-112 whilst the other gave Harrison a ‘brother-in-law’ 114-113 edge.

In San Juan, Puerto Rico the title defense of Ivan Calderon (23-0) against former champ Daniel Reyes (35-3-1) for the WBO Straw title was rated a toss up by those in the know. Like so often happens, those in the know didn’t. Ivan Caldreron got to 24-0 by “doing what he does best, pile up points and frustrate opponents with his slick boxing skills.” Ray Charles could have scored the match as two judges had it 120-109 while the other was 119-109... T’was a whitewash!

Fighting at the Leipzig Arena in Germany, Arthur Abraham (18-0) had nothing but confidence leading up to his encounter with Kingsley Ikeke (23-1) for the IBF Middleweight title. “I don’t think he has a hard punch. To tell the truth, I don’t think he is a great boxer, not even someone very special. He is just the man who stands in my way, who I have to beat. It would be very bitter for me if he were the one to stop me. Actually, it would be inconceivable.”

Maybe Abraham ought to apply for the job of ‘prophet’. He could then be the Prophet Abraham. Sounds familiar? Abraham completely dominated, as he was “able to hit Ikeke almost at will the entire fight. In the fifth with a series of hard shots punctuated by a crushing left hook, he prompted a referee’s stoppage at 1:36. Ikeke was in the process of collapsing to the deck when referee Samuel Viruet stepped in.” And so it was written.

On Sunday last it was the big time double dipper in Perth featuring Danny Green (20-2) vs. Kirino Garcia (37-26-3) and Anthony Mundine vs. Rico Chong (10-6-2). The winners were almost ‘predetermined’, to set up a Green-Mundine match next year. Ace boxing scribe Steve Lockhart provided eyewitness coverage for The Square Ring.

“They both won with Green looking very solid and conditioned in a 10 round decision against a tough Mexican and Mundine getting a stoppage at the end of round three over an outclassed New Zealander. They both looked very good but the funny thing was Mundine’s entrance where he was loudly booed by the packed house. Danny Green’s home crowd of Perth then proceeded to chant “Mundines a w***er” for the whole of the first 2 rounds. When the fight finished, Mundine’s group made a run for the dressing room and got pelted with bottles for their last 10 meters. Luckily no one got hurt. I can’t imagine any fighter in the world being as disliked by his or her own countrymen as much.

Just before Mundine’s fight (the main event) was about to start, Green entered to take his seat and the crowd turned their attention to him, wildly cheering. This annoyed Mundine so he went over to the ropes trying to get Green’s attention as he made a gesture of stomping him into the dirt. Green ignored him and didn’t give him the satisfaction of even looking at him so Mundine gave up and went back to start the fight.”

Coming up Sunday is the WBA Heavyweight title fight between John Ruiz (41-5-1) and 7-footer Nicolay Valuey (42-0). Like the ‘Brothers Klitschko’, Valuey has spent his entire career feasting on a diet of ‘Tomato Cans’ in Germany. His last four wins at least came against guys that could leave a mist on a mirror. Gerald Nobles (24-0), Anttila Levin (29-2), Clifford Etienne (29-3) and Larry Donald (42-3-3). OK, I lied about Nobles, Levin and Etienne but I do have space to fill. The biggest problem here for Ruiz might well be trying to handle the 7-foot height: And my biggest problem? Between all this traveling around the world and finishing this literary effort, the “Sun has now passed the yard arm” which means it’s time for a couple of tall cool ones. But of course black hair and brown eyes. Maybe even an adult beverage or two.

Thai Bodybuilding Association wins first ever gold medal at the SEA Games

The Thai Bodybuilding Association has made great progress over the past 20 years and for the first time during the Sea Games 2005 held in the Philippines; Thai competitors were able to return home with 1 gold, 1 silver and 2 bronze medals.

Sitthi Charoenrith, silver medallist at the IFBB World Amateur Bodybuilding Championship and gold medallist at the 2005 SEA Games.

Sitthi Charoenrith won the gold medal in the 80kg -class and beat 4 competitors from Myanmar, Vietnam, Singapore and Malaysia, respectively. Somsri Turinthaisong was awarded the silver medal in the 55kg class, with Singapore taking gold and Indonesia the bronze.

Thongpan Lammana ranked third in the 65kg class and received the bronze medal and another bronze medal went to Panupong Pratheep in 75kg class.

Sitthi Charoenrith recently provided more success for the Thai Bodybuilding Association by getting silver in the 80kg class at the 59th IFBB Men’s World Amateur Bodybuilding Championship organized in Shanghai, China. Sitthi has gained extensive bodybuilding competition experience over the past 10 years and has been awarded a number of medals including silver and best performer at this year’s 2005 Mr. Universe competition in Spain.

All this recent success augurs well for the Thai athletes who will take part in the bodybuilding competition at the 15th Asian Games 2006 to be held in Doha, Qatar.

Pattaya windsurfing heroes return with medals

Thailand’s Phanuthat Ruamsap (aka Bow) fought the finest windsurfers from all over Asia to bring home the gold medal for Thailand in Formula windsurfing at the recent SEA Games, Philippines. Using Starboards Formula board developed and produced right here in Thailand, Bow drove his equipment through winds gusting at over 30 knots and all his rigorous training with the other heroes from the Thai national team paid off.

Gold medallist Bow (left) together with Kai (coach) and silver medallist Nee (far right).

Suhaimee Moohammadkasem (aka Nee) also sailed well and brought home a silver medal in the Race-board class. “While other young people are playing video games or looking lost, the youth of Jomtien are getting steel in their veins and fire in their eyes as they train on the wild seas” said former Thai champion Amara Wichithong. He believes that there is no better teacher than the Ocean; “Success is 100% positive attitude, that is what windsurfing can offer you”.

Both Bow and Nee are based in Jomtien and are currently competing in the World Formula Windsurfing Championships in Australia. For more information about windsurfing in Pattaya please contact: [email protected] or visit Amara Windsurfing on the beach in front of Pattaya Park.

Mickey Mouse Darts League

Standings (week 17)

Virtually no change in the standings this week except Palmers beer leg win seperated them from a tie with Shagwell for 5th place. The Cheers-OK Corral match had the most excitement in the league. Stuarts beer check left John the only team member without a check, and a rather inebriated on loan Bill hit double 7 for what he thought was a beer leg check only to be told he was looking at the previous score and there was 260 left!

Important Notice: There will be no darts on the 23rd and 30th, next darts on jan 6th

Results (week 17):
Home vs Away Match B/Leg U-10’s
Bunker - Shagwell Bunker Bunker 6 - 0
OK Corral - Cheers Cheers Cheers 8 - 6
Stars in Eyes - Palmers Stars Palmers 4 - 6
Rising Sun - P. Dome Both Both 7 - 2
Devonshire - Bye Devonshire Devonshire 5 - 0
League Table (week 17)
Pos. Team Won Lost B/L U/10’s H/Check
1 Pleasure Dome 15 2 15 65 Alex 100
2 Rising Sun 14 3 12 72
3 Cheers 12 5 10 96 Stuart 76
4 Devonshire 11 6 11 64 Stan 116
5 Palmers 10 7 10 92 Paul 102
6 Shagwell 10 7 9 52
7 Bunker 9 8 5 95
8 OK Corral 7 10 7 90
9 Stars in Eyes 4 12 8 77

Five-a-side Futsal fever grips Mike Mall

Mike Shopping Mall 5th Futsal Cup 2005

Five-a-side football, (Futsal) is one of the attractions at Mike Shopping Mall from now until December 25, with a series being played on the 5th multi-use floor of the building. Surat Maekawarakul, managing director of Mike Shopping Mall, officiated at the opening of the 5th Mike Shopping Mall Futsal on November 26.

The Pattaya Mail team took part in the futsal competition this year.

The competition this year is divided into many categories including youth of 10, 12 and 15 year olds, Eastern Hotel and the general public, with a total of 64 teams on the roster due to take part.

After the opening ceremony there was a special competition between VIP Mike & the Muang Pattaya 8 Alumni Association. Pattaya Mail Publishing Co Ltd also sent a team to participate in the public category.

Surat said each competition has always had lots of participation from many football teams, and he noticed that they were increasing every year, especially in the youth categories.

“It’s a good sign that children are using their free time for sports so they can develop their skills and tactics,” said Surat.

This competition has received support from the Pattayanukul Alumni Club.

Ride like Rossi

Ever fancied riding a tuned-up Suzuki GSX-R 750 at 250 km per hour on an open race circuit. Well, that’s exactly what Graham Knight, (MD) of Highside Tours is offering to anyone who comes down to the Pattaya Hill Resort on Pratamnak Hill between now and 25th December. Graham has teamed up with Bobby Brooks (MD) Pattaya Hill Resort to offer everyone the chance of taking part in a free prize draw that will result in the lucky winner spending a full day at the Bira circuit, Pattaya with a GP class motorcycle at his or her disposal.

Graham Knight (right) and Bobby Brooks (left) are happy to announce the partnership of Highside Motorcycle Tours and the Pattaya Hill Resort.

Highside Tours started operations in January 2005 and has enjoyed a very successful first year. The company offers motorcycle track riding and race instruction at the local Bira circuit in one to three day courses that cover all the skills necessary for safe and fast sports bike riding. All levels are catered for, from novice to racer and instruction is provided by HST qualified staff who hold international A grade race licences. So far, over 100 riders from 12 different countries have taken part in the courses and very positive reviews have been included in motorcycle magazines in the UK, Germany and Australia.

The recent partnership agreed between Highside Tours and Pattaya Hill Resort is indicative of the strive for quality that Graham seeks in all areas of his operation. Overseas motorcycle enthusiasts who sign up for a course with Highside Tours will be offered accommodation at the luxurious Pattaya Hill Resort as part of the package. Bobby Brooks, Managing Director at the resort is no stranger to auto racing himself, having competed in sports touring car championships in the USA and he also managed an Indy car team. He is naturally delighted to be able to play a part in promoting this safe, enjoyable motorcycle racing opportunity that is open to all.

Two of the motorcycles used by Highside Tours are currently on display at the Pattaya Hill Resort from now until 25th December and anyone going down for a look will be eligible to enter the free prize draw. Additionally, guests staying at the Pattaya Hill Resort will be offered special discounts for future Highside Tour events. For more information, visit www. highsidetours.com or www. pattayahillresort.com