Thailand polo team captures the King’s Cup 2006

Not even a tropical downpour could prevent Thailand’s master gauchos from capturing a fourth successive King’s Cup victory last Sunday, Feb 12 in a keenly contested 10-7 victory over a spirited Jordanian team at the VR Sports Club in Samut Prakan.
After the thrilling final chukka, the trophy was presented to the victorious Thai team amid scenes of much celebration and a spectacular firework display.

The Jordanian team, seen here in yellow surprised the much-fancied Malaysians in the first match and would eventually go on to reach the final.
It was a fitting way to bring to a close a superbly staged tournament that began 6 days earlier at the Siam Polo Club in Pattaya and involved teams from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Jordan, Argentina and of course the defending champions Thailand.
The opening game of the tournament provided a foretaste of what was to come as a talented and fired up Jordan team surprised their much fancied Malaysian opponents with a 6 - 2.5 victory. The match was notable for some great interplay between Marcos, Hassan and Prince Rashid in the Jordanian team but more especially so for the presence on the sidelines of those great ambassadors of the sport in Thailand, the delectable Polo Angels - all 35 of them!
Jordan went on to become the first team to qualify for the final with a closely fought 7 - 4.5 win over Singapore, two days later.
Wednesday also saw the biggest shock result of the whole week as a young Indonesian team completely routed the Argentineans 9.5 - 5 with excellent play by Pepin, Innen and Augus. This talented trio was bolstered by the presence in their ranks of the crowd pleasing ‘new Indonesian brothers’, Santos Terramoto Anca and his brother Eduardo.

Some of the wonderful ‘Polo Angels’ enjoy the action on the opening day.
The Indonesians would later go on prove that this result was no fluke by claiming the third place playoff over Malaysia in a high scoring thriller at Siam Polo Club.
Thailand got the defence of their title under way on Thursday against this same Indonesian team and Vichai Raksriaksorn and his son Aiyawatt were in superb form for Thailand as they steered their team to a 9 - 4.5 victory. Thailand then advanced to the final with another victory over the ‘shell-shocked’ polo maestros from Argentina.
And so to the final and despite the rain, a thrilling match ensued with Thailand taking an early lead and Jordan’s Prince Rashid rallying his troops for one final effort in the last chukka. Alas for the Jordanians, it was not to be as the Thai team showed just why they have held onto this trophy for so long
Lastly but by no means least, there was just the small matter of selecting this year’s Polo Angel. This enviable task was left to the assorted gauchos from all the teams and after much debate, it was finally decided that # 24 had just edged it.
The King’s Cup polo tournament was, for many spectators their first experience of the sport and all who attended will now be looking forward keenly to next year and the 2007 SEA Games where polo will be making its debut.

The teams gather at Siam Polo Club, Pattaya on the opening day of the 2006 King’s Cup. The victorious Thai team is on the far left.

Jasper’s red-hot form continues at Burapha

PSC golf from The Café Kronborg

Monday Feb 6, the beautiful and lush Royal Lakeside layout, was host for a stroke-play competition in two flights with the split at 17. The course on the day was in the best condition we have seen in a long time. Service was good and the pace of play was acceptable.
Ebrahim took the A Flight with a net 70 ahead of a count back for the next three places on net 73, which saw Rob Brown in second, Finn Olson third and Kris Helgasson fourth.
Dane Jesper Rasmusson took the B Flight with a net 67 ahead of Old Steady Arthur Bailey in second with a net 70. We had a count back for third on net 72, won by John Christie with Kenny Chung in fourth.
Thursday Feb 9 we traveled to Burapha for a stableford competition. This course seems to be the flavour of the week at the moment. The good thing about today’s event was that we were to play the A & B layouts; the bad thing was a very strong wind, and for some, playing off the Blue Tees.
Round over as we gathered in the restaurant, it was quite obvious that the conditions had affected most of the players, and only one had beaten handicap. It also seemed that the A Flight had managed the conditions better than the B Flight.
In the A Flight, 0 to 14, we had a winner off the Red Tees, when Liz Smyth came in first with 36 points. We then had a five-way count back on 35 points, with Derek Brook in second, Gene Rooney in third, Clive Robinson in fourth and Jack Cunningham and Larry Simpson losing out.
In the B Flight, we had the one good score of the day when Jasper Rasmusson shot the best score for the third competition on the trot, 38 points, and won at a canter. In second was Bob Rasmusson with 34 points and then a three-way count back on 33 points, that saw Terry Tucker in third and Walter Bachli in fourth with Alan Lord missing out.
T.T.F.N.

Alan Howell triples

IPGC golf from The Haven

Monday, February 6
Crystal Bay, (Stroke)
1st Alan Howell, 67
2nd Yasuo Suzuki, 73 cb 34.5
3rd Dave Spendley, 73 cb 40
4th Glyn Nicholas, 74 cb 35.5
5th John Clements, 74 cb 38.5
An outstanding round of five under was by far and away the best score of the day over the beautiful Crystal Bay course, and that was achieved by Alan Howell to rack up the first of his three podium positions during the week. It was indeed the only round under par to underline the quality of the performance.
Yasuo Suzuki just scrapped into second place with a nearly close count back over Dave Spendley. Glyn Nicholas and John Clements took the final places with two overs.
Prior to presenting the prizes Richard Livingston, the resident PGA professional, welcomed back Martin Grimoldby and Brian Kelly, the latter having now fully recovered from his very nasty pogo stick accident. There were no twos in the first division and in the second division, Dave Spendley and John Clements shared the carried over pot between them.
Wednesday, February 8
Burapha C & D,
(2 person Better Ball Stableford)
1st Alan Howell / John Draper, 41 cb 22
2nd Yasuo Suzuki / Al Rolnik, 41 cb 19
3rd Paul Simpson / Dave Spendley, 39
A complete change of pace with the first better ball held at the Haven for some considerable time. This day’s competition was the first Better ball for over 2 years and with the requirement for a pre sign up, it turned out to be poorly supported, but those that did make the effort were rewarded with a good days entertainment on one of the areas better courses.
Alan Howell continued with his fine form of the previous outing and was ably assisted by John Draper, who is also enjoying a good run of form. The margin proved to be slim, with the result hanging on a count back, which they won by 3 shots on the back nine.
After being the bridesmaid in the previous outing, Yasuo Suzuki and his partner Al Rolnik, were the unlucky pair to miss out again, after running up a good outward nine of 22 points they faded over the last three holes, when they must have thought the game was all over. It was. Paul Simpson and Dave Spendley racked up a very creditably 39 points, to easily take third place.
There were no twos in the second division and Yasuo Suzuki and Phil Groves shared the carry over pool in division 1.
Friday, February 10
Khao Kheow,
(2 Person Scramble)
1st Stefan Goransson / Intira Goransson, 60
2nd Brian Kelly / Steve Lockhart, 61
3rd Alan Howell / John Draper, 62 cb 29
4th Trevor Schirmer / Tony Barritt, 62 cb 33.5
5th Glyn Nicholas / Mickey Moore, 62 cb 34.5
Once again a revised format in the two persons scrambles, with a handicap allowance of the combined total, but not to exceed the lowest handicap. It was a system that helped the higher handicappers but perhaps over penalized the lowest. The next outing will again continue with the quest to find the most equitable system for all level of players.
Stefan and Intira, making an infrequent visit to the Haven, managed to argue their way to a twelve under gross score of 77, with Intira insisting that Stefan’s putting cost them at least a couple of shots.
Brian Kelly and Steve Lockhart must have thought they had done enough with their gross 78, but the new format provided a much closer and lower scoring event, and meant that they lost by the slimmest of margins and were left ruing the missed putt on the last hole.
Alan Howell took his third podium position again with John Draper as they led the frantic count back for third place with a gross 74, ahead of Trevor Schirmer and Tony Barritt, gross 75 and Glyn Nicholas and Mickey Moore; the latter on holiday from the Banana Islands to where he has recently retired. With the scramble format it was not possible to run a twos competition.
Before presenting the prizes Richard welcomed back Intira and Stefan Goransson and Pid and Ake Ovegren and a special welcome back on the day to Trevor “Crash” Schirmer, who survived an attack by a seventy eight year old suicide motorcyclist on the way to the course and luckily came out without a scratch, but unluckily a much lighter wallet.

It was a Golden Day for Robbie Bennett

IPGC golf from Lewiinski’s

Sunday February 5
Green Valley - White Tees
Gold competition - Stroke/Medal
Daily competition - Stableford
1st A Flight: Simon Philbrook, 37 points
2nd A Flight: Phil Mitchell, 37 points
3rd A Flight: Jim Brackett, 36 points
1st B Flight: John Hillier, 39 points
2nd B Flight: Roy Thornton, 38 points
3rd B Flight: Colin Davis, 36 points
1st C Flight: Frank Pilkington, 38 points
2nd C Flight: George Jackson, 37 points
3rd C Flight: Phil Utting, 37 points
1st D Flight: Jez Lees, 37 points
2nd D Flight: Alec Hoare, 35 points
3rd D Flight: Bob Lindborg, 35 points
Gold Medal winner Robbie Bennett (net 78) - It looked like a strong field of ten Monthly Medal Qualifiers would compete in the Gold Medal Competition. Miscalculated arrival of a daughter and ill housekeeper knocked the field down to eight. An inadvertent rules violation and an errant pick-up left six alive at the finish line. This in no way diminishes the accomplishment of Robbie Bennett who stood tallest among the combatants at the end. The last man left clinging to Robbie’s trophy at the finish line was Chris Sanders, and his grip on the ultimate honor was unloosened by count back. Robbie’s net 78 provided him the golden tankard and the place of honor on the Wall of Gold Medalist, an auspicious group that includes Ray Ryan (2000), Steve Mascari (2001), Barry Winton (2002), Joe Mooneyham (2003), and Mark Bonner (2004). Congrats you Ol’ Canuck!
Turning one’s attention to the Stableford competiton, John Hillier topped all the day’s scores with 39 points, just one ahead of Roy Thornton MBE and C Flight’s Frank Pilkington
Simon of Philbrook used the ubiquitous count back to take the top rung from Flipper in A Flight as nothing previously sorted their joint 37’s. A resurging Jim Brackett tidied up the premier section with a level to handicap 36 points.
Jez Lees had the biggest margin of victory in any of the day’s flights, which was ironic given that he had the lowest winning point total! Jez was two clear of a knot of four players with his 37 points.
Tuesday February 7
Mountain Shadow-Blue Tees, Stableford
1st A Flight: Tom McManus, 35 Points
2nd A Flight: John Sheleva III, 34 Points
3rd A Flight: Ian Ashenden, 34 Points
1st B Flight: Neil Cameron, 35 points
2nd B Flight: Mark Allen, 34 points
3rd B Flight: John Horton, 32 points
1st C Flight: David Dunne, 33 points
2nd C Flight: Tom Breslin, 33 points
3rd C Flight: Poo Supaporn, 33 points
At first blush it would appear that the tree lined fairways of Mountain Shadow are the reason it is considered the toughest par 72 course of the Eastern Seaboard, but the experienced flogger appreciates that the challenge really begins when the player arrives at the quadrisect, undulating greens. So it was of considerable surprise that the Society managed eleven “2’s” on the day off the Blues. Further review of the day’s scoring, however, reveals that while the par 3’s might have shown some weakness on defense the 4’s and the 5’s more than held their own.
Irish Tom McManus (father of Paraig) topped the premier Flight with 35 points, with John Sheleva III and Ian Ashenden, a point in arrears. Ian, ever the gracious pro, yielded to newcomer John III on count back.
It a recent burst of reclaimed youth, to match his boyish looks, the Clubmaker to the Stars continues to distance himself from the foul play that could have paved the way to the ignominy of a-stoke-a-hole handicap. While the day may be “non-counting”, The C to the S still took the top rung, which in his estimate was simply a factor of playing a course that matched his considerable, long dormant skills. His was followed in by Mark Allen and the Caliph of Oman.
The entire C Flight podium was separated only by count back as two Irishmen proved less that chivalrous. David Dunne and Tom Breslin took the gold and the silver, leaving the waiflike First Lady only the bronze.
Wednesday February 8
Khao Kheow - Yellow or White Tees, Stableford
1st Yellow A Flight: Steve Mascari, 41 points
2nd Yellow A Flight: Rick Sharp, 36 points
3rd Yellow A Flight: Simon Philbrook, 36 points
1st Yellow B Flight: Peter Hynard, 38 points
2nd Yellow B Flight: Pat Regan, 35 points
3rd Yellow B Flight: Claus Birk Thomsen, 35 points
1st Yellow C Flight: Adam Schoenfeld, 33 points
2nd Yellow C Flight: Bob Richardson, 33 points
3rd Yellow C light: Dave McFeely, 32 points
1st White Flight: Mike Craighead, 37 points
2nd White Flight: Peter Ingram, 36 points
Only The President showed the “right stuff”, as he finally returned to the level of play emblematic of his stellar Pattaya career with a three better that the field 41 points. This bespeaks a gross score of a 73, not bad on Pete Dye’s always intriguing, sometimes diabolical, layout. The Hermit, with treachery unknown to the relatively innocent Simon of Philbrook, took the count back for A Flight’s second.
Peter Hynard, now a veritable Society bastion, took Yellow B Flight with a fine 38 points, three clear Irish Pat Reagan and CBT. Irish eyes were smilin’ as Pat took the second step.
A count back was again necessary to separate Adam Schoenfeld and another from the ol’ Sod, Bob Richardson. Adam, who prevailed and who is enjoying a protracted stay, claims that this is a harbinger that he is on the Eve of good things to come in the Lewiinski’s Open, but a weekend away by the time you read this. It sounds a broken record but the third Mick on the day stepped to the pay window as Dave McFeely rounded out the Yellow C Flight.
A hextet of the wiser stepped forward to the Whites in hopes that the day would be more enjoyable. Things certainly were for Mike Craighead who won with 37 points and Peter Ingram who bettered Mike Withers on count back for second. Thankfully, Mike’s wounds were assuaged by garnering the White Flight’s only “2”
PLEASE NOTE: The 5th Annual Lewiinski’s Open will be contested on Monday and Tuesday, 20 and 21 February, and Thursday and Friday, 23 and 24 February. It is a four-day stroke play competition with cut after 2 days. Then a 2-day Stableford for those missing cut. Players who make the cut may elect to drop down to the 2-day Stableford.. There is also a four-day Stableford for Ladies. Maximum handicap: Men 28, Ladies 36. Enter at Lewiinski’s.
Entry limited to 80 players, Lewiinski’s and IPGC members will be given priority based on frequency of play.

Larry makes his mark on first Tuesday outing

PSC golf from The Three Sisters Bar

February 7 - our first Tuesday golfing session for the Three Sisters group: The turn out was about the same as on Mondays and so were the scores. Larry Emerson, who recently moved to Pattaya, made his mark as he came in with a score of 41 points. His driver was working and so was his flat stick. Larry has now been golfing with us for the past 6 months or so and is making his presence felt.
Just back of the leader was Dave Miller and Herb Ishinaga - both had 39 points each. This is about the 3rd week in a row that Dave has been at or near the top. Good shooting Dave. Coming in a shot back was Dale Murphy with 38 points and the rest of the field trailing.
It was a hard fight for the bottom slot but someone had to get there. It was a tussle between Paul Donahue and Jim Tully. Due to age differences, Tully finally succumbed to the pressure and wilted on the back nine. Both golfers came in with 26 points but Jim lost on the back nine count back. Dick Kerr gave both of them a scare as he posted 27 points to just slide past.
See you all next Tuesday...

Clarke Alexander passes the 11th Grade of the Classroom

11th Classroom Charity Golf Classic raises 100k baht

As has been his custom for the three years of Classroom ownership, Pete Stonebridge “bought” the Green Valley Rayong Country Club on Friday 10 February, from 11:00am on, for the staging of the 11th Classroom Charity Golf Classic.
From a player’s and marshall’s standpoint this meant that everybody out on the course was part of the tournament and that any interlopers might be summarily rejected. It did, as it has in the past, lead to a most relaxing round of golf despite the popularity of the event.

Pete Stonebridge presents the 100,000 baht cheque to ‘Woody’ Underwood. The money will be donated to the Care for Kids charity

Pete’s planning was complimented by his capable management staff of John Foley, who used his ample graphic skills to develop personalized scorecards and tee box placards of forthcoming technical prizes and Willie McCallum, who had the enviable task of driving the “school bus” full of beautiful “students”.
One shouldn’t go any further without talking about those “students” who, as always, did a marvelous job of braving the heat and providing a pictorial diversion from some of the less then photogenic profiles of the competitors. And no showing of appreciation should forget Scotty Foley, who kept the home fires burning and who along with the capable staff back at the Classroom prepared the “Schoolhouse” for the invasion of golfers, many hungry and thirsty, who were there to avail themselves of the buffet, the trophy presentation and the Lucky Draw.
A strong showing of one hundred and thirty-eight players were ushered through registration quickly, thanks to Joe Mooneyham. The players then proceeded to their assigned starting holes to begin the assault on a course “set-up” on the day by John Emmerson, with an emphasis on friendly tee positions and diabolical pin positions.
An anxious moment was experienced by all, as caddies ran short prior to tee-off but it should be said that the few players impacted had caddies by the time they were at their tees, or at least within a couple minutes thereafter. With the sound of a shotgun, the players were away, and the contenders began to score, and the less concerned began to drink.

Scott Foley, with Peter looking on presents the Championship Trophy and golf bag to Clarke Alexander.
When play concluded, it was time to turn in the scorecards, which is something that every competitor should remember to do as he walks off the course, not take a swim as one dear friend did! Then it was back to the Classroom where the target was a 7:00pm presentation.
Everything was going swimmingly well to that end as this scribe amassed the results sheet, never wavering when faced with cards without stableford points, or un-added or miss-added cards. But, alas, when he arrived at the Classroom he found that the blue colored font on the results sheet was invisible under the lighting of the Classroom. So it was back to the computer for a new color selection.
So albeit fifteen minutes late, the presentation was kicked off by Peter asking Care For Kids’ “Woody” Underwood to the stage for the presentation of the day’s charitable contribution of 100 thousand baht. It should be noted that 50,000 of that contribution came from tournament entry fees, less payment of fees and costs, and that the second 50,000 came from the personal donation of Peter himself. Woody gave special thanks on behalf of all the kids to both the competitors and to Peter.
The winning scores reflected not only the fine play of those particular players but also to the excellent handicapping work of the IPGC under Stephen Beard and the PSC under Tony Oakes and Ian Edwards.
The gunners in A Flight put two players forward for the overall trophy, Jim Brackett and Graham Beaumont, both with 40 points. But A Flight, which carried the day last year with single handicapper Doug Lynch, was to be denied as Clarke Alexander put together a sterling 41 points to win B Flight and place his name on the Honor Roll of the perpetual trophy, emblematic of the overall winner.
Arizona’s Jim Brackett had the better of the count back to take the top step of A Flight from UK’s Graham. A Flight’s final podium position was likewise subjected to the calculator as Mark Fisher edged Peter Henshaw with a more favorably distributed 38 points. In B Flight, Clarke led second place by four points over Emiel Van de Wiele and yet another over Thierry Bibinet.
A nice field of ten gals contested the Ladies Championship and Auntie Toy Theobald proved the best of the lot with her 31 points. Toy’s home course knowledge as a Green Valley member may have been the difference as she edged visitor and first runner-up Irene Middlemiss by a single point.
There was a team prize on the day with the winner determined by the cumulative performance of all four golfers in the group. While interestingly enough, none garnered an individual award, the quartet of Nick Payne (35), Steve Ellison (32), Robert Collis (37) and Tom McManus (36) proved that their sum was better than their parts. Their 140 points was five clear of Rick Sharp (30), Jim Brackett (40), Bob Patterson (36) and Dave Porter (29).
Peter, and certainly the players, wish to thank the generosity of the following sponsors who provided gifts that enhanced the technical prizes and Lucky draw: Andy James at Misty’s A-Go-Go, Kevin Mitch at the Blue Parrot, Simon Dutton at Shenanigan’s, Joe Banks at the Whitehouse on Soi 13, Steve Mascari at Lewiinski’s and Woody Underwood of The Jesters. Also, thanks to Green Valley General Manager Khun Niran, his capable assistants on the day, Khun Noy and Khun Tippawan, and the fine staff at the course and clubhouse.
And finally, special thanks from Peter to all those who participated and his sincere hope that you will all “enroll” again next year.
Results:
Overall Champion: Clarke Alexander (41)
Men’s A Flight:
Winner: Jim Brackett (40); 1st Runner-up: Graham Beaumont (40); 2nd Runner-up: Mark Fisher (38)
Men’s B Flight:
Winner: Clarke Alexander (41); 1st Runner-up: Emiel Van de Wiele (40); 2nd Runner-up: Thierry Bibinet (36)
Ladies’ Champion: Toy Theobald (31); 1st Runner-up: Irene Middlemiss (30); Technical Prizes: Near: #2 Jeff North; #5 Frank Pilkington; #12 Stuart Hibberd; #16 John Gall. Long Drive: Men’s A Flight: Chris Fox; Men’s B Flight: Eric Ahlswede; Ladies: Nat Meesuk. Long Putt: Robbie Bennett. Nearest the Keg: Yazou Suzuki.

Father & son - first and last

IPGC golf with The Caddy Shack l

Tuesday February 7 Noble Place, (Medal)
The golfers from The Caddy Shack travelled to Noble Place for a Medal competition with A and B courses being selected. The golfers were split into two divisions with the cut at 17 and under.
In Division Two, Clarke Alexander fired a net 73 to come 3rd, Harry Cowling scored a net 71 to finish in 2nd place and the winner was Ben Findon with a very nice net 68.
Division One had Al McGrory, Michael Waltschek and Steve Nowell sharing 3rd place with net 74 each, Don Francis scored a net 70 to come in 2nd place but the winner on the day was the very much in form Mark Joshua with a gross 76 (net 69) and 1st place. Mark also had a couple of two’s and with no other golfer managing the same feat; he had the pot to himself.
At the other end of the scale Mark’s dad played and came last so he was awarded the booby prize of the Bananas. After all this, Mark celebrated his winnings and bought all the golfers a drink.
Thursday February 9 Green Valley, (Stableford)
36 golfers turned out for this competition and it tested the course staff and starter to the limit as there was also an invasion of Koreans fighting for the tee box. The starter handled the situation very well and we won the battle and teed off first.
The cut was made at 18 and under and in Division Two John Jordan came 3rd with 31 points, in 2nd place was Peter Ingham with 32 points and the winner was Roy Mitchell with 35 points. In Division One, Michael Waltschek came 3rd with 36 points whilst Wilf Latham and Harry Cowling could not be split and shared 1st place with 37 points.
There were a bundle of two’s on the day shared by Wilf, Josh, Paul Butler and Bill Hewitt with Steve Nowell getting two. The Bananas were awarded to John Hendrie for his huge tally of 14 points.
Any golfers wishing to play on a Tuesday or Thursday just turn up at the Caddy Shack and transport will be arranged. We are situated on the 2nd part of Soi 17 between 3rd road and Thepprasit Road.

The Square Ring

by Howie Reed

As promised last week, there’s big time news about the “Dapper One” Dave Stewart and his next fight on the way to a world title.
It’s always difficult for a young boxer, especially one with talent, to get the fights that will further his career as fast as promoter, manager, trainer and the fighter himself would want. Well that’s the case with the 17-0 light welter Dave Stewart, aka The King of Second Road. Stewart is one of those boxers that are on the ‘cusp’. What he needs is a fight with a ‘name’ boxer. That almost happened.
There’s a really big fight card next week in Hollywood, Florida USA. The top of the card features Glenncoffe Johnson, David Tua and Joel Casamayor. The problem was that the promoter had been unable to find a “suitable” opponent for Casamayor. The term “suitable” here indicates someone with a name that Casamayor could beat. Tough task that.
The fight was offered to Dave Stewart. His promoter, manager, trainer and his very own self jumped at the chance. As the saying goes in American Football, “upon further review” Casamayor’s people declined the fight. Why? Probably a couple of reasons. The two boxers are going in opposite directions at this stage in their careers. The Cassmayor people said that Stewart was an “unknown quantity”. That’s code for “we don’t think we can beat him and Casamayor may actually have to get in shape.”
Casmayor’s last 4 have not been overly impressive as he’s gone 1-2-1. The two loses coming to Jose Luis Castillo and Diego Corrales while he got a draw against Almazbek Raiymkulo. His win against Corrales was tainted when a “nervous nelly” named Dr. Margaret stopped the fight because of a cut inside Corrales mouth.
For now Stewart has to settle for a Commonwealth title eliminator later tonight at the York Hall, Bethnal Green. His opponent is 10-3 Kpakpo Allotey of Ghana who claims to be the African lightweight champion. Allotey can claim that title after he KO’d Theodore Lokosso last December in Ghana. Mr. Lokosso was 1-3 at the time. The invader from Africa is making his second trip to the “Land of Tea and Crumpets”. He got KO’d by Craig Docherty in 2004 in Glasgow.
Following this contest Dave gets a shot at the vacant British Lightweight title sometime in April on Sky TV. His opponent will be his good friend 18-1-1 Lee Meager who also steps into the ring later tonight in York. One website last week reported that the two wouldn’t fight because they were good friends. Not true... Give ‘em hell Dave.
Another favorite in the Land of Smiles is former champ Wayne “The Pocket Rocket” McCullough who has been taken off medical suspension by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. The suspension came after McCullough’s loss to Oscar Larios (55-3-1) back last July. The suspension is automatic for someone that’s been stopped. Prior to that, McCullough had losses to Larios and Scott Harrision.
Veteran trainer Freddie Roach has asked McCullough to retire and putting his feet where his mouth is, has declined to train him any further. In a letter to the press McCullough wrote, “Our training and ‘get to know you time’ together since August 2004 has probably totaled 5 weeks. I’ve spent more time with doctors, their tests and commissions to make sure I’m healthy, so that when someone elicits an opinion of retirement, I’m secure in the fact that the criteria to box in the United States has been a lot tougher for me than virtually any other fighter in the world. But I’ve accepted it to make sure commissions can make intelligent and informed decisions rather than one with their feelings and without the knowledge of the facts.”
Joe Goossen will now do the training as McCullough prepares for a possible March 25th date against WBO Super Bantam champ Daniel Ponce De Leon (27-1). The Ponce won the then vacant title from Sod Looknongyangtoy (25-‘) last October via the UD route. It wasn’t close. If McCullough does take the fight, it would be as part of a “big” Las Vegas card matching Marco Antonio Barrera (61-4) vs. Jesus Chavez (43-3) for the IBF Lightweight title and Jorge Barrios (45-2-1) vs. Janos Nagy (23-0) for the WBO Jr. Lightweight belt.
Oscar Larios may have his plate “plumb level full” as there is the chance that he’ll be traveling to Manila for a May date with Manny Pacquiao. Larios the former WBC Super Bantam champ, (he lost to Israel Vazquez last December), would probably come up to 130lbs for the big payday against Pacquiao. For Pacquiao this would be a great step, to say nothing of the payday, before the Morales rematch outdoors at Sam Boyd in Las Vegas on September 16.
Many in boxing were surprised when Morales accepted to invoke the rematch clause in the contract. Veteran boxing observers, Teddy Atlas and Freddie Roach to name but two think that Morales is a “shot fighter”. Those thoughts were echoed in this space a couple of weeks ago. “The Square Ring keeping a step ahead of the world of boxing”. The Morales-Pacquiao rematch outdoors is a return to the days of yesteryear when outdoor fights in large venues were the norm.
While the ‘little’ guys act like the heavyweights of the past, the current heavyweights, with a few exceptions, act like the make believe frauds they are. The WBA heavyweight chump, Nicolay Valuev, is in the ‘deep stuff’ in his hometown of St. Petersburg, Russia. A 61 year old security guard claims the chump beat him after the guard had had a few well chosen words with Valuev’s wife after she had parked in a “no parking zone”.
Meanwhile IBF ‘Chump’ Chris Byrd has signed on the line to defend on April 22 against Wladimir Klitschko in ‘der Rhineland’. Byrd has done less with more and so has to go on the road for a payday. His last outing in Reno Nevada would have to have been 100% better than it was just to be lousy. In an attempt to save this turkey there’s a rumor that maybe heavyweight Samuel Peter will be added to the card. The fight will be shown live on TV in the USA and around the world. Some creative genius has called it “All or Nothing”. I would humbly suggest that “Who Gives a Rats Bottom” would be more appropriate.
Jermain Taylor against Winky Wright is signed, sealed and delivered for June 17. Funny but just a few days ago the fight was dead with the WBC calling for a purse bid. Under a purse bid, Taylor would have gotten 70% and Wright 30%. Wright had not only turned down a better deal but promoter “Gas Bag” Shaw had quit in disgust. They must have played “kiss kiss” or some equivalent of Broke Back Mountain also called “Pet My Pony”, cause now they’re “buddy, pal, amigo”. It was probably pointed out to Wright that he brings nothing to the table and finding him a 3 million dollar US payday was impossible. “Let me splain this to you Winky.”
Last night’s WBC Flyweight title fight between Ponogsaklek Wonjongkam (59-2) and Gilberto Keb Bass (26-12-1) at the Sannburi Stadium finished too late for a full report in The Square Ring. I can guess that the Mexican challenger got beaten up by the talented and veteran Thai. Bass was only 3-2 in his last 5 and the wins came against stiffs.
“Why don’t you tell us something that you do know, Baldy?”
Ok then, cousin Bruce McTavish from the Philippines did a great job as the referee. In fact he always does. How’s that grab you? Would I drink to that? In a minute, times up... Thank you and goodnight.

Welcome back, Gary

Riz Taylor
Steve McLaren has had better seasons. Until Saturday his expensively assembled Middlesbrough side had managed just one Premiership victory since late November, those three points coming against this season’s unfortunate whipping boys Sunderland, which hardly counts. In the last month he has looked on as Middlesbrough were mauled 7-0 by Arsenal, gifted Wigan Athletic a last-minute winner at the Riverside and then rolled over again at Aston Villa in a 4-0 thumping. It was during this match that an understandably disgruntled fan raced across the pitch to tear up his season ticket in front of the manager.
And that’s why few of the Middlesbrough faithful gave their side any hope of beating runaway Premiership leaders and champions Chelsea last Saturday. But win they did, and in such convincing fashion that surely now Boro can begin to show their real class in the manner in which Everton have managed to lift themselves from relegation worry. From the opening moments when Flavio Rochemback opened the scoring, Boro controlled the game to such an extent that the Villa and Arsenal debacles were but a distant memory. “A week is a long time in politics and even longer in football at times,” said McLaren after his side’s shock victory. We have had quite an eventful couple of months.”
The next week will be another crucial one, not just for Middlesbrough but also for the defeated champions. Boro head into Sunday’s FA Cup clash at Preston North End knowing that defeat will mean only winning the UEFA Cup will secure a third straight season of European football. Chelsea, meanwhile, have an easier task when they host Colchester tomorrow, but might yet be vulnerable as they cast their minds forward to Wednesday’s clash at home to Barcelona - surely the biggest match of this season so far.
Chelsea’s biggest league defeat in almost four years and the joint biggest loss of Jose Mourinho’s entire managerial career was a shock to the system and comes at the worst possible time as the Blues prepare for the double-header against Spain’s best side.
“In my time at Chelsea this is the third defeat in the Premiership and you can say it was the worst,” said Mourinho. “We lost last season to Manchester City 1-0 and we didn’t deserve it; we lost this season at Manchester United 1-0 and we didn’t deserve it; we lost here 3-0 - we deserved it.”
Back to tomorrow, and the tie of the round in the FA Cup is undoubtedly Manchester United’s trip to Liverpool, in particular for the ongoing love story between a certain United full back and Liverpool’s supporters.
United skipper Gary Neville (that still doesn’t sound right) reacted to taunts during United’s recent league win over Liverpool by grabbing his shirt and gesticulating in the direction of the travelling fans, which prompted criticism from both Greater Manchester Police and England colleague Jamie Carragher. Expect a rousing reception for Neville on Sunday, which adds spice to an FA Cup tie that cannot be missed. I’m going for 2-2.
McLeish to leave Rangers
A brief roundup from Scotland, beginning with Rangers’ announcement that Alex McLeish will step down as boss at the end of this season. Despite becoming the first Scottish side to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League, the club are in a disgusting fourth place in the Scottish Premier League and will look for a replacement in the summer.
McLeish, meanwhile, will look to head south for his next job. “I don’t think I could manage in Scotland again. I’m a Rangers man,” said the former Motherwell and Hibernian boss who made his name as a player at Aberdeen.
Hearts’ manager Graham Rix has admitted that he hasn’t been picking the team in recent fixtures, fuelling rumours that Lithuanian owner Vladimir Romanov has been throwing his weight around the dressing room once again.
Outraged Hearts’ fans reading this should be grateful. Rix’s managerial record at previous employers Oxford United read: Played 29, Won 6, Drawn 7, Lost 16. And besides, I don’t see what all the fuss is about - you’d think Rix would be used to the concept of being interfered with by an older gentleman.
‘Hodd on the Tyne Is All Mine All Mine’
I received a text message last week from a pal back in England, telling me that a friend of a friend is a football agent and that Glenn Hoddle taking over at Newcastle United is a “done deal”. By the time I’d got around to replying to the message Hoddle’s odds had plummeted from 40/1 to just 3/1 after several huge bets were taken on the former England boss. Personally I think this is rubbish, but in case it does happen I reserve the right to complain about missing out. Every single week for years.
Blouse
Did anyone see Arjen Robben’s dive against Liverpool the other day? The Dutchman approached Reds’ keeper Jose Reina, who was being summoned by the referee during the clash at Stamford Bridge. Reina raised his hand and pushed Robben’s face, to which Robben responded by reacting as through he’d just been caught by a left hook from Mike Tyson in his prime.
Pathetic. With all the panels that debate dubious goals and dismissals these days, why can we not have one that retrospectively punishes players found guilty of diving and playacting in this way? There is no place for this in the British game, and my respect for Robben’s brilliance has been tarnished by his disgraceful behaviour. He goes onto the left wing of my current most hated players eleven. Both striking positions are taken up by Blackburn forwards, the right wing by Robert Pires, Ivan Campo joins Lee Bowyer in midfield purely for his hairstyle and captaining the side is Gary Neville. I’m struggling with the other positions but will get back to you on this by the end of the season. Suggestions welcome.
Egypt win again
Egypt held their nerve in a penalty shootout last Friday to claim a record fifth African Cup of Nations on their home soil in Cairo. The Pharaohs (yes apparently that really is their nickname) overcame the Ivory Coast after both normal and extra-time failed to produce any goals.
Chelsea’s Didier Drogba was the fall guy after missing a golden opportunity to steal victory for the Elephants (honestly I’m not making this up) in the 76th minute that sparked delirious celebrations amongst the 75,000 home fans.
Egypt’s coach said some stuff after the match about the Ivory Coast being a really good team, and also that... oh, who cares? See you next week.

Honours even in top of the table clash

Last Saturday saw Seaboard FC face the Londoner in a top of the table clash in the MBMG International League. The Londoner who are currently the league leaders and favourites to take the title this season would be a formidable challenge for Seaboard who sat in second place in the table prior to the start of play. The Londoner are one of only two teams to have beaten Seaboard this season, back in October last year when they ran out narrow 5-4 winners in Bangkok.
Saturday’s kick off was delayed for 35 minutes as the Londoner team coach was held up on the motorway from Bangkok, following a series of accidents and heavy weekend holiday traffic. This proved to be disruptive to the Seaboard team who having completed their pre-match routine, were left awaiting the arrival of their opposition. Manager Rick Bryant would have his work cut out to keep his players minds focused on the job ahead.
When the match eventually kicked off Seaboard were clearly not their usual selves and the Londoner were the first side to get into their stride with some excellent football in the middle of the park but without creating an end product.
It wasn’t until the 5th minute before Seaboard exerted any pressure on the Londoner goal when, after a series of throw ins down the right hand side, the ball fell to Danny Stevens but his speculative effort was wide of the goal.
The Londoner continued to have the lions share of possession but for all their neat interplay around the midfield area, they were finding it very difficult to break down the Seaboard back four, where skipper Lee Homer and Brian Wilkins looked in total control.
Seaboard’s next effort on goal came on 15 minutes when a long ball down the line from full back Dave Brown was reached by the eager running Ernest Romario and he was brought down by a clumsy challenge by the Londoner defence. From the resulting free kick, Romario crossed for Mark Brittain whose near post header went just wide.
Seaboard were then to be dealt a major blow when Stevens had to be substituted having pulled his hamstring. Manager Bryant was forced to introduce Pierre Ngalamo to replace Stevens and also Francis Taku in an effort to stop the Londoner’s control of the midfield. Almost immediately, as Seaboard were trying to regain their shape after the enforced changes, the Londoner had their first effort on goal but the header from Stephen Reid flew harmlessly over the crossbar with the Seaboard keeper Mark Coombs untroubled.
The Londoner did eventually break the deadlock on 28minutes when Stephen Reid was brought down just inside the box by Gary Munro and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. The Londoner forward quickly stepped up and slotted the ball home sending Coombs the wrong way in the Seaboard goal.
Seaboard were now up against it but slowly started to gain more control of the midfield where both Craig Banks and John Campbell were starting to make their mark.
Seaboard came close to equalizing on 31 minutes when a long ball over the top from Brown was heading into the path of Brittain before a last ditch deflection from the Londoner defender Alex Stamp put the ball wide of his own keeper but also just wide of the upright and out for a corner.
Seaboard continued to press and after a series of corners were offered a chance to draw level just before the break when a cross into the box saw Stamp climbing all over the back of Brittain, leaving the referee no option but to point to the spot. Brittain stepped up to take the kick and hit the ball hard to the keeper’s right but Neil Torrence in the Londoner goal managed to get across and push the ball round the post.
The half time whistle was soon to follow with the score remaining at Seaboard FC 0 Londoner 1.
Manager Bryant was clearly not impressed with his side’s first half performance and some harsh words must have been said during the interval as his side started the second half with much more determination and very quickly had the Londoner on the back foot. Paul Derbyshire was introduced up front to add an extra aerial threat and his strength on the ball and neat distribution was soon caused the Londoner defence problems.
Seaboard were now having the majority of play and the Londoner were finding it very difficult to retain any possession of the ball with the Seaboard players now very much up for the challenge.
As with the Londoner in the first half, although enjoying good possession Seaboard were still not able to create any clear cut chances. Manager Bryant must have been starting to wonder where an equalising goal was going to come from, but come it did and in some style halfway though the second period.
Seaboard were awarded a free kick in the centre of the field some 25 yards out and up stepped John Campbell to curl a tremendous shot over the wall and in to the top corner of the net, leaving Torrence with no chance in the Londoner goal. This was the signal for Seaboard to exert even more pressure on the Londoner goal and they were clearly growing in confidence. Romario in particular, who had had a quite game by his standards up to now began to see more of the ball and was causing problems for the Londoner defence.
With 10 minutes to go the Londoner were forced to change their keeper with Stamp taking over from Torrence between the posts, the latter having succumbed to an injury sustained earlier in the game. And it was Stamp who was to make a couple of crucial saves in the dying moments of the game that denied Seaboard from taking all 3 points.
Final Score Seaboard FC 1 Londoner 1.
So both sides ended up with a point from what was most definitely a game of two contrasting halves. Seaboard manager Rick Bryant was delighted with the way his team responded in the second half and although the draw was probably a fair result felt his side could have just shaved it at the end.
Seaboard’s season continues next Saturday Feb 18 with a home game at Horseshoe Point against local rivals F+G Pattaya, kick off 2:30pm.

Records tumble at the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships

The biennial, three-day Asian Indoor Athletics Championships took place at the Pattaya Indoor Arena last weekend with Air Chief Marshal Rangsan Ditbanchong, the royal representative of Crown Prince Maha Vajaralongkorn, presiding over the opening ceremony.

Saif Saeed Shaheen of Qatar was the winner in an amazing 3000m race where the first four athletes beat the previous championship best by a considerable margin.
The event attracted a strong field of athletes from 28 countries including reigning overall champions China and the spectators were treated to some record-breaking performances. In fact, it was only shortly after the musical bands and dancers had finished the opening formalities that Thailand’s lady sprint stars lit the stadium up with a one-two-three finish in the women’s 60m dash.
Nongnuch Sanrat, gold medallist at last year’s Asian Indoor Games and a star at the 2005 SEA Games in the Philippines, led her fellow compatriots, Sangwan Jaksunin and Orranut Klomdee across the line in a time of 7.48 seconds to start the games off in the best possible way. Despite taking gold however, the winner was a little disappointed with her time.
“I was under great pressure as the event had many strong runners including [Chinese] Li Liu, who clocked the fastest time in the preliminary heats earlier. I’m also suffering from a foot injury. But I just tried my best and it worked out pretty well,” Nongnuch said.

Thailand’s lady sprinters, from L-R Orranut Klomdee, Nongnuch Sanrat and Sangwan Jaksunin set the stadium alight on the first day with a clean sweep in the women’s 60m event.
“However, I’m not happy with my timing. At the Asian Indoor Games, I clocked a better time of 7.34 seconds. I think the foot injury is the cause for such a timing,” she said.
Other notable performances by the home athletes on the first day included silver medals for Watchara Sondee in the men’s 60m sprint and Wassana Winatho in the women’s pentathlon. Watchara, who clocked 6.65 seconds was edged out of the gold medal by one one-hundredth of a second and must be wondering what he has to do to win in this stadium, having also lost in a photo finish at the Asian Indoor Games last November. All three podium finishers broke the previous championship record set two years ago in Tehran.
The records continued to tumble on day two of the event. The men’s 400m final was the fastest indoor race over this distance ever seen in Asia. Mohammed Al Rawa of Oman, considered by many a good judge to be the best 400m on the continent, stormed home in an astonishing time of 47.90 seconds to knock 0.81 of a second off the previous record set by Iran’s Mohammed Akefian.
Thailand’s Jukkathip Pojaroen could only hang on to the slipstream of Al Rawa but as he crossed the line in second place, his face turned to joy as he realized he had also beaten the old record with a personal best time of 48.62 seconds.
Elsewhere on the second day, Thailand’s Saowalee Kaewchuy took a silver medal in the women’s 400m but the real highlight came in the men’s 3,000m race where Qatar’s Saif Saeed Shaheen sliced more than half a minute off the championship record with a time of 7:39.77 mins.
Day three of the championships would be the home teams final chance at striking more gold and the fans who turned up to watch were not to be disappointed as first, Sarayudh Pinitjet took the top spot in the men’s shot put event with a throw of 17.49m and then the Thai 400m men’s sprint team took gold in the relay event in another record breaking time of 3:15.53 mins, knocking more than a second of the previous mark set by Iran.
Altogether, some 15 new records were established over the three days of these championships and with Thailand’s athletes putting on a good show, it augurs well for the nation’s chances of success at the 2006 Asian Games to be held in Dohar, Qatar.
Supanas Ariyamongkol, Thailand’s national track and field coach is under no illusions as to the importance of staging events of this caliber on a regular basis. ‘’It is a good effort by our men and women and inspires us to organise more international meets,’’ he said at the conclusion of the tournament.
Thailand finished 5th in the medals table with three golds, eight silvers and a bronze whilst the overall champions were the team from China.

Watchara Sondee, far right, narrowly misses out on a gold medal in the men’s 60m.

A colorful gathering of home fans greeted the athletes on day one of the championships.

Thailand’s Saowalee Kaewchuy, gives it her all in the women’s 400m but has to settle for the silver medal.

Mohammed Al Rawa of Oman sets the record-breaking tone for day two as he eases home in the men’s 400m final. Thailand’s Jukkathip Pojaroen, far left, set a personal best as he came in second.

Keith crashes cart - a very good omen

PSC golf from The Grapevine

I would not recommend it to everybody, but Keith Avery (27) showed the way home to the field of forty-six Khao Kheow bound Grapevine golfers after finding that his cart had no brakes on the descent to the first tee. Keith, the only golfer to play to his handicap on the day, overcame some early nerves to capitalize on some later good shots to win the Tankard for the month.

Da,Keith Avery, and his lovely lady, Nut.
This week, with only 12 Tee-off times available at Khao Kheow, we had an overflow of 12 golfers journey up to Noble Place for a small competition, which was won by Cees Bosman with 39 points. Cees also picked up 2 ‘nearest to pins’, so he enjoyed his day out immensely. Joop picked up the other ‘nearest to pin’ on the day.
With the strong field of 46 at Khao Kheow, we had 2 flights and four prizes in each. In the 0 - 16 flight, Stu Thompson (7) showed the way with net 73, while the minor places were filled by Kuni Wakabayashi (8) net 76, with Jeff Wylie (4) and Masayki Matsumoto (4) each 77, beating a host of others on count back.
In the 17 and up flight, the minor places were won by David Johnson (24) 74, Roy Pimblett (23) 75 and Colin Cronin (22) 77, just edging out a couple of contenders on count back.
The ‘nearest to pin’ technical prizes on the day were won by Ray (2), Roy (2), Jeff, Matsumoto, and Tom. Jeff, Rich, and Jacques got the long putt prizes.
Over the next few weeks while Jeff is away, the field will be capped at 10 groups so early sign up is essential. Look forward to seeing you all at the Grapevine on Soi Regent Marina for golf or just a cold beer and a good meal. Cheers and good golfing.