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Thai athletes sweep 15 golds at International Wheelchair Sports Invitation
Pattaya was proud to host the
International Wheelchair Sports Invitation for the first time.
Despite losing a rather
one-sided final, the Thai men’s basketball team still had plenty to cheer
about.
Vimolrat Singnikorn
The Pattaya Indoor Stadium was proud to host the International Wheelchair
Sports Invitation which was held over a period of 3 days, (16-18 August). It
was the first time that Pattaya had provided the venue for this prestigious
event and 7 nations, namely Singapore, China, Malaysia, Iran, Laos, Vietnam
and Japan sent contingents to compete with the home team, with a total of
334 athletes taking part. There were 4 different sports featured in the
competition; wheelchair basketball, wheelchair fencing, wheelchair tennis
and wheelchair table tennis.
 Mayor
Niran presents an award to one of the athletes.
During the opening ceremony, a 1-minute period of silence was observed as a
commemoration to Fr. Ray, who passed away August 16, 2003 and who spent the
better part of his life working for the disabled and unprivileged people.
The first events to kick-off the tournament were a wheelchair basketball
match between The Chonburi VIP’s against their Pattaya counterparts, swiftly
followed by a more serious and highly skilled match-up when China’s female
athletes took on Japan.
The home fans received a chance to cheer on their own favourites when
Thailand’s men reached the final of the basketball event against Iran.
Unfortunately, the greater experience of the Iranian team made this somewhat
of a one-sided affair and they eventually ran out easy winners with a 93 -
31 score.
The tournament was a
celebration of sport and was played out in the friendliest of atmospheres.
Elsewhere, Thai athletes had greater success and a total
of 15 gold medals were garnered over the course of the 3 days. Indeed, the
home team was top of the podium when it came to the medal count, winning 37
in total. Vietnam came in second with 10 golds, with Iran following in third
spot on 6 golds.
 Thailand
captured gold in the ladies’ foil event.
Pisit Luanyot (Head Coach of The Wheelchair Basketball Club in Thailand)
said “I am very proud of the results for my team, and will take these
results to be very encouraging for future success”.
Misan B Adjee Maluk, (Manager of Malaysia Wheelchair Basketball) led over 50
of his compatriots in joining in the plaudits for Pattaya’s staging of the
event, saying that his team received an impressionably warm welcome and that
he hopes to bring his experiences from this competition to the Fespics
Games, to be held in Malaysia at the end of this year.
Some of the notable results from the The Wheelchair Invitation were as
follows:
Men’s Wheelchair Basketball - Iran
Women’s Wheelchair Basketball - China
Women’s Wheelchair Foil - Piyachan Thinchan (Thailand)
Men’s Wheelchair Foil - Sompab Saenghuschang (Thailand)
Men’s Saber - Mohd Zamrin Kasim (Malaysia)
Women’s Epee - Korakot Sangsawang (Thailand)
Women’s Wheelchair Tennis - Samroeng Kruamai (Thailand)
Men’s Wheelchair Tennis - Sakhon Khanthasit (Thailand)
Women’s - Jindapan Puangjui (Thailand)
Men’s Wheelchair Table Tennis - Vu Dang Chi (Vietnam).
The Thai team takes on
Malaysia in one of the qualifying heats of the men’s basketball.
Over 60 teams take part in Pattaya Sepak Takraw Championship
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
Over the weekend, August 18-20, the 5th Pattaya Sepak Takraw Championships
took place at Pattaya number 7 School. Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn was on
hand to formally open and preside over the competition, which was classified
into four separate categories; Gor: namely ordinary people with a love of
the sport (8 teams), Khor: More serious players, but excluding members of
the Thai national team (24 teams). Kor: 35 years old (12 teams), and Ngor:
40 years old (16 teams).
 Sepak
Takraw is one of Thailand’s favourite sports. This year over 60 teams took
part in the Pattaya tournament
Sepak Takraw is considered to be one of Thailand’s favorite and most played
sports and Mayor Niran said that Pattaya City Council is proud to support
this popular event which is now in its fifth year. The championships this
year were also enhanced by the awarding of the HR princess Somsawalee
trophies to the winning teams.
Scott Duncanson: a Champ is always a Champ
Report & photos from Peter Cummins
Phuket-domiciled Aussie, Scott Duncanson, forsook the Andaman Sea last week,
to come to the Ocean Marina and win, by a big margin, the 2006 Platu
National Championships, sailed over the three-day Queen’s birthday weekend.
Scott, a former junior world sailing champion, furthermore, had just won the
Sports Boat Racing division in last month’s Evason Phuket RaceWeek - winning
all six races there, helming his father’s-designed Phuket Eight Class,
against some tough competition.
 The
winning boat thrashes to windward.
As if this was not enough, he also won the Quantum Naga Cup, sailed
simultaneously with the Phuket RaceWeek
Finishing with five first placings and one third, for a total of eight
penalty points, counting six races of the seven sailed, Scott was 10 points
clear of Pattaya sailor - and a former SEA Games gold medallist yachting
helmsman second-placed Viroj Nualkair, with 18 points.
Then followed, in order, Royal Thai Navy sailor Arinut (19), Kevin Scott
(20), Morton/Neil (20), Pote (38), Gary Baguley (39), Alex Skaria (41),
Takahashi (42), Michael (57) and Ocean Marina’s Khun Nim (70).
It was in the mid-90s that leading naval architect Bruce Farr designed the
Platu, the trim 8-metre craft, particularly suited for Thai waters. In fact,
the prototype was named after the small mackerel, a denizen of the waters of
the Western Gulf - and a staple sea-food platter on many Thai tables.
The craft has become so popular - particularly around Mediterranean ports -
after the French yacht-building giant, Beneteau, manufactured the yachts in
France, that there are now prolific fleets in many destinations.
Later this year, in fact, there will be the first-ever “Beneteau 25 World
Championships”, to be held off Vigo, Spain and there will be at least one of
Thailand’s Platu sailors competing in a team led by former (2004) Platu
champion of the Kingdom, Neil Semple.
It is yet another indication of Thailand’s booming marine leisure industry.
Maybe, one day, the Thai flag will be hoisted over a future America’s Cup
venue.
Crunch time for Thai windsurfers as selection panel looks on
Chang Pattaya Windsurfing Cup 2006" Stage 3
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
Jomtien Beach was witness August 11-14 to the third round of the Chang
Pattaya Windsurfing Cup 2006, which is being jointly organised by the
Windsurfing Club of Pattaya and the Thai Windsurfing Association.
 Thailand’s
windsurfers were on top form as they vied for a place on the Asian Games
team.
This particular weekend held significant importance for many of Thailand’s
premier windsurfers as it also served as a final qualifying event for the
Asian Games to be held in Dohar, Qatar at the end of the year. Needless to
say, many of the Kingdom’s stars of this sport, including Aran Homrarun,
Kanuthat Ruaisap, Aek Bunsawatt and Nopalai Dhansai were out to try and grab
the attention of the selection committee in order to book their seat on the
plane to Qatar. All of the above were able to claim individual victories in
the different categories and the signs are that Thailand will be sending a
very strong team to the Middle East with some serious gold medal prospects.
The full results of the Chang Pattaya Windsurfing Cup third round are as
follows:
Under 17s winner: Songkraam Ingsaat; SLALOM B winner Prakaat Singnoen;
SLALOM A winner Kanuthat Ruaisap; FORMULA Youth Beginner Men’s winner
Natapong Saiprapan; FORMULA Ladies winner Nopalai Dhansai; FORMULA B winner
Akrapong Ong Aad; FORMULA A winner Aek Bunsawatt; IMCO Youth (boy) winner
Songkraam Singsaat; IMCO Heavyweight winner Kanuthat Ruaisap; IMCO
Lightweight winner Aran Homrarun.
Akekarin ‘doubles-up’ on Mother’s Day
Fairtex Mothers’ Day Tennis Open
Akekarin and Santi, center,
celebrate their success in the doubles tournament
Narisa Nitikarn
August 12, the Fairtex Sports Club & Resort held the inaugural Mothers’ Day
Tennis Open with a view to not only celebrate this special family holiday,
but also to promote the sport of tennis on the Eastern Seaboard.
The event took place over 3 consecutive days, August 12 - 14, and was
divided into two categories, Men’s Singles and Men’s Doubles. Some top
amateur and semi-professional players took part in the competition including
Thailand’s Akekarin Pisuttiarnon, and overseas professional Alvaro Urrutia.
In fact, of the many competitors who took part in the tournament, over half
were foreign players.
The winner of the singles event was Akekarin Pisuttiarnon who beat Surachet
Chaikla in the final. Akekarin proceeded to show that his singles win was no
fluke as he teamed up with Santi Pingmuang to also capture the doubles
title. The winners from both categories received 10,000 baht in prize money
and a special Mother’s Day trophy. Fairtex hope that this event can become a
regular fixture on the Pattaya sporting calendar and that it will encourage
people to take part in the sport of tennis.
The Bogey Man returns
IPGC golf from The Haven
Wednesday, August 16, Mountain Shadow, 2 Person
Scramble
1st Dave Shaw & Tony Quaid, 47pts
2nd Trevor Schirmer & B.J. Smith, 46pts
3rd Bob Webb & Peter Aitcheson, 44pts c/b 23
4th Jack Spencer & Barry Copestake, 44pts c/b 21
A short week due to the Monday Holiday meant only two competitions
instead of the usual three.
It is almost a pleasure to take on the daunting Mountain Shadow layout
when the pressure is off and one can share the burden and possibly the
blame and sometime even the euphoria, with a playing partner of your
choice and know that your handicap will not be affected for once, what
ever the result achieved on the day.
It certainly worked for the day’s winners in the form of Dave Shaw and
Tony Quaid, both whom have been finding it difficult of late to figure
in the shake-up at the end of the usual competitions. But with a total
of 50% of the combined handicaps and a requirement to take at least 7
tee shots from each player, it was a format that well suited them and
proved to be one that saw them climb to the top of the list for the
first time in a while.
Trevor Schirmer and B.J. Smith are usually to be found in contention at
the head of the field, and this day proved no exception as they took
second place with another round that seems to be the norm in the doubles
formats, where they obviously compliment each other style of play.
Bob Webb and Peter Aitcheson took the first of their week’s podium
positions with a count back over the dynamic duo of Jack Spencer and
Barry Copestake, who were left ruing the 18 incher that got away on the
17th.
The “twos” competition was suspended due to the format.
Before presenting the prizes Richard Livingston, the resident PGA
teaching professional, welcomed back Jack Spencer, Barry Copestake and
Robert Webb. He also gave an exceptionally warm welcome back to Brian
Kelly who seems to be fairly well recovered from his recent operation,
which now sees him playing with a pacemaker and now demanding that his
playing partners speed up their game to keep up with him. He now goes at
the rate of a twenty year old again.
Friday, August 18, Sriracha, Stableford
1st Bob Webb, 36pts
2nd Brian Kelly, 35pts
3rd Peter Emslie, 34pts c/b 17
4th Peter Aitcheson, 34pts c/b 15
After a very long absence from the Gary Player designed Sriracha Golf
Club, it was a very pleasant experience to once again tee it up looking
out over the wide-open fairways and gently sloping contours. But the
lay-off had obviously affected the field’s ability to take on what would
normally be considered one of the less testing, but nevertheless
entertaining, courses in the area with any real degree of success.
Even with the greens and fairways being in very good condition and the
bunkers quite acceptable, once more Bob Webb was the only player to
match par with a solid round that contained just 8 pars and no birdies,
which under scored the conditions on the day.
Brian Kelly took a very good second place ahead of Peter Emslie, who was
unable to get a single member’s bounce all day and had to be content
with winning the count back over Peter Aitcheson, who again showed a
certain amount of promise following his recent learning programme in The
Pub - a new addition of The Haven.
To underline his dramatic return to the golf scene, Brian Kelly slipped
in the only “two” of the day, and that in the Second Division, to cap a
very pleasant week of golf after his fairly long absence. He now appears
to be fully recovered and playing even better than previously.
Prior to the presentation, Richard welcomed new member Peter Furness.
McArdle cleans the Medal cupboard and more
IPGC golf from Lewiinski’s
Sunday August 13, Green Valley - White
Tees, Monthly Medal
A Flight:
1st Joe McArdle, net 68 - Medal Winner
2nd Klaus Schackt, net 71
3rd Simon Kendall, net 72
B Flight:
1st Claus Birk Thomsen, net 68 - Medal Qualifier
2nd Steve Ellison, net 71
3rd An Kaesavene, net 71
C Flight:
1st Poo Supaporn, net 71
2nd Nat Meesuk, net 72
3rd Fred Theobald, net 73
Near Pins: #2: John Emmerson; #9: John Exall; #12: Joe McArdle; #16: Bob
Van Mol
2’s: Joe McArdle, Simon Kendall, Claus Birk Thomsen, Steve Ellison, John
Hillier, Don Lehmer, Frank Pilkington, Brian Prudden, Robbie Bennett,
Charles Sheppard
Non-counting 2’s: Noy Pimmoen
Well, if you are going to have a day you might as well have the whole
enchilada, and that is certainly what Joe McArdle did on Monthly Medal
Sunday as he counted back his way to the Medal, set atop A Flight,
nestled up a Near Pin, converted the putt for a 2 and held the winning
raffle ticket for the Steve Mascari-sponsored golf bag. Joe’s net 68
matched B Flight’s CBT, the latter also qualifying for the 2006 Gold
Medal competition.
Joe was followed in A Flight by the Volksomputer and Big Simon Kendall.
Simon was the beneficiary of a favorable inward nine which gave him the
edge on the day’s medalist, Dudley Doo-Right and fellow single
handicapper Sonny Boy Crawford. Claus Birk also had a three-stroke
margin of victory in B Flight with the Photographer to the Stars having
the unchivalrous better of the Divine Ms. An on count back.
In the junior Flight, the First Lady had the one stroke drop on the
Nat(ural) with Uncle Fred yet another astern. It should be noted that,
while Toy’s husband’s name has been popping up in the spotlights a bit
more regularly of late, he still needed a spot of luck to count back
Emiel.
A special thanks to Simon of Philbrook and his financial advisory
company, MBMG International Co. Ltd., for generously sponsoring all four
Near Pins, as he does every Monthly Medal Sunday.
Tuesday, August 15, Laem Chabang A & B -White Tees,
Stroke/medal
A Flight:
1st John Hillier, net 68
2nd Sonny Crawford, net 71
3rd Claus Birk Thomsen, net 71
B Flight
1st Norm Robinson, net 60 - Dene and Peter B, 67
2nd J.J. Wright, net 64
3rd Adam Schoenfeld, net 66
2’s: Claus Birk Thomsen, Jack Spencer, Nick Payne, John Emmerson, Norm
Robinson (2), Adam Schoenfeld, Eddy Beilby
Every golf day in every bar in Pattaya is filled with stories of hard
luck and “what if”. That is as much a part of the game as the playing.
But I dare say that in terms of hard luck it would be tough not to offer
some consolation to some of the B Flight players on this Tuesday.
To set the scene, the venue for the day was Jack Nicklaus’ Pearl of the
East, Laem Chabang, although admittedly the two easiest tandem of it,
The Mountain and The Lake. It is well known that the course can be made
quite short if the tees are up and they were this day. However, none of
that fully explained the performances of five of the golfers in B
Flight. The performances of those five, all with well seasoned handicaps
well over one hundred rounds, were further unexpected given that the
format on the day was stroke/medal, the higher handicapper’s bane.
So you can imagine the look of confidence that Dene Airey and Peter
Barathy showed as they strode off of B9 with net 67’s. That was until
they found out they were not even on the podium! Then along came Adam
“New York Slim” Schoenfeld whose poker face was not enough to hide his
pride in what must be the winning score of the day, a six under handicap
66! How does third place sound! Ah the winner at last, two shots clear
of Adam was J.J. Wright sporting a gross 79 and a net 64. And that with
a bogey-bogey-bogey start and a bogey-double bogey finish! How does
second place sound? And four shots out of hunt at that. That’s right,
Stormin Norman, Esq. took it all with a gross 79, net 60 whopping of the
field. And that with a double bogey first hole! Of course a couple of
2’s tidied that up. Hey Johnny, please put me in A Flight!
On any other day, Nice Guy Johnny would have been hailed as a bandit but
his A Flight winning net 68 felt like even par, even though it was still
three clear of Sonny Boy and CBT. The former avenged Sunday’s count back
loss by having the better math than the latter.
Wednesday, August 16, Eastern Star -White Tees,
Stableford
1st Adam Schoenfeld, 38 points
2nd Steve Ellison, 38 points
3rd Mol Thongkiew, 37 points
4th John Emmerson, 36 points Harvey S., Poo
2’s: Poo Supaporn, Jan Eriksen, Bruce McAdam, Norm Robinson, Sonny
Crawford
Non-counting 2’s: Nat Meesuk
NY Slim garnered the first of the week’s two firsts (and one third) by
counting back the Photographer to the Stars for first in this single
flight day. The lovely Mol was just a favorable swing back with the GM
edging Harvey Samuel and the First Lady on count back for third.
Friday, August 18, Crystal Bay C & A - Blue or White
Tees, Stableford
A Flight:
1st Mark “Woody’ Sherwood, 42 points
2nd Kris Kritsanajootha, 39 points
3rd Joe McArdle, 39 points
B Flight:
1st Adam Schoenfeld, 39 points
2nd John Hillier, 37 points
3rd Don Lehmer, 35 points
2’s: Simon Philbrook (2), Jack Spencer
Non-counting 2’s: Klaus Schackt
The Caddy to the Stars was the story as the society braved a Friday up
Sukhumvit to Crystal Bay. Woody’s gross 71 racked up 42 points to put a
three point gap between Kris-Krits and the newly crowned Monthly
Medalist. Amazing Thailand had the better of the Leprechaun on count
back. Simon of Philbrook had a couple of “twos” in what was for him a
quiet week.
In B Flight, the aforementioned second ship came in for NY Slim as he
was two clear of Tuesday’s A Flight winner, Nice Guy Johnny, and yet
another two ahead of The Lady’s Man.
The Beautiful Game?: Challengers must keep Chelsea in sights
Riz Taylor
Sheffield United’s spirited draw against Liverpool on Saturday was the
ideal opener for the Premiership last weekend, at least for the neutral.
The Blades earned themselves a draw against the 2005 European champions
and were unlucky not to pick up all three points after Steven Gerrard
was harshly judged to have been tripped for Liverpool’s equalising
penalty on 70 minutes, Fowler sticking the spot kick away.
Reading were even more impressive as they bounced back from a two-goal
deficit against Middlesbrough, Leroy Lita sealing the three points as
the Madejski Stadium hosted it’s first top flight match.
Arsenal may have a distinguished Premiership history but in their first
game in their new Emirates Stadium they could only match Aston Villa in
a 1-1 draw. Everton beat Watford thanks in no small part to debutant
Andy Johnson, Charlton went down 3-1 in the derby against West Ham, and
nine-man Blackburn were overpowered by Portsmouth. Shola Ameobi thumped
a volley home to give Newcastle a 2-1 win over Wigan, and Bolton
out-muscled Spurs at the Reebok.
That’s Saturday action neatly covered, but it was on Sunday that the
ominous signs for the 2006/07 season were there for all to see.
Manchester United hosted the first match on Sunday, Fulham the visitors
hoping to catch Alex Ferguson’s men off-guard in the opener. It was not
to be. In front of the largest audience in Premiership history, more
than 75,000 spectators, United began their campaign in rampant form.
Fulham manager Chris Coleman looked on in frustration as he saw United
strike four times in the first eighteen minutes to effectively end the
match in it’s first quarter. It finished 5-1.
Next up were Chelsea, who hosted Manchester City complete with new
signings Michael Ballack and Andriy Shevchenko in their already
star-studded line-up. Whilst the two new signings both had quiet debuts
the Londoners were able to rely on the old guard in this match, John
Terry, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba providing the goals as they ran
out comfortable 3-0 winners
37 games to go then, but it’s already quite clear that one of the
chasing pack must step up to provide a genuine challenge to Chelsea if
we’re not to see a repeat of the bore-athon that was much of last
season. On last weekend’s evidence that side looks like being United.
With Wayne Rooney on form and Cristiano Ronaldo menacing Fulham’s
defence it was all smiles at Old Trafford, but was this a realistic
insight into their Premiership title chances? Only time will tell, but
surely it’s impossible that the side won’t miss Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Times will get harder for United for sure, but at least the points are
in the bag. Even though we’ve seen only one round of matches it’s
Liverpool and Arsenal who’ll be under pressure this weekend. And funnily
enough both play in live matches tomorrow, Liverpool hosting West Ham in
the early kick-off and Arsenal finishing the day with a trip to
Manchester City, who’ll be looking to earn their first points of the
season. Even at this stage it’s dog eat dog in the Premiership and
there’s no room for sentiment. Points make prizes, and nothing less than
three points will do for Chelsea’s so-called ‘competition’ this weekend.
To Elland Back
Former Leeds United chairman Peter Ridsdale claimed he has
been banned from the club’s Elland Road ground for life.
“I was told I was no longer welcome at Elland Road today or at any time
in the future,” said Ridsdale, who resigned from the club in 2003 after
six turbulent years at the head of the Yorkshire side, a period that saw
the club run up debts of over 100 million pounds.
Current chairman Ken Bates, also known for his shyness with the media,
fanned the flames by claiming Ridsdale’s antics are still affecting his
club’s progress. “We’ll have to deal with the problems caused by
previous regimes, problems that were out of our control,” he said. Bates
denied banning Ridsale though, saying the claim was “a pack of lies”.
Landlords Take A Stand
As bar owners in Pattaya are all too aware, televising live
football can be something of a hit or miss affair here in Fun City.
Successful viewing of the beautiful game can be taken away at any moment
by the weather, dodgy Thai electrics and even young bargirls eager to
pump your ears full of thumping techno music at 300 decibels.
Such issues aren’t often a problem in England, yet bar managers and
landlords face a different headache - the 6,000 pound (450,000 baht)
annual subscription to broadcaster Sky Sports. The official broadcaster
of the Premier League charges publicans this fee to show live televised
games in their establishments.
But one group of enterprising landlords in Portsmouth have found a nifty
solution to this minor problem. They’ve subscribed to Middle Eastern
broadcaster Al-Jazeera, who hold the rights to broadcast the Premiership
outside of the European Union, and who charge just 23,000 baht for their
package.
The greedy Premier League are surprisingly unamused by the landlords.
“It’s illegal and it’s copyright theft,” said Dan Johnson, a spokesman
for the Premier League. “We sell to Sky, and they have the sole rights
to show league matches.”
The Premier League attempted to sue the landlords but judges sided with
the publicans, stating that they had done nothing wrong. The Premier
League won’t let the matter settle there, of course, as they battle to
protect the enormous income generated from the Sky agreement.
One minor problem though - the commentary is in Arabic, not widely
understood by Portsmouth pubgoers. “We turn the volume down,” said Derek
Hopper, landlord of the Royal Exchange pub. “We also tried the radio but
we found it was a little distorted.”
Stanley Are Back
Accrington Stanley have wasted no time in making their mark
after returning to professional football. The Lancashire side, who won
back their place in the football league last season after an absence of
44 years, have continued their revival by dumping four-times winners
Nottingham Forest out of the League Cup - their first ever victory in
the competition.
Manager John Coleman hopes the 2-1 victory over the twice European
champions will help his side’s league campaign. “I hope it encourages
the players to relax - Why be scared of anyone in our division now? I
think we can play better than that too,” he said.
Coleman also believes both he and his side are capable of greater
things. “If you put us up against Manchester United tomorrow, I would
have a game plan to beat them,” he added unnecessarily.
That’s it for another week folks, but don’t forget to check this
weekend’s football on the box
Saturday, August 26
Liverpool v West Ham 6:45pm (ESPN)
Tottenham v Everton 9pm (ESPN)
Watford v Man United 9pm (Star Sports)
Man City v Arsenal 11:10pm (Star Sports)
Sunday, August 27
Aston Villa v Newcastle 8pm (ESPN)
Blackburn v Chelsea 10pm (ESPN)
Derek on top at Sri Racha
PSC golf from The Bowling Green
Saturday August 12, Sri Racha, Stableford
1st Derek Eastham (16) 40 pts
2nd Terry Hopkins (22) 40 pts
 Tuesday
winner Phil Dwyer (L) with Derek Eastham
3rd Peter Harris (22) 38 pts
Near Pins: Fergus Brennan (2), Les Burns, Derek Eastham
Another fine day out at this lovely golf course, which played very well
indeed and nobody got eaten by the crocodiles. Derek Eastham and Terry
Hopkins fought a very close battle scoring 40 points each Derek just winning
on count back.
Tuesday, August 15, Khao Kheow, Stableford
1st Phil Dwyer (18) 36 pts
2nd Derek Eastham (15) 33pts
Near Pins: Ged Mason, Phil Dwyer
This is always a tough course and a very good test of golf. The greens were
not up to the usual high standard which made it hard to record a good score,
however, it was the same for everybody and proved no problem to Phil Dwyer,
playing to handicap with 36 pts.
Thursday August 17, Noble Place, Stableford
A Flight:
1st Mike Gerrard (13) 37pts (count back)
2nd Ged Mason (18) 37 pts
3rd Barry James (5) 35 (count back)
4th Frank Kelly (15) 35pts
B Flight
1st Mike Wing (22) 39pts
2nd Peter Harris (22) 37pts
3rd Tewin Lamthong (31) 35pts
4th Petter Anderson (31) 34 pts
Near Pins: Carl Louatt, Ian Kid, David Thomas, Tewin Lamthong
‘Twos Club’: Dick Warburg, Carl Louatt
Every time we go to this course it gets better: Great value for money at 300
baht plus caddy and a most enjoyable course to play. Twenty-nine golfers
incl. one lady showed up on the day and the golf chairman of PSC, Mike
Gerrard captured the honours in the A Flight with 37 pts. B Flight (19 and
over) was won by Mike Wing who scored a very respectable 39 pts. Well done
the two Mikes.
Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday golf from the Bowling Green is proving to be
very popular but it is always nice to have new faces. So come and join this
happy band of golfers. 200 baht entry and it all goes on prizes, (no
vouchers). Meet at 8am at the Bowling Green, Pattaya for breakfast.
Transport can be arranged if required.
Danny Gee hits the top on the Caddyshack’s big day
IPGC golf from The Caddyshack
Tuesday, August 15, The Emerald, Medal
Tuesday was a visit to the ever-popular Emerald Golf Club in Ban Chang. The
condition of the course is improving and for today’s event we decided to
hold a Medal competition.
The wind and rain made good scores very difficult to come by and in third
place was John Hendrie with a net 90. Second spot went to Al McGrory with a
net 80 and the winner’s enclose was occupied by Don Francis, who came home
with a net 76.
The “twos” were won outright by Phil Smith whilst the ‘Bananas’ went to 6
handicapper Josh, who had to play 7 off the 14th tee.
Friday, August 18, Pattaya C.C., Stableford
Friday was the official opening of the ‘new’ Caddyshack and a
trip to Pattaya Country Club was organized with a Stableford competition
being held.
The winner on this auspicious day was Danny Gee with 32 points. In second
came Caddyshack stalwart, Mr. ‘Loy’ on 30 oints and Derek Teeling took the
last podium spot with 29 points. There were no “twos” recorded and ‘Big’ Ron
once again won the ‘Bananas’.
Scores in, it was back to the Caddyshack for a sumptuous meal, with the
drink flowing till the early hours.
Jameson’s Autumn Open
(Singles Stableford)
Jameson’s Autumn Open will now take place on Friday 6th
October at Eastern Star. This is due to due to routine maintenance being
carried out on the greens mid-September.
This is the third Jameson’s ‘JIGS’major golf tournament of the year, with
the Christmas ‘Jinger Bens’ Scramble still to come on Friday December 22nd.
Full details of the Autumn Open are on Jameson’s web site ‘Golf page’ at
www.jamesons-pattaya.com
The Autumn Open format is Singles Stableford, handicap qualifying.
Entry is 500 baht to include trophies & prizes, many technicals on the
course (including ‘Nearest the Keg’), a Jameson’s Carvery with a Free Irish
coffee to follow, and scorecard Lucky draw. Trophies kindly sponsored by
Terry Schofield, Northshore Real Estate.
Page sets the pace at Crystal Bay
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the OK Corral
Tuesday, August 15, the Pattaya Golf Society took itself
off to Crystal Bay for the first of its monthly Order of Merit events, a
medal round over the C and A courses, which were in their usual excellent
condition. A bonus was the wonderfully receptive greens as opposed to the
hard, flying surfaces many courses provide.
The two flights were cut at twenty and under. In Division 2, Ian Kidd
continued his improvement with a sound net 73 and found himself in third
place, two shots behind Dannie Larsen whose net 71 was his second successive
sub-par round with the group. The flight winner was Ray Underwood and his
maiden victory with net 69 had come sooner than many had prophesied. It even
included his first Thai birdie as he chipped in from more than 130 yards on
C2. Well done Ray!
In Division 1, John Cunningham toiled away playing excellent golf, but a
putting malaise prevented him from carding a much better score than his
eventual net 73 for third. In second place was Simon Kendall whose total of
net 70 was a fine return on this course. Lording it over the field was Phil
Page and his winning score of net 67 marked his second victory in three
weeks at the PGS.
The day’s only “two” was recorded by Dannie Larsen and the ‘Booby Bevy’ was
shared by Len Jones and Tony Duthie for their aberration on a par three on
the back nine. As the day ended the bells were ringing in the OK Corral as
Dannie and Phil showed their generosity by inviting the field to join them
with a beer to celebrate another fine days’ golf with the PGS.
Grout seals fine win
With a popular birthday Scramble event at Green Valley looming on
the horizon, the Pattaya Golf Society chose the club as the venue for its
weekly Stableford event on Thursday, August, 17 - and a good job they did
too!
They found the course playing very long with distant tees and unmarked GUR
and furrowed fairways on the last few holes. Apart from that the course was
impeccably turned out as usual and a fine feast of golf lay before the two
large groups.
With the cut at seventeen and under the second division toiled all day under
a hot sun to produce Masashi Iizumi and Len Jones as joint runners-up,
scoring 34 points each in a tight flight. The winning score of 35 points was
recorded by a very welcome Emiel van der Wiele, playing with the group for
the first time.
In Division 1, the competition was no less fierce but a distinct winner was
to emerge. Bill Hewitt and Don Nellis tied for the minor honours on 32
points each whilst the day’s best score, 38 points, was amassed by Ian
Grout, playing his first round with the group for more than a year. The
Economics teacher was obviously delivering a very frugal lesson about
speculation and accumulation!
The day’s only birdie “two” was recorded by Kris Kritsnajootha on the
par-three sixteenth and the ‘Booby Bevy’ was shared by Ricky Smith, whose
pitching wedge lost an argument with a tree, and Ben Findon who had to
negotiate the round with great care after finding he had only two balls to
play with! Now that’s a tough test for any caddy. Once again Green Valley
had not disappointed
Phil & Mark shine at The Emerald
PSC golf from The Peacock Place
Monday, August 14, Plutaluang, Stableford
The first outing of the week saw a Stableford competition being played at
Plutaluang. The winner of the Ladies contest was once again the lovely Mrs.
Wendy Khan with a magnificent score of 44 points. Runner-up behind Wendy was
the equally lovely Su Muangmatcha with a fine 34 points.
The Men’s A Division was won by Jeff McLaury with 38 point’s and the
runner-up was the venerable old gentleman Ken Little with a fine 36 points.
B Division was won by Graham Hiskett with 36 points, closely followed by Jez
Lee with 34.
You will have to forgive me as I didn’t write down who won the “twos” pot
but that aside, the free beer was won by Gus Dickie. I won’t reveal the
score but suffice to say immediately after the round he took off back to
Scotland to hone his game. We expect him back in October, probably with a
different handicap.
Thursday, August 17, The Emerald, 2-Ball Scramble Medal
The Emerald was the venue for Thursday’s golf and we played a
2-ball scramble. The course was in great condition so a great day was had by
all.
The winners of the event were Phil Smith and Mark Joshua with a fantastic
score of 62.8. In second came Ray Dell and John Hillier with 65.4, another
great score and third was the pairing of Jeff McLaury and Bob Philp with
65.8.
There were 4 “twos” on the day recorded by Bob Van Mol and Doug Campbell,
Jack Mosely and Terry Phur, Mark Joshua and Phil Smith and Ray Dell and John
Hillier. The free beer went to Nigel Cannon and Mike Craighead.
Thank you all for coming ladies and gentlemen and if anybody is interested
in joining us for a golfing day out, you are most welcome. Either phone Bob
on 07 941 2474 or call into the Peacock Place on Soi Siam Country Road.
Breakfast is only 50 baht and the buffet put on after golf by Dao and her
lovely staff is simply great.
Newbies polish off the
field at The Emerald
PSC golf from The Oohsa Bar
Weekly winners at the friendly Oohsa Bar golf
society.
Several of the Oohsa Bar golfers, being new to the game have been diligently
submitting scorecards to the P.S.C. in order to achieve a USGA handicap. So
with new handicap in place, it was Mick Heatley (sleepy Mick to his mates)
who recorded a fine 39 points to top the podium. Next best was young Lorne,
who with 37 showed some potential, third was won by that old dog for the
hard road Steve Hamstad. The final placing was picked up by Wayne Farrell;
also first time out with a bona fide handicap.
Well done to all as the course was not playing easy, the condition was fair
to good, not the minefield I was expecting following numerous bad reports.
The fairways are in reasonable condition, as are the greens, travel in to
the rough though at your own peril.
The technical prizes were picked up by Jeff, Nigel, Steve & Henrik, (the
only ones to convert with a 2), while Mike Warner is making a habit of
picking up the Long Putt prize.
A healthy meal was provided by Malcolm & his staff; I have never seen so
many people eating salad at the same time, very tasty though. If you are
looking for a friendly game of golf come on up to the Oohsa Bar on Soi Khao
Talao. All standards of golfers are catered for, with Malcolm giving a warm
welcome to all.
Wayne’s World
PSC golf from The Café Kronborg
Monday, August 14, Plutaluang,
Stableford
The Royal Thai Navy’s Plutaluang North and West layouts were host for a
Stableford competition in one flight. The course was in good shape but
we experienced very windy conditions, especially on the West ‘nine’.
 Mug
winner Wayne (L), with Bjarne.
Alan Ewing took first place with 38 points ahead of Gene Rooney in
second with 36 points. Ted Morris was in third with 35 points and Marty
Allred in fourth on a count back over Dave Richardson, both with 34
points.
Thursday, August 17, Pattaya Country Club, Stroke
(Monthly Mug)
This is a special day at The Cafe Kronborg, and has been for
many years. This is the day we all trot off to a course nearby and play
Medal. Whilst most people enjoy this form of the game, there is no doubt
that all the players are dreading one of those holes that destroy your
day, and chance of winning.
Whilst a major disaster on one hole is a day ending disaster at Medal,
the kinder game of Stableford is more forgiving. So it was that the
‘Scribe’ started with a lost ball up a tree, and an eight. This gave a
better chance to the others, and a chance to relax. Not that they were
not all trying their best, but on a very windy day many people came to
grief.
The course at the present time is not in the best of condition. Some of
the bunkers leave a lot to be desired and the holes look as though they
have been cut with a hammer and chisel.
Back at the Cafe Kronborg we were soon into the presentation and it was
nice to see, for me at least, that the ‘Scribe’ Derek Brook, despite a
disaster, won the A Flight (0 to 18) with a net 71 on count back from
Gene Rooney, with Doug Jeffrey, now back permanently in Pattaya, in
third with a net 72.
The B Flight was won by Kevin Dinan with a net 68 ahead of Jay Perrin in
second with a net 71 and John Swanson in third with a net 72.
So to the winner of ‘The Mug’, and with a fine net 67 Wayne Koch once
again stepped into the limelight.
T.T.F.N.
Grape Vine wins title decider
Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League
Grapevine Team: Malcolm, Tue &
Bill; House of the Golden Coin Team: Su & Morn (Mio not shown)
Grape Vine took all four points from House of the
Golden Coin and ended up taking first place after 30 weeks of
competition. Second place goes to Golden Coin. Montana was a dark horse
to even win a trophy but managed to beat Café Kronborg in the final week
to take the third place trophy; Café Kronborg gets the fourth place
trophy after losing three points to Montana. Fifth place went to Domicil
who took all four points from Friends, who dropped from fifth to
seventh. Three Sisters took four from Shenanigans and moved up to sixth
place. Café Ole took three points from Mai’s Thai Restaurant; France got
three from Brother D and VFW Post 9876 won three from Jack & Tar. Barry,
bowling as a pacer, bowled the best series of the week with games of
226, 183 and 192 for a 601 total. Somrak bowled a 540 series; La had a
531 pin total and Rich a 530 series.
The Square Ring
by Howie Reed
One of the bright stars of boxing in Thailand has
been extinguished with the death of Payao Poontarat recently from
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s
Desase.
Payao Poontarat came from a remote village in Bangsapan District to win
a medal at the 1976 Olympics in Montreal. With a joint bronze he became
the first Thai athlete to ever win any Olympic medal.
When his plans for the ’80 Olympics in Moscow were thwarted by a
political boycott he turned professional. Even with an unspectacular
professional record of 10-4, Payao won the WBC super fly title in his
9th fight with a “questionable” split decision against Rafael Orono
(11-4). The “questionable” is only used because it was strange when the
winner gets 116-112 twice while California’s Chuck Hassett had it
113-115 the other way.
Payao would defend successfully once against Guty Espadas (KO 12) who
many might confuse with his son Guty Espadas Jr. who is still plying his
trade. The Dad was no slouch in the ring with a professional record of
39-6-5. Dad Espadas held the WBA title for three years going 4-1 in
title defenses - his last fight was against Payo.
As a professional Payao only traveled twice outside of Thailand to
fight; both of which he lost to Jiro Watanabe in Japan. Jiro won the
title with a split decision and the rematch by KO in 11.
I talked with Tony Castellano, one of the judges from the second loss to
Jiro: “They went toe-to-toe with each throwing ‘bombs’ throughout. In
one round I thought Payo was saved from a knockdown by referee Joey
Curtis. Payo was lying against the ropes sitting on the first strand. It
should have been a knockdown. Payo was tough.”
Gone is Thailand’s premier boxing hero.
One Thai fighter who’s still going strong is current WBC flyweight title
holder, Pongsaklek Wonjongkam (62-2). Here’s a guy that fights a couple
of titles fights a year, wins and moves on. He’s 15-0 in title defenses
and his next, on September 9 against South African Monelisi Myekeni
(21-2) will be another ‘W”. The down side of Wonjongkam is that he’s
never fought outside of the Kingdom, thereby ducking the real cream of
the flyweight crop. That crop includes Jorge Arce (44-3-1), Lorenzo
Parra (27-0) and Vic Darchinvan (26-0). Why? This Is Thailand.
’Twas a great weekend for the local lads, as fighting at home they rung
up a string of victories.
Ex WBC bantam champ, Veeraphol Sahaprom (54-3-2), making his first ring
appearance since losing his title to Hozumi Haseqawa, had “no problem”
with overmatched Pascal Mhagama. It took just 2 full rounds and a part
of the third for Veeraphol to score a KO and earn his payday. Impressive
it wasn’t.
The WBC’s #2 super-bantam, Napapol Kiattisakchokchai (38-2, 34 KOs),
knocked out Hussein Pazzi (15-7-1) in 3 stanzas also. Another former
champ, WBO bantam title-holder Ratanachai Sor Vorapin (68-9,45 KOs),
dropped Johnny Lear (15-13-1) twice for a TKO in round four.
The two cards had a number of former champions and or former
“contenders” and all won. The world is great. ‘Bah Humbug’.
With many expats reading this effort each week, it would be a mistake
not to mention this one last time. The “This” is the Maskaev-Rahman
heavyweight fight.
The press in the USA has had their collective panties in a wad, not a
pretty sight, that there is now no American heavyweight champion. Trust
me on this one; America couldn’t care less. It’s the Brit’s that go
“over the moon” for a heavyweight champion. There can be no argument
that during his reign Lennox Lewis was the best around. The Brits drank
toasts to the Jamaican born, Canadian raised Lewis, taking him to their
bosoms. Yanks yawned while pointing out that “no one cares.” The Yanks
are yawning now.
Talked with a “boxing official” who was of the opinion that without a
lucky punch against Lennox “The Imperial One” Lewis in South Africa,
Rahman was below average. Same official commenting on the 8,500 that
showed up to see Maskaev-Rahman: “More than half of them came in on free
tickets. They wouldn’t know a boxing match from a lap dance.”
Old saying in the Southern part of the USA, “That dog won’t hunt.” Well
the Maskaev-Rahman fight was considered a “dog that wouldn’t hunt.” But
did. It was an interesting fight which put on display the great heart of
the new champ and the lack of same by Rahman.
Last week 10,000 plus fans turned up in Dallas Texas to watch Evander
Holyfield fight and beat an insurance salesman named Jeremy “Master”
Bates. 10,000 fans is not bad, which should prove that if you give the
American boxing public a “dog that may hunt” they’ll pay to take a
gander. Yes they will.
One of the judges for Maskaev-Rahman was Thailand’s Anek Hongtongkam who
probably is one of the best-known non-American judges in the world. How
good is Hongtongkam as a judge? One of the measures of a boxing judge is
to go back over his scoring to see how many times in a big fight a judge
is alone in scoring a round. With three judges, if a judge is alone
scoring a round too often, it might mean that “judge don’t know squat”.
On the other hand it might imply that the other two judges aren’t worth
a darn. Judging Maskaev-Rahman, Anek Hongtongkam was in the majority
every round. Pretty darn good!
Jeeves: “My Lord, you’ve received a communiqué from your friend Mr.
Paul. Yes, I’ll be glad to read it: ‘You may have heard of a spate of
kidnappings here in Southern Nigeria, almost as bad as South Camden, NJ.
Well, so far I have eluded the kidnappers but not to worry. My life mate
and almost in widowhood has given me $5.00 with which to ransom myself.
Her concern almost brought tears to my eyes until she reminded me to get
$3.50 in change. Your pal in darkest, (it does get light during the day)
Africa - Paul.’
“Your Lordship, I’ve stocked up on a few Island Lagers, there’s fresh
cigars in the humidor and I’m off to the ballet.”
I’ll bet he’s off to the ballet on the Walking Street. Poor old Jeeves
has fallen in with bad company.
Ken does it the ‘Am-way’
Jomtien Golf with the I.P.G.C.
Wednesday August 16, Plutaluang,
2-’Man’ Stableford Scramble
Eleven teams were competing today at the ever improving Thai Royal Navy
course for a two man scramble, or should I say a two person scramble.
The divisions were cut at 19 and below so we selected at random out of
two hats one player from each division to play together as a team. There
were some interesting pairings going out with the 20% of the combined
handicaps being implemented.
In third place were Glyn Evans and Ted Morris with a net 69, closely
followed by Miss Noy and Rick Smith with a 68.6. The winners of this
popular competition were Miss Am and Mr. Ken Lille with a great score of
66.2. Commiserations go to Andy Mills and Rick Newman for losing out on
the prizes by .2 on this system. Double commiserations go to the
ecstatic Rick Newman after he had scored his second birdie on the par
threes, only to be told there were no “twos” today in the format, the
face dropped a mile. The ladies’ drinks were won by Bob Green and Chris
Holmes with a net 77.
There were two bottles of wine up for grabs for nearest the pin in each
division today on the first and third par threes. For Division 1, Bruce
Lawrence took both prizes while in Division 2, Glyn and Bev secured the
other two bottles.
A big thanks to Eddie Behr from the ‘Rich Man Poor Man’ guest house on
Soi 9 here in Jomtien, who has donated a free freshly baked pizza meal
voucher, to be won on our Monday and Wednesday outings. All of the
players competing that day who had not won a prize, their names went
into a hat and Miss Nom’s number came out. Bon Apetite.
Jomtien golf meets every Monday and Wednesday at Paweenas on Soi 5,
Jomtien Beach Road and departs at 9.00am for a 10.30 tee off time.
Transport and club hire are available, please sign up at the bar or ring
Glyn on 06 837 5464.
Nile and Colin take team title at Treasure Hills
PSC golf from The Bunker
Monday, August 14, Emerald Golf
Course, Medal
Monday, The Bunker Boy’s travelled the short distance to The Emerald
Golf Course for a Medal competition.
Duncan Lee - Runner up at Sri Racha International.
With two flights and the cut at 15 and under Mashi Kaneta came out on
top in the A Flight, winning with a one under par net 71 ahead of John
Hughes, who shot a one over net 73, and Gerry Cooney who finished third
with a net 74.
In the B Flight, Tony Geeland shot the best score of the day despite a
two shot cut; winning with a fine three under par net 69. In second
place came Nile Sheehan, and Mike Withers finished third with a net 76.
Near pin prizes went to Glen Cunningham, Al McGrory, John Hughes and
Geoff Hart.
Wednesday, August 16,
Treasure Hills,
2-Man Stableford Scramble
For a pleasant change to the normal format a Stableford
Scramble was played at Treasure Hills Golf and Country Club on
Wednesday, and great fun it was too.
Nile Sheehan and partner Colin Greig scored the most points on the day
to take the honours, winning with 41 points. In second place came Gerry
Cooney and Tony Geeland followed by Mike Withers and Peter Habgood, who
scored 39 and 36 points respectively.
Near pin prizes went to Colin Greig, Glen Cunningham and Gerry Cooney,
as only three of the par three greens were hit.
Friday, August 18,
Sri Racha, Medal
Friday saw the golfers travel to Sri Racha for a Medal
competition, with two flights and the cut at 18 and under.
We had a fine duel in the A Flight between PJ Redmond and Duncan Lee; PJ
coming out on top winning with a two under par net 70, only one shot
ahead of Duncan. Colin Greig took third place with a net 73.
In the B Flight Jim Payne finished third with a net 75, Granville
Swanton was second with a two under par net 70, but Brian Wilkins stole
the show, winning with the best score of the day - a four under par net
68.
The difficult par three’s proved to be just that, as only two were hit
which meant Paul Davies and Geoff Parker shared the pot between them.
Pete - ‘King’ of Laem Chabang
PSC golf form Tropical Bert’s
Tuesday, August 15, Laem Chabang, Stableford
This was a day that, according to Rick, we were to play the best course
in The Eastern Seaboard, and who am I to argue, and what’s more at a
‘Sport’s Day’ price.
Now what has this course got to offer? Well it is green, it is the best
manicured around, it is immaculately maintained and to top it all off it
is a Jack Nicklaus course. That means that as someone with a power fade,
I can sometimes get away with it as Jack’s courses tend to favour the
fade, or as we sometimes call it the ‘slice’
Winner and Runner-up: Pete King (R) & Perry McNeely
So after a Bert’s ‘brekkers’, off we went, full of the joys of ‘Spring’,
well August, to play the B & C nines of this super course. The ‘B’ was
fairly quiet and we rocketed around a great nine holes; green fairways,
tricky greens and with that tranquil feeling that great courses give.
Then onto the ‘C’ course, a nine we have not played for some time. True
to form, players appeared out of the woodwork and we had a delay. It
seems that after nine holes some players stop for a meal - nice idea but
frustrating. Still ‘C’ is arguably the hardest so we needed time to play
it and truth be told, the players ahead did get a move on.
Back at Bert’s the knife and forks were in full action as the players
enjoyed some of his fine free fare, until Tim read out the scores with
the winner being declared as Pete King, with Perry McNeely in second,
Peter Stevens in third and Derek Brook in fourth.
Presentation over we did what we normally do, and tested Bert’s ‘Golfers
Special’.
T.T.F.N.
Near Pins: Mashi Kaneta, Derek Brook, Pete King, Dick Warberg, Bob
Noble, Vincent Smyth, Bill Knight.
Long Put: Colin Bavington, Peter Stevens
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