MBMG Matchplay League 2008

Monday 11 August, Phoenix - Tony’s Tigers 6 v The Golf Club 2
Tony’s Tigers returned to form against The Golf Club after last week’s slump and managed to reverse the result of their match earlier in the season when The Golf Club triumphed 8 to 2.
Today’s match was played in a great spirit by two very strong teams and there was lots of friendly banter before, during and after the match. Tony had to hastily re-arrange a tee time for the first four-ball as two of the opposition players had to report for work and would not have been able to play at the original tee time. One of the Tigers’ players was unable to make the course on time, so Tony drafted himself into the side at the last minute. But this was only a temporary hiccup as he went on win 3 & 1 and record his first ever victory in the league.
After the match everyone went back to the Rich Man Poor Man Bar in Soi 9 Jomtien where Eddie our host for the evening laid on a great spread for us, and a few beers were enjoyed by one and all.
Individual Results (Tigers first): Chris Holmes won 4 & 3 Mark Reid; Stuart Gordon halved with Jeff Calrow; Thomas Kjellgren halved with Ernie Hills; Lo Holgersson lost 4 & 5 Martin Todd; Ron Bridge won 3 & 2 John Emmerson; Nigel Irvine won 3 & 1 Simon Philbrook; Ted Morris won 1 up Paul Greenaway; Tony Duthie won 3 & 1 Paul Mades.
Friday 15 August,
Phoenix – Angkana House 3½ v Tropical Berts 3½
Individual Results (Angkana first): Marty Alred lost 1 down Anders Pedersen; Barry James lost 2 & 1 Perry McNeely; Clive Robinson won 1 up Mick O’Meara; Trevor Loersch halved with Colin Cronin; Ken McArthy won 3 & 1 Dick Warburg; Bob Rasmussen won 6 & 5 Phil Barnsley; Peter Harris lost 3 & 1 Frank Pilkington

Eight countries taking part in 3rd Paralympics

The International Paralympic Games is currently taking place at the Pattaya Indoor Stadium until August 23.

Saksiri Uraiworn
Competitors from eight countries are currently taking part in the 3rd International Paralympic Games, which started this week on Wednesday August 20 and will finish on Saturday August 23.
A briefing on the event was held earlier this month at the Redemptorist Vocational School and was hosted by Deputy Mayor Ronakit Ekasingh, together with Suporndhama Mongkolsawas, director of the Redemptorist Foundation for People with Disabilities, Father Worawoot Saraphan, deputy chairman of the Father Ray Foundation, and director of the Redemptorist Vocational School Udom Churat.
Pattaya City is working in cooperation with the Redemptorist Foundation to organize these games, an event designed to help the disabled to develop both physically and mentally, and to help the city in its avowed objective of being fully geared to receiving disabled visitors.
The three main events during the Paralympics, which are taking place at the Pattaya Indoor Stadium, are wheelchair basketball, wheelchair fencing, and wheelchair table tennis. Participants are from South Korea, Iran, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Pakistan, and Thailand.
Ronakit said that supporting and developing the quality of life for the disabled is one of the key policies of Pattaya City. And these Paralympics are not just being staged for the disabled, the event is also being organized by disabled personnel, said Ronakit. This was the case during the previous two Paralympics, and the organization of the events had gone perfectly. Pattaya City, he said, was therefore being completely supportive for these 3rd Games, both in terms of budgeting and cooperation.

Pattaya to get first taste of Outdoor Unlimited Dash Series

Great outdoors and adventure activities are increasingly popular in Thailand and Adventure Racing is probably the fastest growing and newest sport in the country.
After the tremendous success of the Amazing Adventure Race Series organized in association with The Tourism Authority of Thailand, Active Management Asia, the leader in the organization of Adventure Races in Thailand, is launching a new series of sprint races in which participants will compete individually instead of in the usual teams of two.

The first race in the Adventure Dash Series will take place at Khao Mai Keo near Pattaya on Sunday September 21.

The races will take place on Sunday mornings in locations not over 100 kilometers from Bangkok and easy accessible. Locations are carefully chosen for their beautiful scenery and challenging terrain.
The Outdoor Unlimited Adventure Dash Series will include six races that will take place from September 2008 until June 2009. The series is supported by “Outdoor Unlimited” Adventure Zone at the 2nd floor of the new Amarin Plaza.
“These sprint races will give the opportunity to athletes who have never competed in an Adventure Race to have a taste of adventure,” says Serge Henkens the organizer. “It will also help everyone to prepare for longer competitions. It will definitely help in the development of this fantastic new sport in the kingdom. As the distances are much shorter, these races are accessible to everyone,” he said.
To start the series off the first dash will take place on Sunday September 21 in Khao Mai Keo near Pattaya. “We estimate that the front runners will complete the course in 75-90 minutes. The slower participants should arrive at the finish line in a maximum 3 hours,” says Henkens. “What we want is that the participants can be back home for lunch and spend the Sunday afternoon with their families,” he added.
There will be three separate categories to race in: Men, Women, and Masters Men (Over 40 years of age) and the disciplines will include mountain biking, running and mystery tests. The course will involve approx. 8km of running and 15km of mountain biking.
Some 30,000 baht in prizes will be available for each race with 5,000 baht going to the winners of Women and Men categories.
Entry fee will be 500 baht if registration and payment is made in advance and 600 baht on Race day. There will be a short trophy ceremony after each dash where medals and prizes will be awarded to the top 3 in each category.
All competitors that do 4 out of 6 races will also qualify for overall series prizes and trophies and there will be series videos, music, drinks, lucky draws and fun for the rest at the gala dinner awards in June 2009.
For more information about this new and exciting event and next dashes, visit the Outdoor Unlimited Dash Series website: www.adventuredash.com

No holiday crowds at Phoenix

PSC Phoenix Tuesday Group (Members & Guests)

Mike Gerrard
Tuesday 12 August – Phoenix G.C.
Once again, after continuous heavy rain for at least 12 hours, at 10.30 am on the morning of play it appeared as though our golf day would be cancelled. The sky was black and even the Queen’s birthday did not appear to look as though it would have any influence on the prospect of better weather conditions. But it did, and it brightened up!
After a quick call to the course they assured us that not only was the course fit for play, but that carts would be allowed as well.
It has to be said that if only the marketing thinking of these organisations was as good as the courses, they would make far more money. Because of the holiday for the Queen’s birthday (something we all deeply respect), the green fees for the day had been set at weekend prices for guests and we basically had the course to ourselves (well almost). It seems to me that if a holiday special price was worked out the course would most likely have been packed – and that means much gold!
All this meant that we ran round the course in near record time, we even let a four-ball through because they were playing much quicker than we were.
Today we welcomed Doug Wilson to our group for the first time and also we had the welcome return of Paul Sharples on one of his regular trips to Thailand from Oman.
Starting next week we are going to try an experiment and book a couple of tee times at 11.30 am on Friday’s. This will be in line with Tuesday golf rules, except that we will play from the blue (tiger) tees. Same format as on a Tuesday: arrive minimum 30 minutes before, i.e. 11.00am at the latest for the draw for partners and tee times.
There will possibly be one Friday of the month we will not play and that will be to coincide with the PSC Monthly Tournament. I would hope that our group would support the PSC golf tournaments wherever they are played.
For further information contact me (Mike Gerrard) on 087 091 7565.

Irish eyes smiling at Plantation

PSC golf from the Outback Golf Bar

Joey’s Column
Monday 11 August, Burapha - Stableford
Capt’ Bob must have felt sorry for everybody today as Burapha were only able to give the 55 Outbackers a one tee start. In the hope that it would make for a quick round, he decided to play from the white tees on Crystal & Dune. Well it seemed to work, most players reporting very quick rounds of under four hours. Good thinking Bob, but there was some pretty good scoring and a sackful of ‘2’s.

Birthday boy Paul Quodomine, left, with Geoff Doody, Alan Bishop & Rick Evans.

John Little, who was cut two shots after winning the overall last week, did it again today with another great round of golf, scoring 43 points. Trailing in his wake, some five points adrift were three players on 38 points; Bruce McAdam taking second overall on count back from Ray Dell, winner of Div A and Dave Porter, winner of Div B. The minor placings both had four-way count backs all on 36 points, which did take sometime to sort out. All in all some 12 Outbackers played to their handicap or better.
Div C was less impressive with Sid Ottaway taking first scoring 35, with two more count backs between Barry Chadbourn, Mark Kembrey (both on 32) and John Lawton & John Stafford (both on 31).
There were nine ‘2’s coming from Frank O’Neill, Barry Chadbourn, Paul Quodomine, Marty Alred, Phil Barnsley, Bill Carter, Norm Martin and John Little (2).
Overall
1st John Little (10) 43pts
2nd Bruce McAdam (20) 38pts
Div A (0– 12)
1st Ray Dell (12) 38pts
2nd Steve Nowell (9) 36pts
3rd Bruce Milner (11) 36pts
4th Paul Sharples (9) 36pts
5th Bernie Segrave (7) 36pts
Div B (13–17)
1st Dave Porter (13) 38pts
2nd Rosco Langoulant (14) 36pts
3rd Rick Sharp (13) 36pts
4th Frank O’Neill (15) 36pts
5th Alan Bishop (17) 36pts
Div C (18+)
1st Sid Ottaway (24) 35pts
2nd Barry Chadbourn (20) 32pts
3rd Mark Kembrey (18) 32pts
4th John Lawton (18) 31pts
5th John Stafford (20) 31pts
Wednesday 13 August, Green Valley - Stableford
Paul Quodomine hosted the 9th Outbacker Birthday Cup at a deserted Green Valley course where 35 Outbackers enjoyed some millionaire golf, scooting round in less than four hours and reveling in the superb playing conditions.
As is customary with these events, Paul sponsored the 1st & 2nd overall prizes as well as the near pins and then treated everybody to dinner back at the ranch.
Geoff Doody, who has been improving his game with a series of lessons, continued his form scoring 39 points which was enough to win the day quite comfortably. Geoff also picked up one of only two 2’s and a near pin prize (12th). Rick Evans beat Bob Van Mol on count back to take second overall on 36 points, leaving Bob to head Div. A.
Div. B went to Alan Bishop making 35 points, playing off 18, and Div. C was won by Paul Crosland with 34, just one point ahead of Trudy Chadbourn.
The remaining near pins went to Mike O’Brien (2nd) and Mark Kembrey (16th); nobody managed to stay on the green on the 9th.
The other ‘2’ came from Fabian, who joined us today; and thanks for the vouchers. Also thanks for the day to Paul and Happy Birthday from everybody at the Outback Golf Bar.
Overall
1st Geoff Doody (20) 39pts
2nd Rick Evans (4) 36pts
Div. A (0-12)
1st Bob Van Mol (9) 36pts
2nd Jack Spencer (6) 34pts
3rd Bob Philp (7) 32pts
4th Jack Moseley (8) 32pts
Div B (13-18)
1st Alan Bishop (18) 35pts
2nd Murray Hart (16) 34pts
3rd Kathy Doody (18) 34pts
4th Sugar Ray Hanford (18) 33pts
Div C (19+)
1st Paul Crosland (19) 34pts
2nd Trudy Chadbourn (27) 33pts
3rd Nigel Cannon (22) 31pts
4th Bruce McAdam (20) 31pts
Friday 15 August, Siam Plantation - Stableford
The Outback Golf Bar welcomed the 19 players from Lewiinski’s who joined them today, together with a further 11 from the German-Swiss Golf Club. True international relations!
It was the Outbacker-Irish contingent that won the day with an outstanding 38 points scored by Pat Regan, four points clear of his nearest challenger, Des Scott, with 34. That would have been enough to win on any other day, but it was enough to beat Capt’ Bob who was third with 32.
Steve Compton took Div. B on count back from the regular podium man, Rosco, both with 31 points, and Rosco in turn edged out his mate ‘Muzza’ on 30.
The girls dominated Div. C, taking the top two spots: Thabthim Wolf winning with 32 from Kanlaya Karagit, aka Jum on 31.
There were only two ‘2’s; one came from Des Scott, apparently after a slapped six iron to about 3 feet on the 7th on Tapioca and the other, more conventionally, from Jack Hinchey on the same hole.
For the record, Sugarcane & Tapioca were the nines played today from the usual mix of tees, giving a total length of a little over 6,500 yards.
Div A (0-12)
1st Pat Regan (9) 38pts
2nd Des Scott (9) 34pts
3rd Bob Philp (7) 32pts
Div. B (13-18)
1st Steve Compton (16) 31pts
2nd Rosco Langoulant (14) 31pts
3rd Murray Hart (16) 30pts
Div. C (19+)
1st Thabthim Wolf (25) 32pts
2nd Kanlaya Karagit (36) 31pts
3rd Weruer Hueftle (21) 31pts
Friday 15 August,  Plutaluang - Stableford
The regular Outbacker Friday alternate spot was the ever-popular Navy course where, it’s reported, at least three nines were played. It makes for an interesting competition but did not stop Kathy winning yet again, off her new h’cap of 18, with 34 points.
There were two ‘2’s from Kathy Doody and Brendon Dougal.
1st Kathy Doody (18) 34pts
2nd Alan Bishop (18) 32pts
3rd Brendon Dougal (19) 31pts
Note: On Monday 1st & Wednesday 3rd September, the Outback Golf Bar will host their first anniversary two-day 36-hole stroke competition at Burapha. This is a full handicap competition open to men and ladies, the overall winner of which will receive the Outbacker Decanter.
In addition to the two-day stroke tournament there will be a daily competition with the usual divisions and an overall stableford competition for those of you who fail to make the cut.
The Outback Golf Bar is situated about 6km from Sukhumvit Road along Soi Siam Country. All are welcome to come and join us for a beer and a hit. Just call in and put your name down on the list or give Bob a call on 087 941 2474.
Our Bus Trip this month is to Royal Lakeside on Weds 27 August. More information can be found on our website www.outbackgolfbar.com.

High scores abound at Crystal Bay

Jomtien golf with the IPGC

Monday 11 August, Crystal Bay – Stableford
With a small field of 20 players out today there were some remarkable high scores coming in at this popular and demanding course.
In Division 1 Burnie Sinclair’s 37 points did not even come into the reckoning as Paddy Wilson’s 38 points gave him third spot with Keith Hector two points ahead in second. Out in front on his own was Jean Morel with a remarkable 43 points.
This same score was repeated in Div. 2 by Colin Mearns who took first place while Alan Bissell beat Roger Ribbins on a 23/22 back nine count back to finish second after they both scored 36 points.
In the 2’s competition, the in-form Jean Morel birdied the 5th hole on the A course to win the only prize in Division 2 and no-one got one in Division 1.
Wednesday 13 August, Emerald - Matchplay and Stableford
This was our fourth round in the IPGC matchplay competition and a home fixture against Lewinski’s, as well as the normal Wednesday stableford competition. For details of the matchplay event see this week’s Lewiinski’s golf report.
Miss Nit won the stableford contest with 36 points with Ben Findon second on 33 and Alain third with 32 points.
Nearest the pins went to Clinton Hazlett (2), Miss Nit, John Freehan, Peter Ring, Ben Findon and Ken Foster.
Friday 15 August, Eastern Star – Stableford
Normally a gentle breeze greets us here but this was a very hot and humid day indeed. No temporary green on the 4th hole so we reverted back to the normal white tee positions.
Tom Sathrum’s 37 points was enough to win Division 2 with John McLoone second two points behind and Paddy Wilson in third place on 34 points.
It was another fine round for Miss Nit to take first place in Division 2 with 37 points. Les Winch beats Miss Oam on a back six count back to finish second after they both finished with 28 points.

Green Valley gets the ‘Magic Number’

IPGC golf from Lewiinski’s

Sunday 10 August, Green Valley - Monthly Medal
A Flight
1st Kris K net 69
2nd Bob Staubin net 71
3rd Don Lehmer net 74
B Flight
1st Ger Lodge net 69
2nd Bob Lindburg net 71
3rd Stuart Rocchi net72
C Flight
1st Kathy Doody net 69
2nd Peter Ring net 71
3rd Kevin Hamilton net74
Near Pins: #2 Roy Thornton; #9 Kris K; #12 Kris K; #16 Charles Sheppard
Hidden Six winners: 1st Kris K, 2nd Kathy Doody, 3rd Jack Spencer (count back over six other contestants.)
Sixty-nine is a frequently used number on the golf course; a novel titled the thirty-nine steps should have been titled the sixty-nine steps. The grand old Duke of York marched sixty-nine men up a hill somewhere, and it is the most common number used in email addresses. And this magical number was needed to win A B and C flights for this Sunday’s monthly medal.
So let’s start with A Flight, winning it in fine style was Kris K with that aforementioned number, second place went to Bob Staubin with a net 71 and rounding out the flight was Don Lehmer with a net 74.
The B Flight winner was Ger Lodge with yes a net 69, second was Bob” the guru” Lindburg with a net 71 and third place fell to Stuart Rocchi with a net 72.
C Flight winner and Monthly Medal winner for August was Kathy Doody, whose back side “Pardon the pun” was much better than either Kris K or Ger Lodge. Taking the silver in C Flight was the man from Co. Dublin, Peter Ring, with a net 71. Third place went to Kevin Hamilton with a net 74.
Kathy Doody, Kris K and Ger Lodge all qualify for the Gold Medal later in the year.
Monday 8 August, Khao Kheow - Stableford
A Flight
1st Jim Brackett (6) 34pts
2nd Bill Broschart (17) 30pts
Khao Kheow welcomed a small Lewiinski’s group to play a stableford comp, and as the scores indicate this course at the moment is not for the faint hearted.
Leading home the troops in first place was big Jim Brackett with an impressive 34 points and second place went to Bill Broschart with 30. Big Jim also made the only ‘2’ of the day.
Wednesday 13 August, Mountain Shadow – IPGC Matchplay
Lewiinski’s matchplay team traveled to Mountain Shadow to play the ‘home’ team Jomtien Golf Society where the result was four points apiece and a drawn match.
Eyebrows were raised and some questions were asked as the captain announced the team. The main bone of contention was the inclusion of Peter Ring, a product of Lewinski’s youth academy, and at 78 years of age it is to Peter’s credit that he has waited all these years.
With the score at four points to three in favor of the Jomtien, guess who was the last player to come in for Lewiinski’s? Yes that man Peter, with the biggest smile you have ever seen. Captain Bob wiped his brow with a little relief.
Full results (Jomtien first): Chris Holmes won1 up Clinton Hazlett; John Mcloone lost 3& 1 Bob Newell; Tom Sathrum all square Pat Regan; Paddy Wilson lost 2 down Ian Grout; Jim Lane won 6 & 5 Seamus Cotter; Burnie Sinclair won 4 & 2 Colin Davis; Alan Bissell all square Peter Henshaw; Jimmy Johnson lost 2 down Peter Ring.
Friday 15 August, Siam Plantation - Stableford
A Flight
1st Phil Groves (7) 34pts
2nd Jack Spencer (6) 31pts
B Flight
1st Stuart Rocchi (16) 34 pts
2nd Marcus Inuzuka (16) 33 pt
Twenty Lewiinski’s golfers joined up with Captain Bob’s Outbackers, to play the very challenging Lee Schmidt designed Plantation layout.
Winning the senior division was Phil Groves with a creditable 34 points, while second spot was claimed by Jack “A tension” Spencer with 31 points.
Stuart Rocchi took the junior flight after carding a handy 34 points and Marcus Inuzuka rounded out the prize places on 33 points for second
Note: Lewiinski’s is situated on Pattaya Land Soi 1, Beach Road Soi 13/3 near to Walking Street. Anyone wishing to play with us just pop in and add your name to the list or call Colin on 089 826 0764. Transport is provided.

Gibbons king of the swingers at Phoenix

Golf from the Travellers Rest

Barry Hooper
Tuesday 12 August, Plutaluang, Stableford
1st Frank Kelly (16) 38pts
2nd Barry Hooper (32) 37pts
3rd Fergus Brennan (9) 34pts
4th David Snell (11) 34pts
2’s: Eddie Townsend
This week we went to Plutaluang on the holiday, Tuesday 12 August, as they hold their costs down on such days unlike many of the other courses.

Saturday winners and TRGG staff: Matt, Aer, Ted, Moo, Billy, Tanom, Picky and George.

At the start it looked unlikely that we would be playing but we had a report from the course that the rain situation was not as dire as that in Pattaya, so it was all agreed that we go and play. This turned out to be a good decision. Yes it was wet on arrival, but during the course of play it brightened up considerably. The rain started to return near the end but most players were no more wet than if they had been perspiring on a full sun drenched day.
Frank Kelly has just returned from the Emerald Isle and obviously not lost any form whilst away and came in with a winning thirty eight points. Yours truly, although having a very bad start, found form on the back nine with twenty-four and came home second with thirty-seven points. Our hard working organiser Fergus Brennan was third with thirty-four pointson count back from David Snell.
Eddie Townsend picked up the 2’s pot on his own.
Thursday 14 August, Phoenix Mountain & Lakes - Stableford
A Flight
1st Matt Gibbons (15) 40pts
2nd George Robinson (11) 36pts
3rd Roger Wilkinson (15) 36pts
4th Robert Lamond (5) 35pts
B Flight
1st Alun Webber (23) 34pts
2nd Eddie Townsend (18) 32pts
3rd Billy Fitzgerald (17) 31pts
4th Stuart Banks (23) 31pts
2’s: George Robinson
Thursday 14 August at Phoenix Mountain and Lakes, it was a very large turnout so two divisions were played.
Matt Gibbons was the man of the day with a commanding forty-points for the win in division one and some four points ahead of his nearest rivals, George Robinson and Roger Wilkinson, who fought out the second and third spots on count back thirty-sixes with George just edging it.
B Flight went to another returning player, this time from Wales’ Alun Webber with thirty four points, two up on Eddie Townsend in second with Billy Fitzgerald a further point back in after beating Stuart Banks on count back.
George Robinson picked up yet another 2’s pot.
Saturday 16 August, Eastern Star - Stableford
1st Ted Senior (17) 35pts
2nd Bily Fitzgerald (17) 35pts
3rd George Robinson (11) 35pts
4th Matt Gibbons (13) 35pts
2’s: Frank Kelly (2)
On Saturday we went to our usual weekend venue at Eastern Star. We had a very good turnout on the day and the course is in very good condition with some of the temporary greens now out of play.
It was a thirty five-point count back shoot out for all the top four places: fourth was Matt Gibbons, third George Robinson, second Billy Fitzgerald and on top was Ted Senior.
Meanwhile Frank Kelly made the 2’s all his own with a double.

Plath and Basi head the field

PSC golf from The Café Kronborg

Thomas Cotton
Monday 11 August, Green Valley - Stableford
A Flight (0-20)
1st Bill Plath 34pts
2nd Per Olav Baarli 33pts
3rd Henry O’Brien 32pts
B Flight B (21+)
1st Peter S. Basi 38pts
2nd Daryl Evans 34pts
3rd Kenny Chung 32pts
On Monday morning the Kronborg regulars held another stableford competition at one of their favourite courses: Green Valley. They were welcomed by an overcast sky which sheltered them from the otherwise glaring sun. However, the late morning was graced by a stiff breeze, which gradually faded and the day became increasingly muggy.
The greens here, in my view, were rather fast and some of our low handicap players were three-putting, which hurt their scores. In fact, only one player was able to better his handicap. Another player almost lost his locker key, but otherwise, not anything really exciting happened and following play, we assembled in the fabled German restaurant to drink Thai beer and order Japanese food from across the way.

Café Kronborg maintains hot pace

Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League

Kran bowled a 557 series to lead Café Kronborg to a four-point sweep over Jack Tar and increase advantage at the top. Mai bowled a 210 game and 553 series for Jack Tar and Dang rolled a 505 but they could not even win one point.
Montana moved up to second place after winning three and one half points from Brother D. Tukata had a 544 series for Montana and Antero a 519 for Brother D. VFW Post 9876 moved up to third after winning all four points from Bavaria.
Café Ole moved up the standings behind P.K.’s 222 game, 552 series and Somrak’s 210 game and 529 to take all four points from SaBai SaBai Friday.
House of the Golden Coin got on the winning track taking three points from Montgomery. Rich Montana bowled games of 208, 194 and 218 for a 620 series. La led Montgomery with a 528 series.
Sala Thai Restaurant also got a victory as they took three points from Canada. Ooy bowled a 549 for Canada and Wade had a 513 for Sala Thai.

The sweet smell of success

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the OK Corral

Sunday, 10 August, a seasonally smallish group representing the Pattaya Golf Society played a stableford round at an empty Eastern Star and found the course being its usual stubborn self and only giving up shots grudgingly.

Chris Voller (right) savours the moment as Mr. Denis presents him with his first “Player of the Month” trophy.

A trio of French golfers led the group off the first tee and at the end of the competition two of them had emphasised their presence with places in the top three. In joint second place was Jean Morel, his 33 points matching the score of Chris Voller, but one point behind the leader Jeremy Akoum, celebrating the opening of his new perfume blending business in Pattaya with 34 points.
Once again breaking par was a tough test at Eastern Star and for the second successive Sunday there were no birdie 2’s, making for a large pot at the same venue next week.
The Booby Bevy went to fourth placed Len Jones as consolation for his bad luck in missing out on the customary Sunday fourth place payout, the numbers game deciding on three places only. However, the friendship of the day more than made up for it.
Morel the master at Greenwood
The Pattaya Golf Society visited Greenwood on Thursday, 14 August, to play a stableford competition and found the club preoccupied with a later starting “in-house” tournament.
Our group was given the B/C combination and found the starting B nine in excellent condition with good fast greens. A notice had earlier been espied in the clubhouse informing that the C nine was closed and when starting the back nine it was obvious that the club had opened it only for our group, so as not to disrupt anything the other tournament had in mind.
Thus we had to contend with nine holes which were under repair with cored and sanded greens and even the drinks kiosks were locked and unattended. Needless to say nobody was available afterwards to give an explanation.
It preoccupied the golfers’ thoughts at the presentation later when they were also celebrating Chris Voller’s first success as the society’s “Player of the Month” after some fine individual performances throughout July. The results were: in third place Bill Hewitt with 32 points, in second Keith Hector with 34 and the winner was Jean Morel with 36. The rolled over 2’s pot was won by Bill Hewitt for his effort on B2

Barry Traynor ‘holes-in-one’ again

IPGC golf from The Haven

Monday, 11 August, Green Valley - Stableford
1st Graham Davis 40pts
2nd Russell Exley 39pts
3rd Barry Winton 38pts
4th Lyle Blaw 38pts
5th Paul Taylor 37pts
Lining up on a Monday at Green Valley one is never sure if the tees will have been moved from the traditional forward positioning of the weekend, and on this occasion the scores would indicate that they had not been moved. But in fact they had and the day’s good scores were due to several players being in top form with some preparing for the upcoming matchplay s and the weekend Camel Classic Scramble.
Graham Davis at last had reason to celebrate, having had to wait until his last game for the win before returning to the lowlands of Scotland, but at least he is returning with a handicap that is exactly the same as the one he arrived with at the beginning of July.
Russell Exley always seems to put in at least one good score a week nowadays and this was this week’s effort. At three-under it produced another slight reduction to his now solid single figure handicap and showed he was in good form for the upcoming series of outside competitions.
Barry Winton, Russell’s team captain in a couple of those events, was also in good nick as he went round in a gross 74 to take third spot ahead of Lyle Blaw who he edged out by one on the count back over the last 6.
Paul Taylor rounded out the podium with a very solid one-under par on a day that saw the CSS drop to 71.
There were no 2’s in the second division but Graham Davis, Tony Thorne and Lyle Blaw had one each in the first division.
Before presenting the prizes, The Doc bade farewell to Patrick Scullion and Graham Davis.
Wednesday, 13 August, Greenwood - Stableford
1st B.J. Smith 43pts
2nd Barry Traynor 41pts
3rd Jens Gunnarsson 41pts
4th Dave Spendley 41pts
5th Al Keith 40pts
The white tees at Greenwood are always to be found in forward positions during the week, as interestingly the positions are reserved for the weekend when the Directors want to play the proper course. As usual on a Monday at Greenwood, the CSS went down to 71 which was well deserved and should have possibly been down to 69 if the standard SS had been set at 70.
All this meant a fairly heavy day for scoring with B.J. Smith exceeding all forecasts while putting together his best round in many a month to lead home the pack by two clear.
Barry Traynor led a group of three by count back of 14 over the last six against Jens Gunnarsson and 20 on the back nine over Dave Spendley.
Al Keith Found little joy in amassing a score of four-under but did take the last spot on the podium and it did help a lot in his matchplay game.
Once again there were no 2’s in the second division but Stephen Wright and Al Keith with two succeeded in the first division. Unfortunately for them, Barry Traynor knocked in a hole in one on the 174-yard second hole to sweep both pots together with the roll over, but he did buy them and all the other day’s players a drink later at The Haven, which was matched by The Doc on behalf of The Haven. It was Barry’s second hole-in-one in Thailand and no doubt will not be his last.
Prior to the presentation new members Stephen Wright, Lamai Sontee and Phil Stevenson were welcomed.
Haven Knockout Matchplay
The day was also the second round of the Haven Knockout Matchplay which was led off by a re-match from the previous month’s competition between Russell Exley and B.J. Smith, and with both of them in top form of late a great contest was expected. It did not turn out quite that way as B.J., receiving 14 shots from Russell, proceeded to put together a great run of holes from the get go and jumped out to a position of 4-up after 5 holes and never let it slip as he ran out the winner by 6 and 4.
Next up was Al Keith against Stephen Beard, and with Al having to concede 15 shots it was always going to be hard work against the wily Stephen. But Al took charge of the match on the 16th after Stephen plopped his second into the water hazard, going 1 up, and held out to a chip in on the last to take the match by 2 up having knocked it round in a gross 73.
Tony Barritt took on, the up till now the unbeaten La Keith, and ground out a famous win 3 and 1, having been 3 down at one stage but threw in a double bogey, birdie, par sequence to get back to level and from there it was almost plain sailing.
Jens Gunnarsson took his match by a walkover with Peter Aitcheson unfortunately unable to make the tee due to last minute work commitments.
Friday, 15 August, Phoenix - Stableford
1st Ian Grout 39pts
2nd Brian Kelly 39pts
3rd Barry Winton 38pts
4th Tony Barritt 36pts
5th Al Keith 35pts
6th Bubbles Davies 35pts
7th Lyle Blaw 35pts
Friday was a very good day for golf with the clouds covering overhead and just a light breeze to add to the coolness. The scores were again very good all round and for the third time in the week the CSS went down to 71, showing how well the average player is performing of late.
Ian Grout, playing his last weekday game before returning to teach in Bangkok, showed the benefits of an extended run of regular golf with a very nice return of three-under to secure the top spot by count back of 19 to 17 over the inward nine against Brian Kelly. Brian was left in second ahead of Barry Winton who again shot a gross 74 to round off a pleasing week’s golf for him.
Tony Barritt, who is on somewhat of a high, following his success earlier in the week, continued with a solid level par round to take fourth place. Al Keith was again to be found among the notables as he led in the last group of mentions at one-over, by one from Bubbles Davies, and two from Lyle Blaw in the back nine count back.
Barry Winton had the only 2 in the first division and Chris Knapp and Tony Quaid shared the second division.

The Square Ring: by Howie Reed

It’s getting repetitive to type, “Olympic boxing judging stinks.” With that fact well engrained in the mind of all sports fans the answer is, ‘it is what it is.’ For years it was ‘let’s screw the Yanks and Brits.’ It appears that this new system is simply ‘let’s just try and be a bad as possible.’
The reader should remember that Olympic boxing resembles “real” boxing like the chorus line at Tim’s Bar Beer resembles the London Ballet. The computer scoring isn’t “real” scoring, a punch isn’t a punch, and an Olympic boxing judge doesn’t judge - he punches a button becoming a “maybe” punch counter.
The bureaucrats have made the sport more complicated than Chinese arithmetic when in truth it’s a simple sport. Hit and don’t get hit. To give as much credit to a “pity-pat slap” as a punch that deposits a boxer on the back of his lap is ludicrous.
Jeeves’ Olympic report
‘In a sport where the home team really has a venue advantage, the inexperienced Chinese team has theirs gift-wrapped. Britain’s Joe Murray lost to a Chinese boxer Gu Yu 17-7 who he’d beaten at last year’s world championships. “I knew they were going to give him everything he wanted,” said Murray, who trailed 4-0 after the first two minutes. “I’ve been watching the scoring here the first four days, and I knew it was bad, so I was expecting it. …I think they were giving him a score for anything, and I had to work to get all of my points.”
‘British coach Terry Edwards echoed his fighter’s complaints, calling the scores “absolutely stupid” while saying, “everything the Chinese guy touched, they pressed the button for him.”
‘Jeeves I must jump in here. I watched the Murray fight and he got beat. Fought rather stupid against an opponent that had prepared well. The scoring doesn’t bother me all that much because ‘it is what it is’ - but the scoring of the men’s synchronized diving was a disgrace.
‘I do though find it typically Olympic silly of Terry Smith, the head delegate of the International Amateur Boxing Association when he says, “I can’t definitively say the judges are favoring the Chinese. It would take three out of five judges working each match and I haven’t seen anything to support that.”
‘Note to Mr. Smith: 11 of 15 Chinese boxers with undistinguish records have advanced. In the Olympics there are no coincidences. Now back to Jeeves.’
‘Thank you your Lordship. One fighter that didn’t fight stupid was 33-year old flyweight Jonjohor Somjit who got a 6-1 win over Eddie Valenzule of Guatemala. He was joined in the round of 8 by light-fly Amnat Ruenroeng who got there with a 14-2 win over Jack Willie of Papua N Guinea. Also reaching that round was featherweight Sailom Adi, bantam Worapoi Petchkoom and lightweight Pichai Sayota.
‘Two boxers that didn’t make it through were middleweight Angkhan Chomphuphuang and welter Non Boonjumnong, who was on the wrong side of a dodgy 11-10 decision against Egypt’s Hosam Abdin.’
Semi finals, finals and Manus
‘Non’s big brother and current Olympic gold medallist Manus Boonjumnong was the first Thai to make it through to the semi finals. In his first bout Manus “The Entertainer” Boonjumnong entertained his loyal fans with an 8-1 payback win over Japan’s Masatsugu Kawachi - payback because Kawachi had defeated Manus 14-9 at last years world championships. Then came a 7-5 decision over Serik Sapiyev of Kazakhstan.
‘Manus is the same boxer who got US$600,000 four years ago for winning the gold. He then blew it on wine, women, gambling and song. As the master would say - Good thing he didn’t waste anything.
‘During the bout Yank TV announcer Bob Poppa asked the rhetorical question, “Why does he stay an amateur at his age?” Fight analyst Teddy Atlas cut to the heart of the matter, “Money.”
‘To get to the gold medal round Manus will have to beat Cuban Roniel Iglesias Sotolongo on Friday. That fight should arrive via TV at about 1400 China time, which may or may not be 1300 in the Land of Smiles. All semi final bouts are scheduled for Friday. Finals are stretched over two days from 1900 (1800 Thai time) on Saturday and 1330 (1230) on Sunday. Maybe.
‘One of the highlights of boxing coverage are the Thai fans who attend every major boxing tournament. They are having a really good time as are the Thai boxers.’
Non Olympic results
The Japan Boxing Commission (JBC), like the powers that be in Thailand, were slow to recognize and allow women’s professional boxing. They have finally joined the rest of the world in recognizing that a good “cat fight” is very entertaining.
Two WBC belts were on the line in this first ever lady’s world title bout promotion in Japan: Ann Marie Saccurato (14-3-2) of New York took the vacant WBC lightweight belt. She got the title by reversing a loss in November of 2007 against Jujin Raika. This time Ann got a UD (98-92, 97-92, 97-93) and the title.
The other half of the title twin bill had Thailand’s Winyu Paradorn Gym (7-2-1) defending the WBC “atom” title against Momo Koseki (6-0-2). Winyu had claimed the “atom’ title in August of ’07 with a UD (96-94, 96-95 twice) win over Koseki with referee ‘Cuz Bruce’ the only man in the ring. This time, in her home country, Koseki wasted no time or left the decision to the judges as she KO’d Winya at 0:48 of round 2.
De La Hoya-Pacquiao – Next
If you were getting those “hot flashes” usually associated with Happy Hour at the TQ with the thought of Oscar De LaHoya against Manny Pacquiao on December 6 …Forgetaboutit. Not going to happen - maybe.
The press release announcing the “no go” comes from Pacquiao’s lawyer so consider there is the possibility of a little spin. “I have been informed that Oscar De La Hoya is firm with the 70-30 revenue sharing and won’t budge to the 60-40 split we have counter-offered. I find the offer of GBP unconscionable hence unacceptable. It would have been an honor to fight De La Hoya on his last fight capping a very illustrious boxing career but under the circumstances, the option left is to move on. I have already made specific instructions to my lawyer to start negotiating with Bob Arum for my next fight with any possible opponent at 135 lbs,” said Pacquiao.
When was the last time you heard a fighter use the term “unconscionable hence unacceptable”? Ok never rules the day. You really have to wonder who is giving Pacquiao financial advice. What is better, 30% of something or 40% of nothing?
Pacquiao if he fights Humberto Soto in November will not make a wave in the world of PPV. Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach has offered to take no money for training Pacquiao if he defends against De La Hoya. “The thing is some people tell me that I’m crazy, some people tell me that Manny’s too small, I don’t believe that. I honestly feel Manny can beat this guy.”
Roach may be crazy but he does understand economics. “70-30 split is not a bad deal. It doesn’t sound great for some people but it’s a better deal than Mayweather had and Mayweather made $22-million so you can‘t say it‘s a bad split,” said Roach.
The Final Bell
Former bantamweight champion Vic Toweel died last week in Australia at the age of 80. He was the first South African to hold a “real” or universal world title. Towel would fight all but one of his 31 contests in South Africa where he won the bantamwight title in May of 1950 with a decision over Manuel “Baby” Ortiz. Toweel would defend three times before losing the title via a 1 round KO to Jimmy Carruthers. They fought a rematch 4 months later with Toweel being KO’d in 10.
One of Toweel’s defenses was against Danny O’Sullivan who he KO’d in 10. During the bout Sullivan would hit the deck 14 times. From Toweel’s bio, “During a post-fight interview, Sullivan told reporters, ‘Adkeivhaep oi er’ before passing out.” What does ‘Adkeivhaep oi er mean? No Eye Deer.
Vic Toweel’s brother Willie (46-6) was also a boxer of some note during the 1950’s. He had one shot at a world title against Frenchman Robert Cohen in Johannesburg. Toweel would gain a draw in the fight after being down twice in the second and once in the tenth. Willie’s last fight would be against the great Emile Griffin, a loss.
Calzaghe Adieu?
As many inside boxing suspected, Joe Calzaghe announced that his November 8 fight against Roy Jones jr. will be his last. “At the moment I’m definitely going to retire,” said Joe. “As long as I win and I win in style then it’ll be my last fight. I’ve achieved everything I can in boxing. I’m 36 years old and I don’t want to keep on fighting. I love boxing and I love what the sport has given me, but I want to retire undefeated.”
That statement says it all - “I want to retire undefeated.” If he stays around these two words might prevent that: Kelly Pavlik.
Pavlik is moving up in weight to meet Bernard Hopkins on October 18 in Atlantic City. A win by Pavlik coupled with an expected Calzaghe win and there is a “super fight” waiting to happen. In addition a loss could also be lurking in the ring for ‘Joltin Joe’.
Of the Jones fight Calzaghe says, “Roy Jones went through a bit of a tough time in his career but he’s come back and had three great wins.” Those three great wins came against Prince “not very” Badi Ajamu, Anthony Hanshaw who built his 21 wins against guys named LaFarrell, Etienne and Tyrus, and an out-weighed Felix Trinidad. The bottom line is the light hitting Calzaghe gets a win along with a great payday. Pavlik? He’s the king and maybe down the road in a couple of year’s heavyweight champion of the world. Could happen.
Jeeves Time
‘Your Lordship your reporting on the results of the Clottey-Judah fight was not very good. Got a note from ‘Cuz Bruce’ to that effect. It was unclear what you meant. Very confusing. As ‘Cuz Bruce’ noted, “If (referee) Robert Bryd had called it a punch (as opposed to a head butt) Clottey would have won by TKO. By calling it a head butt Judah could have won if he was ahead on the score cards.”
‘Yes Jeeves, you and ‘Cuz’ are correct, the report wasn’t as clear as it should have been. I should mention that you stubbed your toe also. You gave me a price list for laundry at the palatial Casa’ de Reed. You included “Hash underwear.” In an email from the Chicago Kid, “There is no hash underwear.” Don’t forget the Charity Lunch Brunch tomorrow from 14:00 at Patrick’s Belgium restaurant as part of the Jesters Care for Kids. Bet Sir Frog will have the boxing on. Oh and Jeeves?’
‘Yes your Lordship?’
‘That was your reporting on the Clottey-Judah fight. Lager, cigar and music please.’

Gardner shows improved form to win at Treasure Hill

PSC golf from P J Pool Bar

Neil Duncan
Monday, 11 August, Green Valley (White Tees) - Stableford
We had sixteen players in two divisions on this day when the average score was 27.33 on the 15 cards returned.

Wednesday’s winners: (left to right) Yves Philibert, David Gardner and Ken Hole (Jeff Wiley not pictured).

Vinai Jumparnit (7) topped the A Flight with a fine 39 points. He was followed home some six points back by David Gardner (10) 33 points in second and Jeff Wylie (5) on 29 points in third.
In the higher handicaps division (16 and up) Rich Murphy (22) came in first with 34 points, Yves Philibert (24) was second on 32 points, and Peter Mills (23) rounded out the podium with 26 points.
Near pins bonuses went to Yves Philibert, David Gardner and Doug Carysforth and the longest first putts on the 9th and 18th greens were sunk by Dennis Dunkley and Jeff Wylie, the former scooping a bottle of Famous Grouse for his efforts.
Wednesday, 13 August, Treasure Hill (White Tees) - Stableford
Treasure Hill just maintains its great condition week after week.
Returned to form, albeit with an increased handicap allowance, was David Gardner (10) who had the best of the day with 36 points. He was closely followed by Yves Philibert (24) with 35 points, Jeff Wylie (5) with 34 points and Ken Hole off his reportedly dodgy 13 handicap with 32 points. The average score for the thirteen competitors was 28.5 points.
Near pin bonuses went to Martin Hayes, Bob Drumm and Jeff Wylie whilst Neil Duncan had the longest 1st putt on the 18th green.
Friday, 15 August, Greenwood A & B (White Tees) - Stableford
North again to popular Greenwood where we played off or very near to the white plates. The fairways were somewhat bare of grass and in retrospect probably qualified for preferred lies.
Ken Hole showed that his 13 handicap is not as dodgy as he thinks it is (although it is a pity that the same cannot be said of his choice of kitbags) by taking the day with 35 points and also the longest 1st putt on the 18th green. Following on were Ed Horrocks (25) 35 points, Bob Drumm (10) 33 points and David Gardner (10) with 33 points.
Unusually only one near pin bonus paid this day and that was to Bob Drumm (B5). The average score was 28.9 points.
Note: Any golfers seeking to play with our group that wish to know about the format please visit P J Pool Bar & Restaurant on Soi Watboonsamphan (Soi Kanoi) or phone Neil on 089 511 0575.

Clive, Ian, Marcus & Norm are cream of the crop at Burapha

The Beautiful Game?: And they’re off

Riz Taylor
So we’re right back into the swing of things. The English Premier League, its Scottish counterpart, the Championship, the German Bundesliga….whatever the particular brand of football you’re into, all are well underway for another season.
Well not quite. Spain’s La Liga, the Italian Serie A and Holland’s Eredivisie are yet to kick off, but this column doesn’t let the facts get in the way of a good story. And so with renewed vigour and a spring in its step, The Beautiful Game? returns for a new season of football stories, gossip and stuff we’ve simply made up to fill space.
You were spared the tired pre-season predictions last week because, frankly, the prospect of predicting the Premier League challengers was a depressing proposition. Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and yes, Arsenal, look likely to battle each other for the top four positions in the English Premier League once again, at the expense of several other sides trying very hard to match them.
And what a number there are. If last season left anything in the memory other than the frankly sublime performances of flash Portuguese git Cristiano Ronaldo, 2007/08 was the season of the billionaire. Yes, indeed there were already some seriously loaded club owners this time twelve months ago, but the amount of cashed-up ‘businessmen’ sniffing around English clubs accelerated even further as the season progressed. The Premier League, that bastion of all things moral, welcomed them with open arms and asked very few questions of where the new finance was coming from.
Complaints were many, from these pages right the way through to UEFA and FIFA. But think for a moment, if you will, and consider what the Premier League would now be without the millions flowing into the likes of Manchester City, Aston Villa, Newcastle, Sunderland and various other also-rans. They’d be even further behind the leaders, and at the moment that’s just about the last thing the division needs.
Anyway, enough about that. There’ll be plenty of time to complain about dodgy foreign dictators and youth players yet to even appear at first-team level earning enough to buy a nice condo in Thailand for a couple of afternoon’s “work” as we progress through the season. Instead let’s hail the joyous start to another nine months of almost non-stop soccer.
Not everyone will be downbeat. How about Hull City, who instead of imitating Derby County began their crack at the Premier League with a well-earned win against Fulham? Three points in the bag, it’s a truly fabulous time to be supporting the Tigers, or whatever their nickname might be.
Aston Villa got themselves off to a flyer as they trounced Manchester City at Villa Park. Gabriel Agbonlahor, one of the handful of Englishmen still playing in the division if you believe the papers, bagged the first hat-trick of the season in a 4-2 win. Cracking stuff. Chelsea, meanwhile, served up an ominous performance to beat Portsmouth at Stamford Bridge, and you can’t help but wonder what the London side are capable of this year.
And that’s what it’s all about – wondering. Who amongst us can say with cast-iron certainty what will happen in the coming weeks and months? It’s the same story in every division in every country as fans look ahead to their own peculiar battles, be they for titles, local rivalries or even mere survival. It’s something to be savoured. Enjoy your week.
This weekend
Saturday’s late fixture - early Sunday morning Pattaya time - features Fulham at home to Arsenal, and should answer a few lingering questions for both sets of supporters. Stoke City will be keen, or should that be absolutely desperate, to take something at home to Aston Villa, and Tottenham verses Sunderland at White Hart Lane takes on extra significance as both sides look to get off the mark. Sunday’s matches feature Wigan at home to Chelsea and Manchester City take on West Ham in Sunday’s late one.
God is Back
Robbie Fowler has been handed the chance to resurrect his career with Blackburn after manager Paul Ince offered him a six-month pay-as-you-play contract, it says here.
Fowler, 33, has spent the last five weeks training with Blackburn, having rejected a one-year deal with Championship side Cardiff. “Robbie hasn’t played a competitive game since last October, so he has been out for a long time,” said new Blackburn ‘Guvnor’ Paul Ince.
“But he has done well in training and some of the stuff he has done on the training pitch has been mind blowing. There is no doubt that he has still got it. He is a Premier League goalscorer and always will be. The only issue is getting his sharpness back.”
Nonsense, says The Beautiful Game?
Portsmouth - Ugly
This story has been around a few weeks, but we just can’t let it pass. Portsmouth fans have been voted as the ugliest in the Premier League, according to Sky’s new high definition channel. Liverpool have at last landed a domestic title, being judged by scouts from model agency D1 Model Management to have the sexiest supporters.
High definition footage is four times clearer than traditional television images, allowing Sky and D1 Model Management to study the faces in the crowds from every Premier League match last season, and rank the clubs in order of fans’ attractiveness.
Christian Cull, Sky’s director of customer communications, explained: “With images so detailed, you can see faces in the crowd much more clearly, so we had a bit of fun.”
Fulham might have no chance of picking up silverware this season but can console themselves by being the second best looking bunch of supporters. And Spurs finally break into the top four, finishing third ahead of North London rivals Arsenal.

The League of Legends - Final Round

Howie Reed
The final qualifying night of League of Legends, played in Stoke last Friday, saw the level of play for the most part surpass weeks 1-6. Scoring was higher which indicated that the “old boys” were getting into the swing of it. There was also plenty of drama in the fight to make the final four spots available for play at the Circus Tavern this weekend.

He didn’t make the finals this weekend but Bobby George certainly added a touch of flash to this year’s League of Legends.
Dave Whitcombe, who led the table on merit for the first four weeks, continued his slide out of the playoff picture as he lost to Keith Deller 7-2.
Meanwhile Peter Evison for the third time squandered a big lead to finish with a 6-6 draw, this time against Cliff Lazarenko. After the match Evison said, “I’m getting worried that I can’t count to seven.” For Lazarenko the come from behind tie got him into the playoffs which is a feel good story as he had to battle all the way.
Bob Anderson finished at the top of the table after he drew with Bobby George 6-6. It was a draw that was gift-wrapped compliments of ‘King Bobby.’
John Lowe had by far his best results with a 7-1 win over “arch-rival” Eric Bristow in a match where Lowe’s average of 30.21 was the best of any player so far in the Legends tournament.
Bob Anderson 6 v Bobby George 6
Not a good performance by Anderson. At three-all George took a leg against the darts for a 4-3 lead. He followed that up with a “nifty” double top in the next leg for 5-3. Any double top that wins is “nifty.”

‘Cowboy’ Bob Anderson will be many people’s favourite to carry off the top prize.
After trading legs George led 6-4 with four darts at double top to win but alas they went astray. In the 12th leg George again had 3 double darts for the win but t’was not to be. Cowboy Bob got the draw when he hit double 8.
George, the philosopher, said afterwards, “I had my chances, having four darts to win it, but I wasn’t good enough on double tops. If they don’t go in, they don’t go in.”
Cowboy Bob turned a bit philosophical himself. “I’ve been playing darts for 30-odd years. I’ve not played well in the Legends. I’ve been a bit how do you say it, spasmodic.”
Cliff Lazarenko 6 v Peter Evison 6
There hasn’t been anybody in darts in the last 25 years more popular than Cliff Lazarenko. In many ways he was the human face of darts as it evolved into the sport it is today. He always had a smile, time for chat and maybe if you begged enough a little liquid refreshment.
Early in this Legends competition Cliff couldn’t buy a break, a double or a win. He lost in week one 7-5, then beat Bristow (but then so did everybody else) and then got drilled by Bob Anderson 7-2. After the thumping at the hands of Anderson, Lazeranko came back to beat Dave Whitcombe and John Lowe and he was back in the game.
Peter Evison has got to start closing or he’s going to have a very unpleasant time this Friday at the Circus Tavern. As has happened before Evison led 5-2 and then 6-3. This collapse though came with lots of help from Big Cliff. Trailing 6-3 Lazarenko launched a comeback that started with a 130 checkout on the bull in leg 10. He also took leg 11 and 12, with a double 10 for the draw.
The tied result assured that Lazarenko will play on. “I went out to win tonight, he said afterwards. “I didn’t want to leave my fate in anyone else’s hands. At first he was annihilating me and I was thinking ‘what the hell’s happening.’”
Evison copped the last playoff spot which means he’ll face off against #1 Bob Anderson.
Keith Deller 7 v Dave Whitcombe 2
Keith Deller told just about anyone that would listen that he had to “up” his game. He did so in spades by laying a darn good old-fashioned whipping on Dave Whitcombe 7-2.
The win assures Deller a place in the playoffs and the co-favorite’s roll. The loss was disastrous for Whitcombe who couldn’t stop the downward spiral of ineffective play that led to yet another loss and no spot in the playoffs.
From the bull finish in leg 1 to the final double in leg 9, Deller was in the driver’s seat cruising down the M1. Deller said, “I was a bit nervous because I had been watching my best mate Cliff struggle to get through and I was wondering what I needed to do to join him. I needed to win and I did.”
John Lowe 7 v Eric Bristow 1
John Lowe’s win against Eric Bristow at 7-1 came too late. It did move Lowe out of the cellar of the standings but that’s of little consequence. On the plus side, besides a win, Lowe’s average of 30 plus was the best of all league play.
“It’s always nice to beat Eric because we are mega competitors, we always have been,” said Lowe. “Every time we take to the stage it’s a personal thing, even though we are good friends. I finished the match with a 91 average and I could have pushed that a bit higher.
“Wherever we have played in the world I’ve always had more people on my side than Eric has and that’s historically worked in his favor - he likes the people to be against him. But my form has come too late and what has happened with me and Dave Whitcombe has been a reversal. Dave started really well but has failed to qualify, whereas I began mediocre and I’ve got going too late.”
The Playoffs
Year one of the League of Legends ends where it all began at the Circus Tavern this Friday with the semis and final. The semi final play will be over 21 legs with the final a best of 31. The winner will take home £15,000 with the runner up getting £13,000. Game on.
Keith Deller v Cliff Lazeranko
These two met in the opening match as Deller said, “Cliff and I drew the short straw as no one wanted to go first.” Deller had a 5-2 lead when he dallied around allowing Cliff to close the gap somewhat, losing 7-5. Both players are playing their best but you have to go with youth. “Youth will be served.” Take Deller 12-9.
Bob Anderson v Peter Evison
These two also played each other on the opening week. As has been well documented, Evison had a big lead which he squandered to escape with a tie. Anderson has been living on the edge playing just well enough to survive. That probably won’t do against Evison.
The Fen Tiger said he was having trouble counting to 7. This time he’ll have to get to 12 but doubt he can hold off Anderson. Take Anderson 12-7.