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Pattaya Sports Club
Bowling League
All the PSC who did not bowl
200 this week.bowlers
Somrit bowled a 536 series and Ralph had a 517 to propel
Brother D to a four point win over Cafê Kronborg and into second place. Kran
Nielsen had a 532 series for Kronborg.
First place Snow Bowler once again split their match
getting two points. Wade Meyers led Snow Bowler with a 511 series against
USMC who were missing their Captain Joe Ferral.
Tue Pettae bowled a 559 series to lead Canada to a three
point win over VFW Post 9876. Tui Amphanon had a 506 series for VFW.
Bavaria got back on the winning tract as they took three points from
Green Tree who were bowling without their Captain Noodle Russell.
Smith shoots 69 off the stick
PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar
Khao Kheow podium placers (from left) Doone
Flanagan, Gary Hogg, Greg Flanagan, Lyn Foote and John Foote.
Joey’s column
Monday, July 11, Burapha A
& C - Stableford
Well it was something different today for the 36
Outbackers playing the A and C loops for a change, from the somewhat short
white tees, thus making the course a little easier for some.
The Roos have gone mad recently with yet another “Roo
Cup” challenge today as Capt’ Bob & Lloyd tried for the last time to wrestle
the poor old Roo back from the central coast pairing of Wayne Cotterell and
his good mate Gary Hogg. They fared a little better than Friday’s 5 & 4
drubbing but in the end went down again by two.
I have played golf for something like 40 years and have
never ever seen a caddy drive a player to the nearest drinks stop/ toilet;
under normal conditions the nearest tree is usually enough to suffice. Maybe
‘Cottee’ has something we would all like to have or his modesty is just
overpowering.
It did remind me of a happening at the Indooroopilly Golf
club in Brisbane many years ago when one of the lady members wrote to the
committee complaining of seeing members going to the toilet behind the
trees; after a lot of deliberation the committee wrote back saying they
would avail the ladies the same privilege.
Anyway back to golf with all away to an early start,
everyone teeing off before 10 15am. The course was in great condition and
the greens were running true. Paul Smith tore the course up with a stunning
39 points playing off scratch - well done mate – two ahead of John
Cunningham (37), who in turn was four ahead of Steve Rawlings, all in Div A.
Div B went to ‘Cottee’ with 39 just one more than the
‘Roscoman’, returning to a bit of form and Pete Stonebridge both with 38.
There was a bit of a surprise in Div C as Kev Fitzgerald, who is on a flying
visit from Oman. pipped Andy Makara on count-back to the top spot, both also
on 38, with John Player in third on 36.
There were only three 2’s which was very surprising:-
Hole A3, Vic Hester; Hole C5, Paul Smith and Hole C8, Steve Rawlings.
Div A (0-10)
1st Paul Smith (0/Hi1.4) 39pts
2nd John Cunningham (7/Hi7.9) 37pts
3rd Steve Rawlings (4/Hi5.6) 33pts
4th Bob St. Aubin (10/Hi11.2) 33pts
Div B (11-17)
1st Wayne Cotterell (12/13.1) 39pts
2nd Rosco Langoulant (14/14.7)
38pts
3rd Pete Stonebridge (13/14) 38pts
4th Les Easton (14/14.5) 37pts
Div C (18+)
1st Kevin Fitzgerald (28/Hi28.5)
38pts
2nd Andy Makara (25/26) 38pts
3rd John Player (18/Hi18.6) 36pts
4th Paul Squibb (27) 35pts
Tuesday, July 12, Pattaya
C.C. – Stableford
Many of the Outback regulars and local members turned out
at Pattaya Country Club this morning, as a field of 14 took on the local
course. We’ve said many good things about this course in recent weeks and it
is getting noticeably busier, maybe we had better think up some other things
to write about that are less appreciative of all the good work going on.
They have recently found themselves a new greenkeeper, having been without
for a couple of months or so, who already seems to making his presence felt
and they also have a new Pro.
Barry McIntosh revelled in the excellent playing
conditions to bag 39 points ahead of Raji’s 37 and the canny course
specialist, Nigel Cannon back in third on 36; fourth was Terry Marney.
We say goodbye to Lloyd Shuttleworth, who couldn’t hit
the ball straight today as well as continuing his putting woes from
yesterday at Burapha; maybe he wasn’t looking forward to returning to work.
Not to worry he’s back here again in a couple of months.
There were three ‘2’s:- one from Lloyd on hole 5 and two
more on hole 12, from Nigel and Chad.
1st Barry McIntosh (17/Hi16.8)
39pts
2nd Amarjit Banwaitt (6/Hi6.5)
37pts
3rd Nigel Cannon (23/Hi22.5) 36pts
4th Terry Marney (27/Hi26.1) 35pts
5th Bobby Driggs (11/Hi11.8) 34pts
Wednesday, July 13,
Mountain Shadow - Stableford
Twenty-eight Outbackers travelled to Mountain Shadow only
for the second time this year (last visit in January) and were blessed with
a slightly overcast day, which made for an enjoyable day for all.
The course was very lightly booked and we were able to
tee off 30 minutes early and the first two groups completed the course in
well under their allotted four hours. The course itself has great greens and
they were in fantastic condition but the rest of the layout was good but
could do with some TLC, especially the bunkers and the tees.
We had two divisions with 4 places in each. The Div A
winner was Gary Hogg (6) with only 32 points, from Ian Heddle (2) with just
30 points, on a count-back from Stephen Mann (10). That was the best of our
star golfers on a course which is rated relatively easy (70.4/123) with
nobody even reaching the handicap buffer zone.
It was a different story in Div B as two players in the
same group produced some great golf, both having 40 points; Sugar Ray (18)
beating Gus George (25) on count-back. They are truly great scores round
this track and they both received immediate handicap cuts, Sugar down 1.5
and Gus down 2. Greg Flanagan, having his first game back with us since
August 2010, played well for his 35 points to take third as did Steve Milne
who took fourth with 34.
For the record the course played one shot tougher than
rated and there were six ‘2’s from Greg Flanagan (hole 5), Suzi Lawton (hole
8), Gus George (hole 15), with the rest, Wayne Cotterell, Sugar Ray Handford
and Bernie Stafford all getting theirs on the 17th .
Div A (0-13)
1st Gary Hogg (6/Hi6.9) 32pts
2nd Ian Heddle (2/Hi3.3) 30pts
3rd Steve Mann (10/Hi10.3) 30pts
4th Mark Riggall (13/Hi13.3) 29pts
Div B (14+)
1st Sugar Ray Handford (18/Hi18)
40pts
2nd Gus George (25/Hi24.3) 40pts
3rd Greg Flanagan (14/Hi14.5) 35pts
4th Steve Milne (14/Hi13.9) 34pts
Friday, July 15,
Khao Kheow - Stableford
Holiday rates at Khao Kheow today did not stop 27
Outbackers from tackling the A & B nines. Take away first and second places
in both divisions and the rest of the field was struggling, even using their
playing handicaps, which generally gives a few extra shots back over the old
use of the handicap index.
So when the full result was computed, the course had
played 2 shots tougher than normal making the top scores look exceedingly
good.
John and Lyn Foote have been coming to Thailand for years
but there are few times when Lyn would have featured on the leader-board,
let alone with the runaway win she had today. John was saying that
every-time she approaches the island green (B8), she says, “I can never get
the ball on there, it’s too far”, well she did today, collecting three for
four at the same time.
Apparently Lyn didn’t do much wrong and kept the ball
very straight to have the round of her life to score a massive 45pts to win
Div B from the day’s next highest score, 38 points, from the Sugarman. For
that wonderful achievement though, she received a massive cut of 5.5 shots
down to 26.2, but she’s delighted.
Hoggy has played well the entire time he’s been here,
he’s been instrumental in two “Roo Cup” wins and indeed goes home with
‘Cottee’ undefeated, so it will be Christmas before the “Roo Cup” comes
under challenge; should give the Capt’ enough time to sort his game out.
Hoggy won his final round of his trip with a steady 36 points off 7 to win
Div A, ahead of Greg Flanagan on 34.
We say goodbye to Steve Rawlings and also to Adam Farrell
and hello again to Bert Lewis, Mike Mier and Tom Jenson, all of whom we
haven’t seen in a while.
There were only three ‘2’s today: Two on hole A5 from
Tony Garnett & Gary Hogg and one on hole B8 from Steve Rawlings.
Div A (0-16)
1st Gary Hogg (7) 36pts
2nd Greg Flanagan (16/Hi14.5) 34pts
3rd Steve Rawlings (5/Hi5.7) 32pts
4th Nigel Flanagan (12/Hi11.2)
32pts
Div B (17+)
1st Lyn Foote (35/Hi31.7) 45pts
2nd Sugar Ray (19/Hi16.5) 38pts
3rd Doone Flanagan (20/Hi19.6)
33pts
4th John Foote (24/Hi20.7) 33pts
Note: 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.
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Ishii flames the field with forty-two
PSC golf from The Three Sisters Bar
Wednesday’s runners up: Sus Ige (left) and
Richard Hall.
Another fine day at the Pattaya Country Club this past 13th of July with
nice overcast conditions keeping the game cool.
Two foursomes went off beginning at 0630 and some nice
scores came in, but the winner didn’t wait for his picture. Rod Ishii came
in with 42 points to lead the field home. Richard Hall with 35 tied with Sus
Ige at 35 but Richard took Sus on the count-back for second.
One regular high scorer allegedly did so poorly that he
refused to turn in his card. I would not mention his name but his initials
are Larry Emerson!
Herbie Ishinaga continues convalescing with his knee
transplant but should join us soon, at least for the snacks. Sus continued
as our sous-chef today providing regular and cheese hot dogs plus snacks.
Rocking with the PSC
PSC President Tony Oakes gets some help with the
raffle prizes.
Once again the PSC Executive Committee gave 420 members and guests another
action packed Summer Party at the Town-in-Town Hotel on Wednesday, July 15.
Upon arrival all were greeted by Vice President Bobby
Clark ably assisted by Bjaene Nielsen and other members of the committee
from time to time.
As the members and guests were taking their seats and
enjoying their first drink the Town-in-Town house band – firm favorites with
regular PSC party goers - played gentle music.
Social Chairman Nigel Cannon welcomed all to this year’s
party and introduced President Tony Oakes who formally opened the
proceedings.
Led into the room by Tony and Nigel came more than 20
children (plus helpers) from The Redemptorist School for the Blind including
the principle Khun Auora. Charity Chairman William Macey introduced the
choir saying this was one of the schools PSC support throughout the year.
Cheers to another swinging PSC
Summer Party.
For the next 20 minutes the audience was spellbound as
the children sang 5 songs – in English – including Amazing Grace and You Are
My Sunshine. After much applause the children left to return to their home
in Nakula.
It was then time for the superb buffet –European and Thai
– beautifully presented as usual. Again the Town-in-Town band provided some
delightful music whilst food and drink was consumed with gusto!
The PSC always comes up with something different for the
cabaret and this time they excelled themselves! Welcome ‘Artie’ with his own
unique (for Pattaya) style not just singing covers and playing instruments –
including the trumpet - but many costumes as well! No one had seen Artie
before but now he has some 400 friends!
The Executive Committee decided that this year the lucky
draw would be a raffle giving members the chance to increase their chances
of winning one of the 34 prizes. Four delightful ladies from Lewiinski’s
went around the tables selling the additional tickets very successfully.
Am North drew the winning tickets from the PSC drum and
Nigel called out the numbers with the prizes being allocated by Mike Coleman
and Joe Mooneyham, with William Macey taking the photos.
After that it was music and dancing all the way until
‘carriages at midnight.’
Speaking afterwards Social Chairman Nigel Cannon thanked
members of the Executive Committee for their help and paid particular
appreciation and thanks to Khun Patchara Sarakham of Town-in-Town and all
his staff.
The Redemptorist School for
the Blind choir holds the PSC members spellbound with their singing talents.
Artie goes through his
entertaining cabaret routine.
The ladies take to the stage
for some impromptu dancing.
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Courses in peak condition
PSC Golf from Mulligans Lakeside
Ray Spence returns after another successful day on the golf course.
Tuesday, July 12,
Pattaya C.C. - Stableford
First to Tuesday where we made the quick trip to Pattaya
Country Club to find that the Sport Day had been discontinued, however Jenny
from the club looked after the group, for which we were most appreciative.
Down to the 1st tee, and as we were early it looked like
we may have a wait, but we moved over to the 10th and a smooth round ensued.
The course was in good condition and at the current promotional prices it
represents decent value.
The scores were not outstanding, with Jeff Wylie (7)
playing from the Blue tees edging Ray Spence (16) from the Whites. Clive
making a return to golf after an extended lay-off showed enough to
persevere, and it won’t be long before he is in the cash.
Thursday, July 14,
Greenwood - Stableford
Thursday was a longer trip up 331 to Greenwood. We missed
this course on last month’s schedule, which in hindsight was probably a
mistake. The course is in outstanding condition, with the greens superb with
a capital S. I cannot comment on the upper echelon (price wise) of courses,
but if they are better than Greenwood I would be surprised.
Following on from the PSC dinner the night before and
other extenuating circumstances we did not have any comp today, but I for
one am certainly glad I made the trip.
Note: Mulligans Lakeside plays golf on Tuesday &
Thursday, with presentation at the course Tuesday and Mulligans Lakeside
hosting on Thursdays. Call 089 094 1841 for scheduling or enquiries. Hope to
see you there, cheers & good golfing!
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Two big first time winners
IPGC golf from The Haven
Monday, July 11, Century
Chonburi - Stableford
CSS 72
1st Mark Armstrong (26) 42pts
2nd Rod Howett (23) 36pts
3rd Jens Gunnarsson (14) 36pts
4th Graham Davis (7) 36pts
5th John Squitiero (18) 35pts
6th Tony Barritt (15) 34pts
Mark Armstrong.
Having recently made mention of several courses that are
trying to deal with the economic downturn in the world in general, and
Pattaya in particular, by being very aggressive with their pricing compared
with their usual levels, special mention should be given to Century
Chonburi, who while never ever having been among the top pricing levels have
surely turned the clock back with their latest deals.
It would appear that for a golfer sharing a cart,
including green fee and caddy to be paying 500 baht is almost too good to be
true and surely cannot be continued for too long a period. Even when the
cost for a single golfer including cart, green fee and caddy is as high as
700 baht there would not seem to be enough money available to be able to
present the course in a good playing condition.
But this was certainly not the case on this day, when the
greens were found to be in excellent shape and the course generally,
although a little untidy in places, was as good as many to be found at three
times the price at other venues in the area. While there is still a dearth
of sand to be found in the bunkers, a sensible local rule for the day
overcame the problem and the scores fairly reflected the playability of the
course with the CSS for the day remaining unchanged at 72.
Mark Armstrong shot a lifetime best to take his first
ever win in any type of competition, in any country, with a six under
handicap round that left the best of the rest some six shots adrift.
The best of those was Rod Howett with a marvelous
count-back of 22 which was just enough to take second and edge Jens
Gunnarsson into third place by a single point.
Graham Davis was in the same count-back but could only
manage a solid level handicap over the outward and inward nines and so
settled for fourth.
John Squitiero at one over handicap took fifth with Tony
Barritt making a steady return to competition golf with a solid two over
handicap round one more back in sixth.
Rodney Hayes cleaned up the first division ‘2’s pool with
a beautiful shot into the fourth, while Mark Armstrong put the icing on his
day by adding the 2’s huge roll over in the second division, with a
magnificent ‘2’ on the almost impossible seventeenth which had been set up
at almost two hundred yards uphill with the flag only just in view. The pot
for this feat was even bigger than the winning cheque.
Before presenting the prizes The Doc welcomed back Yukio
Kikuchi, Jens Gunnarsson, Brian Henderson Mike English and had a special,
and fond mention, for the return of Barry Traynor whose immaculate
completion and handwriting of his partner’s scorecard is an object lesson
that many would do well to attempt to emulate and which would greatly assist
the dodgy sighted scorer.
Friday, July 15, Rayong
Country Club - Stableford
CSS 74
1st John Mabry (23) 41pts
2nd Rod Howett (23) 37pts
3rd John Squitiero (18) 34pts
4th Tom McCarthy (20) 33pts
5th Mike Hill (24) 33pts
6th Masanori Takano (9) 33pts
With the Bank Holidays coming thick and fast during the
last few weeks, the search was on to find yet another course where the
greens fees were at a reasonable level. This was found to be the case at
Rayong where sharing a cart, a pair of golfers could expect to part with
just 900 baht each, a fantastic deal for a holiday price.
With the recent heavy weather having affected the course,
the day’s competition was arranged to be played under winter rules with
‘lift and place’ in the fairways only which tended to assist the higher
handicappers in the field but ensured that the day was enjoyable whilst
still being very competitive.
John Mabry became the second player in the week to claim
his first victory in Thailand with an outstanding round that also turned out
to be his lifetime best net score, which resulted in a very happy day even
though it was to be his last in Pattaya for a few more months, as he was
returning to the USA after his short break here. When he next returns it
will be to a three shot lower handicap, which following the news being
broken to him left him delighted.
Rod Howett was the bridesmaid for the second time in the
week although improving by a stroke and with the CSS for the day moving out
to 74; it ensured that he will, much to his delight also, be a shot lower in
the coming weeks.
John Squitiero, who has played to or just under his
handicap 50% of the time during this trip, once again showed strongly with a
two over handicap round that left him in third place and among the prizes
once again.
Tom McCarthy, whose attention to detail on the driving
range and with the scribe’s spelling, is making considerable progress even
though the tangible signs are not to be seen in his handicap yet. He is
becoming one of the players regularly seen on or around the podium and on
this day he took fourth with a better count-back of 18 to 17 over Mike Hill
as the latter stalled at the last hole, which left Masanori Takano back in
sixth, three further behind over the back nine.
Graham Davis slipped in the only ‘2’ in the first
division while Dave Spendley and Brian Henderson shared the second division
pool with one each.
Before the presentations there was a welcome to a new
player with The Haven group in the form of Adam Oyston, the winner of the
third division in Wednesday’s IPGC monthly Medals at Bangpra. There were
also welcome backs for Shuichi Kodaka, Masanori Takano, John Mabry and Dave
Spendley plus a farewell to Jens Gunnarsson who is returning to sea after a
very short break.
Note: As from the 1st of July the Haven departs Soi 13 at the earlier
time of 9 am until further notice. If you would like to play with The Haven
group you can contact mobile 082 219 0965 or call in to the hotel at 185 Soi
13 between Beach Road and 2nd Road. All transportation
to the course is arranged and you do not need to sign up prior to the day,
but you should be there by 8.30 on Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays and 9.00am on
Sundays on the days you wish to play. A schedule of courses to be played can
be found on our web site at www.thehaven-hotel.com.
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Masa’s magic
at Khao Kheow
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society
at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar
The Pattaya Golf Society travelled to the excellent facility at Khao Kheow
on Monday, 11th July to play a stableford competition on the B and C nines.
With the fairways still soft after many wet days the course was to play long
with very little run off the yellow tees and the long hitters in the field
were to head the lists at the end of the day. The greens were deliciously
quick also.
In third place with 35 points was Stuart Thompson,
accuracy being the hallmark of his game. In second place was Ronnie Ramsay
with 37 points, his front nine of only three over par for the course being a
huge feature of his card. The winner was Masanori Takano whose 41 points was
an outstanding effort and his middle eight holes saw him play one under par
for the card. It was little short of magnificent in the still and humid
conditions.
Masanori also had the bonus of a birdie ‘2’ on the Island
Hole whilst Haruyuki Kato also birdied B3 to share the ‘2’s pot. However all
the plaudits were reserved for Masa after a sparkling round of golf at Khao
Kheow.
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Another close call at Bangpra
IPGC Monthly Members’ Tournament
Wednesday, July 13 -
Bangpra
Rodney Hayes shows off
his IPGC Monthly Medal after finishing top in Division 1.
A quality field of IPGC members gathered at Bangpra
on Wednesday, 13th July for the latest IPGC Members’ Tournament of the
year. The course was very well presented and the ravages of the wet
season had not prevented there being run on the fairways, as at
neighbouring Khao Kheow. A smooth-as-clockwork start and bright skies
had the golfers in fine fettle as they began and a close encounter was
anticipated
Each monthly member’s tournament provides three
winners in the divisions and one from the ladies, who will go forward to
the finals to compete for the Gold and Silver Medals later in the
season. In addition the tournaments will also be used to determine the
IPGC Gentleman Player of the Year, with between 1 and 15 points to be
won in each division every month, dependant on final positions, which
will then be aggregated for the year to establish the overall winner. As
usual the first division contests a stroke play format whilst the
second, third and Ladies’ division play Stableford.
In the first division the competition was very close
with only four shots gross covering the top three places and the
handicaps were applied. This left five handicapper Barry Wellings in
third with net 75 whilst the count-back rule was needed to establish the
major placing. Japanese golfer Haruyuki Kato lost out with 39 on the
back nine, ending with bogey, double bogey, but he still took a deserved
second place on net 74 leaving Rodney Hayes in the driving seat, also on
74 net.
The second division played stableford and things were
equally tight again as Peter Masters took third on count-back from
Ronnie Ramsay with 31 points and Trevor Schirmer suffered similarly at
the hands of Grant Cadell, winning on count-back with 33 points
The Third division was won by Adam Oyston with 38
points, again on count-back from Sid Ottaway, with John Mabry third on
36 points.
In the ‘2’s competitions there were only two birdies,
with Steve Mascari and Yukio Kikuchi sharing the spoils.
After the tournament the golfers enjoyed the usual
excellent presentation buffet at the Haven. The function and prizes were
generously sponsored as always by the IPGC, and those who had
contributed to the success of the day were warmly thanked. The official
prize-winners are listed below but the full list of results can be seen
on the excellent official IPGC website at
http://www.ipgc.org.
Division 1
1st Rodney Hayes net (10) net
74
2nd Harayuki Kato (8) net74
3rd Barry Wellings (5) net 75
Division 2
1st Grant Cadell (16) 33pts
2nd Trevor Schirmer (14) 33pts
3rd Peter Masters (13) 31pts
Division 3
1st Adam Oyston (21) 38pts
2nd Sid Ottaway (24) 38pts
3rd John Mabry (23) 36pts
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McGee claims
the coveted voucher
Tuesday’s top three pose with
the staff at The Relax Bar
(winner DuncanMcGee is 2nd right).
Mike Gerrard
With the weather settling down to less humidity and a
cooling breeze, along with the course conditions now almost up to top
standard, we are back to enjoying the pleasant fairways of Phoenix. The
Mountain and Lake course was the challenge today as we set off at about
12.00 noon.
The winner today and recipient of the KPK Food Services
voucher was Duncan McGee with 36 points. In second place also on 36 points
but losing on count-back was Shaun Merriman and in third place with 35
points was Ken Hatton.
Near pins went to Ken Hatton and Graham Ellis.
There were many lucky draw prizes this week and those who
failed to play well were grateful for these. Most of our lucky draw prizes
are donated by our hosts The Relax Bar.
This next week we will play on Tuesday as usual but the
field is some depleted due to a two day trip to Royal Hills Golf Resort and
Hotel on Wednesday and Thursday. Next week we will be playing our monthly
Stroke play tournament for the coveted Trattoria Italiana voucher.
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Parish posts
top score
at Crystal Bay
PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s
Thomas Cotton
Tuesday, July 12, Crystal
Bay - Stableford
Well, it being Tuesday, it was time to head to Bert’s and
then on to the curse. The weather was sort of fine and breezy and there were
big fluffy clouds racing in the heavens.
We assembled at the first tee and a discussion ensued
about whether to play off the white, yellow or red tees. Our captain, Dick
Warberg immediately scratched the red tees, since there was not a woman
amongst us, not even half a woman. Dick was leaning towards the yellow tees,
due to the stiff wind and the expectation (proven false) that the fairways
would be soggy. But the more macho old fellows argued for the white tees to
give them a real chance to show off their driving prowess.
The group was contentiously divided, so another approach
was sought. Someone mentioned that the caddies were wearing lovely yellow
tops with royal blue pants and that the yellow tees would be sartorially
more appropriate than the whites. Well, given that nobody really knew what
the word sartorial meant, that suggestion seemed to stun the white tee
opposition into silence and the choice was resolved.
As it turned out, the tee selection was key to inflating
the scores, with 7 players bettering their handicaps! But they didn’t let
this delusion spoil their celebrations at the results.
1st Brian Parish 43pts
2nd Mashi Kenata 42pts
3rd Takeshi Hakazaki 40pts
4th Mick O’Meara 38pts
5th John Binns 37pts
Near Pins: Thomas Cotton, Takeshi Hakazaki, Jack
Ekelmans
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Ning sticks it to the boys at Navy
PSC golf from The Fairways Golf Society
Tuesday, July 12, Laem
Chabang - Stableford
Our first day of experimenting with playing on a Tuesday
and we had a good turnout; maybe this was just because of the venue today?
We will just have to wait and see how it goes.
Weekly podium visitors: Peter
Revale, Shane Ruddle and Patrick Engles.
Anyway the field was split up into two divisions; Shane
Ruddle taking the A Flight on count-back (17-15) from Billy Vickers, both
players scoring 35 points. Harvey Samuels took the honours in the B Flight
where second place was also decided on count-back, Andy Crabb losing out to
Alex Millbourn 15-14.
Near pins went to Tony Duthie. (2), Dave Richards and
Harvey Samuels.
A Flight
1st Shane Ruddle (0) 35pts
2nd Billy Vickers (13) 35pts
3rd Patrick Engles (15) 33pts
B Flight
1st Harvey Samuels (18) 34pts
2nd Alex Millbourn (18) 33pts
3rd Andy Crabb (21) 33pts
Thursday, July 14,
Plutaluang - Stableford
We expected it to be really busy today as Friday was a
public holiday, but we were pleasantly surprised to find the course
virtually empty so we had a nice clear round. We did not have so many
players out today so only one division where it turned out to be ladies day
as Ning Neal showed the men how the game should be played; beating ‘Mr.
Muscles from Brussels’ on a back nine count-back of 20-18.
It was a very international event with Thailand in first
place followed by Belgium and Sweden.
Near pins went to Shane Ruddle (2), Brian Neal and Ken
Meek.
1st Ning Neal (16) 35pts
2nd Patrick Engles (15) 35pts
3rd Peter Revale (7) 33pts
Note: The Fairways Driving Range and Golf Society
is situated at the top of Pattaya Klang on Sukhumvit Road. Anyone wishing to
play with us can call into the club house and put their names down on the
lists provided or call Scott on 084 389 2379. Transport is provided if
required.
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Young gun - Top gun
PSC golf from The Golf Club Sports Bar
Monday, July 11, Green
Valley - Stableford
1st Mick Beresford (20) 40pts
2nd John Emmerson (8) 38pts
3rd Brad Sproxton (11) 37pts
Having been beaten on count-back for top spot the day
before, Mick was determined not to find himself in that situation again. The
result was a 40 point outing and man of the match honors. He also took best
dressed yet again as Dale Shier is out of the country.
John Emmerson shot gross 78 off the stick for 38 points
and second place while Brad Sproxton built off his momentum from 37 points
at Plantation to repeat the same score two days on the trot.
Soi Dao Road Trip - July
12 & 13
Day 1
1st Zac Wood (7) 41pts
2nd Colin Greig (11) 35pts
3rd Benn Nelson (12) 34pts
4th Sonny Crawford (9) 34pts
Near Pins: Zac Wood, Mark Wood, Geoff Cox, JJ
Wright
The early departure and 3 hour drive to Soi Dao did not
slow down the youngest player in our field of twenty. 15-year old Zac Wood
played the early wet conditions unfazed and finished the round with a shiny
75 off the stick. Not bad considering he had never seen the course before!
He played alongside his father Steve and his uncle Mark Wood. Mom Lisa was
chaperoning the group to make sure the boys didn’t act up.
Colin Greig returned a respectable 35 points to finish
second. Big Benn Nelson made some good putts coming home to nip out Sonny
Crawford on count-back for third. The remainder of day/night 1 one was spent
sharing libations and a hearty workout on the Karaoke machine. It shall be
noted that on day 1 we played near pins. There was only one ‘2’ out there
and it went to the golden throated Seamless. Sorry Bob, day 2 was the deuce
pot!
Day 2
1st Paul Smith (2) 40pts
2nd Brad Sproxton (11) 37pts
3rd Steve Wood (8) 36pts
4th Zac Wood (7) 34pts
What a difference a day makes. A well rested Paul Smith
went out and blitzed the course with a fantastic gross 70 off the stick.
Well played! Two of the four Woods made it into the frame again; young Zac
finished fourth with 34 points and father Steve took third with 36. They
were close behind Capt’ Klip Board who found his putting stroke on the back
9 and finished with 37 points for second.
There were five 2’s on Day 2 but unfortunately Seamless
peaked too early on Day 1. It was great to see that we had 7 players that
experienced Soi Dao for their first time. The Golf Club will continue to do
away trips once per month. Thanks to all that supported us this week.
Note: The Golf Club is located on Soi LK Metro,
off Soi Buakhao and Soi Diana junction. We can be reached on 085 434 3377 or
[email protected] and our new website is www.golfclubpattaya.com.
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Handicap - what handicap?
PSC golf from Lewiinski’s
Ed Wyckoff (right) receives
the monthly award from Lewiinski’s
Golf Manager Colin Davis.
Sunday, July 10, Green
Valley - Monthly Medal
A Flight
1st Ed Wyckoff (11) net 68
2nd Don Lehmer (16) net 69
B Flight
1st Mick Beresford (20) net 68
2nd Jim Bell (17) net 71
Red Flight
1st Mike Craighead (17) net 71
2nd Sim Davis (27) net 72
Near Pins: No 4 Mick Beresford, No 9 Ed Wyckoff,
No 12 Terry Mangan, No 16 Yui Bietry.
Mick Beresford started the day with glee as he thought
his handicap stood at 21 and his net 67 had won him the monthly medal. But
his hopes were dashed when he was informed that his handicap was 20,
although he did top score in the junior flight but lost the medal on a
count-back. Jim Bell won a three-way count-back for second over the unlucky
pair of Ian Wilson and Geoff Doody.
The same scenario took place in the senior division as Ed
Wyckoff played off his old handicap of 10 and posted a net 69, only to find
out that he had moved out to an 11 handicap which resulted in Ed wining the
medal for the month of July. As our readers know, Ed and Mick have gained
automatic entry to the gold medal to be played later in the year. Don ‘the
ladies man’ Lehmer rounded out the flight a shot adrift.
Mike ‘the Mechanic’ Craighead added to his very
impressive list of gold entry forms as he fought off the challenge of the
society’s first lady, Sim ‘card’ Davis.
Barry Copestake and John Deardon split the 2’s pot.
Back at Lewiinski’s the night got off to a red hot start
as Jan the ‘quite one’ Erikssen scooped the Lewiinski’s snowball - a massive
16,650 baht. Jan did a gracious bell ring.
Tuesday, July 12,
Greenwood - Stableford
A Flight
1st Jimmy Day (16) 41pts
2nd Jon Haugen (23) 39pts
3rd Keith McLachlan (23) 37pts
Ladies Flight
1st Rottana Neal (16) 39pts
2nd Sim Davis (27) 38pts
Large prizes and the lure of the Lewiinski’s famous
excellent buffet attracted a very large crowd to play the A+B Greenwood
layouts. The course was in excellent condition, and so was the winning
score, posted by none other than the Irish gigolo Jimmy Day. Jimmy’s 41
points was two clear of John Madry and a further two clear of Keith
McLachlan who filled out the flight.
Rottana Neal took the ladies flight with a splendid 39
point haul, which needed every stroke as the society’s first lady Sim ‘card’
Davis was but one shot off the pace.
The 2’s today did not count so bad luck to those that had
one!
Wednesday, July 13,
Burapha - Stableford
1st Don Lehmer (16) 38pts
2nd Peter Henshaw (17) 38pts
The site of Wednesday’s comp was Burapha A+C, now
designated American Wood and Crystal Spring. While there are a couple of
holes that might be designed otherwise, the balance of the course presents
itself well and provides a nice vista of topography.
Regrettably the course is allowed to get a bit out of
nick, particularly the rough that can make it impossible to find a ball that
is hit only slightly of line, let alone make any kind of play on it.
Hopefully the course staff sees the folly of the maintenance and cuts the
rough back to a reasonable level so that this course can willingly be
included in the list of excellent venues.
Despite the conditions, Don ‘the ladies man’ Lehmer,
Peter Don ‘O’Corleone’ Henshaw and Serge ‘Monsieur’ Stratton managed to put
together excellent 38 point hauls. Don’s was more evenly distributed than
Peter’s with Serge having to take a back seat, however all was not lost as
Serge split the ‘2’s pot with Jan Erickseen.
Friday, July 15, Rayong
C.C. - Stabelford
1st Ed Delaney (27) 41pts
2nd jimmy Day (16) 41pts
3rd Keith McLachlan (23) 40pts
It was off to old favorite Rayong Country Club, and it
was left to the Irish pair of Ed Delaney and Jimmy Day to fight it out as
both were locked on 41 points. The resulting count-back saw Ed edge Jimmy
for the bragging rights. Keith McLachlan completed the cast of luminaries on
the podium with the bronze.
Ed Delaney added a ‘2’ to his winnings along with Peter
Henshaw and Brad Dippie.
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.
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Murnin mauls the field
at Greenwood
PSC golf from The Bunker Bar
Barry Murnin - winner at Greenwood.
Monday, July 11, Bangpra -
Stableford
A count back was needed to separate William Macey and
Barry Murnin with William having the better back nine score to take the
spoils and Paul Edgar was surprised to find himself in third place with
a modest 31 points!
1st William Macey (15) 35pts
2nd Barry Murnin (17) 35pts
3rd Paul Edgar (15) 31pts
Near Pins: Mashi, Paul Edgar, Barry Murnin (2).
Wednesday, July 13, Phoenix G.C. (Mountain & Ocean) - Stableford
Not a lot of golfers wanted to play Phoenix because
of the relatively expensive costs (especially 700 Baht for a cart!) but
Tony Robbins didn’t mind who showed up because he blitzed the field,
winning six points ahead of the nearest player William Macey, and Barry
Murnin got in the frame again taking third place today.
1st Tony Robbins (13) 39pts
2nd William Macey (15) 33pts
3rd Barry Murnin (17) 32pts
Near Pins: JJ Harney, Lee Butler, Colin Stokes,
PJ Redmond.
Friday, July 15, Greenwood – Stableford
The course was almost empty on yet another (bar
closing) holiday in Thailand. Playing A & B courses there were mixed
fortunes for the players today; PJ Redmond was very surprised to find
himself in third place with a paltry 29 points, Mashi Kaneta came runner
up with 33 points but the man who’s been in the frame every game this
week, Barry Murnin, won with a massive 44 points to put everyone else to
shame!
1st Barry Murnin (17) 44pts
2nd Mashi Kaneta (12) 33pts
3rd PJ Redmond (20) 29pts
Near Pins: Colin Greig, Lee Butler, PJ Redmond, Mashi.
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Kermit’s team wins Camel Summer Charity Classic 2011
Great support sees a record amount raised for the St. Camillus Foundation
The tournament champions:
Kermit’s team of Dave Stockman, Saranya, Bob Watson & Patsada with their
trophies.
For the 11th annual Camel Summer Charity Classic held on
Saturday, July 9, the weather was fine, hot and dry. A record 206 golfers
played at Emerald in support of this most worthy of causes, for the St.
Camillus Foundation which runs the Camillian Social Center – a relief center
for HIV/AIDs affected people, just out of Banchang, in Rayong.
This summer’s tournament raised a record total of 540,000
baht, for the Camillians. The Camel Summer and Winter Charity Classic
tournaments, since inception, have now raised over 5 million baht for the St
Camillus Foundation.
Golfers from Banchang, Pattaya and Bangkok teed off from
06:30am through 1.30pm. A special thanks to all our registration folks
(Vanessa, Bob, Bill, Nida, Mark, Steven, Tong & the Camel ladies). Players
received tournament shirts and caps, and banners for sponsors were located
on each hole. The organizers recognize the great support received and extend
our warm gratitude to the management, staff and caddies from Emerald for
turning the course and facilities out so very well.
The format was Texas Scramble and the tournament had
strategically placed Booming Bloody Mary’s, Magnificent Margarita’s and
Sizzling Sausages around the course to keep golfers strength up and their
concentration focused.
After the game and some welcome refreshments at the
clubhouse, golfers and their families made their way, by 6:00pm, to The
Camel Pub, Banchang’s largest and finest pub/ restaurant. There, The Camel
had prepared a pig on the spit and a sumptuous buffet.
The runners-up were Erik’s
Losers team of Erik Klaasse, Daniel Ryals, Guus Harting & Gordon Harrison.
Prize giving and presentations to the successful golfers
started at 7pm. Hosting was done by MC, Rod Carmichael with able support
from Steven & Vanessa. Many kind donations were made by some very generous
folks and the organizers extend their thanks.
The tournament champions for the Camel Summer Classic
2011 are the Kermit’s team of Dave Stockman, Kh Saranya, Bob Watson & Kh
Patsada, with a brilliant net score of 54.3. The champions were presented
with individual crystal trophies and associated prizes.
The runners up were Erik’s Losers team of Erik Klaasse,
Daniel Ryals, Guus Harting & Gordon Harrison with a net score of 55.5. They
were also presented with crystal trophies and associated prizes.
Congratulations to champions and runners up.
For the ten technical prizes this year, the winners were:
Long Putt on hole 3; Martin Hoffie, Near Pin on hole 5; Keith Hamilton, Near
Pin on hole 7; Bobby Brownfiel, Near Pin in two on hole 8; Mike English,
Ladies Long Drive on hole 9; Kh Amporn, Near pin in two on hole 12;
Hanafiah, M, Near Pin on hole 13; King Arthur, Long Putt on Hole 14; John
Atkins, Near Pin on hole 15, Hanafiah, M and Mens Long Drive on Hole 18; Kh
Sutep Y. Congratulations to the technical prize winners.
The Camel Pub wishes to sincerely thank all contributors
for the generous support and for making the tournament the great success
that it was. Specifically, Terry wishes to thank our corporate and other
donors of cash, prizes and food sponsors. They are Aibel, Apple & Honey Co,
Boots & Coots, CEA, Chevron, Cooper International, Crathco, Dacon, Dextra,
ESC, Expro-PTI, Indochine Developments, Jesters MC, John Crane Co, Mammoet,
Nordic Calista, OPS Thailand, Pearl Energy, Q Cars, Sarens, Sence of Siam
(SOS), Sinto, Souer, TAS, Thunder Oilfield, Wood Group, Western Wholesale
Meats Co, Visa2Go and of course, The Camel Pub.
An extra big thanks goes to CR Asia & Deborah Services
Ltd for their major support and contributions for this successful
tournament. Sincere thanks to all our sponsors.
Additionally, The Camel Pub management also wishes to
express their gratitude to the following local establishments for a bottle
of spirits each for prizes: The Bar, Colleens Bar, Beaver Bar, Kiwi Bar,
Rainbow Bar, Rumours Bar and The Wherehouse Bar.
Also, generous support was received from local and other
folks, Barry Soanes, Ray Barrett, Rod Carmichael, Chuck Callen, Steven
Coulson, Stewart Matthews, Tom Rafferty, Scott Torgusson Anne Shop, Noi Shop
and the Camel Village Shop.
Many thanks from the organizers to all who supported and
played in this fine tournament. We hope to see you all and your friends back
for the Camel Winter Classic, on December 17th 2011.
More information about the St. Camillus Foundation of
Thailand and the Camillian Social Center can be found at:
http://www.camillian-rayong.org/en/contact.asp.
Thorne in sharp form
at Treasure Hill
Jomtien Golf with the IPGC
Brian
Blackford, Division 2 winner at Treasure Hill, poses for a photo with Tom
Novak.
Monday, July 11, Treasure
Hill - Stableford
Our first return here since the prices were hiked up but
now back to reality today, the course was in good condition and everyone
enjoyed the round. It was a cool day with a gentle breeze blowing and the
cut in division 1 was 6-18 and division 2 19+.
We started off on the 10th tee and the best score of the
day was 42 points for Tony Thorne winning division 1; Mike Missler and Chris
Voller fought for second place nine points behind but Mike won on a 19/12
back-nine count-back.
With 25 points on the front nine the organiser lost out
to Brian Blackford 19/13 on the back nine after they both came in with 38
points in division 2. Willy Van Heetvelde was in third place with 34.
Billy Hewitt and Chris Voller birdied the 17th and 6th
holes to split the ‘2’s pot in division 1 and in division 2 there was a
rollover to Pattaya Country Club next Monday.
Friday, July 15, Eastern Star - Stableford
The fairway’s here are in immaculate condition and the
new greens are still improving every week but a trifle slow today. The
condition of the whole course has been manicured and is upgraded every week.
It is the busiest we have seen this course in months and we still teed off
on time.
Two scores of 38 won both divisions with Mikael
Andersson, playing off 9, taking division 1 and a new member who joined up
here at Eastern Star this week, Bill Bertram, in second with 35. Grant
Cadell beat Tony Thorne 19/18 on the back nine for third after they both
finished with 34 points.
Bryan Rought topped division 2 after he came in on time
with 38 points, Glyn Evans was second with 33 and the New Zealand boy Tom
Novak beat Jim Lane on a 18/15 back 9 count-back of 18/15 for third.
Playing off 5 Jeff Corderio birdied the 3rd hole to win
the ‘2’s in division 1 and Jim Lane on the same hole in division 2 claimed
six rollovers.
Note: The three courses at Chang Mai have been booked at Lanna Golf and
Sports Club , Royal Chang Mai and the Highlands and there will be meeting at
Siam Cats on Friday 5th August after the presentation to discuss the travel
arrangements and accommodation preferences. Please sign up before in Cats,
all partners and non golfers are welcome. We depart on the 10th September
for one week.
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Cannon continues fine form
Golf from the Travellers Rest
Jon Dean and Daryl Ottoway – the top two at Emerald.
Barry Hooper
Robert Cannon claimed another week of success for
himself. He obviously wanted to carry on where he left off and came out to
take second spot at Bangpra on Monday and then despite adjustments to his
handicap claimed a win at Khao Kheow the following day (Tuesday). Keep it
going Bob.
One however must record that the high scorers of the week
were George Bishop, with a blistering 41 on Monday for the win, and Daryl
Ottoway on Saturday at Emerald with his 41. Good play by any standards and
well done to both.
John Franklin was second to Bob on the Tuesday with his
38, another fine effort, and Jon Dean did the same thing at Emerald with his
35 but had to fight off Fergus on the count-back.
Sorry but it is now gripe time. I had comment made this
week about the courses doing scarifying and top sanding to the greens but
failing to advise groups before they go out. Why do they do this? Some
courses can get it right. We all realize that this work has to be done.
Praise has to go out to Bangpra who got it right, did the work but heavy
rolled and left all the greens in a very playable condition. If one of them
can do it, why not all of them? Simple bad management I suppose.
The other gripe is an old one - five balls slowing up
large groups and forcing 4 to 5 hour rounds. I suppose as usual the answer
is pure greed. But the managements never seem to see the long term effect of
this action. The regular big groups just turn away and go elsewhere. Will
they never learn?
Monday, July 11, Bangpa -
Stableford
1st George Bishop (15) 41pts
2nd Robert Cannon (24) 37pts
Ted Senior (11) 32pts
Tuesday, July 12, Khao Kheow
A & B - Stableford
1st Robert Cannon (23) 39pts
2nd John Franklin (14) 38pts
3rd Ito Akitoshi (9) 36pts
Thursday, July 14, Phoenix -
Stableford
1st John Franklin (13) 36pts
2nd Andrew Rich (20) 34pts
3rd Daryl Ottaway (8) 34pts
Saturday, July 16, The
Emerald - Stableford
1st Daryl Ottoway (8) 41pts
2nd Jon Dean (10) 35pts
3rd Fergus Brennan (10) 35pts
Note: If you want any further or fuller information about
the golf outings played by the TRGG from the Travellers Rest Hotel, please
contact the hotel manager Tewin Lamthong on 086 056 7019 or call in to the
Travellers Rest in Soi LK Metro, Pattaya and look at the notice board or
visit their website at www.trgg.biz.
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Kenyan athletes dominate again
at 2011 Pattaya Marathon
Lawrence Kiptoo Saina from Kenya crosses the line
to win the men’s 2011 Pattaya Asian King’s Cup Marathon.
Following recent
tradition it was another Kenyan sweep of the top prizes at the 2011 Pattaya
King’s Cup Asian Marathon last weekend as both the men’s and women’s races
were headed by athletes from the East African nation.
Kenya’s Elizabeth Cheruiyot Chemweno win’s the women’s
marathon event.
In the men’s marathon 29-year old Lawrence Kiptoo Saina
was first to cross the finish tape outside Central Pattaya Beach in a time
of 2:21:03, exactly 3 minutes ahead of second placed Mohammed Abduh Bakhet
from Qatar who had a titanic battle for the runner-up spot with Teruto Ozaki
of Japan, just pipping the far east Asian athlete on the line.
The winner Kiptoo Saina was more than 10 minutes outside
his personal best of 2:09:52 set at the Porto marathon in Portugal in 2006,
but the undulating course in Pattaya and the high humidity, even very early
in the morning, have always restricted the athletes’ abilities to run fast
times here.
Road race winners receive their
trophies from Pattaya Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome.
In the women’s marathon race there was another battle to
the finish line as both Elizabeth Cheruiyot Chemweno of Kenya, who
celebrated her 33rd birthday last week, and Japan’s Noriko Higuchi went neck
and neck for most of the course. Coming down Beach Road to the finish line
the two athletes could not be separated as the thousands of fans lining the
course cheered them on. Finally, within sight of the finish line, Chemweno
put in a kick that took her ahead of her rival and she was able to hold this
slight advantage to the finish line, breaking the tape in a time of 2:44:04,
just one second ahead of Higuchi.
Men’s half-marathon winner
Thailand’s Sanchai Namket (right) is congratulated by runner-up John Murikic
Mwangi of Kenya.
The Japanese star had recently set a personal best of
2:28:49 at this year’s Tokyo marathon and Chemweno was also well down on her
PB, once again outlining the difficult nature of the Pattaya course which
took the marathon runners all the way out to Ban Amphur on Sukhumvit Road
before looping round back to Pattaya through Jomtien.
Both the men’s and women’s marathon fields were dominated
by the international runners with no Thai athletes featuring in the top ten
places. The first of the home nation runners to cross the line was 30-year
old Srisung Boonthung, a double gold medal winner in the 5,000 and 10,000m
at the 2007 Southeast Asian Games in Korat, who struggled here at the longer
distance and finished fourteenth overall in a time of 2:35:50. In the
women’s race the best Thai athlete was Natthaya Thanaronnawat who completed
the course in 2:53:31. Both Thai runners received prestigious King’s Cup
trophies and 70,000 baht each for their efforts.
The wheelchair athletes proudly show
off their trophies. The winner of the event, Prawat Wahoram, is far left of
picture.
This year the Pattaya marathon also doubled up as the
Asian Championships which resulted in Mohammed Abduh Bakhet of Qatar and
Japan’s Noriko Higuchi being crowned the male and female champions for 2011.
With over 2 million baht in prize money on offer at this
year’s race it was the most lucrative in the 18 year history of the event
and both the Kenyan winners of the marathon were rewarded with 200,000 baht
each for crossing the line first.
Thai athletes fared considerably better in the shorter
distances last Sunday with national champion Sanchai Namket taking first
place overall in the men’s half marathon in a time of 1:12:13, edging out
John Murikic Mwangi of Kenya on the line, and Sonthiya Saiwow finishing as
runner-up in the female event behind China’s Chow Chi Ngan, the winner
coming home in 1:28:55.
The home nation runners also dominated the quarter
marathon (10.55km) race with Natthawut Imnum and Chantana Panyakul finishing
top of the male and female categories respectively.
“Jae Ma” (Auntie Dog) takes her
furry friends for their annual run.
The wheelchair marathon race also saw Thai athletes to
the fore with the first six places going to the home nation and Prawat
Wahoram crossing the line first in an impressive time of 1:44:41.
As well as the competitive events there was also a 3km
student fun run/walk held along 2 nd
Road and Pattaya Beach Road that saw a great number of schools and youth
clubs take part.
Altogether the organizers estimate some 10,000 runners and walkers took
part in the Pattaya marathon this year which can once again be considered
another sporting success for the city by the sea.
The agony - and the ecstasy.
A despondent Noriko Higuchi misses
out on first place in the women’s marathon by just one second.
The athletes line up at the start of the 2011 Pattaya
King’s Cup Asian Marathon.
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China snooker duo
on top of the world
Ding Junhui
and Liang Wenbo pose with the World Cup after defeating Northern Ireland in
the final at the Bangkok Convention Centre, Sunday, July 17.
China won the 2011 PTT-EGAT Snooker World Cup last
weekend after they defeated Northern Ireland in a thrilling final.
The Chinese pairing of Ding Junhui and Liang Wenbo
completed a 4-2 victory over the Irish combo of Mark Allen and Gerard Greene
at the Bangkok Convention Centre.
This is the first time China has ever won the title and
Ding was delighted with his side’s achievement.
“When the last World Cup was held (in 1996) I was nine
and had only just picked up my first cue a few months before,” said Ding.
“We both played really well. We got off to a good start
and were 3-0 ahead but in the fourth frame I missed a blue to make it 3-1. I
had a good chance to win that frame and when we were 3-0 up I thought we
would finish it in the fourth.
“We’re the best two players from China and I’m very proud
of China and us to win the World Cup. You don’t get many chances to play in
this tournament and this is the first time I’ve played in it but I hope I
can play in this more times and win more times.
“Liang played very well and better than last season. Last
year there was a lot of pressure on him but you need to understand he will
come back and play better and better.”
Breaks of 84 and 46 helped China move into a 3-0 lead but
a 115 from Greene in the fourth and 69 from Allen in the fifth made it 3-2
but Ding and Liang’s effort of 89 in the doubles saw them lift the trophy
and collect the $200,000 first prize.
Allen believed it was always going to be difficult to
recover from their poor start.
“We were up against it from the start and in the first
two frames China played flawless snooker,” he said. “It was about digging in
and staying in the match and we managed to win two frames. But they played
better snooker so deserved to win. It’s disappointing but we found ourselves
2-0 down through no fault of our own. We came here with expectations to do
well and tried to play well in every match. If someone had said we would get
to the final then we would’ve taken it but being in the final you never want
to finish runners-up.”
Earlier in the day, Northern Ireland won a 4-3 thriller
against Hong Kong but tournament favourites Wales lost 4-1 to China in the
other semi-final.
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Pattaya hotelier on the podium at Bangkok Triathlon
Woodlands Hotel & Resort’s General Manager Stephane Bringer
cycles during the Bangkok Triathlon, Sunday, July 10, 2011.
Woodlands Hotel & Resort’s General Manager Stephane
Bringer managed a first place in his age group and 4th overall among 200
athletes attending the recent Bangkok Triathlon. The event was organized as
a celebration for the 84th Royal Anniversary of his Majesty the King and
competitors had to complete a 1,840 metre swim in the Chao Phraya River
followed by a 55km bike course, ending with a spectacular 10km. run over the
Rama 8 bridge.
Champion Michal Bucek from Slovakia but now residing in Hong
Kong crossed the finish line with a time of 2:24:28. Women’s winner Laura Walsh
was 7thoverall with a time of 2:34:49.
“I am impressed with organization and I will definitely be
back next year” said Laura afterwards, a Canadian national but also living in
Hong Kong.
Michal Bucek commented: “I had a fantastic time and I was
amazed by the organization and how smooth everything goes. Road, river,
volunteers etc. I must admit I felt great during the whole race and congrats to
all competitors”.
A very well organized urban triathlon by Active Management
Asia this race is certainly bound to grow and take its place in the annual Asia
triathlon calendar. The next event organized by AMA is the ibis Koh Samui Trophy
2011 Adventure Race on September 17.
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Fortt recovers from qualifying spill to take first in class
Ben Fortt (right) is congratulated by Thai movie star Pete
Thongjure at the Bira race circuit in Pattaya, Sunday, July 17.
In a full program of racing at the Bira International
circuit last weekend, including Super cars and racing pick-ups, local
Pattaya motorcycle rider Ben Fortt took part in the two day Superbike
challenge series.
With qualifying on Saturday, the track had become very
hazardous late on due to the amount of oil and debris deposited on its surface
by the pick-ups and Supercar series contenders throughout the day. This can be
dangerous enough for a four wheeled vehicle but for a motorbike racer it makes
things a little hair-raising to say the least.
Ben was going really well in qualifying but suffered a very
nasty crash near the end when he collided with another bike and was hit by
another machine from behind as he skidded off the track. Ben managed to get
himself back on his feet and after being checked out by the very efficient
ambulance crew he was just a bit bruised and was told he could still race on
Sunday.
The bike did not fare as well however and sustained quite a
bit of damage which necessitated the mechanics working throughout the night to
have it fixed in time for Sunday’s battle.
As Ben had already put in a few good laps before his crash he
still managed to qualify as the fifth fastest on the day which gave him a good
starting position for the next day’s race.
By Sunday the Suzuki GSXR 1000 was still showing the scars of
the previous day but fortunately these were mainly superficial and mechanically
the bike was ready. The rider himself was still feeling a bit sore but he was up
for the task ahead.
The race was over 10 laps and Ben was able to hold his
starting position throughout its duration, fending off a determined late
challenge by Paul Adams, also on a Suzuki 1000, to just pip him at the chequered
flag.
As the race involved all grades of bikes and riders Ben finished in fifth
spot overall but was ranked first in his grade which was a fine achievement. In
the pits after the race he was congratulated by Thai movie star and racing
driver Pete Thongjure (as seen in the photo).
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