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Hot action on the beach kicks off Pattaya Sports Festival
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
Pattaya’s first official sports festival got underway
as the nation began Songkran holidays, and from April 13 to 17 sports fans
were entertained by a myriad of sports and activities on and off Jomtien
Beach with the event literally kicking off with the beach football
competition.
Winner
and runners-up of this year’s Miss Sports Bikini Pageant (l-r) Thipawree
Thamanarong, first runner-up, Emmy Ongsupanich, Miss Sports Bikini 2005,
Jiraporn Lertrattananont, second runner-up and Romanee Kuptawetin, Miss
Popular.
Over 60 teams in five categories participated, with youth
teams under 12, 15 and 18 as well as open and international teams taking
part. After two full days of competition the winners emerged from the
masses, taking home the coveted winner trophies and cash prizes.
In the Under 18s class Pattaya School No 7 carried the
day, winning the title. The Surf Kitchen A team won the open class, yet
again proving they are the masters of beach football, and giving the
spectators a chance to witness excitement on the beach during the finals.
 The
action off the beach was just as tough, as national windsurfing team members
fought for their place in this year’s SEA Games and the first round of the
national championships.
The opening ceremonies on Wednesday saw a new sport come
to Pattaya - beach volley- a two-a-side game combining both beach football
and volley ball, and drawing interest from many spectators as they
occasionally cooled off in the water during the heat of the day. The beach
volleyball tournament was also held over the same period.
 Emmy
Ongsupanich knocked out the judges with a great figure and personality to
match to win this year’s pageant.
Offshore, from Wednesday to Sunday, the 3rd Pattaya
Windsurfing Cup led the action away from the beach. The competition was also
the first round of the Thailand national championships and the start of the
selection process for the upcoming SEA Games in Manila later this year.
The competition was tough with past and present national
team members taking to the water for the event.
The favourites in the competition didn’t disappoint
with Phanutat Ruamsap winning the over-Formula class. Prayuth Singhsart won
the Formula B and Jaturong Charoensuk the Formula C classes.
Former gold medal winner and owner of the Amara Sailing
Centre, Amara Wichithong, scooped the Ladies Formula and Masters categories.
 Not
only was it a hot summer day, these kids battled for supremacy on the sand
during the beach football competition.
The Youth Under 20 class was hotly contested with rising
star Ake Boonsawat taking line honours. National team member and local
windsurfer Arun Homraruen won the Mistral One Design men’s category and in
the Men’s Masters it was Su-omee Muhamed Kasem with line honours.
The four days of sports wound up with a special Miss
Sport Bikini Pageant with contestants vying for 30,000 in cash for the top
spot and a photo shoot for Thailand’s FHM magazine.
The judges had a tough time discerning who would win but
it was twenty-three year old Emmy Ongsupanich, a student at Bangkok’s
Ramkhamhaeng University who swayed their decision with a taut and trim
figure and sparkling personality to be crowned Miss Sports Bikini 2005 out
of a field of 30.
“I feel very happy to have won. I have entered other
pageants in the past and this is ideal. I like wearing swimwear, which also
makes me feel confident,” said Emmy, who also promised to carry out her
duty as a tourism ambassador for Pattaya over the next year.
Thipawree Thamanarong was the first runner-up and
received 20,000 in cash, while Jiraporn Lertrattananont came in third with
10,000 in cash. Romanee Kuptawetin received the Miss Popular vote, taking
home 10,000 baht for her particpation.
3K Battery prepares for title fight in New York
Suchada Tupchai
Yodsanan “3 K Battery” Sor Nanthachai, WBA Super
Featherweight (130 lbs) champion was in final preparations last Friday
before travelling to New York to defend his title against Panama’s
Vicente Mosquera in the centre ring at Madison Square Gardens.
 Yodsanan
in the ring with his trainer in preparation for the forth title defence.
Local dignitaries paid a visit to the Sityodthong
training camp where 3K Battery was in final training. Local MPs, senior
police officers and a former ministry advisor presented Yodsanan with
gifts and offered encouragement in his upcoming match on April 30 (May 1,
local time).
“This is my fourth fight to defend my world title and
this time at Madison Square Gardens in New York. I feel more than 100
percent ready for Mosquera and have studied his style in depth. The main
thing I am concerned about is the climate and the time difference. Other
than that I’m, ready,” said Yodsanan, who won the title in 2002.
Visitors watched 3K Battery go through his paces in the
ring, completely focused on his task at hand.
Yodthong Senalak, Sityodthong camp owner and senior
advisor to Pattaya City, told reporters that he is confident that Yodsanan
will not disappoint Thai boxing fans.
“Yodsanan may not have been in full training over the
last six or seven months but he is a very disciplined fighter and trains
daily. This will be another main fight and an important match for Thai
boxing. I would however, like to see the government provide more support
for Muay Thai as it is a national sport and can only grow to become more
internationally known.”
Yodsanan and his team left for New York on April 19 to get ready for
the match, which will be televised live on Channel 7 in the early hours of
May 1 local time.
2005 Season form doubts
Jomtien 8-Ball Pool League
The second week of the league revealed a new emerging
force when San’s Snack Bar trounced visitors Rose and Thistle 7-2 to
maintain joint leadership of the table. R & T’s aspirations are
looking unhealthy, substantial improvement is called for.
The
Moonshine visiting Hide-a-Way in last week’s league matches.
Moonshine visiting Hide-a-Way went into the break
all-square at 3 - 3. The games were played with good humour and were mostly
close run affairs with only one or two finishing the “wrong way” after
an improper pocketing of the final black. After partaking of sustaining soup
during the break the wheels came off Moonshines road show and they succumbed
to Hide-a-Way 6 - 3. Was the secret in the Hide-a-Way soup?
A source in the Bolaget camp reports that they played
like a collection of a part of the anatomy, only those were not the words
used. Woaw’s took the first three games and ran out 5 - 4 on the night
over Bolaget.
Elsewhere, newcomers Paweena’s, at home to Country
Club, also emerged winners at 5 - 4, and S&N Palace finished off
visitors Lucky Bar with the same result.
Finally, Simple Simon climbed up the table with a
substantial away win 3 - 6 over Twilight Zone.
Next week, on current form, should see Hide-a-Way take an away win at
Lucky Bar. Probably the most interesting fixture will be Simple Simon at
home to San’s Snack Bar, a close result after some hard fought game is
predicted for that conflict.
The Jomtien 8-Ball Pool League Table
Out of The Grapevine
Pattaya newest golfing venue The Grapevine
run by Opal and Malcolm is now in full swing.
Their first golfing day was Thursday, April 21st and will
continue be every Thursday thereafter.
Next week, April 28, The Grapevine plays at the Royal
Thai Navy course at Plutaluang. The day starts off with a free breakfast at
8 a.m. before departing at 9 a.m. Upon the golfers return there’s a free
meal along with the prize giving.
The Grapevine is located in Soi Regent Marina, North
Pattaya, contact Opal or Malcolm on 038 361 736 for more details.
J.J.! J.J.! J.J.!
IPGC golf from Lewiinski’s
Sunday
April 10
Green Valley
Monthly Medal
1st A Flight: Phil Mitchell, net 71
2nd A Flight: Jim Wickstrom, net 71
3rd A Flight: Steve Mascari, net 71
1st B Flight: J.J. Wright, net 64 (Monthly Medal Winner)
2nd B Flight: Brian Orr, net 67
3rd B Flight: Vic Hester, net 69
1st C Flight: Larry Nicholas, net 72
2nd C Flight: Mick O’Connor, net 73
3rd C Flight: Betty Koehler, net 74
Near Pins: #13 Rick Sharp; #16 Bobby Driggs
We have talked about golfers having a day and boy did J.J.
Wright. And he did it on Monthly Medal Sunday! It was enough that he had the
first eagle of his career, on the par 5, 10th of the Peter Thompson designed
layout (or was it Niran designed?). It was enough he shot gross 79. But it was
topped off by his hoisting the silver tankard, tying the third lowest net score
since his pal, Spot the Dog, threw a 62 at it in December of 2002 (Svien Vistung
had a net 63 in June of 2002 and Mark Bonner had a 64 in March of 2004). That
left Brian Orr three shots adrift in B Flight with a magnificent 67, that a
score which had only been surpassed 12 times in the 58 month history of the
Lewiinski’s Monthly Medal. Victor “The Inflictor” Hestor filled out the
power packed B Flight with a one under SSS net 69, but only did so by virtue of
a count back over the world’s nicest guy, John Hillier.
Ironically, the bombers of A Flight didn’t challenge the
SSS, but it was a cast of luminaries that were knotted at that top with net 71s.
The poor old senator, with hardly a filibuster, accepted the bag as the Society
President grabbed the bronze, Jimmy Wickstrom the silver and Flipper the gold.
C Flight showed undo respect for the course (I assume they
were playing the same course as B Flight) by having the Irish Crustacean being
the only one in the field to have his/her net score match nominal par. Following
him up the podium was another from the ‘Ol Sod, the Chef to King, Mick
O’Connor. The final C podium step was another one of those sordid family
squabble’s as Betty put the count back on Hubby Roger for the loot.
Tuesday April 12
St. Andrews or
Green Valley
White Tees
Stableford
1st St. Andrews Flight: Steve Mascari, 41 pts
2nd St. Andrews Flight: Vic Hester, 38 pts
3rd St. Andrews Flight: John Emmerson, 37 pts
1st Green Valley Flight: Mike Craighead, 39 pts
2nd Green Valley Flight: John Hillier, 38 pts
3rd Green Valley Flight: Colin Davis, 38 pts
Continuing to show the nimbleness that has trademarked the
members of this society, the competitors on the day were given there choice of
tees, with one catch, the tees were on different courses. Due to the shared
facilities of St. Andrews 2000 and Green Valley, it affords a choice for those
that want to take on the unique challenges of Desmond Muirhead’s design and
for those that are members of Peter Thompson’s design or feel their game is
better suited to it.
The Flights then were divided by course choice and the cream
rose to the top as the society President swept the Flight with 41 points, and
yes, that means he shot level par 74 off his five handicap. Vic Hester gave
indications that he might be bringing his handicap down, now that his
construction of his new Pattaya residence is no longer distracting him, as he
melded 38 points to take second, one ahead of the Golf Manager’s third place
finish.
The “gang across the street” was led by Mike “The
Mechanic’s” 38 points. MtM’s handicap has started downward and everyone is
wondering where he found the Fountain of Youth. A couple of relative youngsters,
John Hillier and The Donkey, trailed Mike up the podium in the Green Valley
Flight.
Wednesday April 13
Khao Kheow
Yellow Tees
Stableford
1st Yellow Flight: Bob Patterson, 40 pts
]2nd Yellow Flight: Geff Ives,38 pts
3rd Yellow Flight: Bob Philp, 37 pts
4th Yellow Flight: Jim Brackett, 36 pts
The Senator (Independent-Wis) had been inspecting his
handicap construct lately feeling it was deserving of some upward movement. Well
forget that, as Bob put together a magnificent gross 74, 40 point effort off the
Yellow tees at the Dye designed Khao Kheow. Geff Ives continued his fine play in
his short stay by taking second with 38 points. Aussie Bob Philp snagged the
bronze, with Jimmy Brackett took the unusual fourth spot. The entire field was
at or better than the SSS of the course, 34 points, and that could mean some
movement in the CSS! Also cheers to the gang as they all eschewed the shorter
whites tees in favor of the challenging yellows.
Friday April 15
Eastern Star
White Tees
Stableford
1st Place: Chris Stewart, 40 pts
2nd Place: Garrett Walsh, 37 pts
With a group of society members opting to avail themselves of
the Lewiinski trademark Songkran road trip to Royal Hills and Khao Yai, it was a
small, yet intrepid lot that ventured down the road to ESR. New member Chris
Stewart quickly put a dent in his well-documented 7.8 handicap as he put
together 40 points for the win. Irishman, and teacher-in-residence in Hanoi,
Garrett Walsh came second with 37 points. Hard luck Roger Koehler, who usually
loses to his wife on count back, lost out, this time, to the Society accountant
as the limited field did not allow for a third place payout despite his even to
SSS 36 points.
‘Jameson’s Jug’ Four-Ball Team Scramble
Friday April 29 is the date for the inaugural ‘Jameson’s
Jug’ four-ball Team Scramble at Eastern Star Country Club & Resort.
Original Jameson’s Jug trophies, and prizes will be on
offer for the winning, runners-up and 3rd place teams, together with many
technical prizes to compete for. The Jameson’s Jug inaugural shirt, 11.30 a.m.
Shotgun Start & Entry 1,500 baht per player.
Full details with the entry form below.
Ocean Marina to host first Top-Of-The-Gulf Regatta
Peter
Cummins, Pattaya
It is all go at the Ocean Marina these days, with the
year’s third monthly regatta just finished, then the first Top of the Gulf
Regatta will be held in the first week of May, to sail over the week
embracing Coronation Day (May 5), followed by the Ocean Marina May monthly
racing, on the 14th and 15th.
Organisers
announce the upcoming inaugural Top of the Gulf International Regatta 2005
at a recent press conference.
Bill Gasson, a four-time Phuket King’s Cup Regatta champion
and one of the founders of the most-successful Koh Samui Regatta, realized some
time ago that there should be a Top of the Gulf Regatta. Seeing that there were
yacht racing events all over the Kingdom, but not much happening in the
Pattaya-Jomtien-Sattahip waters which have usually the best winds and the best
sailing/cruising areas, Bill dedicated his time to forming this new event.
It will be an outstanding success, no doubt, with fleets
ranging from the Optimists, which will hold their national championships,
through a vast array of beach-launched catamarans, through the ubiquitous Platu
fleet, which will be racing in their annual “Coronation Cup”.
Ocean Marina
keelboat champion, David Pollard and friends.
Considerable sponsorship has “come aboard”, including
North Shore, BuzzCats Thailand and others who will be identified in due course.
Furthermore, all this is a build-up for the great flotilla which will leave for
Koh Samui, probably on the 18th of May, sailing out of the Marina, west towards
Pran buri, then more southerly to Prachuab Khiri Khan, Koh Tao and, finally Koh
Samui, around May 21, to join the Fourth Samui Regatta.
Platus in
contention off the Marina.
Spurred on by boat builders Bill Gasson and Gary Baguley,
with David Pollard and Serenity shipyard’s Jean Obry and Mikael Pophillat all
supporting the venture, it is anticipated that the south-bound fleet will
comprise at least seven of the regular OM sailors and their crews, John Vause
(Buzz 8), David Bell (Pink PussyCat), Francesco Brancaccio (Vivace), Morton
Jakobsen (Emma Mathilde), Pascal Leray (Hi Jinks), Platu (Alex Skaria). Reigning
OM champion David Pollard (Foreign X-Change) and Gary Baguley (Magic Roundabout)
will also battle the strong southerlies fighting them all the way to Samui.
 Gary
Baguley and Pouk Makison racing “Magic Roundabout” off Samui last year: a
tough slog, down but they will do it all again!
Two recently-launched catamarans, built at the Ocean Marina
shipyards in the compound, the “BuzzCat” and the “Serenity Cat” will be
joined by the classic schooner, the “Seraph”, as guide vessels.
Meantime, back to the results of last weekend’s regatta,
David Pollard continued on his winning ways, albeit by a narrow one point
victory over arch-rival Gary Baguley, finishing with 8 and 9 points,
respectively, in the Keelboat Division, at the end of three races sailed in
perfect conditions. Third, on10 points, fourth to was Martin Kaye (Platu 102),
with Neil Semple, (Platu 103, 14 [points), David Race (Platu 112, 15 pts),
Pascal Leray (Hi Jinks, 16 pts), John Vause (Buzz 8, 17 pts), David Bell (Pink
PussyCat, 22 pts) and Anthony McDonald (Culater, 25 pts), fourth to ninth,
respectively.
In the Multihull Division, Radab Kanchanavanit made no
mistakes, helming “Cedar Swan” to threer straight wins, ahead of
second-placed host sailor Kirati Assakul on “Sonic” and Frankie Brancaccio,
helming “Vivace”, was third.
Watch this space for more exciting yachting events.
Women on the water
Pattaya’s windsurfing sisterhood
Amara Wichithong
Great to see so many women windsurfing on Jomtein Beach
in front of the Pattaya Park Hotel. Both Thai and foreign women are becoming
addicted to the sport of windsurfing. Encouraged by former gold medalist
Amara Wichithong to be bold and independent these girls are having a ball.
The stronger the wind the better, the girls are often faster than the guys.
It is great to see couples sharing a common passion for such a natural and
healthy pastime too.
 Freedom
out on the water.
With the new windsurfing equipment from Starboard it is
now so easy to learn. The new boards are wide and very stable. The boards
are covered with soft foam and the beginner sails are small and light. Now
anyone can learn to ride in 60 minutes.
Both an exhilarating challenge and a source of peace and
tranquility, I asked these ladies...Why do they do it?
“Cruising alone with my thoughts for the week, all is
much clearer upon returning to shore”
New
windsurfing equipment from Starboard it is now so easy to learn and many
women are taking up the challenge to do just that.
“I love the exercise, water sports are great way of
exercising without getting hot. I like the way my body feels when it is
strong and fit”
“In a high speed rush, all the pressures and
frustrations of life are swept away by the wind”
“I love the Freedom, after time on the water, I feel
brand new again.”
“This is something I share this with my partner, I
think that is important”
“I like to see all my new friends out on the water
having a great time, I enjoy my weekends more than ever with fewer
hangovers”
Never too late to learn
With 27 years windsurfing experience, 20 years competing
for Thailand, Amara Wichithong is constantly grateful for the effects that
windsurfing has had on her own life and the lives of her many friends. That
is why she often says, “windsurfing brings people luck”. It is never too
late to learn and become part of the windsurfing “family” at the local
club.
Contact the Amara Sailing Center on the beach in front of Pattaya Park.
www.amarasailingcenter.com email:[email protected] Phone 01 862 9958
or just drop in for a chat and a look around.
Former Welsh rugby captain drops in to Pattaya
Mike “Spikey
Watkins (left) former Welsh rugby international player and captain of Wales
from 1984 to 1987 recently took time of his busy schedule to visit Pattaya
and have a few beers with his friends at Tropical Bert’s Beach Bar (Soi
Regent Marina). Spike kept everyone entertained for many a happy hour with
his exploits against the English and other international teams.
Rugby fest in store next weekend
Its that time of year where rugby players and fans
converge on Pattaya for annual Rugby 10s tournament. Now in its 6th year,
the Chris Kays Memorial 10s - fka The Pattaya Rugby 10’s takes place at
Horseshoe Point on Saturday April 30 to Sunday May 1.
The tournament renamed in honor of former captain Chris
Kays, who lost his life in the Bali bombing in 2002, Chris’s parent Ray
and Lyn will again travel to their son’s stomping ground for the event.
Some the
hard-hitting action in finals of last year’s Pattaya 10s tournament.
This year sees more teams than before participating in
the event. Sixteen teams from around the region including the French
Barbarians out of Hong Kong and the likes of the Samui Simians will be
playing alongside and against Thai team Kasetsart University and the Thai
Under 19s select side, aptly named Young blood as well as the regular
favorites.
 Always
a pleasure to watch the ladies on the pitch, albeit slightly rougher than
the gents. The girl’s from Malaysia’s Telawi Touch team had plenty of
fun on and off the pitch last year.
The Ladies event will again be well represented with a
host of Thai and local expat players as well as those from Laos, Malaysia
and Singapore. The homegrown and saucy Pattaya Panties will give will be
providing some tough competition on and off the field, especially during the
infamous Quaich, albeit without the lovely Lisa.
Such events do not come lightly and need sponsorship,
this year Jameson’s Irish Pub has and MBMG International are the major
sponsors with CR-Asia providing shade and Four Winds International for the
water as well as venue sponsor The Horseshoe Point Country Club and Resort.
The first ‘training session’ gets underway on Friday
night, April 29 with a meet and greet the teams at Jameson’s followed by
two days of action on the pitch from 9 a.m. till around 5 p.m.
The infamous Quaich, a very well organized and outlandish
pub crawl, will follow up the first day’s play starting from the Panthers
home venue, Jameson’s before venturing out into the wilds of Pattaya.
The final day kicks off around 9 a.m., hangovers
permitting, until the finals that afternoon and prize giving at Horseshoe
Point.
Everybody is welcome to watch, there is no charge, there is always plenty
of food, and refreshments pitch side. A promising and festive weekend for
local rugby fans in Pattaya. See you all there!
Pattaya Panthers do Manila
Once more this year, the Pattaya Panthers side was composed
of the fine upstanding gentlemen of Pattaya and some equally upstanding
gentlemen from around the world who are “loosely!!” associated with the
Teetotallers from Kobe, Japan. Their prowess has been undisputed in previous
years and this year was no exception. They retained the essence of touring and
were described as “Drinking men with a rugby problem”.
The Teetotallers are regulars at 10s tournaments throughout
Asia. They were founded in a pub in Kobe, Japan by two mates in the belief that
you can always find 10 guys who want to travel to exotic places and play a bit
of rugby and preach the merits of teetotalism over a few ‘medicinal
beverages’. This year Kyle spread the net far and wide (across the island of
Guam!) and produced 6 players in the form of: Kyle, Pedro, Dr. Tom, Brent, Jim
and Greg.
The Pattaya Panthers also comprised 6 tourists in the form
of: Brian Reid, Duane Lindsay, Phill Dunn, Jimmy Howard, Mark Betteridge and
Neil Smith.
The weekend started well with a reintroduction to the
nightlife of Makati and we were welcomed by one and all. Old friendships were
continued and new ones made. The night was judged a great success by the fact
that only three members of the squad appeared for breakfast on time the next
morning.
A wonderful day of rugby ensued with the organisers providing
us with a very early start, as usual. We played out a hard fought (5-5) draw
with the Philippine Warriors. Next up were the Pot Bellied pigs. They were
slightly less pot bellied than in previous years and were quite mobile. We lost
narrowly (12-14) due to a missed conversion. The third group game saw us take on
the ACS Asia Barbarians. This was a tough side that played good complete rugby.
They beat us but only after a tough fight from the boys.
Saturday night was mainly taken up by shouting the French
lads home against the Irish. Thank god that we didn’t have to endure two
groups of crowing Celts! A very genteel dinner was followed by an early night
for all? Sunday saw the Panthers playing in the Bowl competition quarter final
against the Pot Bellied Lights. We squeaked home to win a place in the semi
final against the mighty Valley from Hong Kong. By now injuries had depleted the
side and we were able to draft in four very useful lads from the Mongolian team.
They helped in completely destroying the Valley machine and put the side through
to the Bowl final.
The bowl final started with a dilemma as Macau and the
Panthers both played in green shirts. The Baboons helped us out by lending us
the world’s smelliest used shirts. However they were red and did the job. The
bowl final was tied at the end of extra time and went to 10 minutes of extra
time. All the players were feeling the strain as the closing minute approached
and the scores were still tied. A small mistake was all it took and Macau
streaked away to score the winning try.
So we capped off Manila 2005 with our medals as Bowl runners
up, a good hangover and some great memories.
For more information regarding the Panthers please check out
www.pattayapanthers .com or see Kim at Jameson’s - The Irish Pub
PSC golf from McAllister Bar & Grill
Friday April 15
Century Ban Chang
Stableford
The usual suspects turned up for this weekly outing plus
a few new contestants. The morning weather was looking pretty threatening as
we were starting with thunder and lightening all around. Fortunately it
veered away and all enjoyed a pleasantly cool morning although conditions
were a bit soggy in places.
 Mikael
Andersson (center) and Bob Deane (left) with McAllister’s staff.
The par threes took their usual toll but the going turned
out to be pretty consistent for most although very few managed to play to
their handicap. All were concerned to find the first green cored and sanded
but that turned out be the sole green so treated.
Don McAllister had a new treat for the golfers after a
very fine lunch by arranging a Thai Cultural Dance Team to entertain us and
very enjoyable it was for all.
Scoring completed, the winners for the day were Mikael Andersson with an
impressive 41 points to take first closely followed by Bob Deane with 40,
third place went to Bobby Clark with a respectable 35.
PSC golf from the Three Sisters Bar
On Monday, April 11, there was a decent turn out and some
good scores. It was back to good weather time as we got rained out last
week. We had a tight race for first as Doug Chalkley again made by a nose to
ease into first place with 39 points. He would have been beaten last week by
Bob Benda but, as it was, we got rained out last week. I believe that Bob
had 41 points. His handicap is now getting down to reflect his better play
in the last few months.
 Doug
Chalkley made into first place with 39 points out at Siam.
Kenny Mau led in the clubhouse for quite a while with 38
points and was thought to possibly be the winner for the day. Kenny was firing
on all cylinders but missed a short putt to slip into second place. Following
just back of Kenny was Jerry Lien with 37 points and Paul Kinner and Kai
Koskinen coming in at 36. Good scores but not enough for the day.
Holding the bag this week was Miss Mee Sinpru. Mee is a new golfer is trying
hard to improve her score. If she is anything like her counterparts, she will be
out of the cellar in a short time and be heading for the top. Peter Wilson and
Saen Jaroewong tried to head for the cellar but, with 21 points each, they were
safe and sound out in the sun. They were well out of the bottom position and had
fun for the day. Hope to see you all next week.
DSL Pattaya 9 Ball Pool League
PSC golf with The Bunker
Phoenix Country Club
On Monday, April 11 the Bunker Boys were off to play a
medal competition at the Phoenix Country Club. Two divisions were set but
only 2 winners in each division due to many golfers off on a Songkran
holiday. In Division “A” Dennis Dixon returned the best score of the day
with a net 69 with runner-up going to Bob Pearce with a net 72.
In division “B” Jim Wooler scored a 72 and Mark
Thomas followed in with a 74. Near the pins were won by Granville Swanton
(2), Sonny Ruthsip and Bill Hewitt.
Pattaya Country Club
Wednesday had only one division due to the official start of
the Songkran Holiday. A stableford competition with had joint winners. Granville
Swanton and Duncan Mcgee both scoring 40 points while Joe Pacchainelli came in
third with 37 points. Near the pins were dominated by Granville Swanton for
winning 2 again, a total of 4 in 2 outings. Paul Smith took the other 2 near
pins.
The Bunker had a non-golf day on Friday due to Songkran, but
will continue to play three times a week during the low season. Check the
schedules for some changes because we will play on some Tuesday’s to take
advantage of Sport Day’s.
The Bunker Boys are located on Soi Chaiyapoon (near X-zyte
disco and across the street from Tony’s Disco II). Monthly golf schedules are
available or consult the Pattaya Mail every week.
PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s
With Songkran descending upon us, the regular scribe and
a few others decided to head bush. Those who could not get out of town or
didn’t know any better headed off to Eastern Star for the day, after
breakfast at Bert’s.
The winners
back at Bert’s after a day out at Eastern Star.
The course was in excellent condition, possibly the best of
the year and, accordingly there were some good cards returned, none better
than” podium” Jeff Wylie’s gross 73.
Back at Bert’s everyone tucked into a Bert’s special
Shepherds pie accompanied by some good Aussie red wine compliments of Colin
Bavington. Colin played his last game before heading back to the Isle of Wight
and his lovely wife Sue.
Near pins were won by Martin Bullen, Jeff Wylie, Peter O’Donnell and Bob
Noble. Long putts were taken out by Perry Mc Neeley and Colin Bavington.
The Beautiful Game?: Och Aye -
It’s the Old Firm Derby!
Riz Taylor
Tomorrow sees one of the biggest and most intense matches
in world football - the Old Firm derby. It’s difficult for non-natives to
muster excitement for the Scottish game, particularly as the domination by
the two usual suspects makes it all somewhat predictable. That said, the
intense rivalry between Glasgow giants Rangers and Celtic surpasses anything
seen in English football. Even the imported players with less knowledge of
the history and ferocity of the event become caught up in the occasion,
usually getting stuck into each other from the first whistle. It’s always
a fixture guaranteed to bring some excitement, but Saturday’s game has
added significance as the two battle it out for a closely fought SPL title.
Its highly recommended viewing.
The victorious side, should there be one, will be in pole
position with only a handful of matches remaining. Come Saturday expect red
cards, unbelievable crowd noise, perhaps a goal or five and then drunken,
incoherent Scotsmen on the streets of Pattaya. Much like any other Saturday
night then!
Showdown
the UK Corral
On Wednesday evening (the early hours of Thursday, Pattaya
time) Liverpool take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the first leg of the
Champions League semi-final. The match will be the most expensive in British
football history, according to a report in the London Evening Standard.
Tickets are said to be fetching over 1,300 GBP on the streets
and via online agencies (almost 100,000 baht), and demand is set to snowball up
to the 2,000 GBP / 150,000 baht mark. I’ve approached the Pattaya Mail’s
sports editor, and demanded that in the interests of accurately reporting the
game I should be sent over to London (on business class, of course), but
negotiations aren’t going too well.
It looks like I might instead be sent to cover some Thai lads
kicking an old football around on Third Road, near Tony’s Gym (kick-off 5pm,
daily).
Move Over, Thierry
Nominations for possibly the world’s longest named award
were released the other day. Each season the players themselves vote for the
adversary that has impressed them the most, and the resulting winner is
presented with... deep breath here... the ‘Professional Footballers’
Association Players’ Player of the Year’ award.
Immediately it struck me that it’s been some years since an
Englishman scooped this prize in his own backyard. A quick look on a passing
internet revealed a 2001 winner that I’d forgotten all about. Can you
remember? The answer later.
Regardless, this season could be the turn of another
Englishman to scoop the accolade, and in my eyes it’s almost impossible to
look further than the man who last season was beaten only by Thierry Henry’s
brilliance - Frank Lampard.
I’m not a fan of Chelsea by any stretch of the imagination,
but their domination of the “EPL” this year has been almost total. And at
the club’s heartbeat is the talented, consistent Lampard, who can’t seem to
put a foot wrong since being freed to roam forward thanks to Claude Makelele’s
cover behind him. Lampard has scored a number of crucial goals this season,
including three of Chelsea’s six against Bayern Munich.
I take my virtual hat off to him. The midfielder didn’t
seem destined for greatness whilst at West Ham, where amongst a talented bunch
of youngsters it seemed that he was a lightweight player, and perhaps a Cockney
wide-boy more interested in looking good. In those days it was Joe Cole or Rio
Ferdinand who showed superstar potential, but Lampard has surpassed them both
since moving to Chelsea. His outstanding asset, above everything, must be his
consistency. It’s hard to recall him having a poor game and this bodes well
for England’s chances at next year’s World Cup.
So I hope he wins. Mind you, the competition is stiff. The
other nominees are John Terry and Petr Cech (also Chelsea), Steven Gerrard
(Liverpool), Andy Johnson (Crystal Palace) and the winner of the last two years
Thierry Henry (Arsenal).
And the 2001 winner was a Mr. E. Sheringham, from Manchester at the time.
Congratulations if you remembered it, but you really should get out more.
The Square Ring
by Howie Reed
Remember last week? OK that’s a start. Do you remember last
week when I wrote, “If in fact Dutch Boy Gym is selling noodles that is a sad
commentary on all of boxing. Although my Pal Monkey House has found his last
four wives selling noodles.” That statement was in error. “Hoowie, I’ll
have you know that none of my ex-wives would sell noodles. Here is a list (with
occupations) in descending order. This is not easy to compile as I’d forgotten
several names!” Monkey House then goes on to name 10 First Category Females
who once served as Mrs. Monkey House with occupations from “chrome pole
trainee/card players with new found wealth”, Iranian terrorist (retired),
surgical nurse, accountant, doctor, advertising chick, American Indian Squaw,
Airborne coffee/tea or me person, secretary and bartender.” I apologize to
Monkey House for besmirching his choice of wives. As he doesn’t have a noodle
seller then I would guess it is AOK for them to line up outside the Twilight
Zone (Boy does that name fit) in Jomtien on the chance of becoming number 11 and
12 for Monkey House, aka the Rich Farang and filling out the full set of wives.
“Dapper” Dave Stewart got another notch on his KO belt
when he disposed of Daniel Thorpe since last we’ve met. What do we know about
Thorpe besides the fact that Stewart KO’d him in 3? Not a darn thing. Do know
that the fight was held at the Leisure Centre, in Brentwood, England and that
the Dapper One is now 15-0. What else do we know? Well Mr. F. Frog writes, “Hi
guys, New! Got some Belgian beers for sale now in the restaurant. Hoegaarden 33
cl and Leffe Blond / Bruin 33 cl and Goliath. Soon also Duvel, Kriek,,
Framboise, Blanche de Namur, Ramee Amber and Pauwel Kwak .” Carrying on with
the Mr. F. Frog theme, not too long ago he was critical of some Thailand World
Champions not defending their titles as much as they should. WBC bantamweight
champ Veeraphol Nakhornluang-Promotion (47-1-2, 33 KO’s) made his 15th defense
of his title last Saturday against Hozumi Hasegawa (17-2). Since he won the
title via a KO in 6 of Joichiro Tatsuyoshi in December of 1998 he’s had 28
fights with 15 of them being for his title. If there was a knock on Veeraphol,
considered by most independent rankings as the best Bantam in the world, it’s
that he never traveled to either the USA or Mexico to face the top-notch
competition there. No big deal as the king goes where he wants.
In the days leading up to the defense Veereaphol said, “I
have prepared a strategy to beat Hasegawa, who is a very good boxer with great
hand speed. I’ll win and keep my belt, but I don’t say whether I’ll be
able to knock him out. It’ll depend on the process of the fight.” don’t
say whether I’ll be able to knock him out. It’ll depend on the process of
the fight.” Things didn’t start well for the champ when he failed to make
weight on his first attempt by 3/4 of a pound. Thirty minutes later he hit 118
on the old snoozola. Problems at making weight is at time a harbinger of things
to come. That was the case last Saturday in Tokyo Japan. Defending for the 15th
time Veeeraphol ran into a determined challenger Hozumi Hasegawa.
Boxing’s best writer Joe Koizumi writes, “Southpaw
speedster Hozumi Hasegawa (18-2) impressively captured the WBC bantam throne as
he gamely mixed it up with longtime champ Veeraphol Nakhonluang-Promotion
(47-2-2) from the outset and withstood the 36-year-old Thailander’s persistent
retaliation in middle rounds and took significant three points from the ninth,
winning a unanimous decision over twelve heats on Saturday in Tokyo, Japan. The
official tallies were as follows: Duane Ford (US) 116-112, Gale Van Hoy (US) and
Burt Clements (US) both 115-113, all for the more aggressive challenger. Though
Veeraphol took the final round with his desperate rallies, Hasegawa was awarded
a well-received decision thanks to his accumulation on points.” If Duane Ford
(Nevada) said it was 116-112, then that’s what it was. Rematch? Could be
Thailand? No chance!
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that tomorrow night
at the Westfalenhallen Halle (which I think means Hall) in Dortmund, Germany,
Wlad Klitschko (43-3) tries to get his career back on track against Eliseo
Castillo (18-0-1). Wlad’s had a rocky go since he was KO’d by Corrie Sanders
back in ’03. He’s had “ho-hum” performances against Fabio Eduardo Moli
(29-2) and Danell Nicholson (42-4). He lost a chance at the WBO Heavyweight
title when he couldn’t come out for round 5 against Lemon Brewster (29-2) who
gives awful a bad name. The Ruskie did get a win against DaVarryl Williamson
(20-2) abet a “technical decision” when his opponent got cut. That aside
Klitschko is among the top rung of Heavyweights which explains almost
everything. Castillo has gone undefeated by fighting guys no one ever heard of
with one exception. He beat former champ Heavy Champ Michael Moorer (46-3-1)
with ridiculous ease on a UD (99-91, 97-93, 97-93). Castillo’s game plan
against Klitschko is to take him deep into the fight. Castillo’s trainer
Norman Wilson explains, “If he takes his time, eventually what happens with
the bigger guy? They deteriorate. They slowly but surely deteriorate. Then,
it’s time to make your move. You don’t have to try to make your move all in
one round.” I agree, wait until say 1:30 of round 2.
Bunch of local lads had some success. WBO #1 feather Terdsak
Jandaeng (16-0, 13 KOs) kept his Asia Pacific Title with a coasting unanimous
decision (117-111, 117-111, 118-110) over former champ Jess Maca (43-20-6, 17
KO’s). This win may be better than it looks on paper. Maca while 1-4-1 in his
last 6 was competitive against the likes of Sampson Dutch Boy Gym twice (Not a
candidate for Mrs.. Monkey House Number 11 or 12) and Veeraphol Sahaprom. The
win for Terdsak in Chumporn certainly adds to his expanding resume. A couple of
former champs were also successfully in action. Former WBC straw king, now a
lightfly Wandee Singwancha (44-7-1, 10 KO’s) showed his superior skills in
beating Jojo Bardon 58-55. Wandee’s only mistake was when he got careless in
the fourth stanza and got dropped on the seat of his pants. Former WBF feather
champion, now campaigning as a super light weight Kongthawat Singwancha (33-22-)
outpointed Filipino Teofilo Tunacao (25-31) in six. Kongthawat was given the
opportunity to fight Tunacao when two-time WBC king Sirimongkol Singwancha opted
out to get ready for his encounter with WBC#1 Michael Clark on April 30. yes he
did!
WBC#28 Chonlatarn Piripinyo (8-0) will defend his WBC Asian
Boxing Council (ABCO) feather title against Mohammed Siyu (0-0) next Thursday at
Taladthai Market in Patumthani province, Thailand. Waite a minute the guy is 8-0
and makes his 4th title defense against a guy with no record? Why? “Siyu is an
Indonesian fighter and his record is reported as 16 wins and 8 losses.”
Horsedoodle! Take a pass on this one.
On deck next Friday at the Petchpaiboon Market in Petchburi WBC fly king
Pongsaklek Wonjongkam’s (55-2) gets a paid workout against Filipino Joven
Jorda (12-22) over six rounds. Now I know you’re saying to yourself, “Self
this guy is 12-22.” Yea but at one time he was 6-4. Since then 6-18-2.
Disgraceful, Drive a man to demon rum. Thank Goodness I thought this day would
never end. “Yes please with ice.”
MotoGP - Estoril, Portugal
April 14-17
Firstly, an apology over the suggested start time of 8
p.m. for Estoril, Portugal MotoGP, the race time of 7 p.m. was not released
until after this publication had gone to press.
There is only one name in the frame for Estoril MotoGP,
Alex Barros. The man from Brazil dominated the event from first practice to
qualifying and took the race win, albeit a gift from Sete Gibernau. Barros
was fastest in all three practice sessions and took pole with a new record
0.731 seconds under the previous record.
Alongside the Honda mounted Barros on the front row of
the grid were Sete Gibernau, also Honda and Ducati rider Carlos Checa.
Valentino Rossi was relegated to the second row after some torrid practice
sessions with his Yamaha desperately trying to unseat him. Sete’s teammate
Marco Melandri was next to Rossi and Loris Capirossi on the second Ducati
made up the second row.
Race conditions were far from ideal, being cloudy and
cool. Gibernau made an excellent start and pulled out a 3 to 4 seconds lead
in the first few laps. Behind him Checa, Biaggi and Rossi fought for podium
positions.
At about half race distance light drizzle started to fall
and the pit teams prepared the second bike for each rider with rain tyres so
that the rider had a choice. Sere must rue his decision to stay with slicks
as he slid off on the 17th lap and was unable to restart his machine. Rossi
and Biaggi tried valiantly to close down on Checa but then clearly chose to
settle for podium standings rather than a DNF as the fine rain continued to
fall.
Other placings were 4. Melandri, 5. Checa, 6 Edwards,
7.Hayden, 8. Nankano, 9.Capirossi, 10. Xaus.
Overall Championship leader is Rossi with 45 points,
seven clear of Barros in second place with Melandri third.
The next event, MotoGP Round 3 takes place May 1 at the
Shanghai circuit in China. Local time appears to be 1 hour ahead giving a
start time for MotoGP at 1 p.m., but please do check your TV guides.
Expect the Rossi vs. Gibernau battle to be resumed.
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