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Thailand defeats Germany in the
Ladbrokes.com Polo Cup
Thailand defeated Germany 7-6 to earn the Ladbrokes.com
Polo Cup in an exhibition match as part of the opening celebrations for
the Siam Polo Park, located off Siam Country Club Road, on Sunday February
2.
The Minister of Science, Technology and Environment,
Sonthaya Khunpluem officially declared the new venue open.
The friendly competition involved local and
international players with a 5 Chukka (or periods of 7 minutes) match.
Thailand
and Germany battled on the polo field on February 2, with Thailand coming
out a 7-6 winner.
Leading the Thailand Team was president of the Thailand
Polo Equestrian Association Vichai Raksriaksorn, with team members such
Australia’s polo captain, Glen Gilmore, Dubai’s Ali Albwardy and the
club’s polo manager Gustavo Yanez from Argentina, who all put in a huge
effort to win the game.
The German Team played well, keeping the score equal
until the final seconds of the match. The German Team, led by Harald Link,
the club’s chairman, along with David Calvert Jones, Andrew Hine, who is
also the captain of England’s team, and Robert Tame played extremely
well and continued to keep the crowd on the edge of their seats.
Ali Albwardy, playing for the Thailand Team, scored the
final goal to defeat the German Team 7 goals 6.
Polo is a relatively new sport to Thailand, but
worldwide dates back over 2000 years. Polo is currently played by 77
countries, with Argentina the leading nation in the sport.
Inter club polo games are played regularly at the Siam
Polo Park and information can be found on their website:
www.siampolopark.com
Shakey Pete’s moves into second place behind La’s 213 game
Shake Pete’s took three points from VFW Post 9876 and
moved into second place and are only one point behind league leader House
of the Golden Coin in the Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League. La
led her team with a 213 game and 543 series, while Toy gave her a hand
with a good 502 series. Morn was the best bowler for the VFW team with a
212 game and 547 series.
Cafe Ole coasted to a three-point victory over the
Winchester Club thanks to Bill’s league leading high game of 256 and 570
series, and Aun’s 621 series, with handicap. Sven had a 552 series and
Jon knocked down 500 pins for the Winchester Club team who were wearing
their new Winchester Shirts.
 200
bowlers: Morn, Kran, Bill (256 game) and La
Cafe Kronborg helped the Sultans of Swing to continue
their slide down the standings after taking three points with Captain Kran
bowling games of 178, 202, 202, for a 582 series, and Nual tipping over
500 pins. Tancred led the Sultan team with a 531 series.
Three Sisters took three points from league leader
House of the Golden Coin with Tue leading the way with a 538 series.
Golden Coin was bowling with an injured Captain Mio who was slammed into a
wall by her own dog and could not bowl up to her normal abilities. Porn
bowled a 513 series and Otto a 507 series, which was only enough to take
one point for the Coins. Tue was best for Three Sisters with a 538 series.
League Standings
| Team |
Points |
Points - 1 Feb |
|
House of the Golden Coin
Shakey Pete’s
VFW Post 9876
Winchester Club
Sultans of Swing
Three Sisters
Cafe Ole
Cafe Kronborg |
45 - 35
44 - 36
43 - 37
41.5 - 38.5
40.5 - 39.5
36.5 - 43.5
35.5 - 44.5
34 - 46 |
1 - 3
3 - 1
1 - 3
1 - 3
1 - 3
3 - 1
3 - 1
3 - 1 |
Aree steers ‘Arp-Scott pairing’ to victory
The
winners of the Shenanigans weekly golf tournament, Aree Arp and Don Scott
with tournament director Michael Franklin.
Aree Arp, in a late pairing with Don Scott, returned
the best score of the day and forty Stableford points to ensure victory in
Shenanigans February 5th combined Stableford competition. Their combined
total of 72 points was enough to put Usa Chaiyusit and Tony Stevens, with
69 points, into second place with the Rysers, Toy and Steve, just a shot
behind with 68 points.
The weather was fine and sunny, with a testing wind
which quickly dried off some wet areas after heavy overnight rain. With
few delays, and the Eastern Star course in excellent condition, it was all
set for another Shenanigans very friendly day for the forty-two strong
field.
Ray Byrne, after some months of intense practice and
professional tuition, made his debut on the first tee and began his
golfing career with a cracking drive and, two holes later, a par on the
third. Well done Ray, it’s all uphill from now on!
The Uttings and the Hollingsworths joined for the first
time, and Maria Hasila and Mauno Pollari introduced the Arkkolas, Arko and
Mija. Arko is a distinguished guest, as he is the chairman of the PGA
Finland.
The technical prizes were equally shared between the
men and ladies. Lamun Hanley was nearest the pin on #4, Usa claimed #8 and
#12, leaving Ray Woodruffe to be nearest on #15. Alan Alexander sank the
longest putt on #6, and newcomer Mark Flanagan was longest on #14.
Back at Shenanigans the prize giving was briefly
illuminated by the new and very impressive stage lighting system, and made
audible by the equally impressive new sound system.
The next Shenanigans outing is on Tuesday February 19th
for a Pairs Better Ball. Sign-up, in pairs please, at Shenanigans.
One point not good enough for Havana as they are held by Scans
Scandinavian Vikings FC 1 - Havana Resort FC 1
Despite an early goal by MBMG Casuals League top scorer
John Parkin, local Pattaya side Havana failed to convert a series of first
half chances and paid the penalty when the Bangkok based Scans drew level
late in the second half.
With midfield general, Con Giatas, returning from an
extended New Year vacation, Paul Crouch, the old fox Dale Farrington and
Hayden Williams, available after missing the German All Starts victory,
Havana were at full strength for this return fixture with the Scans. The
influential Crouch, not 100% fit after a night spent suffering with
Montezuma’s revenge started on the bench, as did Farrington.
Earlier in the season Havana picked up all three points
in a very hard fought 2-1 victory and this game began in the same manner
with both defenses dealing comfortably with any attacks and neither side
giving anything away in midfield. After 15 minutes with neither side
having created any real chances Havana took the lead. Good work in the
Scans penalty area by Williams setting up the prolific Parkin for his 13th
goal of the season.
As Havana pressed for a second their play became very
predictable. Feeding Ross Nicholson on the left and, despite delivering
testing crosses, these were dealt with very efficiently by the Scans
defense. Indeed Havana soon had a warning that the Scans were not to be
taken lightly as Niclas out paced Giatas and hit a stunning shot from 25
meters that hit the inside of the Havana post. Nicholson then hit the
Scans post with a fine effort and just before the break Havana’s defense
rock, Mark Bradshaw, suffered a head injury and had to leave the field.
In the second half Farrington replaced Williams and
five minutes after the restart Bradshaw returned to the defense. However,
this time it was the Scans that were exerting the early pressure and
Havana keeper Samath had to be at his best to keep them out.
Havana captain, Adrian Sparrow, had to leave the field
for treatment to a head injury and Havana’s play started to get a bit
ragged. Sparrow returned to the action but with Bradshaw looking groggy in
defense and Giatas laboring in midfield the Scans equalized. Samath did
well to keep out a shot but he couldn’t hold it and the rebound fell
invitingly for the Scans Kim Larsen to score.
As Havana pressed for the winner the Scans defense
remained firm. Farrington had bad luck with a 30-meter shot that was well
saved by the Scans keeper.
Final Score: 1-1
Man of the Match - Niclas (Scans) Full of running.
Moment of the Match - The referee making all the
players tuck their shirts in.
Crowd - 75
Elsewhere in the MBMG league, the Warbler remain top,
MVI moved into second after beating Soho 4-3 and Havana drop down to
third.
Exotic Thailand Temple Marathon and Half Marathon
Thailand’s inaugural Temple Marathon and Half
Marathon will be held on Sunday March 24 in an area outside of Bangkok
known for its many fabulous temples.
Open for local and international entrants, competitors
will have the opportunity to run either the full 42-K marathon, the 21-K
half-marathon, or a 10k run, through this amazing countryside - a unique
way to experience Thailand’s exotic culture, and meet runners from all
over the world.
The starting point and official opening ceremony will
take place in the grounds of Phumrinkudeethong Temple, Samut Songkram, and
many cultural experiences will greet competitors along the route. This is
more than a race, it is a cultural extravaganza!
Tour packages are offered to international competitors
via the web site www.thailand-temple-run.com or through an experienced
local tour operator, combining both the race and a Thailand holiday.
Exiting features offered to both local and
international competitors include the opportunity to join a pre-race
inspection and visit to the Floating Market at Damnoen Saduak; a pre-race
carbohydrate dinner at the Amari Watergate Hotel, allowing runners to
mingle and ‘fuel up’ before the big race; and a post race awards
ceremony and dinner to present trophies to the winners, and celebrate
everyone’s personal achievements. Transfers are also being offered from
the Amari Watergate Hotel to the starting line (over an hour) and return.
Everyone crossing the Finish Line will receive a
specially designed commemorative medal, and category winners will be
presented with unique trophies. Many lucky draw prizes are also to be won.
The Thailand Temple Run is celebrating a Day of Running
Around The World, and has joined with marathons in Rome, Italy, and
Washington DC, USA, who are also running on March 24.
Famous Japanese Ecomarathoner, Hajimi Nishi, holder of
the Guinness Book of Records for running 7 marathons on 7 continents in
168 days, “The fastest time to run a marathon on each of the 7
continents” world record, will be the honored guest celebrity.
This is also the first marathon in Asia to offer
instant on-line registration confirmations using real-time reservations
software provided by www.agent-key.com
Professional race organizer, SportVision, is
responsible for the course, and for local registrations. Thai runners may
contact SportVision at tel. 0 2570 9599 before March 24 for information
and registration. Non-Thai speakers should contact 0 2653 9191 or email
[email protected] for further information on local
registration fees.
Bob breaks par at Bangpra
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the Bunker
Beautiful Bangpra played reluctant host to a party of
thirty or more Bunker Boys on Tuesday, 5th February, after it was
discovered that the IPGC booking and confirmatory letter had been
overlooked in favour of a visiting Asian party. How many more times will
this happen? It seems some courses are more prone to this type of
“oversight” than others but the Bunker Boys took their revenge on the
tough course with some sparkling golf.
In division one Bob Morrison flayed the course with his
three-under 69, followed by John Hughes with his net 71. In third place,
on level par, was Colin Wilkes.
In division two another sub-par round was recorded by
“Sunny” Sander Ruthsip, with his net 70, two ahead of Chris John on 72
and the Guru, Mick Jones on net 73.
The Bunker Banana Booby was won by thirteen handicapper
Bill Hewitt for his seven off the tee at the short, 154 yard twelfth, but
it could so easily have been presented to Khun Jobsworth, the receptionist
at Bangpra, earlier in the day!
Tough going at Phoenix
Dennis Griffith’s beautiful three course layout at
Phoenix was the perfect venue for thirty-six Bunker Boys and Girls on
Friday, 8th February. The weekly Stableford competition was played over
the Mountain and Lakes nines and the cut was at eighteen and under. Only
two players managed to break par on a day when the pin positions were
particularly challenging.
In division one The Welsh wizard, Norman Brooks, topped
the list with a very steady 36 points, three ahead of the nearest
challengers, Wilf Latham and “Remy” Guy, both scoring 33 points.
In division two Alan Alexander and George Meigh led
with sub-par 38’s and the ever improving Clive Harris came third with 35
points.
The Bunker Super Sawng award was shared by Chris John,
David Jones and Alan Alexander for their two’s and the Bunker Banana
Booby was reluctantly received by Terry Phur when his dismal score of 19
points was made public. Terry, after all, is a ten handicapper. The Guru,
Mick Jones, was later seen imparting his words of wisdom in a post match
masterclass and no doubt we shall see a different Terry Phur in the near
future.
There is even more inspiration at http://www.thebunkerboys.com
Doug Powell escapes Monday celebrations
PSC Three Sister’s Golf
On the 5th of February, golfers from the Three Sisters
gathered at Siam for their weekly session. Due to Super Bowl Monday,
golfers gathered on Tuesday the 5th to vie for the bragging rights. Many
of the golfers were at the Three Sisters Bar on Monday morning watching
the Super Bowl and it showed in their scores.
 Doug
Powell (left) took the bragging rights with 40 points on 5 Feb at Siam CC.
George Davis (right) was originally thought to have brought up the bottom
with a smashing 21, but checking the cards later, organizers found that
Paul Kinner stumbled by George and snatched the bag with 20 points.
Doug Powell escaped the Monday celebrations and shot
his normal good golf to come in with 40 points. Doug always shoots well
and normally comes in near the top and this week he conquered the field.
His playing partner Andy Bettany tried to trip Doug up but could not keep
up the pace and had to settle for second with 38 points.
Waiting in the wings was George Davis with the bag
holding the bottom of the pile. As George got his picture taken and cards
were quickly checked all seemed to be in order. Upon reaching home and
rechecking results and adding the figures, it was found that Paul Kinner
had not added his front and back scores and so was missed when going
through the cards at Caddy Shack Two. So when no one was looking, Paul
snuck by and snatched the bag from George to be the bag holder for the
week. Congratulations Paul - please add your scores and put down the total
score so we won’t miss you in the future. Paul stumbled by George as he
snatched the bag with 20 points.
As usual we had our normal snacks after as Paul Kraft
supplied the goodies for the week. Thanks Paul. Next week Dene Mundy will
be in line with Gerry Carpenter still waiting in the wings to be the
suppliers for the week. (Thanks guys for your support)
The two faces of Thailand Golf
IPGC TAGGS Golf from The Haven
Wednesday 6th Feb.
Phoenix (Stableford)
Ladies
1st: Lamud Lindborg, 40
2nd: Oradee Kaesavane, 35
Gentlemen’s 2nd Division
1st: Fred Theobald, 37
2nd: Einar Widness, 36 cb9 20
3rd: Al Rolnik, 36 cb9 19
4th: Mo Bertrand, 36 cb9 16
Gentlemen’s 1st Division
1st: Barry Winton, 41
2nd: Klaus Schackt, 37
3rd: Lars Schackt, 35
4th: Don Scott, 34
Following a rest day on Monday when a considerable
number of the TAGGS were avidly watching the Super Bowl, a very large
contingent of golfers expected to play at Bangphra, but due to an
oversight by the course’s computer (sic) instead of 12 tee times at 9.
30 there were only 2 at one o’clock. Fortunately the organiser had early
warning at ten past eight, that the previous day’s IPGC tournament had
suffered a similar glitch, and there was time to move the tournament to
Phoenix, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise, it being almost
deserted.
The large field necessitated the formation of three
divisions and the Ladies were headed once again by Lamud, who must by now
surely be getting down to her proper handicap. She was followed by the
always-steady Oradee, albeit with not so many points as usual.
The Second Division was led home by Fred, making a
welcome return to these sunny shores, and he was closely followed by Einar,
Al and Mo who had to scrabble over the minor placings via count back.
The first division saw the long awaited win for Barry,
who easily overcame the chasers on his way to a full shot drop in his
handicap.
The twos were shared between Mo Bertrand, Russell Finch
and Don Scott.
Back at The Haven Richard Livingston, the resident PGA
professional, welcomed new members Jimmy Hartley, Leslie Allen and Tony
O’Neill, all from the UK, whilst welcoming back Toy and Fred Theobald
and John Mabry also from the UK.
Friday 8th Feb.
Century Ban Chan (Bogey)
1st: B.J. Smith, 2 up
2nd: Lamud Lindborg, 1 up
3rd: Brent Philp, all square
4th: Jeff McLaury, 1 down cb9 1 up
5th: Stephen Beard, 1 down cb9 all sq. cb6 all sq.
6th: Dan Maclean, 1 down cb9 all sq. cb6 1 down
7th: Barry Winton, 1 down cb9 1 down
A pleasant hassle free round at the demanding Nick
Faldo designed course at Ban Chan renewed ones faith in golf in Thailand
and at the price who can knock it? It has got to be the best value in the
world.
B.J., who travels from Bangkok every time to play, was
rewarded on the day with a win having beaten the course 4 up on the back
nine and left Lamud to take a rare second place. They were just able to
keep in front of the returnee, Brent and the minor placings, which
required an exhausting series of count backs for Richard. There being no
winners of the twos, a large pot will be on offer at the next outing.
Prior to the prize giving Richard welcomed back Brent
Philp from Canada and Yazuo Suzuki from Japan.
Wayne Koch scores 43 to win A flight at beautiful Bangpra
PSC Golf from the Cafe Kronborg
Monday 4 Feb - Great Lake (Stableford)
Great Lake Country Club was host for a Stableford
competition in two flights: A flight 0-19, B flight 20 & up. Jerry
Kurtz took the A flight with 36 points, Lyn Jenkins was second on 35
points, Ebrahim was third on 35 points, fourth was Barry Quirk on 35
points, with 2nd, 3rd & 4th places being decided on count back.
 Wayne
Koch, shown being congratulated by K.S.M., scored 43 Stableford points to
win the A flight on Thursday at Bangpra.
B flight was won by Big Fred Theobald with 35 points,
off his new handicap after winning the mug last week. Steady Arthur Bailey
finished second on 34 points, Herb Schweiterman was third on count back
over Pimon Lask Roditak, both on 33 points.
Near pins: #5 Pete Davis, #7 Jerry Kurtz, #12 Mick
O’Connor, and #16 Jerry Kurtz.
Long putt: #9 Barry Kerr and #18 Inge Magfridsson.
Thursday 7 Feb Bangpra (Stableford)
There are some courses you go to where you just know
you are going to have a great day, but one only remembers the quality of a
course like Bangpra when you are playing and your partners constantly
comment on the beauty and outstanding layout as you walk around. The
regulars tend to get a little blas้ and only think of its degree of
difficulty & the speed of its greens, but this, the oldest course on
the Eastern Seaboard, has matured magnificently.
So it was with anticipation of a great day that the
cavalcade set fourth from the Kronborg, with over 50 golfers primed to do
battle, and so it turned out with good golf and the return to the
winner’s enclosure of many regulars.
The A flight, 0 to17, was won by Wayne Koch with a very
fine 43 points and hopefully heralds a return to form for him. Second was
Don Richardson on 38 points beating Ebrahim, also 38 points, into 3rd
place on count back. Fourth on 36 points was Jack Cunningham beating Chris
Davisson & Reese Herberge on count back.
The B flight, 20 & up, was won by Bjorn
Kristjohansson on 41 points. Second was John Swanson on 39 points, and
third John Cahill on 38 points on count back over fourth Arthur Bailey 38
points & Mick O’Connor.
Near pins: #2 Chris Davisson, #8 Paul Avery, #12 Wayne
Koch and #17 Inge Magnefresson.
Long putt: #9 Reese Herberge and #18 Hiroshi Sagawa.
Wells and Fortt lead Rising Sun home
The Rising Sun golfers paid their weekly respects to
Phoenix Country Club on Tuesday Feb 5. A great turnout led to two flights:
A (handicaps 0-19) and B (handicaps 20-36).
Dr. Bob Wells won B flight with 36 points, followed by
Keith Taylor in second with 35 points.
Kevin Fortt won A flight, followed by Robin Wilkins in
second (scores not made available).
Near pins: Lakes 2 Dr. Bob Wells, Lakes 7 Sean Murphy,
Mountain 4 Kevin Fortt, Mountain 8 Paul Sibley.
The Rising Sun is once again running its annual
“Songkran Getaway Cup” this year in Hua Hin. Six nights hotel, four
days golf. For more information, contact Kevin at 099326716.
Thai chefs well represented at 3rd South East Asian Golf Tournament
The Thailand Chefs Golfers, representing golfers in the
hospitality and catering industry, recently participated at the 3rd South
East Asian Golf Tournament. This tournament is organized bi-annually by
the Toques Blanches in Manila. More than 120 participating chefs gathered
from over 20 countries around the world for this 2-day event.
The first tournament day was conducted at the Tagaytay
Midlands Golf Club. This brand new golf course proved to be the perfect
opening venue with its large fairways, although the greens were totally
unforgiving.
 Santo
Zoppis and Stefan Mueller with their golf partners and caddies at the
Tagaytay Midlands Golf Club at hole Nr. 10.
The second day of golf was held at the nearby Riviera
Golf and Country Club. This championship course is one of the most
demanding in the Philippines. Beautifully landscaped into a steep
mountainside, this course leaves no room for errors.
The Thailand Chefs Golfers were represented by Daniel
Althaus, Alban Boeck, Marc Cawley, Paul Gambles, Rene Kuhn, Stefan
Mueller, Per Nystroem, Mr. and Mrs. Pozatto, Thomas Riedlinger, Ed
Thompson, Charlie Watkins, Kenneth Whitty and Santo Zoppis.
At the end of these 2 days of golf, Mrs. Hong Pozatto
represented the Thailand Chefs Golfers well, as she won a trophy for being
first runner up in the ladies’ division.
The
Thailand Chefs Golfers (from left to right): Stefan Mueller, Kenneth
Whitty, Paul Gambles, Alban Boeck, Marc Cawley, Charlie Watkins, Kurt
Pozatto, Thomas Riedlinger, Rene Kuhn, Mrs. Hong Pozatto, Daniel Althaus,
Santo Zoppis and Ed Thompson.
PSC Charity Classic sets new marks in proceeds and participants
Now that all the expenses have been paid and the final
accounting has been completed the Pattaya Sports Club is proud to announce
that the Charity Classic 2002 has raised B377,146 for the Benefit of
Underprivileged Kids of the Eastern Seaboard area.
Because no event of this magnitude occurs without the
labor of a number of Sports Club members who undertook special effort in
the raising of funds and tournament preparation, the following deserve
special recognition: Carl Engle, Ken Crow, Bernie Tuppin, Bill Thompson,
Gerry Carpenter, Dave Richardson, George Davis, Tim McMaster, Dene Mundy,
Alan Pearce, Jim Montgomery and Jan Aamlid.
A heartfelt thanks to the record crowd of 140 golfers
who made a significant contribution through their tournament entrance fee
and to the following area businesses and individuals who made cash and
merchandise contributions.
The Pattaya Sports Club, Northern Thai Realty &
Export Co., Bill Collis, Far East Rock, B.E.S. Energy Resources Co. Ltd.,
Gilbert Menu, CR Industrial Services, The Nevada Club, Gerry Carpenter,
The Winchester Bar, Mike May, Laem Chabang Int’l Golf Club, Tim McMaster,
Rosie O’Grady’s Irish Pub, Pacific Brass & Copper, Pattaya
Reflexology Center, Papasan Ray Rogers, Classic Tailor, Pattaya Mail
(Peter Malhotra), R. N. Wallbank, Russell Finch, Nat’l Park Resort Golf
Course, Good Golf, The Golf Shop, Three Sisters Pub & Golf Society,
Frank Polizzotto, Joe Bank’s White House Hotel, Glenn Jenkins, P.G.A.,
Bill Thompson, Lewiinski’s Hotel, Joe St. Laurent, The Balcony
Restaurant, Ministry of Sound, The Pig & Whistle, Ole Teigen,
Captain’s Corner, Queen Victoria Inn, Ali Baba, Shenanigan’s Irish
Pub, Pattaya Bowl, T.M.S. International (Thailand), The Shamrock Bar, The
Rotary Club, Town In Town Hotel, Burapha Golf Club, Audi Einaerson P.G.A.,
Royal Cliff Beach Resort, Camel Bar, Bill Heinecke, Good Pie and Cake
Shop, Bourbon Street Bar & Restaurant, Mike MacLaren P.G.A., Team
Canada, Pattaya Sports Supply, Fish N’ Trips, Richard Livingston, P.G.A.,
The Jesters Motorcycle Club, Shakey Pete’s Bar, Tahitian Queen Rock ‘n
Roll Bar, Tequila Reef Cantina, Cafe Kronborg, The Rising Sun Bar &
Hotel, Neil Cameron, Bernie Tuppin, Crathco Manufacturing, Wattana
Computer Supplies, Orchid Trading/The Classroom, Cafe New Orleans, The
Blue Parrott Bar & Restaurant, Fawlty Towers Restaurant, The Diana
Group, Mats Song, PolTony’s Restaurant and Mini-Golf, Great Lake Golf
& C.C.
“We are the Champions!”
The Radisson Hotel in Bangkok was the venue for a
star-studded affair to highlight the climax of the AIM Racing Project
Championship Awards for the last motor racing season.
 Prutirat
Seriroengrith (centre), the managing director of AIM Racing, presents the
Thailand Concept Car 2001 Championship trophy to Matti Kaikkonen (right).
Over 300 drivers and crew, as well as sponsors and
officials were present in the Radisson Ballroom to see Thanawut
Bhirompakdee, from the Singha Beer family receive the Princess Maha Chakri
Sirindhorn trophy for first place in the premier category, the Sport Grand
Champion.
However, the strong Pattaya contingent had travelled up
to see our own “Flying Finn” Matti Kaikkonen receive his trophy as the
Thailand Concept Car Champion for 2001. His achievement received a rousing
cheer from everyone present in the ballroom, noting that this had been
Matti’s “rookie” year, as well as his “championship” year.
The Thailand Grand Touring Car champion was Chonsawat
Assavahame, the Group N and Class B champion was Chayut Yangpichit and the
Group N and Class C champion was Apichai Phankhongchuen.
Pattaya Marriott Resort & Spa Koh Larn Classic Tomorrow
by Peter Cummins
Chart
of the Koh Larn Classic route, 2002
It is that time of the year again, when the annual
‘pilgrimage’ of the Bangkok Hash House Harriers and Harrietts (HHH)
descend onto the Royal Varuna Yacht Club for this, the Twelfth Pattaya
Marriott Resort and Spa (formerly the Royal Garden Resort) Koh Larn
Classic. It guarantees a great event and a lot of fun when the Royal
Varuna Yacht Club sailors and the Bangkok Hashers combine their sailing
and running skills for the racing, enjoy a great buffet courtesy of the
Pattaya Marriott Resort and air their somewhat dubious vaudeville talents
for the show on the Varuna balcony afterwards. The Royal Thai Navy Band
‘Rockers’ and, of course, HHH ‘Supremo’ Francesco Felipo Noriega,
will add their usual entertaining touch.
Joining principal sponsor, the Pattaya Marriott Resort
and Spa again this year are Schenker International and Technilink who
always support the Bangkok Hash House Harriers - and, of course Harrietts
- who come to Pattaya to join the Classic and the fun and hold an
out-station run. Varunian Alberto Cassio is also “pitching in” with a
barrel of beer!
David Wales and Gilbert Leemann, the organizers of the
Classic, pointed out that it is really a race of “three legs” (i.e.,
the Varunians provide the sails and the Hashers provide the legs). The
first is a race starting off the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, sailing north to
round Koh Chun (Lighthouse Island) in the middle of Pattaya Bay, thence
northwest across to the northern tip of Koh Larn where the yachts
‘disgorge’ their runners. The finishing time of this leg is the start
time for the runner.
This is the REALLLY tough part. The hash race starts
right there at North Beach, over the spine of the island to Koh Larn Vac
on the southern tip, then returning via the generating station over the
hill and down to a rendezvous with the runner’s boat which may or may
not have arrived. The skipper usually sails single-handedly, to keep crew
weight down for the overall performance, and this sail along the western
shore of Koh Larn does not count.
The third part is the runners’ time off the beach as
the starting time for the third leg, the race east across to the finishing
line at Royal Varuna. The race is scored by adding the time of the two
sailing legs, adjusted to the particular craft’s international handicap,
and the runners’ time. The fastest runner will also be awarded the Karl
Schmidt Trophy.
With a consignment of NACRA 16 Squares just arrived at
Royal Varuna - the first new craft to arrive at the South Pattaya scene
for many years - there will be a rush for runner-crews. The organizers
advise all intending participants to come early tomorrow for the pre-race
briefing around 10 a.m. and, particularly, for matching up with potential
runners. “If you arrive late, you may not have much choice,” the
organizers advise. “You would not like an ugly one, would you?”
When entrepreneur John Stall designed the Koh Larn
Classic, it became the third such, joining the exulted company of the Hong
Kong Four Peaks Race, and the Australian Three Peaks Race. John will be
conspicuously absent this year, busy preparing for the first-ever Koh
Samui Regatta, to be held at the end of April.
With the Pattaya City fathers determined to clean up
the “waste-plagued islands of Koh Sichang and Koh Larn”, the Classic
is, indeed, good news. There cannot be any more environmentally-friendly
pursuits than yacht racing and running, both of which rely on the inherent
gifts of Nature, for mobility and performance and, certainly, which
promote the Marriott Resort’s own “eco-code of conduct” for
protecting the environment.
Pattaya Windsurfing Club needs financial assistance
Announces competition plan for 2002
The Pattaya Windsurfing Club is actively seeking
sponsors for upcoming competitions and is in need of funding for both
equipment replacement and to purchase trophies for future competitions.
Club chairman and president of the Chonburi Athletic
Association, Withaya Khunpluem said that the club has an inadequate budget
to support future competitions and replace equipment in disrepair.
The club has requested assistance from the National
Windsurfing Association of Thailand, whose president is the owner of Cobra
International Co., Ltd., a leading Thai manufacturer of windsurfing
equipment.
The assistant chairman of the Pattaya Windsurfing Club,
Patana Boonsawat, said the club currently has a budget of B214,150 to
support four upcoming competitions, and he also indicated that a portion
of the city’s annual athletic and tourism budget allocation of B500,000
would be requested to help support these events.
The first of four competitions is scheduled for April
6-7, the second from June 8-9, and the third competition from August
10-11.
Points tallied in the first three events will decide
who will compete in the championships scheduled for November 23-24. These
championships will decide who will go on to the World Cup Championships
scheduled either at the beginning of December or January 2003.
The club also announced they intend to implement a
training program for young people in the area, teaching them windsurfing
techniques to strengthen and promote the sport in Thailand. Talented
athletes would be encouraged to continue training, with the club hoping to
identify future members on the national team.
The training is scheduled to begin in March. Students
from Pattaya city schools will be eligible to participate in the classes,
which will continue until May.
9th Pattaya City Marathon needs to be re-routed
Runners might have to forego coastal breeze
Chakrapong Akkaranant and Damri Muangkaew
Chonburi’s deputy governor, Preecha Kamolbutra
announced on February 6 that this year’s marathon route has to be
revised.
“The route for the marathon,” he said, “should
remain basically the same, but part of it needs to be revised due to road
construction scheduled to be in progress during the same time as the
marathon.”
 Chonburi’s
deputy governor, Preecha Kamolbutra announced on February 6 that due to
upcoming construction on Beach Road, this year’s marathon route will
have to be revised.
Beginning in March, Pattaya Beach Road will begin
undergoing improvements, which include widening the walkways. “The
improvements should be completed within nine months, if not sooner,” the
deputy mayor said.
The 9th Pattaya City Marathon is scheduled for July 21.
“Once the new route has been coordinated and
confirmed the announcement will be made to notify interested contestants
well in advance,” he said.
The annual marathon attracts a large number of
participants from the Asian region, as well as many spectators, and has
become a premier event increasing the city’s prestige and improving the
area’s economy.
This year the Tourism Authority of Thailand has
budgeted B1m to support the marathon.
PH3 Run 935
Well, finally home to Pattaya at last after two months
of incarceration on the high seas. A lovely cool afternoon at the A site
with all the usual early birds hanging around waiting for the bus to
arrive. Time enough for me to say hello to Spaghetti Head, Tampax and
Cface.
Large open site with directions from the road
thoughtfully provided with paper. Once the signup of 95 runners was
complete (and I was railroaded into the scribe job, Thanks Pinky!) the
circle was called and the new shoes dealt with.
The run was outlined by the hares Cface and F and F
then we were off, with the usual FRB’s leading the way onto the trail.
Plenty of paper and a well laid out easy run made for a fast pace. Enough
checks to keep it interesting also gave me time to catch my breath.
General consensus was a good run but shame about the trash dumps and
building debris. But no mad dogs for a change.
First runner in after only 41 minutes, I managed to
stumble in sometime later, hot on the heals of King Yao Yao and Apples
Turnover (easy to follow his bald patch). I was just in time to see a red
faced and sweaty Tampax vehemently denying ever being guilty of
shortcutting, yeah yeah Tony!
Once all the runners had returned and refreshed
themselves with the excellent selection of fruit and snacks the circle was
commenced. Fini seems well suited as GM and promptly brought the hares on
in to start the show. No Ewok for the raffle this week (shame). Six
winners, Redcoat among them. Five of who failed to pick up the most
valuable prize of a free run, blind or what?
Sir Airhead started his weekly diatribe with Karamba
and Miserable on ice to find out what had happened to their mate Splat.
Once this was established it was time for some democracy with Sir Airhead
doing what he does best. At this point the hares were iced for a blatant
rule six infraction. What is Pattaya coming to?
Next in line for the naming game was Vee-Vee’s
Belgium buddy who it seems has a peculiar penchant for rescuing street
kids. Finally after huge debate he was named “Street Cleaner” as
fitting reward for his activities.
Next up GM Fini had some anniversaries. Doctor Dick 100
runs and Sir Chicken F received his 500 run shirt. Well-done guys. Now it
was time for some noise from the choir led as usual by Jazzer. Amusing one
and all with a startling rendition of that old Louie Armstrong favorite,
“Twat a wonderful World”. Thankfully brief and ending with a note for
the choir.
On ice after that were Needle Dick and Skiing Fin for
being deaf. After a short interlude during which time the price of a new
plastic crack was discussed by Sir Chicken F it was time for more music
led this time by Redcoat. A wonderful performance. Once the circle was
brought under control the ex-Grand masters were iced to bring them down a
peg or two. Doctor Dick was brought into the circle to clear up some
rumors about what he’s called at home. Turns out Doctor Dick is known as
Doctor Hum by his family. Now to conclude a very musical circle the hares
gave us a tune. Not in the same league as Redcoat but not a bad effort
guys. Swedish Meathead put in a rare appearance (Thank God) and was iced
for his trouble. Usual down downs for returners and leavers then it was
time for the Hash hymn and onto the bus bound for TQ2’s usual happy hour
fun. Another successful run.
ON On Rusty Bullet Hole
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