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First Nacra Championships in Pattaya: An Outstanding Success
Story and photos by Peter
Cummins, Pattaya
Totally enthralled with his newly-imported Nacra Inter 17
craft, Antony Chapman, with his svelte crew Naifah, showed that the boat was
not just a ‘pretty face’ but, in fact, an awesome racing machine, as it
went on to win the Open Division of the first-ever Nacra National
Championships of Thailand. Racking up two firsts, three seconds and a
fourth, for a total of 12 penalty points, Antony/Naifah beat Jouke/Kai
Postma, also sailing an Inter 17, finishing on 15 points, four clear of Thai
Navy men - Damrongsak Vongtim/Art T., 19, third.
Close,
close racing.
The solo
Sixteen Square of Frank Teeuwen.
Organizers
and winner Antony Chapman (L) and race manager Dick van den Heuvel.
In the Nacra 5.8 (with spinnaker) Division, Claire/Simon
Medd, with four firsts and two seconds, for eight penalty points, beat
another lady helm/husband Simon crew, the tiny but powerful Saranya (Pouk)
Makinson, finishing second, with 15 points, four ahead of Aussie Jeff
Jordan/Hong Kong crew James Harris, third.
In the single-handed Nacra 16 Square (with spinnaker),
Aussie Lloyd Bradshaw won six straight races, for a perfect six score, from
fellow-Aussie - and the Nacra builder - Roscoe Guinea, on 17, a mere one
point ahead of Royal Varuna’s Frank Teeuwan in third.
For the final race, a 40 nautical-mile LONG long-distance
event, sailed, again in near-perfect conditions, Principal Race Officer
Richard van den Heuvel was obliged to enter recall procedures at the start
of the long-distance race, as several contestants - no doubt anxious to go
into ‘race mode’ as quickly as possible, in view of the some 40 nautical
miles facing them - found themselves OCS, at Richard’s starting signal.
OCS, in yacht racing jargon, means “on course side” and, hence, on the
wrong side of the start line. Three or more make a general recall and a new
start process.
As Dick had predicted, the first craft arrived at the
Royal Varuna finishing line in just under three hours: that makes an
incredible speed of around 20 km per hour, given the necessity of
“zigzagging” up-wind, making the course even longer.
Fifth finisher in the Open Division, Gary Baguley, had a
rare capsize and, unable to right his new Nacra 17, he was assisted by
fellow-sailor Jens Huhn who was granted a time allowance for his noble deed!
Nacra, to the uninitiated, means the North American
Catamaran Racing Association. Yet, curiously enough - given this early
affiliation - the Nacra is now a ‘love-child’ of the Brisbane Catamaran
Centre and the latest consignment of these sleek, ultra hi-tech craft
arrived at Royal Varuna earlier this week, well timed for the championships.
The builder, Roscoe Guinea, came up from Brisbane to help
assemble the container-load of some 11 craft which, added to the big number
of Nacras sailing regularly out of the Royal Varuna Club, accounted for 24
entries last weekend.
The championship comprised three fleets: the Nacra 16
Square, a single-hander, the Nacra 5.8 and an Open Class of single-handers,
the Nacra 4.5 and the 14 Square, as well as the crewed 5.0, 5.5 and the
mighty Nacra Inter 17.
Competitors spanned some 15 nationalities, with
Thai-based expatriates, New Zealanders, teams from Hong Kong and a large
contingent of Aussies, including Jeff Jordan, a world champion crewman in
earlier days who came to compete and to coach and John Smythe who, by his
own account, is in charge of “fun”.
According to Roscoe, the new Nacra speedster is the F.18
which has just come off the Brisbane assembly line. “It is the ultimate
weapon of mast destruction,” joked the personable builder.
Sponsors - the Brisbane Catamaran Centre, the Blue Wave
Water Sports Asia, Nacra Australia, the Packworks Company - the ‘Fat
Boys’, PhotoBank and RVYC -friendly Rockworth - have insured that the
championships will be a future fixture on the Royal Varuna’s packed racing
calendar.
It was, indeed, a marvellous Nacra National Championships
of Thailand, held off the Royal Varuna Yacht Club over Easter which also
coincided with the annual Pattaya madness, also known as Pattaya Songkran.
In marked contrast to the water-throwing, (plastic) gun-toting imbeciles
wasting millions of litres of precious water, the only water that the men
and women taking part in the championship could consider was that for
drinking in the torrid heat and that water of the Gulf - their ‘playing
field’ for the regatta.
It could be said that, after the most successful
championships, the Royal Varuna Yacht Club is in the “Grip of Nacramania”
which, of course, is much more preferable to being a slave to
“necrophilia”, all would agree!
Crowding
the start line.
The
Aussie contingent.
Full Final Results:
Nacra Open Class (comprising, Inter 17 = N.17, N.5.5,
N.5.5/spin, N.4.5, N.14 Sq./spin, N.5.0 + points total): 1. Antony Chapman/Naifah
(N.17, 12); 2. Jouke/Kai Postma (N.17, 15); 3. Damrongsak Vongtim/Art T.
(N.5.5, 19); 4. John Stall (N.4.5, 31); 5. Gary Baguley (N.17, 32); 6. Jens
Huhn/Trond (5.5/spin, 37); 7. Robert/Sandra England (N.5.5, 40); 8. Jan
Holdorff (N.14 Sq./spin, 42); 9. Chris Langford/Simon Carey (N.5.0, 52).
Nacra 5.8/Spin Class: 1. Claire/Simon Medd (8); 2.
Saranya/Simon Makinson (15); 3. Jeff Jordan/James Harris (19); 4. Alberto/Chanida
Cassio (24); 5. Andrew Connelly/Richard Tweedie (26); 6. Justin/Porntip
(40); 7. Aaron R./Wandee (43). 8. Claus/Ute Dorfner (47).
Nacra 16 Sq./Spin Class: 1. Lloyd Bradshaw (6); 2. Roscoe Guinea (17); 3.
Frank Teeuwen (18); 4. Alex Skaria (24); 5. Felix (30); 6. Hamish McNical
(33); 7. Olaf Reese (43).
2nd Annual Windsurfing National
Championship at Blue Lagoon this weekend
The Blue Lagoon Watersports Club will host its '2nd
Annual Windsurfing national Championship’ and '1st Kiteboard Jumping
Contest' on April 26th and 27th commencing at 10 a.m.
All levels are represented and everyone (Windsurf: pro /
amateur, male / female, beginners and youth. Kiteboard: beginner / advanced)
is welcome to participate or simply spectate.
During this event, many other activities will also be
proposed: wakeboarding, skyski, donut, kayaking, laser sailing. There will
be fun program for kids and Beach Party on Saturday night. A watersports
used equipment market will be set up for all those interested in buying or
selling second hand equipment.
Come and enjoy an unforgettable weekend at the Blue
Lagoon Watersports Club, located 10 km south of Pattaya, just before the
Ambassador Hotel.
More information is available at www.bluelagoon.biz or
phone (038) 255115-6, mobile 01 8456759.
The schedule of events is as follows: Saturday, April 26:
registration 10 a.m. - noon, windsurfing races from 1 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., kite
boarding races from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., followed by a beach party from 6 p.m. -
midnight. Sunday, April 27: windsurfing races from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,
kite boarding races from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Prize giving commences at 5:30 p.m.
Special thanks to our sponsors Starboard and Litewave
Designs for their first prize (Formula and twin tip boards).
Thanks to all our sponsors without whom this event
wouldn’t be possible: Pattaya Mail, Royal Orchid Trade (Neil Pryde
authorized dealer), Planet Scuba (Ripcurl authorized dealer), H2O (Dakine
and Jet Pilot authorized dealer), Visual Speed (water sports accessories),
Cuttlebone Kiteboarding center, Eastern Winsurfing club, Amara sailing
center, Air Time wakeboarding camp, Windsurf association of Thailand.
Prizes for windsurfing are: 1 of the five winners (1 per
category) will win the Starboard Formula board D-ram 156; one of the four
others will win 3mm Ripcurl wetsuit or shortie or 1mm Titanium hotskin.
Pro 1st: Neil Pryde Skate Courier Bag, Amateur men 1st:
Neil Pryde Mobile Office Bag, Amateur women 1st: Neil Pryde Lady Wallet
value, Beginner 1st: Neil Pryde Surf Wallet, Youth 1st: Neil Pryde Surf
Wallet.
Kiteboarding: 1 of the two winners will win the Kiteboard
twin tip Litewave 148; the other will win a Visual Speed Impact vest.
Beginner 1st: Neil Pryde Surf Wallet, Beginner 2nd: EVA Cuttlebone
Kiteboarding helmet, Advanced 1st: Neil Pryde Surf Wallet, Advanced second:
EVA Cuttlebone kiteboarding helmet. And plenty of Lucky draw prizes.
Rong Poh motor cross club holds its 3rd annual championships
Local residents and competitors from Rong Poh and
Banglamung gathered at the Rong Poh Motor Cross circuit to witness the third
annual motor cross championship for 2003. Over 1,300 spectators joined the
opening ceremonies at 10.30 a.m. on Tuesday April 15 in Soi S.R. near the
local markets.
The opening ceremonies were presided over by Chansak
Chawalitnittitham, Chart Thai party member for Chonburi and Banglamung
parliamentary representative, Mongkol Saewongtsap.
This year’s competition was themed “Sports against
drugs and promote solidarity in the local community”.
Local youngsters and adults competed in seven categories
for the coveted Sontaya Khunpluem, Minister for Sports and Tourism trophy
plus cash prizes.
Racers hit the dirt on the machines in the Super Cup
novice, intermediate, general and open classes and the children’s, trials
and star classes.
Once races were complete competitors and members of the
community paid their respects to honored guests and elders as part of the
traditional Songkran festivities.
Pattaya Panthers call for support
The Pattaya Panthers and Panties Rugby Club would like to
invite you, your family and friends to the 4th Annual Pattaya International
10’s Rugby Tournament, to be held over the weekend of the 3rd and 4th May
at the Horseshoe Point Resort and Country Club, Pattaya.
There will be a total of 22 teams competing to become the
men’s or ladies tournament champions, following in the footsteps of the
British Club Bangkok, the Surrey Pirates, and our very own Pattaya Panthers.
The festival of rugby will begin with the opportunity to
meet all the teams returning from the UK and across the South East Asia
region on the Friday night in Shenanigans Pattaya.
Over sixteen hours of rugby action will be spread over
the two days with kick-off on Saturday at 9 a.m. building up to the Finals
on Sunday afternoon. The weekend will conclude with the awards ceremony and
buffet at Horseshoe Point on Sunday evening from 5 p.m.
Brian Reid, Pattaya Panthers Club Captain said, “I hope
you can take this opportunity to support the event and the Panthers Rugby
Club and to enjoy what has proved over the years to be excellent rugby in
fantastic surroundings.”
For more info, check out the web site: www.
pattayapanthers.com
Aerobics for health held at Pattaya City Hall court
Suchada Tupchai
Pattaya City’s program to involve residents in a
healthier lifestyle got another boost as Mayor Pairat Suttithamrongsawat led
city management and city council members in the recent gathering for
‘Aerobics for health’ at Pattaya City Hall’s courtyard in North
Pattaya. A large crowd turned up to participate in the mass exercise
session.
This aerobics for health program is part of the city’s
focus on health education, which intends to promote exercise as a means to
improve citizens’ quality of life and reduce stress through daily fitness
activities.
Mayor Pairat said, “I felt happy to see residents have
the chance to exercise close to home and that so many are interested in
looking after their health.”
The program started 1st April 2003 and will be conducted between 5.30
p.m. and 6.30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in Pattaya City
Hall Court.
John and Steve win lawn bowling league cup
John
and Steve the Streak won the Lawn Bowls League Cup.
PH3 Run 997
Waking up again with a hangover to the sound of my
daughter screaming chocolate milk! in my ear. No problem can make now with
my eyes still closed, then it dawns on me, I have to write the hash sheet!
Thanks Fini, next time we are in a swamp, bog, riverbed, I won’t pull you
back to the surface when your head has disappeared beneath the mud.
All ahead and all behind are cursing the hares for their
vindictiveness. As for the dry part of the run the packs or groups stayed
together mostly because the paper was well hidden in long grass or behind
stuff, so in reality each piece of paper was a mini check. The actual checks
were generally whizzed through as they were quite predictable.
The best thing the hares did was select the excellent
A-site. The credit for which must go to the gardeners at Phoenix and Mother
Nature herself. After the run had finished it was easy to spot the men from
the girls who had not run by the dry socks. One girl I quizzed on why he
hadn’t run said with beer in hand, “I haven’t been feeling myself
lately and may need a shot of Penicillin.” Come on you lazy bums the hash
is a drinking club with a running problem! If you are fit enough to turn up
and throw down can after can you should at least make the effort to at least
walk the course. There are some mis-management who have valid get off the
run free cards as they have duties to perform in the smooth running of the
records etc, but the rest of you non hash types are the same usual suspects
week after week! Enough said.
The GM called the circle Mini The Maggot. Hares on ice to
talk about the Songkran Run, Fini obviously knew how to please the crowd,
runners in particular, as the hares gave their excuses about Songkran and
water, etc,. etc. Fini and VV then used ice cold holy water to show the
hares about Songkran.
Fini then took care of the anniversaries. Notable in this
part of the evening was the famous philanthropic or even Philanthropist
“Terminally ill Fore” who has hit the respectable 300 runs. Fini then
gave the circle to the master of religion Sir Airhead. Who, prior to the
circle, had already sorted out the Bob Marley fan with the ghetto blaster?
He then sorted the hares out again. Next in for some treatment was hash
flash Tampax who got some new head gear, in an effort to keep his top on or
stop it blowing off (oh yes, actually it was for losing his lens cap).
Joining also for littering was 1/4 Pounder and other smokers for
indiscriminately stubbing out cigarettes on the landscape. For myself,
Charlie Manson and Ringworm we use an empty beer can for our butts! Simple
but effective.
The circle is returned to the Maggot (GM) who processes
the 20 or 50 returnees, virgins and sponsors. He then proceeds to ice Weed
Eater and No Meat because I think they had been making jokes about his
tallness, anyway they got iced for their warped senses of humour. Fini then
hands over the circle to Sir Chicken F who had been moaning all night about
having some problems with his Chicken Legs, seems to me he might have the
wrong footwear. Talking of which, Sir Chicken ices Charlie Manson for his
3000 baht new shoes. Charlie was not happy, not because of the ice but
because of the run. He found out they leaked allowing brown dirty water in
all over his white socks! Sir Chicken then fills the ice up with sinners and
we have him conducting the music man song, the highlight of which was SKK
whose performance was slightly, but nevertheless trumped by Biggles himself,
‘Squadron Leader Ringworm’. Finally we all sang the National Anthem and
boarded motors for the On-On at TQ 1 for continuing drunken antics. Overall
another successful night on the road to the 1000th night.
On-On Festering Streaker
Fitness Tips: Carbs - why are they getting the bum rap?
G’day readers,
A clearer picture and logic for you in the two for this
week.
Consumers are currently being bombarded with mixed
messages about fats and carbohydrates. Which food types do they eliminate in
the never-ending quest for the ideal body weight?
According to the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR),
the answer is neither. Research has shown that by reducing some types of
fat, particularly saturated fat, the risk of various diseases is lowered.
But other types of fat such as monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids
can actually help fight diseases such as cancer.
People tend to associate carbohydrates with refined carbs
such as white sugar and processed cereals. These raise insulin levels for
some people, initiating a sequence of events leading to overeating and
storage of excess fat at the waist and hips. But according to Melanie Polk,
RD, AICR director of nutrition education, less refined carbs such as whole
grains, vegetables, fruits and beans are a sensible choice and do not
produce a spike in insulin levels. She agrees that a healthy approach is to
eat less refined carbs, more fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and to
team these with small amounts of lean meat, poultry and fish.
“People who switch to a high-protein, high-fat diet are
doing long-term damage to their health,” says Polk.
Kids like healthy food - Believe it or not!
Following years of research into kids’ nutrition,
leading nutritionist Rosemary Stanton is designing a new and healthy
restaurant menu for kids aged 12 and under.
Dr Stanton believes that children are far more
sophisticated than we give them credit for and would like to eat the healthy
food that parents eat. “It’s just a matter of serving appropriate sizes,
limiting the garnishes and dishing up food they can eat with their hands,”
says Stanton.
According to statistics, one in four Australian children
are overweight or obese.
The new menu will replace foods such as fish fingers and
frozen fries with grilled chicken fingers in a pita pocket with cherry
tomatoes and introduce tender meats with raw and cooked vegetable sticks.
Carpe’ Diem
Patrick Sookmanus becomes local
winner of T-Zoom 2003 Junior Open
Eight year old Patrick Sookmanus from Ban Chang won the
’10 and under’ category in the T-Zoom 2003 Junior Open Championship at
Kiart Thanee Country Club, Samutprakarn on April 17.
His final round gross 70 put him two shots clear of the
runner-up, Mechai Padungsiriseth, current world champion in this class.
Patrick’s gross 70 was also the lowest score in the
field for all age groups.
Eight
year old Patrick Sookmanus from Ban Chang won the ’10 and under’
category in the T-Zoom 2003 Junior Open Championship at Kiart Thanee Country
Club, Samutprakarn on April 17.
Patrick
and Tanya Sookmanus reside at Eastern Star Golf Resort and are keen members
of the Eastern Star Junior Golf Team and did well earlier this year in the
Thailand Junior Golf Tournament when Patrick finished runner-up and Tanya
was in fourth place.
The tournament, organized by the Thai Students Golf Union
and sponsored by T-Zoom, attracted 140 junior golfers, boys and girls,
participating in four age groups.
Patrick, and his sister Tanya Sookmanus, aged 10, reside
at Eastern Star Golf Resort and are keen members of the Eastern Star Junior
Golf Team. They compete regularly in junior tournaments and did well earlier
this year in the Thailand Junior Golf Tournament when Patrick finished
runner-up and Tanya was in fourth place.
The next junior tournament on the TGSU schedule will be
at Eastern Star Golf Resort on May 31 and June 1, playing for the Eastern
Star Junior Trophy, organized by the Thai Students Golf Union and T-Zoom.
A week later on June 7 the 2003 Khun Anand Panyarachun
Charity Golf Invitational for UNICEF will also take place at Eastern Star.
Details of either of these events can be obtained from the tournament
director, Mike Franklin, on 01 861 8036 or e-mail [email protected]
McGee Masters Century
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the Bunker
On Tuesday, 15th April, the Bunker Boys forsook the
delights of continuous dowsing in Pattaya’s Songkran week for the relative
peace of Century Ban Chang. The day was hot and, in truth, a dowsing of cold
water would not have been unwelcome, but the two divisions stuck it out
chasing the weekly stroke play prize.
In division one the scores were so poor that Mr. Loy was
heard to echo the words of the coalition central command in Iraq - “What a
load of Shi-ites!” - when he made the presentation. The leading
“Shi-ite” was Terry Phur who had the temerity to accept the award for
his winning score of net 76, pausing only to gloat at Mikael Andersson and
PJ Redmond for their measly 77’s.
Division two threw up the day’s hero in the form of
Duncan McGee. Banishing all thoughts of the burden of his 36 handicap he
proceeded to shoot net 68 and win the day from visitors Paul Rose (70) and
Brian Burt (72).
The Bunker Super Sawng award was shared by Paul Rose,
Terry Phur, Mikael Andersson and Don Frances whilst it was rumoured that
Peter Cerny only returned to Pattaya because he was missing his regular
supply of bananas. His net 95 assured his appetite was satisfied!
Red Faces at
Treasure Hill
Thursday, 17th April falls right in the middle of
Pattaya’s annual madness, known as Songkran, when otherwise sane persons
indulge in all manner of strange ways, especially where water is concerned.
It was fitting that Mr. Loy chose this date to adjourn to the frustrating
Treasure Hill course for the Bunker Boys’ weekly Stableford event. As
usual the golfers were met with friendly smiles and bare and sandy fairways
and the two groups began the day optimistic that someone would break par.
Golfers in division two must have wished they had stayed
in town and run the gauntlet for only Saranya Chaiyanont managed to shoot
thirty points, one ahead of Duncan McGee, with Dimitri Cerny coming third
with 28 points.
In division one Mikael Andersson fired 32 points to take
third place, three behind Michael Dige who shot 35. The winner was none
other than Mr. Loy himself and he had the honour of firing the Bunker’s
first sub par score at Treasure Hill for many a long day - 37 points - his
efforts championing the advance of modern psychiatric medicine!
The only birdie two of the day was recorded by visiting
junior, Carl Matthews, and he was rewarded with the Bunker Super Sawng award
whilst Danny Greer chose the presentation to announce his return to Pattaya
and was presented with the Bunker Banana Booby for arriving at the bar
twelve hours too late for golf.
It was indeed a day for red faces all round, and at the
end, with relief, the golfers sought the lesser insanity of Pattaya at
Songkran!
Bertrand and Leadstone take top spots
IPGC TAGGS Golf from The Haven
Monday 14th April
Century Ban Chan
Stroke play
1st: Mo Bertrand, 73 cb9 32.5
2nd: Rick Schramm, 73 cb9 35
3rd: Bob Lindborg, 74
Finding somewhere to play during the Songkran festival in
Pattaya can usually be a bit of a drag but Monday’s tournament turned out
to be a rather pleasant surprise as the round progressed at a reasonable
pace.
Mo Bertrand squeezed out another win with an exciting
back nine of net 32.5 to edge out Canada’s man in Bangkok Rick Schramm by
count back. Bob Lindborg filled out the last place on the podium with
another steady round.
There were no twos sunk during the day so the pot was
carried forward to the next fixture.
Wednesday’s fixture at St Andrews had to be abandoned
as at the eleventh hour as the course informed the organiser of an eighty
percent hike in the green fee that had been specially arranged for the
holiday period.
Friday 18th April
Pattaya Country Club
Bogey
1st: Ken Leadstone, 5 up
2nd: Arthur Hancock, 1 up cb9 2 up
3rd: Al Rolnik, 1 up cb9 1 up
4th: Stephen Beard, 1 up cb9 all square
What was expected to be a slow round proved to be one of
the quickest played this season as the course turned out to be virtually
empty and the first three ball finished in just over three hours with the
following four balls in close attendance.
Ken Leadstone shot an amazing five under his handicap to
record his first win out of The Haven and beat the chasing pack by four
clear shots. Arthur Hancock again showed well by leading the rest home via
the inevitable count back from “Big Al” and “The Doc”.
Again nobody had their putting stroke in the best mode,
resulting in another blank day for the twos pool and another pot to carry
forward to next week’s outing at Khao Kheow.
Igor Saktor, that eloquent Serbian via Australia, at last
managed to get one up as his group made a stop at one of the local watering
holes on the return journey to The Haven.
While Songkran chased
the wolves away,
Seamus Brennan plays
IPGC Golf from Lewiinski’s
Sunday April 13
Green Valley - White Tees
Stableford
1st Place A Flight - Jim Wickstrom - 40 points
2nd Place A Flight - Kevin Taylor - 37 points
1st Place B Flight - Colin Davis - 39 points
2nd Place B Flight - J. Paul Labrousse - 39 points
Jim Wickstrom who had to go, quite nearly, from the 18th
green to Don Muang Airport, earned a free taxi ride by being the man of the
match with 40 points. It was Jim’s first win with the Lewiinskis lads and
made all the more impressive given 40 points came off a 3 handicap. Jim
toured the front in one under 36, and proved it was no fluke, as he was
level 35 on the asymmetric scorecard of Green Valley.
Kevin Taylor showed no discomfort at being a single digit
handicapper as he mastered his second foray into this rarefied air with a
one better than handicap 37 points and second in A Flight. Newcomer J. Paul
Labrousee buoyed the flagging image of France by firing 39 points but he was
no match on count back to coalition native Colin “The Donkey” Davis in B
Flight. (France...isn’t that where French’s Mustard comes from? Oh
that’s right, there is some other connection.)
Tuesday April 15
Century Ban
Chang - White Tees
Stableford
1st Place - Seamus Brennan - 35 points
2nd Place - Steve Smith - 35 points
With a large group of regulars fleeing Pattaya for the
drier confines of Kanchanaburi and Nichigo Golf Resort, the pay window was
left unprotected. Sensing that, and not unlike a hyena stocking a lion’s
prey, Seamus Brennan began a weeklong assault on the pocket money available.
His 19 points on the second nine of this Faldo-Muirhead collaboration was
enough to relegate Steve Smith to second place on the podium.
Wednesday April 16
Royal Lakeside - White Tees
Stroke/Medal
1st Place - Seamus Brennan - net 69
2nd Place - Frank Sinclair - net 76
Given his week’s performance, which would eventually
reach three first-place finishes, today’s effort by Seamus Brennan would
not have been particularly notable, that is, if it had not been by 7
strokes. Frank Sinclair will be astonished when he reads that his weak net
76 on the forgiving Royal Lakeside course was good enough for a count back
victory over this month’s medal champion, John Hillier.
Friday April 18
Khao Kheow - A & B - Yellow Tees
Stableford
1st Place - Seamus Brennan - 36 points
2nd Place - Mike Allidi - 34 points
Nothing new to report here. The often rumored, seldom
seen three-peat succumbed to Seamus Brennan as he was the only man in the
still limited field to shoot his handicap. The second half of the odd
couple, Mike Allidi (good mates, Brennan is a 28 handicap and Mike is a 6!)
was second with a gross 80, 34 point effort which was still three points
clear of the next competitor.
P.S.C. 28th Members’ Open
Friday April 18
Green Valley
(Stableford)
As I started to pound on the keyboard to do the weekly
reports I noticed my wife slide out of bed and go and shower. Returning she
slipped into a pair of jeans and went to the hiding place and got out the
family high powered rifle and started to load it.
Tim
Holt rests with caddies between shots.
Herbie
(left) presents the flight trophy to D flight winner George Davis.
Herbie
(left) presents the flight trophy to C flight winner Thomas Kassermier.
(Above)
Alan presents a special prize to the new record low holder, with 3 points...
A little concerned I looked out of the window and saw the
opposition forces gathering in great numbers, “What are you going to do”
I asked, whilst with a smile on her face, as she turned the tap off and the
water she had been filling up with stopped flowing, she said, “I go fight
Songkran” and disappeared out of the door. What water shortage?
Back to the plot, and living facing Beach Road with the
sound of battle outside the window, the previous day 60+ hardy souls had
escaped from similar mayhem in Naklua and slipped off to play the monthly
P.S.C. tournament at Green Valley, quite easy to reach now that ‘Rayong
Highway’ is such a fine dual carriageway, and a course that is amongst the
finest here, although I believe it lost something when it changed the start
around. Still the same 18 holes but...
The preliminaries over we went to start on the 10th hole
as we had been allowed a double start, 1st and 10th, and were pleased we had
taken a buggy as it is a long haul to no 10. However, the course, as is
normal, was in fine condition and with good fairways, excellent greens and a
fine layout we proceeded to have a super day out and marvelled at the
quality of the golf available here in Pattaya.
Back in the clubhouse, after a nice shower in the fine
facilities of Green Valley, the results were being gathered quickly under
the computerised system devised primarily by Joe St Laurent, and here may I
say we wish him all the best in his new job. We could see some tussles in
the various flights.
In the A Flight, 0 to 12, only a few entrants took part
so the winner with 32 points was Bob Jess ahead of John Hanley in second on
31 points on count back ahead of John Larder in third, also with 31 points.
All you had to do to win this flight was get 33 points; oh, of course you
also had to be a low handicapper, now that is the difficult part.
In the B Flight, 13 to 19, a tight battle took place with
Phil Taylor coming out ahead with a fine 40 points ahead of Ebrahim in
second with 39 points and Marcel Wittwer third on 38 points.
Herbie
presents the trophy to ladies winner Saen Jarrawong.
Herbie
(left) presents to Ebrahim, 2nd B flight (the winner had already left).
Herbie
(left) presents the flight trophy to A flight winner Bob Jess.
Going
up the 18th, nearly there.
In the C Flight a fine fight had also taken place with
Thomas Kassermier again winning the flight with 40 points, this time ahead
of Alan Hughes with 39 points and Herb Schweiterman on 37 points.
In the D Flight George Davis came through with 38 points
ahead of Robert Aughton on 37 points and Simon Dutton on 35 points.
The ladies had their own section, and this was won by
Saen Jarrawong with 36 points ahead of Kulsai Patcharee on 34 points and in
third Lamun Hanley with 30 points.
It has to be said here that we had a record low as one
competitor came in with only 3 points, but we will not give his name to
avoid embarrassment. However, a photo is available.
As usual thanks to all the sponsors who help the day to
go smoothly, namely P.S.C., Tequila Reef, McAllister’s, Shenanigans,
60’s Bar, Harley Bar, Papa Ray, Cafe Kronborg, Green Bottle, Blue Parrot
and the Golf Shop, and of course to all our helpers.
A fine day ended, we all toddled back to Pattaya and
looked forward to the mayhem of the morrow, and for me a last beer and a
wonderful sunset on Beach Road.
A Flight
Winner: Bob Jess, 32 points
Second: John Hanley, 31 points
Third: John Larder, 31 points
B Flight
Winner: Phil Taylor, 40 points
Second: Ebrahim, 39 points
Third: Marcel Wittner, 38 points
C Flight
Winner: Thomas Kassermier, 40 points
Second: Alan Hughes, 39 points
Third: Herb Schweiterman, 37 points
D Flight
Winner: George Davis, 38 points
Second: Robert Aughton, 37 points
Third: Simon Dutton, 35 points
Ladies
Winner: Saen Jarrawong, 36 points
Second: Kulsai Patcharee, 34 points
Third: Lamun Hanley, 30 points
Ladies long drive: Nattaporn Thongpen
Men’s long drive: Matt Kirkland
Longest 1st putt: (0 to 18) #9 Bill Hewitt and #18 Dick
Roessler; (19 +) #9 Johnny Katz and #18 Norman Brooks.
Ladies near pin: #12 Khanton Kristianson.
Men’s near pin: (0 to 18) #2 Marcel Wittner, #9 Derek Brook, #12 Mikael
Anderson and #16 John Hanley; (19+) #2 nil on, #9 George Davis, #12 Norman
Brooks and #16 Alan Hughes.
P.S.C. Golf from the Cafe Kronborg
Monday April 13
Pattaya Country Club
(Stableford)
Pattaya C.C. is on the regular monthly schedule of the
Kronborg because it is a friendly club that usually looks after the players
with a smile on their face. The onset of the Songkran week did not stop 20+
hardy souls making their way there.
John
Swanson
Ebrahim
The good thing about Pattaya C.C. is the quality of the
fairways and speed of the greens, so the players set to in rather humid
conditions to play their way around and found the course quiet and empty.
In the A flight it was Ebrahim, the ever present, who
never misses a competition. Ebrahim came back to form to win with a fine 41
points. Second was Brian Holden with 37 points. Brian always seems to play
this course well. Third was Philippe Berra with 36 points.
In the B flight the scores were distinctly average, and
this could be due to the high winds that rose on the back nine. 35 points by
John Swanson was good enough to win, with Igor Carter second on 32 points
and third with 30 points was Peter Saktor.
The day was very enjoyable but the competition on Thursday had to be
cancelled due to the small number of players, although 10 people eventually
did journey to Khao Kheow. Good golfing.
Nongyai Health Center opens aerobic classes for residents
Suchada Tupchai
One recent Friday afternoon, over 200 residents turned up
for the first aerobics class held at the newly opened aerobics field at
Pattaya School No. 4. Mayor Pairat Suttithamrongsawat, Deputy Mayor Wuttisak
Rermkijikarn and city council member Manoj Nongyai presided over the event.
Clark
Gable’s method aside, aerobics is one of the best ways to get into shape.
The mayor said that he was very pleased to see that the
people in the community are paying more attention to their health by
attending such activities. Fitness programs are intended to create unity
among community members and reduce illness caused by lack of exercise.
The project’s initiator, Manoj Nongyai explained that
the aim is to comply with government’s policy to encourage people in the
community to use their free time to increase physical fitness and reduce
stress by working out.
The local health club association continues to grow, with
already 232 members joining fitness activities and promoting a better
lifestyle.
Aerobics classes are held every day at Pattaya School No. 4 from 6 p.m.
to 7 p.m.
Harley Bar packed with pool players as competition kicks off
Another venue is available for avid pool and snooker
players. The Harley Bar, located on Soi 17, kicked off their Monday league
this week in a match against the Devonshire team. Complete with home-team
cheerleaders, the Harley team, captained by Jamie Bissett, took the honors
for the night.
Mark
from the Devonshire nearly runs the table, but alas, it wasn’t enough as
the Harley Bar took the honors on the night.
(Background)
Jamie, Simon, Martin, Warner, Brian, and Michael are ready to ply the baize,
cheered on by their lovely cheerleaders.
The competition ran under the concept, “The best kept
secret in Pattaya”. But of course that secret is now has now out of the
bag. The competition will run for another 18 weeks with teams battling it
out for the final prize of cash and a trophy.
For those who a love a good round of pool or snooker, ride on down to the
Harley Bar and find out more information on this new Monday competition.
The Square Ring
Howie Reed
Trust that everyone has survived Songkran with a
“sigh” and a thought. The thought? “Thank goodness we made it through
another Songkran.” Surviving Songkran is something, as it killed more than
SARS and The War in Iraq. Gosh what a great holiday.
The fight between Joe Calzaghe (35-0) against William
Joppy (34-1-2) scheduled for May 24th in Newcastle is probably “deader
than Kelsey’s reproductive organ”. Promoter Frank Warren just
“couldn’t get it done”. Funny how Warren always has trouble “getting
it done.” The champion Weasel of the Week award this week goes to the
Honorable Dr. Jose’ Sulaiman of the WBC. Lennox Lewis is going to fight
Kirk Johnson on June 21 but the WBC says Lewis must fight Vitali Klitschko,
well kinda. “The WBC does not want to strip Lennox of his title. He is the
pride of the WBC,” said Sulaiman. “If Lennox fights Kirk Johnson without
an agreement with Vitali, perhaps we wouldn’t sanction the fight, but we
wouldn’t strip him.” You not sanction a fight and collect say $100,000
USDs? Dr. Sulaiman I was born in the morning but it didn’t happen to be
this one.
Brentford, West London will be the site tomorrow of
Scottish Dave Stewart’s next fight. That ought to make the lads at Scots
Corner on 2nd Road happy.
Dave’s in against Nigel Senior for the British Masters
title in his first 10 rounder. Initially Stewart was to box Chill John over
8 rounds, but he pulled out. Then a quality fighter called Darren Melville
for the vacant British Masters lightweight title (10 rounds). He pulled out
too. Nigel Senior, the current Masters Champion, was vacating the title to
fight a Yank who also pulled out. Stewart writes, “Thus Senior is
defending against me. Should have no problems. Then it’ll be back to
Pattaya Beach to celebrate with my comrades at Scot’s Corner!” I’ll
drink to that.
Tomorrow from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Channel 11, there is a
Muay Thai event of “gigantic proportions”. Fans of Muay Thai and those
knowledgeable will recognize the names that fill out the 5-bout card. This
event, called Million Tournament M-150, will be held in the temple (Wat
Laemtai) during the funeral of Promoter Songchai Ratanasuban’s father.
Chachoengsao is his hometown. Now if I had any idea where Wat Laemtai or
Chachoengsao was I might write, “Mosey on by,” but alas I don’t and
won’t.
WBC superfeatherweight champion Sirimongkol Singwancha
was named the best Thai professional athlete of 2002 at the Sports Day
function. This award was organized by the Sportswriters Association of
Thailand. No, of course I’m not a member, being a farang and all. “And
all” covers a lot of ground. A little background on Sirimongkol. He
captured the vacant WBC 130-lb title in 2002 by destroying Kengo Nagashima
in 2 in the Land of the Rising Sun and Falling Yen. His first defense was
against former WBA champ Yong-Soo Choi in Tokyo where he got the decision.
“Now, he’s planning a title defense against WBC#1 Jesus Chavez (39-2)
within 6 months.” Planning and getting it done are two different things.
From a financial standpoint the fight would probably have to be in the USA.
That’s where the money for Chavez would be. Chavez got the #1 spot in the
WBC ranking after he KO’d Carlos Gerena (38-4) in 6.
WBC bantamweight champion Veerapol Sahaprom (40-1) will
change the challenger in his 10th title defense bout on May 1. Nicaraguan
Julio Gamboa was denied by the WBC because he was defeated by Jose Luis
Valbuena in his last bout. “Veerapol’s new opponent could be the WBC
Latin American bantamweight champ Hugo Dianzo of Mexico.” That is maybe
true but patently silly as most of Veerapol’s defenses have been. Dianzo
is the #14 ranked by the WBC. Being called credible would be a stretch of
gigantic proportions.
If Veerapol is ever going to gain the standing of a great
champion or heck even a good one, and the money that follows, he’s going
to have to fight someone that’s still breathing. Who? How about WBC #1
Toshiaki Nishioka (23-3) or WBA Champion Johnny Bredahl (53-2) of Denmark?
“As a boxer, Mohammed Yusif Mohammed (5-2, 4 KO’s) is
nothing special. His boxing skill is average, similar any other boxer on his
level, with a hit and run strategy. What makes ‘The Basra Boy’ so
unusual is that his homeland is war-torn Saddamless Iraq. Mohammed, 24, was
born in Basra City, Iraq and trained in Al-Basra Gymnasium.” Like many
Iraqis he hauled “A” before the war started and uses a hit and run
strategy. The latter didn’t work for him or his country. He’s been in
Bangkok for 6 months living and training.
Guess six months isn’t long enough to learn that Thai
fighters should not go to Indonesia to fight. He lost a UD (95-92, 96-93,
95-93) over 10.
Worst joke to come out of the war. This is what as is
known as a “groaner”. Saddam sends his son out for groceries. The son
returns with a box of goods. “Why the box,” asks Saddam. “No Bagdad
... Dad.”
Handlers for Olympic super heavyweight Gold Medallist
“Fraudley” Harrison seem desperate to get their meal ticket back in
favor. They claim, in a press release that they “are open to accepting a
challenge from former WBC heavyweight champion Frank Bruno and await a firm
written proposal. The fight would have mass appeal with the British public
and Audley is ready to accept the challenge,” said Harrison’s business
manager. Now would that be the same Frank Bruno with the body by Adonis and
the chin by Waterford? The same Frank Bruno that seven years ago was KO’d
in 3 rounds by Mike Tyson? The same Frank Bruno that lost his bottle? If so
and the “the fight would have mass appeal with the British public” then
there is something rotten in British sport. “You’ve got to be joking.”
How about them apples?
Stop the press: Hugo Dianzo (29-8) will be the one
challenging WBC bantam champ Veeraphol Nakhonluang (40-1)in Bangkok May 1.
Dianzo lost a very controversial decision to then-118lb champ Paulie Ayala
two years ago in Ft. Worth, Texas and since has gone 3-2. The native of
Mexico is computer ranked #31 while Veeraphol is #2. “Just another
payday.” We now return you to our regular column.
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