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Anna defeats Tammy in fun-filled match by the bay
Russian tennis diva Anna Kournikova defeated Thai tennis star Tamarine
Tanasugarn last Sunday, November 9, in a specially arranged “Superstar
Match” after the finals of the Volvo Women’s Open at the Dusit Resort,
Pattaya.
Although serious tennis was played, the emphasis was put
more on having fun and entertaining the crowd, a feat the two women achieved
with aplomb. Friendly bantering with each other, the lines judges and the
mobile phone wielding members of the audience brought on at first nervous
laughter from the crowd, which was soon followed by true enjoyment by all
those fortunate to attend the event.
 Anna
Kournikova awaits a Tamarine Tanasugarn serve during last Sunday’s
“Superstar Match” at the Dusit Resort, Pattaya. (Pattaya Mail photo by
Suchada Tupchai)
It took Anna a while to warm up to the speed of the game,
and at times it was evident that her back injury was still bothering her.
Occasionally a grimace would appear, followed by a quick stretch, but once
the ball was in play, it didn’t seem to slow her down.
The format of the match was two “championship tie
breaker” sets, and if split, followed by a tiebreaker game. Much to the
delight of the crowd, the two sets were split, 6-4 and 6-2, during which
time the crowd was treated to some very well-played tennis. These women
truly are near the top of their profession.
 Anna
Kournikova elicited many smiles during her visit to Pattaya, not the least
of which from Tammy and the students during the tennis clinic on Saturday.
(Pattaya Mail photo by Suchada Tupchai)
Both women played strong baseline games, painting the
lines and occasionally receiving a bit of help from the net. After one such
“lucky bounce” off the net, Tammy walked up and gave it a little kiss to
say thanks. Not to be outdone, Anna quickly ran up and kissed the net for
luck, too, perhaps hoping to bring a little bit of that fortune to her side
of the court.
In the tie-break decider, Tammy got off to a fast start,
winning the first point, but then had to try and hold on as Anna began
piling up point after point to take a big lead. However, as is Tammy’s
“never give up, never surrender” trademark, she fought back and almost
looked as if she might take control of the game. She did make the game
close, but eventually Anna held on to take a 10-7 win.
 Henrieta
Nagyova (right) of Slovakia became the first two-time winner of the Volvo
Women’s Open when she defeated compatriot Lubomira Kurhajcova (left) 6-4,
6-2. (Pattaya Mail photo by Suchada Tupchai)
Given Anna’s whirlwind tour of Pattaya that saw her
arriving in Pattaya on Thursday night, making a TAT promotional video on
Friday, visiting children at the Bangkok-Pattaya Hospital and helping give a
tennis clinic at the Dusit on Saturday, it was remarkable that she even had
the energy to play a tough match on Sunday, much less with a bad back. She
then had to fly out to India on Monday, and later on to South Africa to play
another exhibition match with Amanda Coetzer. It’s not easy being a star.
However, she said she had a “great time” here in
Pattaya. “I was pleased with the way I played,” she said, “considering
I haven’t played much lately. It was wonderful to play again.” Anna has
been inactive since injuring her back at the Australian Open last January.
“I love tennis and want to keep playing,” she said, adding that
recovering from her back injury was “frustrating”.
During the post match interview, Anna said that she hopes to be back next
year. Will she play in the Women’s Open? Could this have been a portent of
events to come, i.e., Anna vs. Tammy in the finals of next year’s
tournament? With all due respect to this year’s champion, Henrieta
Nagyova, we can only hope…
11th Annual Bangkok International Softball Tournament
The Bangkok International Softball League
(BISL) is pleased to announce that the 11th Annual Bangkok International
Softball Tournament will be held November 21-23.
The tournament will feature 20 teams with over 250
athletes from Singapore, Hong Kong, Korea, The Philippines, Taiwan,
Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Abu Dhabi, Shanghai, and Thailand.
Additionally, hundreds of spectators will be attending the event.
The 2003 tournament will be held at the Queen Sirikit
60th Anniversary Stadium, the main venue for the 1998 Asian Games softball
events. Two trophies will be awarded to the winners: the Grand Championship
trophy and the Governor’s Cup.
Format: Slow pitch softball, format to be triple
elimination.
Times: Friday, November 21, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday 8
a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Championship games to be held on
Sunday at 11:45 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
The Location: the Queen Sirikit 60th Anniversary Stadium
located next to the Rajmangkala Institute at Klong 6, about km 13 east of
Future Park, on the Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok Road, Hwy 305.
All fans are welcome free of charge, so come watch your
Pattaya team play, sponsored by the Pattaya Mail.
Tournament T-shirts, food, soft drinks and beer will be
available for purchase. NOTE: The BBQ will be hosted by Darrell and his
Tequila Reef crew from Pattaya cooking burgers, ribs, tacos and chili at the
Klong 6 venue! What more could you ask for? Margaritas just might do the
trick!
Organizer: Bangkok International Softball League (BISL)
is a registered non-profit community group. Its sole purpose is to organize
softball tournaments and leagues in Bangkok.
Web site with map is at: http://www.bangkoksoftball .com
Flying Dutchman fishing trip
Last
week the boys from the Flying Dutchman, located on Soi Buakaow, went for
a fishing trip with captain Dang and caught 20 Queen fishes and 2 sharks.
Seen here showing off their catch are (L to R) Thomas Todd, Ray
Kennington, Joost Pitstra and Ivan Bennett.
Last call for
TQ Masters Re-Play
Mike Franklin
The 10th TQ Masters re-play is on Friday November 21 at
Plutaluang, playing South & East courses.
If you played on October 24, the day it was abandoned,
and had a golf cart I need to know (if not already advised) if you are
playing again on November 21.
The Navy Course reached an agreement with the golf cart
company regarding compensation, following my report specifying how many
holes each cart played. The result is that players who had a cart on October
24 have priority and will only pay 100 baht for a cart on November 21. If
you are not playing again, the cart will be re-allocated to names on the
reserve list.
I also need to know (if not already advised) if your
group is playing again, if the players are the same, if some are not
playing, or if other new players are joining. No substitutes, new players in
the tournament join at the original entry fee.
For players who played on the October 24 and are playing
again on November 21, the entry fee is B.300.
Re-setting this tournament is fairly complex, mainly due
to players not letting me know if they are playing again or not, so a
response and your help will be appreciated. The re-entry form is available
at TQ, Shenanigans, and in this issue of Pattaya Mail (see below). You can
e-mail a reply and leave the entry money at TQ, Beach Road, with Woody, Joe
or Steve.
Hot stuff from Icelander Binni
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the Bunker
On Tuesday, November 4, thirty Bunker Boys decided to
touch their caps and honour the “Old Lady” at Siam Country Club with a
visit. She welcomed them with open arms and put on a good face for their
weekly medal competition. The only blemishes were the uncut fairways and
those painfully slow greens but the two divisions took up the challenge on a
course loved by many. Division one saw Gerhard Schulze take third place with
net 72, one shot behind Colin Wilkes. Way ahead was recently returned
Yorkshire man, Keith Hector, who quickly found his form to record a handicap
threatening net 67.
Division two saw a tighter struggle with Aussie Des
Pearson “heinekening” his way around the course to score an excellent
net 70 and take third place. One shot ahead was Canadian visitor Gary Hobbs.
The coolest guy on the course was Icelander Binni
Josteinsson and the gentle giant threw up another of his occasionally
blistering rounds, recording net 66. This follows his net 62 on the same
course in June. The Bunker Super Sawng award was shared by a host of
players, including Andy Spence, Ian Phillips, Gerhard Schulze, Mikael
Andersson, John King and Des Pearson whilst the many candidates for the
Bunker Banana Booby sighed with relief when Roy Mann took custody of the
prize for his net 99! The last time he was here he took the booby three
times in two weeks and the omens are not good for him this year!
How the Hector’s Keith
do it?
Another page in the annals of sport was written on
Thursday, November 6, when the Bunker Boys chose Khao Kheow as the venue for
their weekly stableford tournament which also celebrated Ciano Glavina’s
birthday.
Not only did the start list include one of the Bunker’s
oldest combined fourballs (250 plus years of finely honed athleticism)
comprising of John Preddy, Des Pearson, Leo Murphy and the “junior” Len
Jones, but also a golfer destined to decimate a course for the second time
in three days.
The C and A nines were well prepared, at last, for the
competition and the two divisions relished playing there again. For some
inexplicable reason most of the scores were barely average; maybe it was the
very humid and hot conditions, the five-hour round and the moderately paced
greens. In division one Jimmy Little and Bill Hewitt vied for runners-up
with their scores of 32 points and could only watch the disappearing heels
of Harry Riley as he raced to a total of 37 points to take the day.
In division two Len Jones posted a meagre 29 points to
nab third place, whilst Ian Phillips fared better with his 33 points total.
In the penultimate playing group Keith Hector, who had fired a net 67 at
Siam only two days previously, was still running hot and took the course
apart with his accurate putting to amass a splendid 41 points, destined to
keep him in the lower division for a long time!
Harry Riley posted the day’s only birdie two, thereby
winning the Bunker Super Sawng award and his tee shot on hole C8 also
secured him a gallon of beer, kindly sponsored by Ciano Glavina. Des Pearson
was the recipient of the second gallon for his near-pin tee shot on hole A5.
Two Roy’s battled at the bottom end of the leaderboard for the Bunker
Banana Booby and Mr. Loy unselfishly awarded it to himself for his paltry
total of 18 points.
At the end of the day everyone agreed it was a fine way
to celebrate Ciano’s birthday and the talk went on, way into the night,
about Keith Hector’s amazing feat.
Unto gets his first Hole in One
IPGC TAGGS Golf from The Haven
Nearly a hundred golfers out of The Haven enjoyed a
great week of golf when the weather stayed dry and the greens were at last
showing some speed and the fairways were not as receptive as in recent
weeks, allowing the ball to run at least a couple of yards after landing.
Monday November 3
Green Valley, Stroke play
1st Division
1st: Chris Davisson, 70
2nd: Phil Groves, 73 cb9 37
3rd: Al Rolnik, 73 cb9 40.5
2nd Division
1st: Peter Emslie, 69
2nd Fred Ewins, 71
3rd Dave Lee, 72
What was to be a remarkable week in the twos pools
started out with no one managing to get one from the two divisions.
Prior to the prize giving Richard Livingston, the
resident PGA Professional, welcomed new members Robert Domabyl and Gabi
Fletcher and welcomed back John Carlyle.
Wednesday November 5
Khao Kheow Country Club
Bogey
1st: Al Rolnik, 3 up
2nd: Jens Gunnarsson, 2 up cb9 3 up, cb6 2 up, cb3 3 up
3rd: Chris Davisson, 2 up cb9 3 up, cb6 2 up, cb3 all square.
4th: Bob Lindborg, 2 up cb9 2 up
5th: Tony Barritt, 1 down cb9 all square
6th: Phil Groves, 1 down cb9 1 down
7th: Stephen Beard, 1 down cb9 2 down
Once again there were no twos on the day and the pot was
therefore carried forward to the next competition.
Back at The Haven Richard welcomed new members Paul
O’Rielly and Jim Keen and also welcomed back Rick Bevington and Tony
Quaid.
Friday November 7
Pattaya Country Club
Stableford
Order of Merit
1st Division
1st: Arthur Hancock, 40
2nd: Harry Riley, 37
3rd: Phil Groves, 35 cb9 17
4th: Barry Traynor, 35 cb9 16
5th: Terry Phur, 35 cb9 15
2nd Division
1st: Trevor Schirmer, 37
2nd: Brynfur Josteinsson, 35 cb9 17, cb6 11, cb3 7
3rd: Mo Bertrand, 35 cb9 17, cb6 11, cb3 5
4th: Ken Leadstone, 34 cb9 17
5th: B.J. Smith, 34 cb9 16
At last the dead lock was broken in the
twos competition with Terry Phur, Jens Gunnarsson, Brian Kelly and Jim Keen
all getting one and Harry Riley scoring two and lastly Barry Traynor
slipping one in on a par four.
But all this effort to grab a share of the biggest pool
in the history of the twos was to no avail as Unto Kilvonen aced the twelfth
hole to complete his first hole in one and sweep the pot from in front of
the noses of all the rest. He of course did the right thing by immediately
blowing the horn for all the days golfers to make some amends for the
unlucky twos getters.
Before presiding over the prize giving, Richard welcomed
back Hans Collett and Mikael Andersson.
PSC Golf from Cafe Kronborg
Monday November 3
Treasure Hill Golf
And Country Club
Stroke Play
The Treasure Hill Golf and Country Club was host to a
Stroke Play Competition in two flights, A Flight 0 to 16, and B Flight 17
and up. The course was in good condition but on the day it still beat the
field, with only one player shooting handicap or better.
Jeff Wylie took the A Flight with a net 71 with Rick Evans with a net 74
in second. Unto Kilovinen was third with a net 76 on countback over Bob
Pearce in fourth. The B Flight also struggled and first and second places
were decided on countback as were third and fourth. In first with net 74 was
Philippe Berra on countback over second Bryn Jones also net 74. Third was
Bernt Moeller with net 75 ahead of in fourth Ebrahim, making a rare
appearance in the B Flight, also net 75.
Jeff
Wylie
Philippe
Berra
PSC Golf from Bobby Joe’s 60’s Bar
Friday November 7
Green Valley
Stroke
Many years ago, on my first visit, I got thrown off the
Taxi from the Airport, along with a friend of mine, and we picked up our
clubs ambled into Caesars Bar, and said “Hi!” to mine host and signed up
for the golf next day at Green Valley. “Where?” I said. “Never mind,
it’s a great course” was the reply. Then, as is, we parked on a stool
and imbibed.
Winners
of technical prizes with Bobby.
Next day, full of expectations, I got on the bus and sat
next to the open window, for obvious reasons, for the, then, long drive to
play golf. Into the ‘Temporary Clubhouse’, get changed, and clattered,
remember spikes, down the road to the first tee. Standing on the tee and
looking at the dogleg right with the fairways lined with lemon grass, I
remember thinking what a magnificent golf course and at the time well worth
a 5 ball label. The rest of the course was well designed and a credit to its
designer with holes flowing one after the other and some great holes. A
really tough and fine course.
 Winner
Paul Kraft.
Arriving at Bobby Joes an hour late due to the fact we
couldn’t tee off till late courtesy of a newly implemented starting
system, we finally got to Green Valley and teed off at 11 o’clock. New
System, and got back to the 60’s Bar at 18:00 hrs courtesy of a many ball
in front. Standing on the ‘New Once Again’ first tee one felt like one
was on a building site and on the way around felt dismayed by the
dismantling of what was once a fine golf course. Many fine holes destroyed
and replaced with pale shadows. Mickey Mouse would have been dismayed.
Between some of the holes you now have a route march and if you did not have
a caddy you wouldn’t find some of the next holes.
Naturally the fairways are still in fine condition and
the greens some of the best in the business, but the whole course stutters
where it once flowed and fine holes have been destroyed. I wonder why?
Back to the plot, well the various groups of players
usually all ended up on the same tees so we could have a chat on the way
around and those with carts were heaving a sigh of relief, those without
were tired, so great scores were in short supply. So perhaps it was fitting
that a new young and fit Paul Kraft came in as the star of the day proving
that losing weight does work.
Back at Bobby’s the beef stew was still bubbling so we
were able to fill up before the presentation and the round table discussions
on the World at large, that gradually descended into unintelligible waffle,
as is prone to happen.
Winner: Paul Kraft
Near Pins: Derek Brook, Mac McCaskill, Matt Kirkland, Cees Bosman
Chris makes nary
a Fox paus all week
IPGC Golf From Lewiinski’s
Sunday November 2
Green Valley -
White Tees
Stableford
1st Place A Flight: Chris Fox, 45 points
2nd Place A Flight; Julian Clarke, 39 points
3rd Place A Flight: John Emmerson, 39 points
4th Place A Flight: Gary Blackburne, 39 points
1st Place B Flight: Dave Blakey, 38 points
2nd Place B Flight: Odvarr Rykke, 37 points
3rd Place B Flight: Dave Boran, 35 points
4th Place B Flight: Larry Nicholas, 34 points
Nearest the Pin: #5 Paul Enos; #11 Gerry Power; #16 Mark
Wood
As though a signal was needed that this was to be his
week, Chris fired a severe volley at the field with a resounding 45 points.
Chris who’s handicap had climbed during numerous unsuccessful efforts over
the past several visits put a gold on the mantel in the first of his four
showings on the week. The quality of his round was emphasized by the fact
that his score was six clear of the often-successful quartet of Julian
Clarke, John Emmerson, Gary Blackburne and Klaus Schackt. Those fellows
resorted to a count back to divvy up second thru fourth in A Flight, leaving
Klaus the hard luck odd man out.
Dave Balkey, who like Chris has been a stranger to the
podium, bested B flight with a creditable 38 points. Odvarr continues to
show well with his second place 37 points. Dave Boran and Larry Nicholas
took the final two steps on B. Larry edged the S2’s Dan MacLean on
countback. Three Nearest the Pins were offered to heighten the big field’s
interest on the day.
Monday November 3
Khao Kheow -
B & C - Yellow Tees
Stroke/Medal
1st Place A Flight: Gary Blackburne, net 70
2nd Place A Flight: Steve Nowell, net 72
1st Place B Flight: Chris Fox, net 74
2nd Place B Flight: Joe Mooneyham, net 75
Nearest the Pin: #B8 Chris Fox
Chris made it two firsts in two days as the Lewiinski’s
Golf Society reverted to it High Season schedule of Sunday, Monday,
Wednesday and Friday. Chris who probably saw his last day in B Flight took
top man over another player unfamiliar with the junior flight, Joe
Mooneyham. Those fellows addition to B flight was necessitated by the fine
quality of players on the day and that quality was emphasized by Gary
Blackburne best-of-the-day 78 gross, 72 net. He was followed by Steve Nowell
level to par net 72. In a display now bordering on greediness, Chris also
copped the Nearest the Pin on the island 8th of the B Course.
Wednesday
November 5
Century
Chonburi - White
Tees
Stableford
1st Place A Flight: John McHugh, 34 points
2nd Place A Flight: Chris Fox, 34 points
3rd Place A Flight: Martin Todd, 33 points
1st Place B Flight: Brian Prudden, 36 points
2nd Place B Flight: Marlene Prudden, 36 points
3rd Place A Flight: Jim Munns, 36 points
Nearest the Pin: Paddy Wilson
The husband/wife team of Brian and Marlene Prudden ganged
up on Capt. Fogg as they swept the top two places in B Flight, utilizing
count back. It has been a pleasure having them and their fellow mate from
Oz, Martin Todd (whom you might note placed third in A on the day), join us
during their recent stay in Pattaya. Speaking of mates, it was only fellow
sailor and Massachusetts’s son, John McHugh, who thwarted Chris Fox’s
effort for a three-peat, and that required a count back no less. Paddy
Wilson signaled his return to Pattaya with the Nearest the Pin award.
Friday November 7
Siam -
Blue & White Tees
Stroke/Medal
1st Place Blue Flight: John Biangazzo, net 65
2nd Place Blue Flight: Chris Fox; net 74
3rd Blue Flight: Dave Boran, net 75
1st Place White Flight: Norm Robinson, net 66
2nd Place White Flight: Ken Kutzing, net 68
3rd Place White Flight: Jim Munns, net 72
Johnny Biangazzo who spent numerous months of NR’s and
disappointment honing his game is showing that it is starting to bear fruit.
He had a magnificent best-on-the-day gross 77, net 65, off the 7016 yard
blue tees of venerable ol’ Siam C.C. Chris Fox and Dave Boran were a
non-threatening second and third in the Blue Division, but the loot spent
just as well. For those counting, Foxie’s week of four comps resulted in
two firsts and two seconds. Norm Robinson, a late addition on the day (some
suspect he was practicing) was a very commendable net 66, in the White
Division. Ken Kutzing, a continual threat these days came second with
“Capt. Fogg” Munns four back in third. It should be noted that the good
Captain had to resort to countback to edge Jim Boyd, the latter being more
venerable that the course.
Charity Bowling Tournament this weekend
A special Charity
Bowling Tournament will take place this Saturday morning from 9 a.m. at the
PS Bowl complex, Central Pattaya.
The tournament is in aid of the children at the Child
Detention Center in Chonburi to provide further funding for vocational
training and enabling them to re-integrate into society following their
release from the facility.
Teams of 3 players, playing 3 games will be competing
for the coveted HRH Princess Sirindhorn trophy.
Entry into the event is 2,000 baht per ordinary team and
5,000 baht for honorary teams. Sign up at PS Bowl on Saturday morning.
Prizes will be handed out after the final round of
competition.
Bjarne’s Birthday Scramble raises money for charity
Thursday November 6
Pattaya Country Club
Scramble
One hundred golfers gathered at Pattaya Country Club for
Bjarne’s Birthday Scramble and that meant 25 teams, split, off the 1st and
10th Tees. Bjarne, with his normal big heart, had decided to foot the costs
of the competition, food prizes etc, and donate the proceeds, from entry
fees and his time, to refurbish the Playground for Kids in Pala Beach Ban
Chang, which was originally donated from charity but has fallen into
dangerous disrepair.
 The
Dream Team (L to R) Kim, Jack, Kurt and Ernie, aka the Spider Team, enjoy
Bjarne’s Birthday Scramble. They drank the most beer on the golf course
and probably due to this fact, won the prestigious “most shots hit”
title, again.
The day had started well for the early bird as the Cafe
Kronborg had laid on a fine, free, buffet breakfast for the competitors, and
as the first tee off time was 10:30 hrs the offer could be taken advantage
of.
 Dave
Richardson (right) presents to the winners.
Back at the course the booking in went extremely well
under the control of the Pattaya Country Club staff, and allowed the teams
to go to the tee off in good order. As is prone to happen, never turn anyone
away, groups that had been allowed to start the front nine were stuck behind
the competition on the back nine. Who are we to argue.
The course was in fine condition and the club had
obviously made an effort to remind us that this competition, which is
usually held at Siam C.C., should be held at Pattaya Country Club. Siam
seemingly did not realise this was an Annual Competition. As they say it’s
an ill wind etc. Pattaya did just fine.
 Birthday
boy Bjarne.
On the course the fine conditions and the ability to take
anyone’s drive with no limitations, allowed some extremely low scores to
be shot and the birdies flowed very quickly from all the teams. As the
scores started to come in it became apparent that it was going to take
something special to come out on top and Dave was kept busy removing the,
‘Never’ rounds from the ‘We played good’ ones.
Rounds over, most met in the restaurant and tried not to
eat as they knew a fine buffet awaited back at the Cafe Kronborg, however a
few beers were sunk and the odd snack to put one on.
Back at the Cafe Kronborg the tables were laid out and
the birthday boy was in evidence with a broad smile on his face as the
golfers filtered in and Bjarne circulated.
Competitors all in, our ‘Moderator’ Dave ‘The
Admiral’ Richardson did his bit and with Bjarne presenting, declared the
winners. The winners with a net 56 (Yes 56) were Ivan Plunkett, Jim
Brackett, Joe Moneyham and Rick Sharp. Close behind with a fine net 56.3
were Bob Kay, Mick Boes, Paul O’Mahoney and Kim Payne. In third with a
score that at times could win, net 57.4, were Gary Blackburn, Dave Buran,
Eddie Blackwell and J Phanom.
Dave also did the Technical prizes and many lucky draws
before it was Ladies to the very fine buffet and the hungry golfers made a
dash to soak up the beer.
It must be said thanks to ‘Mein Host’ for a fine
Competition well organised, and thanks to all who gave a hand. We wish
Bjarne well in his charitable efforts.
Results
Winners: Ivan Plunkett, Joe Moneyham, Jim Brackett, Rick
Sharp
Second: Bob Kay, Mick Boes, Paul O’Mahony, Kim Payne
Third: Gary Blackburn, Dave Buran, Eddie Blackwell, J
Phanom
Near Pins: #5 Brendan Kelly, #7 ‘Wit’, #12 Dave
Richardson, #16 Bob Kay
Long Put: #9 Udo Waak, #18 John Sinclair
PH3 Run 1026
Something new this week. A run
report on time and it shouldn’t piss anyone off. Yeah, right. One thing to
note: I didn’t write anything down at the A-site and I was a little under
the weather, but what’s new.
I was the acting GM because of the fact that GKW managed
to find his motorcycle after drinking copious amounts of Gin last Wednesday
and then meeting a bigger vehicle, which promptly splattered him. Memo -
don’t drink and drive.
After explaining the new sign up procedure and new bus
time (3:30 from Nov. 17), hares in to explain the run. ‘Follow Fini’
said V.V. whilst Two Time stood around looking bewildered. Off went the pack
whilst the cripples, grazers and the downright lazy hung back. Me? I had a
twisted left testicle this week - next week it will be a bruised left big
toe. V.V. promptly disappeared with a bag of paper to lay the last part of
the run, obviously over the first part being led by Fini. Gossip exchanged,
stats compiled and the cracks ogled. Where has Miss Kitty been recently?
Sorely missed by my sore eyes. First Heini of the day cracked but certainly
not the last.
C.F. informed me that he wouldn’t be staying for the
circle due to a National Geographic special on sea slugs on at 19:00.
Anything you need to know about sea slugs, C.F. is your man. Anything about
how to beat Fulham at football, don’t ask Sir Alex. Point is that C.F.
asked me to take notes on new names etc. Fat chance. Luckily enough Banjo
said he would do that. Hash Rags, Hash Bookie and now on site records.
Myself Hash cash, hash sign ups, acting GM and today’s scribe. Hmm, a
theme here. My, My - we are busy little bees looking after our lazy drones.
Still to see your happy little faces never moaning about anything or anyone,
it’s worth it.
Runners start coming back in shortly followed by walkers.
That makes a change - it’s not dark yet. The last two weeks have been
awful for that hence the earlier bus time. Sod law, perfect this week. Must
have been the influence of the third hare. I gauged the opinion of some of
the runners (and Charlie Manson) and to my mild surprise, everyone said
‘Good Run’. Not a bad word even from Tampax. Well done hares.
The twilight zone is in full swing with the usual stuff
being bantered about. ‘Did you hear about so and so, she’s the best
I’ve ever had and isn’t Chang’. Circle called spot-on at 18:30 by
yours truly and after a request from Frog, awards presented with a liberal
amount of yakkers on the ice. When will you people learn. Lots of awards
(see PH3 website) but two to mention, Frogs 300th run mug and the King’s
500th run to join a select group. He will not, however be joining the Sir
faction because he refuses to take a demotion. The next member then will be
Uncle Fester, still looking for his next fur burger after his previous
supply dried up (not in the literal sense you realise).
Sir Airhead called in but the smart ones realised that I
had forgotten the lovely Ewok and her tickets. Airhead on the back burner
for 5 minutes (and my butt on ice very soon). When I did get Airhead in, he
did some things and iced some people but my memory span at this time was
that of a gold fish - I do remember he renamed Little Pecker, Why? Great
name I always thought.
Nice to see his old man on the Monday run again though.
Returners, Visitors, Virgins in followed by SCF. He undoubtedly iced T4 but
if he did, I can’t remember. He iced me though. What’s a little memory
laps between friends.
Hash hymn led superbly by Popeye the sailor man and then
back to Frog’s for extra-curricular activities. Not me though as The Buzz
had to get home to look after her squirrel. I kid you not - she’s got one.
No punch-ups, flare-ups or bad words this week. And that was only me. Why
can’t it be like that every week?
On-On
Dr. Pinky
Slots open for the Can-Am - Register Tonight!
Now in its 23rd year, the Can-Am Invitational has grown to
become one of the landmark events on Thailand’s golf calendar, with
participants flying in from all over the world to take part in this event.
The Pattaya Mail has learned that this year a number of playing slots are
uncharacteristically open, and the organizers are throwing these spots open
to the public.
The Can-Am will be played tomorrow (Saturday) at Siam
Country Club, with two shotgun starts - one at 6:30 am and another at noon.
A special scoring system ensures that many players have a fair shot at
winning any one of the great prizes on offer, with the awards presentation
and an all-you-can-eat-and-drink barbecue buffet back at the Dusit Resort
starting with cocktails at 7pm and ending with a spectacular fireworks
display at 10 pm. A children’s party will be held on Saturday afternoon
from 2 - 4 pm at the Chaba pool with hot dogs, games and toys for the
players’ kiddies.
The price for guests at the Saturday night buffet is Baht
500 per person and children under 12 are admitted free. To register - simply
come down to the Dusit Resort tonight between 4 - 10 pm and pay at the
registration desk. After that, come join the party on the back patio for
cocktails and snacks until 10 pm.
Entry fees are Baht 3,500 Baht per player, which includes
a stuffed goody bag, green fees, caddy fees, and the parties on both Friday
and Saturday. For information please call tel. 01-802-9606.
3 Sisters Golf
New month, new winner. After winning three times in a
row, Tim Holt slid out of sight as Charlie Creed rose to the top. With the
fairways halfway cut and greens getting better, improved scores were posted
for the week. Charlie came in with 42 points - two ahead of Paul Kraft who
was the leader for a while with 40.
 Stefan
Goransson (left), holding the bag, and Charlie Creed (right), winner of the
week.
Following close behind the leaders were Bob Benda with 39
points followed by Dick Worden and G. Rooney - both with 38 points. Most of
the golfers played well with the improved conditions and the course drying
out. By next week we should see the field tighten up and scores dropping.
Joining the group this week was Stefan Goransson. Stephan hit the ball a
long way but the direction was questionable. He found trouble left and right
as his drives entered the rough and trees as Siam. Coming in with 19 points,
Stefan held up the bottom for the week. As can be seen from the photo, he is
big enough to hold up the entire field. I’m sure that he gets used to the
conditions here in Thailand, his scores will be dropping as his game
improves.
Pattaya Pool League
Wednesday Quiz League
Sunday Quiz League
Pattaya Lawn Bowling Leagues
Mickey Mouse Darts League
The Square Ring
by Howie Reed
Would be nice if you get this copy of the Mail early on
Friday so you can arrange your day to watch the fight from Lumpini Stadium
on local T.V. A clue to the outcome may be in the fact that a Thai Champion
has never lost his title fighting in Lumpini Stadium. WBC Flyweight Champion
Pongsaklek Wonjongkam at 48-2 is one heck of a fighter.
Some may remember that back in December of “ought 1”
he fought in Pattaya in a contest that was nothing more than a paid work
out. His opponent this time out is Aussie Hussein Hussein. At 23-0 he might
just provide some competition for the lanky Thai. It would be easy to
dismiss “H2” as just another fighter that has built a record by beating
guys that can’t fight. That criticism is partially true as many of his
wins come against guys with losing records. He did have a quality win
against former champ Wande Chor Charoen (39-3). The knock here is that
Charoen was moving up in weight for the fight.
There are two facts that may indicate that H2 is really
pretty good. He has power (17 KO’s from 23 wins) and is trained by all
time Aussie great Jeff Feneck. The power puncher always has a shot. The
champ should be favored but this just might be a heck of a scrap. Do you
think I’m going to ask you to check “your local papers for time and
station?” No way. My job. The fight will be shown from 16.00 - 18.00 hours
on Channel 7. How about them apples?
Roy Jones (49-1) was supposed to have little trouble
with. Antonio Tarver (22-2) last Sunday. That is exactly what he had.
“Little Trouble.” Prior to the Sunday fight James Toney had some great
comments in regard to “Chicken” Roy. “If ya’ll keep on saying he is
the best fighter in the world and that he is the greatest thing since sliced
cheese, then he is going to keep on fighting these garbage cans. He hasn’t
fought nobody since he fought me and when he fought me I wasn’t at my
best. If he was the best fighter in the world, then he should have knocked
me out, as bad a shape as I was in. He ran for 12 rounds, pity pat, and he
won the fight hands down. Let’s see him fight me now. All the money is on
the table, it’s all on him, it ain’t me. I haven’t ever backed down
from nothing. Roy will never be a man if he keeps on fighting these garbage
cans. That fight with Tarver won’t go two rounds.”
As is almost the par for the course these days it’s
what happened outside the rig that is newsworthy. Just days before the fight
was scheduled for the WBC /IBF Light heavyweight title Tarvor vacated the
IBF title. “After having given the issue considerable thought and after
reviewing every available option with the members of my team, I have made a
decision that I had hoped could be avoided. I respectfully relinquish my IBF
Light Heavyweight Title.”
The statement is pure baloney. Jones wouldn’t pay his
portion of the sanctioning fee nor would he sign to defend the title within
the stated time. Bye-bye IBF Crown. With no champ it would have seemed
logical, sorry about injecting logic into anything about boxing, that the
IBF would sanction the Clinton Woods (35-2) vs. Glencoffe Johnson (39-9-1)
for the vacant title. They did. Fighting in Woods hometown of Sheffield the
fight was scored a draw 115-113 Woods, 116-112 Johnson and 144 all.
Title’s still vacant. Those that watched the fight on the BBC probably
think that Johnson got “jobbed”. He did. Both fighters brought an
alacrity that is missing with many professional boxing matches today. Good
fight.
There are fights and then there are FIGHTS. Featherweight
Marco Antonio Barrera (57-3) against Manny Pacquiao (37-2-1) falls into the
latter category. When they step into the ring on Sunday (Pattaya Time) there
will be no title at stake. Two fighters will be fighting for pride. Pacquiao
said, “When I beat Barrera I will be king of the featherweights”. Always
a favorite with Mexican fans Barrera gained worldwide attention when he took
Naseem Hamed (aka “The Lop Eared Camel Jockey”) to the woodshed in
“Ought 1”. Barrera may be the only fighter in the world that isn’t a
champ because he doesn’t want a WBC Belt. In 2002 Barrera took a UD
(116-112,115-113,115-113) from then WBC Champ Erik Morales. This angered the
president of the WBC, Dr. Jose’ Suliaman. That he called it a
“controversial decision and declared the title vacant.”
Pacquiao was flying beneath the radar screen when he was
a late substitute in 2001 to fight IBF Super Bantamweight Champ Lehlohonolo
Ledwaba in Las Vegas. To type,”He stunned the world with a 6 round KO”
would be a bit off.
“Porky”. So be it. Fight fans are hoping that the match-up with the
Wild Living Gentleman from the Philippines will return Barrera to his
slugging style that made him the “King of the Mexicans”. It has all the
potential to be fight of the year.
Chinese pair wins women’s doubles
The third seeded duo of Ting Li and Tian Tian Sun
defeated the top seeded Indonesian team of Angelique Widjaja and Wynne
Prakusya, 6-4, 6-3 to win the doubles championship at the Volvo Women’s
Open last week at the Dusit Resort Pattaya.
Widjaja, last year’s singles champion, seemed to be the
best player on the court, but Ting Li and Tian Tian Sun proved to be the
best team, winning the final in straight sets.
 Friends
till the end - Ting Li and Tian Tian Sun (right) defeated Angelique Widjaja
and Wynne Prakusya, 6-4, 6-3 to win the doubles championship at the Volvo
Women’s Open last week at the Dusit Resort Pattaya. (Pattaya Mail photo by
Dan Dorothy)
Although much of the crowd had filtered out after the
singles semi-finals, those who stayed were treated to exciting tennis. The
two finalist teams were evenly matched, and the match was actually closer
than the final score might indicate.
None of the games were won to love, and the speed of play
and the lightening quick reflexes of players on both sides of the net were a
sight to behold.
The Chinese pair got off to a fast start in the first
set, earning a sizable advantage before the Indonesians were able to
recover. Widjaja and Prakusya did manage to get back to within 5-4, but a
costly error and Sun’s strong serve provided the Chinese with enough of a
boost to win the first set 6-4.
The second set took on a much more relaxed tone, with
both sides jokingly egging each other on, proving that competitors do not
have to be enemies. In the end, Ting Li and Tian Tian Sun were more
methodical and less error prone, which they used to their advantage to win
the close points, taking the set 6 games to 3 and the championship two sets
to none.
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