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Chaiyaporn Strikes Gold at Eastern Star
6th Diana Gold Charity Golf Tournament
Mike Franklin
Chaiyaporn Kumpakadee carded a gross 71 and net 62 from
his 9 handicap at Eastern Star to take the low gross trophy and win the win
the 2004, 6th Diana Gold Charity Golf Tournament. A capacity field of 164
golfers teed off from 7.30 a.m on the 10th tee on Friday November 12 in the
quest for the 18 One Baht Gold technical prizes set out on the course, and
the stroke-play challenge to win Divisional honors. It was a fine, humid and
hot day on this fine Robert Trent Jones Jnr. championship course, well
presented and in conditions ideal for good scoring. This certainly proved to
be the case, as all the division place winners returned scores below par.
Chant Schwulera won the Ladies division with a net 67. Pid Ovegren net 70,
and Nora Haugsjordet net 73, took the runner-up and third place trophies
respectively.
 The
winners in Men’s Division III all had below par net scores. Jeerasak
Hamchanga’s net 66 won the division with runner-up Graham Buckingham’s
net 67, and third place Nirut Somjet’s net 69 close behind.
In Division II, Mick O’Meara won on a back-nine count
back from runner-up Brian Bellis, both with net 70, and John Eyres took
third place with a net 71.
In Division 1, John Hanley and Fabian Arp tied for third
place with net 72, John Hanley winning on count-back. A count-back too for
winner and runner-up on net 71, Tinphan Piluk winning on count-back from
Mark Thomas.
 Chant
Schwulera (left) was crowned queen of the ladies flight after returning a
net 67.
However, the best score of the day, and the low gross 71,
came from Chaiyaporn Kumpakadee, an impressive net 62 and, co-incidentally,
the same net score returned by the Diana Gold 2003 Champion, Bob Pearce.
 Andy
Wellington tees off at the start of this year’s 6th Annual Diana Gold.
The One Baht Gold technical prizes were well contested
and full results, with the name of the hole sponsor and technical task, are
detailed later. The winners were widely spread, but Hans Collett managed to
claim two by having the ‘Nearest Pin 2nd Shot’ on hole # 1 sponsored by
Thai Sausage, and the ‘Men’s Division I Long Drive’ on hole par 5 hole
# 4, sponsored by the Jesters.
Despite
the gold rush in the tournament the ultimate goal is to raise funds for
charitable purposes. Cheques for 40,000 baht for student scholarships and
5,000 baht for the further education, and a cheque for 60,000 baht towards
the YWCA’s ‘Sai-Yai-Rak’ (Bonds of Love) Project were distributed
during the prize giving ceremonies.
Only one glitch with the technicals when a low handicap
player recorded his name on the ‘Men’s Division III Long Drive’ and
was so long off the tee that no-one passed him. That hole was declared
invalid and the gold, sponsored by Jaroen Bakery went into the Lucky Draw.
Strange as it may seem, exactly the same thing happened in Diana Gold 2003
with a Division I player claiming the Division III Long Drive.
 Jeerasak
Hamchanga (left) took home the Division 3 trophy with a net 66 for the day.
The Chivas Regal Charity Hole # 17 was generously
supported and took 10,500 baht towards the charity funds. Unfortunately
though, no bottles of Chivas Regal were claimed.
Darkness came quickly at around 6 p.m., but all groups
made it home.
A great
party back was held at the new Diana Garden Resort Pool, with plenty of gold
for the players and contributions to chosen charities supporting
children’s care and education. The 7th annual tournament returns on Friday
November 11, 2005 for more ‘Diana Gold’.
Apres-golf, on a fine evening, was back at the Diana
Garden Resort and an inaugural ‘soft opening’ of the new swimming pool
and sun terrace. A splendid outdoor buffet from 6 p.m. welcomed the players
and many guests with the pool balcony set for live music.
A
cheque for 141,250 baht was presented to Chief Judge Thammanoon Singsai (far
left), by the Diana Group, led by Sophing Thappajug (4th from left). The
donation will be put towards The Chonburi Juvenile and Family Court
Observation & Protection Center for further projects at the center.
The prize-giving ceremony got under way with co-emcees
Mike Franklin and Tony Malhotra doing their now familiar English/Thai double
act.
 Diana
Gold 2004 champion, Chaiyaporn Kumpakadee received his trophy from Sophin
Thappajug, Diana Group managing director after returning a net 62 at Eastern
Star.
In their opening remarks, the benefiting charities were
announced as those concerned with children’s care and education, namely
Banglamung Schools that will receive student scholarships, the Chonburi
Juvenile and Family Court Observation & Protection Center, an
establishment that cares for boys and girls who have been through the Court
and are on remand, mainly on drug related charges
 Tinphan
Piluk (left) received his Division 1 winners trophy after edging out Mark
Thomas on countback with a gross 76 and next 71.
Sophin Thappajug, in addition to being Chief Executive
Officer of the Diana Group, is an Associate Judge at the Chonburi Juvenile
and Family Court.
Thirdly, the YWCA Sai-Yai-Rak (Bonds of Love) project.
 Mick
O’Meara (right) won Division 2 with a net 70.
Distinguished guests were formally welcomed, firstly
Thammanoon Singsai, Chief Judge from the Court, Vitsanu Prasonsab Director
of Banglamung Schools, and Varraphan Sukontasit YWCA Sai-Yai-Rak project
chairperson.
Other VIP guests welcomed included RTN. Capt. Paisarn
Dongwilahon, Head of Radio 5, Wittaya Yensabai, Head of MCOT (Mass
Communication Organisation of Thailand) Radio in Pattaya; Sura Lijutipoom,
Head of Radio MCOT Chiangmai, and Peter Malhotra, Managing Director of
Pattaya Mail; the VIP Thai golfers who supported and played in Diana gold
2004 were also formally acknowledged, including the Director of MCOT Radio,
Suttachai Boonnak, Editor of Eastern Region News (Rayong), Suppachai
Thitithada, Assistant Head of Radio 5, Pattaya, RTN. LTJG. Jirasak Hanchana,
and RTN. Lt. Nirut Sornjet.
Thanks were then duly expressed to the main sponsors of
Diana Gold 2004.
Chivas Regal was represented by Chanachai
Chornweerakajorn. Mittweida Beer, represented by Akalit Perpit, and Eastern
Star Country Club & Resort, represented by General Manager Saradej
Sudasna.
Special thanks were extended to Eastern Star for the
excellent presentation of the golf course, the friendly efficient service
from all of their staff, and the full co-operation given to ensure the day
ran smoothly. Due credit was given to the tournament team on the day -
Terry Sylvester and Nanta for energizing the Chivas
Charity Hole and raising 10,500 baht; to stalwart Bernie Tuppin, PSC Charity
chairman for efficiently getting 164 players off from the 10th tee, and to
computerized Wayne Ognoski, with Tony Stevens as scorecard scrutinizer, for
the scoring.
Thanks to Nok and John Cole for registration and finally
to Komsan, Diana Group GM, and John Cole regarding the overall planning and
preparation.
With the prize-giving over, and the Diana Gold 2004
Champion having been presented with the Champion’s Trophy and ‘One Baht
Gold’ from Sophin Thappajug, together with the Low Gross trophy from Chief
Judge Thammanoon Singsai, it was time for the Lucky Draw.
Many items to be won including a further three Baht in
gold and a return flight, Bangkok to Chiangmai sponsored by the Diana Group.
A cheque for 141,250 baht was received by Chief Judge
Khun Thammanoon Singsai on behalf of the Chonburi Juvenile and Family Court
Observation & Protection Center for further projects at the Center.
Vitsanu Prasonsab, Director of Banglamung Schools
accompanied by a student for further education, received 40,000 baht for
student scholarships and 5000 baht for the further education, and Varraphan
Sukontasit, YWCA Sai-Yai-Rak Project chairperson, a cheque for 60,000 baht
towards the project.
That ceremony concluded a fine day, a good days’ golf
at Eastern Star, a great party back at the new Diana Garden Resort Pool,
plenty of gold for the players and a valuable contribution to the chosen
charities supporting children’s care and education.
Back in 2005, on Friday November 11 for more ‘Diana Gold’.
Diana Gold 2004 - Technical Hole Sponsors
- One Baht Gold
Hole Par Sponsor Target Winner
1 4 Thai Sausage Nearest Pin 2nd Shot Hans Collett
2 4 Supamit Store Long 1st Putt Div. III (21-36) Graham
Buckingham
3 3 V.F.W. Nearest Pin Ake Ovegren
4 5 Jesters MC Long Drive Div. I (0-14) Hans Collett
5 4 Mr.& Mrs. John Bourn Straight Drive: Line 150-240
yds Edith Villadsen
6 3 S.C.R Homefinder Nearest Pin Bob Carlisle
7 4 Pattaya Sports Club Straight Drive -150-240 yds.
Darren Ottaway
8 5 Sauber F.1 Fan Club Long 1st Putt Ladies Ann Drader
9 4 Sauber F.1 Fan Club Ladies Long Drive Chant Schwulera
10 4 Pattaya Mail Long 1st Putt Div. II (15-20) Peter
Henderson
11 5 Jaroen Bakery Long Drive Div. III (21-36) Invalid
claim - put in Draw
12 4 S.K.Construction Long 1st Putt - all Divisions Randy
Reynolds
13 3 Kitsanapong Laundry Nearest Pin Terry Summers
14 4 Nopporn Construction Long 1st Putt- all Divisions.
Keith Porter
15 5 Pattaya Best Food Long 1st Putt. Div. I (0-14)
Chalirmpol Warawong
16 4 Jamlong Seafood Straight Drive: Line 150-240 yds C.
Cholveerakajorn
17 3 Tan Food Supply Nearest Pin Lamud Chaidara
17 3 CHIVAS Charity Hole B.100 - in Circle wins Bottle No
Winner
18 4 Tahitian Queen Long Drive Div. II (15-20) Peter Alfthan
World Golfers Championship comes to Pattaya
Austria scoops six out of eleven flights
The Royal Cliff Beach Resort was the venue for the
final awards dinner for the 10th World Golfers Championship, that had been
held over the previous week at various golf courses around Pattaya.
 Princess
Birgitta av Hohenzollern, a member of the Royal Sweden GC, lines up her
putt at Burapha, one of the four courses played during this year’s
event.
The driving force behind the World Golfers Championship
is a very energetic Swede, Sven Tumba, who was quick to point out at only
1.5 percent of the world’s golfers are professionals, and as far as he
was concerned, the amateurs should have the same fun!
This sentiment was echoed by legendary professionals
Arnold Palmer and Severiano Ballesteros. Palmer, who was the patron for
this year’s event, welcomed all entrants with the written message,
“This championship is unique in that it gives all participants a chance
to challenge each other under fair and equal conditions, within their own
skill levels.” Ballesteros backed that up further, writing: “The
concept of the event is unique and important for all amateur golfers
around the globe. They have all contributed and supported us as
professional golfers for decades. We now have a chance to give something
back - our full support and tournament experience to help make the World
Golfers Championship the best amateur golf championship in the world.”
Princess
Birgitta av Hohenzollern (3rd from left), was a special guest at the 10th
World Golfers Championships and was welcomed by Panga Vathanakul (3rd from
right), Royal Cliff Beach Resort managing director and Alexander Hausler
(left), Royal Cliff Beach Resort general manager. Joining them were event
organisers Sven Tumba (2nd from left), Mona Tumba and Svan Olov Brax
(right).
The event brought amateur players from around the world
to Pattaya, who played at the Khao Kheow, Phoenix, Laem Chabang and
Burapha golf courses, and all players from the 25 countries represented
were unanimous in their praise for the local courses.
 Alan
Babicky shot a total of 300 for the four rounds to become the new amateur
World Champion.
National teams were entered by many countries including
Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Italy, Malaysia, Poland,
Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden and Thailand. Included in the Swedish
players was one of their royal family, Princess Birgitta Von Hohenzollern,
a member of the Royal Sweden GC, and an old school friend of organizer
Sven Tumba, who also plays for the same club. The princess came 6th out of
the 12 players in her Open flight 16-20, carding 316 for the four rounds.
She also very graciously assisted in the awards presentation that was done
around the pool on the Saturday evening.
The most successful national team came from Austria
(winning six of the eleven flights), and was led by Dieter Kepplinger from
Salzburg, who oversaw his golfers, and even ensured that they were all
correctly outfitted. GM of the Royal Cliff Beach Resort, Alex Haeusler,
himself an Austrian, was certainly bursting with pride at their
achievement.
The overall winner came from the Czech Republic, with
the new amateur World Champion being Alan Babicky, who shot a total of 300
for the four rounds. He was lavish in his praise of the organizers, the
local courses, and of the venue, but said that this would be his final
tournament with them as he was turning professional on returning to his
homeland.
As always, the Royal Cliff Beach Resort produced a
spectacular evening, and even gave the golfing guests a small touch of
Thailand, enacting a Loy Krathong ceremony, with each person at the dinner
being given a krathong to float in the pool, following Princess
Birgitta’s example.
There can be no doubt about the fact that the Eastern
Seaboard has excellent golfing facilities, and similarly superb hotels,
and every international golfer left Thailand with nothing but praise for
the golf courses, and for the Royal Cliff Beach Resort - even the visiting
Swedish Royal.
Unfortunately there are more countries lining up to stage the amateur
World Golfers Championship, so it may be a few years before we see
Princess Birgitta and Sven Tumba return with 100 golfers in tow, but we
certainly left them with some fabulous memories of their time in Pattaya.
Pattaya Jet Festival 2004 hits the beach this weekend
Suchada
Tupchai
The Pattaya Jet Festival 2004 takes off this weekend on
Jomtien Beach for two days of pure adrenaline. Eleven classes of Jet Ski
races will take place, starting Saturday morning.
Jet Ski
enthusiasts set to take off from Jomtien Beach this weekend with the Pattaya
Jet Festival 2004.
The event was announced last week at the Surf Kitchen
in Jomtien with Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn chairing a meeting with
organizers to discuss relevant safety and ceremonial details.
Competitors will race on jet skis ranging from 50hp
power up to the 1,200 stock classes carrying out 8 laps of the Jomtien
circuit on the beach in front of the Surf Kitchen restaurant.
The even takes place during the same time as the Long
boat races at Mabprachan Reservoir, east of the city and is aimed at
boosting Pattaya’s reputation as a water sports venue in Thailand to
boost the sports and tourism industry.
The meeting discussed details safety and security measures during the
event as well as competition guidelines and prizes.
PSC golf from the
Cafe Kronborg
Monday November 8 Eastern Star Stableford
The Eastern Star Country Club was host for a stableford
competition in two flights, A Flight 0 to 20, and B Flight 21 and upwards.
The course was in very good condition but there were not many golfers on
the course, apart from our 7 groups, possibly due to the fact that this
month noted the increase of green fees to the high season rates.
 Bill
Plath
Bill Plath, in good form of late, won the A Flight with
a very good score of 42 points, ‘Young’ Ted Morris, once more in the
Sun, took second with 40 points and Brian Noguer took third with 35
points, beating out Philippe Berra on countback.
Wayne Koch took the B Flight with 36 points ahead of
Trudy Chadburn in second with 34 points and Ernst Hansen in third with 33
points.
Near Pins #6 Bill Plath; #17 Brian Noguer
Thursday November 11
Bangpra Stableford
This is a day that is always well supported. This may
be the oldest course on the circuit, but it has matured magnificently, and
certainly has the best wildlife in the area. One of the things you must do
when you play here is to watch your belongings and ensure the monkeys do
not get them, leave a sandwich unguarded for a second and it is gone. I
was that man. I also saw the largest Water Lizard\Dragon I have seen
outside National Geographic, on the water hazard by the par 5 on the back
nine. I shall not be skinny dipping there.
 Jay
Perrin
The day was hot and humid and the course was very full,
but this year we seem to be pretty lucky, as the course is at least
bookable, normally come November, come the ‘Lesser’ Courses. Mind most
of them are pretty good and will be played.
On the day the play was slow, and it was the lucky man
who had booked a cart on this sticky day. In the A Flight, 0 to 19, the
scoring was very tight, with the first 4 all within one shot. Winner on a
countback on 36 points was Richard Devon, ahead of Terry Tucker in second.
In a countback for third with 35 points, Marty Allred came in second with
Bill Plath just losing out.
 Wayne
Koch
There was no such foolishness as countbacks in the B
Flight as the whole field got a good clobbering by a great round from the
winner, Jay Perrin, with a super 46 points. The flight came up with the
best scores and in second was John Swanson with 38 points and in third
Patrick Browne with 37 points. Of note was Patrick’s approach to the
18th, finishing no more than a hands span from the hole. Patrick tapped in
for a very fine Birdie three, completely forgetting the long putt. Note;
see winner long put no 18.
 Richard
Devon
I must here mention the shot of the day. On number 12,
par three over water; I saw the luck of the golfer. Bob Bender topped his
tee shot half way across the lake into the water. Of course being Bob, in
the middle of the lake is a plastic hoop. Yes he hit it and bounced
straight on to the green. Weird game this golf, innit. T.T.F.N.
Nearest Pins: #2 Terry Tucker; #8 Ted Morris; #12 Derek
Brook / Patrick Browne.
Long Putts: #9 Tie Andre Barril / Dick Worden, #18 No Winner
Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League party & trophy presentation held at the Green Bottle
The Pattaya Sports Club Friday bowling league had their
bowling party and awards presentation at the Green Bottle, Diana Inn, on
Tuesday, 9 November. La and Jim Montgomery, Bowling Chairman, organized the
trophies and party with La doing most of the work, according to Jim. The
Green Bottle group did a good job plus the food was great and there was
plenty of it. There were also more than enough liquid refreshments for
everyone. The service was also very good.
Pattaya
Sports Club Friday bowling league trophy winners enjoyed their usual festive
celebrations at the end of season party, this time at the Green Bottle Pub
at the Diana Inn.
Ken Crow acted as MC for the night and awarded the many
trophies won in the just completed 30-week league. Winners were: First Place
Team - Three Sisters, La, Tien and P.K. Second Place Team - Q Cars, Gert,
Lenz and Ken. Third Place Team - Jack & Tar, Mai, Morn and Aun. Fourth
Place Team - Caf? Kronborg, Kran, Tui and Suphan. Men and women high game
scratch went to Gert and Nual.
Ken and Lada won high game handicap. High series scratch was grabbed by
P.K. and Tue. Bill Gibson and Tien captured high series handicap.
Close shave for Freeway!
The Original Pattaya Pool League - November 8
Group A: Freeway Club 5 -
4 H’s Bar
Jump on a baht bus to Pratamnuk Road (Buddha Hill) and
look for the flashing lights on the left. This was truly a unique venue for
a Monday night pool match. Set in the grounds of the luxurious Freeway
Resort, the club downstairs is also a go-go bar with the biggest fish tank
in the world! But tonight all eyes were on the pool table and not the
dancers on stage!
 Muz
has “spots before his eyes” as Tom waits for his chance to sink the
black.
Silence descended as the first game began between Tom
(Freeway) and Muz. Tom slowly picked off one stripe after another always
leaving the white safe but Muz soon realised what he was doing. Tom was
first to reach the black. Muz tried to snooker him again but left Tom with a
long pot down the side cushion, the length of the table. It stopped just
over the pocket. Muz did his best again to snooker but it wasn’t enough as
Tom sank the black.
Freeway
Team relaxes after a close but satisfying victory.
Spielf?hrer (Captain) G?nter faced “Bones” aka Martin
next. Bones calculated every shot and only made one unlucky mistake by
potting the white ball in the centre pocket near the end. With 2 shots now
G?nter only had one stripe left, hidden amongst a cluster of spots. He
managed to pot his last ball but left the black near a pocket obscured by
one of Bones’ balls. That was all Bones needed to cleanly finish... 1 game
all.
Khun Tong, Freeway manager known and respected by many in
the local pool and snooker community, faced “H”, Boss of H’s Bar and
known to all simply as “H”(!).
Tong broke and immediately potted a stripe. This was the
shape of things to come as Tong played some inspired shots, playing a superb
clean bank shot and escaping from two difficult snookers. It seemed there
was nothing “H” could do to avoid the inevitable... 2 - 1 to Freeway.
Jerry played ‘Young at heart’ Mick, next. They were
evenly matched. Soon both were down to the black ball. Neither player was
giving anything away as both played safe until the opportunity arose for
Jerry to finally finish the game. 3 - 1 now to Freeway.
The fifth and most game surprising game of the match now
followed... Bruno, the “Deutsche-Destroyer” was against Rayna (a Thai
lady). Bruno was in complete control of the game throughout. Poor Rayna (who
kept smiling even as she watched Bruno smoothly and silently pot all his
balls with precision) only had time to pot one ball before Bruno was down to
the black. She did, however, manage to snooker him once before he went in
for the kill. But what happened next shocked everyone, nobody more than
Bruno himself. The worst piece of luck that could happen did! With the white
and the black ball in the centre of the table, the black cleanly went down
the left corner pocket, as did the white at a right angle down the opposite
pocket at the same time! Shock and horror! Rayna stole the game for H’s
Bar! 3 - 2!
The gap was closing as Michael played the last singles
game against “Quirky” Dave. It took a while for Quirky to settle down
(having initially slammed down his first ball them following through with
the white) and during that time Michael potted 6 of his balls. Quirky
cleverly picked off ball after ball until both players were down to the
black. The pressure really was on but Quirky snatched the game! 3 games all
at half time
After the tasty sweet n’ sour pork and rice was cleared
away it was time for Tong & G?nter to play Bones and Muz. You don’t
get many second chances when Tong plays and this game was no exception.
Bones and Muz tried hard but Tong potted the winning black with ease.
Bruno and Jerry faced Mick and Rayna. All eyes were on
this game, even the dancers’, it seemed! Finally Rayna had her chance to
shine after Mick gallantly set her up by forcing the opposition to foul. But
she didn’t even need 2 shots and potted the black with ease and confidence
on the first shot! 4 games all.
Quirky and “H” won the toss and broke off against Michael and Tom in
this nail-biting decider of the match. It seems the pressure got to “H”
as he fouled and later Quirky mis-cued, giving Michael and Tom their chance
to finish. After an unfortunate “in-off” from “H”, Michael sank his
two remaining balls and quickly potted the black taking Freeway to victory.
Jomtien 8-Ball Pool League
Woody Sherwood Shoots 68 Off the stick
IPGC Golf From Lewiinski’s!
Sunday November7
Green Valley -
White Tees
Stableford
1st A Flight: Mark “Woody” Sherwood, 45 pts
2nd A Flight: Jim Brackett, 38 pts
3rd A Flight: Steve Mascari, 38 pts
1st B Flight: Lee Adelly, 39 pts
2nd B Flight: Pete Stonebridge, 38 pts
3rd B Flight: George Jackson, 37 pts
1st C Flight; Colm Mullen, 42 pts
2nd C Flight: Ray Dell, 42 pts
3rd C Flight: Stan Dismuke, 38 pts
1st D Flight: Sunny Khanna, 45 pts
2nd D Flight: Frank Pilkington, 42 pts
3rd D Flight: Kenny Kutzing, 39 pts
Near Pins: #13 Roger Koehler; #16 Jason Hemplemen
Elias Sports has been tasked with reviewing the full and
rich golf history of the Lewiinski’s Golf Society to see if 68 has been
shot off the stick before. The Society old-timers recount stories of Che,
the Costa Rican highwayman, of “The Young Ash”, Saudi oil magnate now
traveling golf raconteur, of Egon “The Ox Leg” Nielsen (at least that is
what he says the ladies call him), and of Charlie Mascari, patriarch of one
of America’s great golfing families. But no one is sure whether this
Sunday’s feat had been previously accomplished. We now know it was
certainly done, by Woody Sherwood, the man who taught Freddy Jacobson
everything he knows and the man whose jilted paramour is now Mrs. Tiger
Woods. Woody’s 45 A Flight winning points were followed by a host of
luminaries such as count back winning second place Jim Brackett and
benevolent president Steve Mascari, who let Jim win the count back. In a day
filled with fine play, recognition should be accorded Jim Wickstrom and Phil
Mitchell for their fine 77 and 78, respectively.
‘Nuff said about A Flight, we have three more Flights
to talk about! Who better to begin with than Sunny Khanna who matched
Woody’s 45 points and was to be the talk of the week. Sunny left D Flight
second to Sunday/Green Valley expert Frank Pilkington and third to another
Course member, K4 (Konsistently Kolourful Kenny Kutzing). Colm Mullen put a
count back hurt on Ray Dell to wrest B Flight gold away, whilst bronze was
left to a returning-home friend, Stan Dismuke. Hurry back Stanley!
And that brings me to Lee Adelly. Uncle Lee was formerly
Ian Woosnam’s caddy and “No!” he was not the one who put the extra
driver in the bag. If I have answered that question fifty times, I know Lee
must be in the thousands. Anyway, as is the way of the world of golf, Lee
has a hot, up and comer, to the European Tour who he hopes will make his B
Flight winnings this Sunday seem like loose pocket change. Hold it, it was
loose pocket change. Paced off in one point increments behind Lee were the
Classroom’s Headmaster, Pete Stonebridge, and, a little fanfare please...
George “One Ball” Jackson. '
Monday
November 8
Burapha - A & B - Blue or White tees
Stableford
1st Blue Flight: David Johnston, net 70
1st White A Flight: Jim Munns, net 70
2nd White A Flight: Rick Sharp, net 72
1st White B Flight: Sunny Khanna, net 68
2nd White B Flight: Kurt-Erik Persson, net 69
Near Pin: # 17 Keith Meehan
A modest, but quality, portion of the field took on the
Blue Tees of Burapha’s A and B courses and David Johnston took the sole
podium spot with a fine net 70. Playing off the somewhat more relaxed
white tees is something that would suit an often euphoric Capt. Fogg and
the results bore that out, as he shot net 70 on the day leaving second
place in the upper division of the shorter configuration to The Hermit and
consistent visitor Jim Brackett. Alas for Jim, The Hermit smelled the barn
on the inward nine and had the better of the count back. White tee’s B
Flighter, Sunny Khanna continued Sunday’s purple patch with a best on
the day 68, edging his fellow top performer on the week, Kurt-Erik Persson.
It is not often that a player is noted in this prose for garnering a Near
Pin but when a several week vacation full of golf only yields one
accolade, it must be mentioned, and therefore, ladies and gentlemen
readers, I give you Keith Meehan, closest to on the 17th hole (a/k/a #B8).
Wednesday
November 10
Khao Kheow- A & B
Yellow or White Tees
Stableford
1st Yellow Flight: Dave Boran, 40 pts
2nd Yellow Flight: Gary Blackburne, 36 pts
3rd Yellow Flight: Roddy Healy, 35 pts
1st White A Flight; Klaus Schackt, 39 pts
2nd White A Flight: Colm Mullen, 35 pts
3rd White A Flight: Vic Hester, 34 pts
1st White B Flight: Kurt-Erik Persson, 41 pts
2nd White B Flight: Ray Dell, 37 pts
3rd White B Flight: Michael Kelleher, 36
Near Pins: # A5 Graham Johnson; # B8 Rick Sharp
Kurt-Erik was to confide in this scribe that he did
sneak in a couple of lessons this past summer with a Swedish golf pro. The
day’s performance and that of Wednesday could certainly find a few
society members heading to Scandinavia to have this Svengali review their
swing. K-E, who has gamely played to the allowed maximum 28 strokes,
despite being a stroke or two higher, was hailed by the lads for his best
on the day, B Flight off the whites, winning 41 points. K-E was follow by
the quiet man who sees his share of the pay window, Ray Dell. Dublin’s
Michael Kelleher edged Mike ‘the Mechanic’ Craighead and Peter Ingham,
OBE, on count back for the final podium spot of the B Flight of the
shorter teed division. The Volkscomputer put in his seemingly, weekly,
gold performance with a four point victory over Colm Mullen in the upper
White tee Flight. Vic Hester swept up A Flight’s last remaining lucre.
Dave Boran, on the last week of his stay, led the
Yellow Flight bombers with 40 points. His good mate, and ours as well,
Gary Blackburne, took second. Irishman Roddy Healy, hardly the feint of
heart when it comes to taking on a golf course, took the bronze in the
Testosterone Flight with a count back over Maj. Gen. Jack Spencer.
Friday November 12
Pattana Sport Club -White Tees
Stableford
1st A Flight: Steve Nowell, 39 pts
2nd A Flight: Dave Johnston, 34 pts
3rd A Flight:Joe Mooneyham, 33 pts
1st B Flight: Norm Robinson, 37 pts
2nd B Flight: Neil Cameron, 35 pts
3rd B Flight: Paddy Wilson, 35 pts
1st C Flight: “Apple” Jitchana, 34 pts
2nd C Flight: Mike Craighead, 34 pts
3rd C Flight: Keith Meehan, 32 pts
Near Pin: # A8 - Keith Bell; #B3 - Steve Mascari
‘The Land of Smiling Golfers’ just became a little
brighter, if that is possible, with the addition of Pattana Sports Club.
The gang braved navigational challenges and a fledgling course and caddy
staff to award the newest addition to the Eastern Seaboard golfscape two
thumbs up. The par 73 layout is 6,455 yards off the yellow and 6,826 yards
of the whites. Not being forewarned of that, the capable Society
administration designated the thought-to-be conservative Whites only to
receive a couple of lashes from the always appreciative public. Actually
the length must be mitigated a bit by the extra stroke to par, but we will
re-assess when the Society returns to Pattana before the month’s end.
Certainly not complaining about the difficulty was fine
player Steve Nowell, who hauled off 39 points on the day and A Flight’s
loot. Nor did his mate, Stormin’ Norman Robinson, who walked off with 37
points and B Flight’s loot.
Dave Johnston followed Steve Nowell in A Flight with
Joe Mooneyham vexing Steve Mascari, Martin Todd and Graham Johnson with
the old count back. Trailing Norm up the B Flight’s steps were The Club
Maker to the Stars, second place Neil Cameron, and third place Victor
“The Inflictor” Hester.
A third Flight made up the popular day and that junior
flight was led by the ‘Apple’ of everybody’s eye (and especially
Eddie’s) Phanon Jitchana. ‘Apple’ was enthusiastically followed up
the stairs by Mike ‘the Mechanic’, with pacemaker a fluttering, and
Keith Meehan. Hold it! I thought he didn’t win anything else! Was he
just following Apple? Well it is done now.
Happy Birthday to 91 years young Charlie Mascari and
big “6” “0” Rick Cherry!
Payne and Wibrow by two
Shenanigans Very Friendly Golf Society
Mike Franklin
Jason Payne and Rich Wibrow took the podium in the
Shenanigans Pairs Better Ball at Plutaluang South & East on Wednesday
November10. Returning a creditable 43 Stableford points on a well prepared
course and in fine weather, the threat of the irrepressible pair of Bill
Johnstone and Kim Fletcher loomed, they finishing close behind and taking
the runners-up spot with 41 points. The emerging talent of this pair from
the Shenanigans Superstar table should not be underestimated as they were
also four holes clear of their playing partners. Good though to see Jason
& Rich, regular, steady and friendly players, take the prize on the day.
 Winner
Jason Payne (left) and Rich Wibrow (right) with Mike back Shenanigans after
a day out at Plutaluang.
Also worthy of particular mention is Mikael Andersson who
was nearest the pin on S4, S7 and E2, a great performance on the par 3s.
Jason Payne was closest on E5. The technical prizes were
sponsored as usual by Guinness, and Mikael now has the full set of
merchandise.
The longest first putts were claimed by Bill Johnstone on
S9 and Tai Kennedy on E9 whose putt was a little longer than Mikael
Andersson.
Steak Night back at Shenanigans proved popular as usual
and good value too.
Wednesday November 24 is the next outing, this time to Eastern Star for a
warm-up Pairs Combined Stableford in preparation for the Shenanigans Men’s
& Ladies Irish Open Championships on Friday 26. Some places still
available so sign-up at Shenanigans or use the entry form in this weeks’
Pattaya Mail.
Last Call, Shenanigans
‘Men’s & Ladies’
Irish Open Championships
Mike Franklin
Shenanigans annual Irish Open Men’s & Ladies
Championships, postponed from October 1 takes place on Friday November
26 at Eastern Star Country Club & Resort. Start times for players
who signed up originally remain the same and the updated start sheet
will be posted at Shenanigans and other venues on Wednesday November
24, and also be on the web page at: www.shenanigans-pattaya.com
All tournament details stay the same as shown on
the entry form in this weeks’ issue of Pattaya Mail. So, if you
haven’t signed up already for the Irish Open, please do so now as
there are still a few places available, mostly in periods 8.0 - 8.45
and 11.20 - 12.00 .
Friday November 26is the date and the Eastern Star
course will be in excellent shape. The Shenanigans Irish Open
Championships follow the Anand Panyarachun Charity Golf Invitational
for UNICEF on Saturday 20th, also at Eastern Star.
Sunny Smiles at Phoenix
IPGC Bunker Boys at the OK Corral
Thirty-six Bunker Boys and girls left the OK Corral on
Tuesday, November 9, for a memorable day’s golf at Phoenix, over the Lakes
and Ocean nines in the society’s weekly medal event.
The day was fine, becoming overcast later, and the course
was in fine condition with lush fairways and speedy greens. The field was
divided into two flights with the cut at 16 and under and the second
division saw some startling scores with PJ Redmond, seemingly a division two
regular these days, posting net 71 to set the standard for the day. Lady
golfer, Kanjana Gregory, confounded everyone, coming second with her
excellent net 66 off the yellow tees and had the satisfaction of her first
podium place with the Bunker Boys.
Sunny Khanna held all the flight’s aces however and his
net 63 was a personal best for him in Thailand, especially as he had arrived
late at the tee after leaving his golf bag in Soi Rungland and then dashing
back to the course and catch up his playing group, just approaching the
first green.
In division one, things were a little more sedate with a
trio of golfers on net 70, Aussie Bob Philp, Steve Nowell and Guy Billings,
whose gross 75 was the highlight of the day in the top flight. Out in front
was the IPGC and OK Corral champion, Al “Ace” McGrory with a superb net
68 and this included one of the day’s brace of birdie twos, the other
going to Bob Philp. Vintner Roy Mann kindly sponsored near-pin prizes on the
par threes and the accuracy of Keith Hector, Norm Robinson, Len Jones and
George Robins was rewarded with a selection of fine French wine. Ooh la-la!
By the time the presentation arrived Sunny had recovered
from his dash, and dashing golf, but was brought down to earth again with
the Bunker Bananas for the earlier mishap. They should serve him as a
suitable reminder of a fine golfing performance.
Steve Nowell Shakes a fist
at Treasure Hill
On Thursday, November 11, a large group of Bunker Boys
and Belles took the ever improving route 331 to the course variously known
as “the Monster”, “the Beast” or “Treasure Hell” - Treasure
Hill. In the last thirty visits by the Bunker Boys there have only been four
sub-par rounds; such is the difficulty of the challenge. As usual the beast
wore a smile with good fairways and hard, racy greens and the day was well
set for three flights playing the friendly stableford format.
In the Ladies’ division there was a three-way tie for
the honours and they were shared by Samantha Burke, Saranya Chaiyanont and
Kanjana Gregory with their scores of twenty-six points. The whole field
averaged one over par for the first two holes and the struggle continued for
four more hours as, in division two, three players went head-to-head
throughout and shared the honours at the end. Well done Brian Bellis, Binny
Josteinsson and Richard Wardell, for your scores of twenty-eight points!
Division one fared slightly better with low handicappers
Kevin Taylor and Michael Waltschek sharing third place with thirty points,
one behind second placed Bill Hewitt, who shot thirty-one. It was left to
Steve Nowell to shake a fist at the beast and his fine thirty-two points
took the day in the top flight. Steve Bugden birdied the par three sixth and
Kevin Taylor had similar success on the seventeenth to share the pot for the
twos, whilst Dave Jones toiled to only four points on the front nine and the
bananas back at the OK Corral. Once again the course had brought the players
to their knees, its reputation remaining intact.
Day to forget for Barry Winton
IPGC TAGGS Golf from The Haven
Monday Nov. 8 Noble Place B&C Bogey
1st Dave Lee, 5up
2nd Randall Penrod, 2 up - c/b 2up
3rd Fred Ewins, 2 up - c/b A/S
A disappointing turnout for this superb course, but given
the drive up the 331 and Bogey format it was probably no surprise that many
opted for a rest. The course was in fair condition and Dave led the field
home with a great score of 5 up to beat off a tight challenge by Randall
& Fred. Just 4 players beat old man par on a day for mid/high
handicappers. In the 2s competition, the pool was shared by Barry Winton
& Martin Grimoldby. Prior to the prize giving, Richard Livingston, the
resident PGA professional, welcomed Martin Grimoldby and welcomed back
Michael (Superman) Dige.
Wednesday Nov. 10 Bangpra
Medal
1st Rodney Nabbe, 70 - c/b 33
2nd Randall Penrod, 70 - c/b 36
3rd Frank Hughes, 73 - c/b 33
4th Michael Dige, 73 - c/b 36
Well done Rodney! Straight back from Australia, declared
lower home handicap and straight on to win at the tough Bangpra layout with
it’s renowned fast greens, which lived up to their reputation. Better be
below the pins here or suffer the usual 3 & 4 putts! Randall again
bettered his handicap but had to settle for second spot for the second
successive competition.
Michael played well on his comeback with new Ping driver
and irons, whilst Barry Winton beat all the odds and but for a mishap on the
18th would have shot a 79 gross with hired clubs! Unfortunately, his wife
took out his golf bag when taking the car for a spring clean and forgot to
put the bag back. Was the air blue when Barry got home? In the 2s
competition, the pool was shared by Michael Dige, Chris Davisson & Roy
Thornton. Back at the Haven, Richard Livingston welcomed Barry & Trudi
Chadbourn and welcomed back Rodney Nabbe, John Draper & Phillip Cass.
Friday Nov 12 Siam Country
Club Stableford
Division 1
1st Trevor Schirmer, 43
2nd Brian Kelly, 42 - c/b 22
3rd Norman Isherwood, 42 - c/b 19
Division 2
1st Peter Johanson, 40
2nd Fred Ewins, 37
3rd Ole Stamnes, 36
A large turnout for this popular venue, which
really does continue to improve and the greens are getting a little faster!
Great scores and a real tight finish in Division 1 where a 25 foot putt on the
18th gave Trevor the winning point from Brian & Norman and saved Richard
from a lengthy countback. Credit to all three 15 handicappers as Trevor shot a
gross 80 and Brian & Norman a gross 81! Peter continued his run of good form
and will surely see a reduction in his 30 handicap.
The 2s pool was shared by those two sharpshooters, Guy
Billings & Barry Winton. Back at the Haven, Richard Livingston welcomed John
Pearson and welcomed back David MacDonald.
David Wins at Treasure Hills
PSC golf with The Bunker
Monday November 8 saw The Boys from
The Bunker travel to Treasure Hills to play a Stableford competition.
Playing off the yellow tees on a fine day the course was
beautifully presented with the fairway’s in good shape and the greens
running true The Bunker Boy’s enjoyed the serenity of an empty golf
course.
 David
Johnson celebrating his victory at The Bunker Bar and holding his
‘Treasured’ Colman’s Mustard.
Some very good scores were returned on the day with David
Johnson and Brian Wilkins finishing tied for first place both with 40 Stableford
points, in third place came John Hughes who was relieved to break par for the
first time at Treasure Hills with 37 points.
Near Pin prizes were won by John Hughes, Lez Hall and David
Johnson who rounded off a great day by winning the other two.
Lez Hall pipped at the
post
Bangpra was the venue on Wednesday November 10 for the
golfer’s and on another hot day on a golf course in fine condition with fast
greens the field was split into two divisions.
In Division A, Bob Whiton took the honours with 36 Stableford
points, second place went to Mitch Malone with 33 points and third place was
tied between John Hughes and Kevin Sheppard both with 32 points.
In Division B Lez Hall made light of the 3 shot cut in his
handicap to claim first prize with 35 Stableford points followed in joint second
place by John Preddy and Brian Wilkins both with 33 points.
Near Pins were won by John Preddy, Kevin Sheppard, Brian
Bellis and Peter Hoyle for his first ever prize with The Bunker Boys.
The contest for the “Golfer of the Month” is warming up
with John Hughes leading the field, but having played one game more, just ahead
of Lez Hall and Brian Wilkins, the winner will receive an engraved Trophy along
with other great prizes.
Remember The Bunker Boy’s have changed to playing on Monday’s and
Wednesday’s now so call into The Bunker Bar on Soi Chaiyapoon (near X-zyte
disco) to pick up a golf schedule or consult the Pattaya Mail every week and, as
usual you can get the latest information about all other sporting activities at
The Bunker Bar by visiting our website @ www.bunkerboysgolf.com
Three tie for second and looks like
it is going to be a real fight in this league
Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League
First place House of the Golden Coin lost three points to VFW Post 9876
but held onto first. Friends, VFW and Domicil hold second place. Friends
took three points from Q Cars. Domicil took three from Cafe Ole. Brother D
dropped from second to sixth after dropping four points to Jack & Tar
who are now tied for seventh with Cafe Kronborg who took four from Mai’s
Tai Restaurant. Shenanigans won 2.5 points from Three Sisters. Some good
games were bowled in some lanes. Best game and series results for the day
were:
200 Bowlers - Mai, Dang,
Teuvo, Lada, Kran, Gert, Pin and P.K.
Kran, Cafe Kronborg: 605 series with games of 183, 219 and
203
Dang, Cafe Kronborg: 559 series with games of 177, 203 and
179
Sven - Cafe Kronborg: 553 series with games of 199, 175 and
179
Somrak, Mai’s Thai Restaurant: 515 series
Konrad, Brother D: 508 series
Mai, Jack & Tar: 584 series with games of 183, 200 and
201
Lada, Jack & Tar: 564 series with games of 209, 202 and
153
Teuvo, Friends: 575 series with games of 203, 179 and 193
Ger, Q Cars: 552 series, 212 game
P.K, Q Cars: 524 series, 202 game
Finally a new winner
PSC golf from the Three Sisters
On Monday November 8m Peter Ring pulled in 42 points to
beat the field by 4 points. This was Peter’s first win with the Three
Sisters Golf on Monday Morning. He had a terrific round, as his drives and
short game held up and his putts dropped into the hole.
Following four shots behind was Alan Pearce with 38
points. Alan tried but was not in contention at the end. A little further
back with 37 points was Perry Mc Neely. Both golfers had a good game but
were nowhere close to the leader.
In the cellar this week was also a new cellar dweller. Rhys Fastiggi had
a bad day as he plummeted to the bottom of the scorecard ladder with just 22
points. He slid past Tully with only a point to spare. Tully who normally
holds the cellar position gladly gave up the spot for the week.
Aaron New victorious
at Century Bang Chang
PSC golf From McAllisters Bar and Grill
Friday November 12 Century Bang Chang Stableford
We hark back to the rich man who decided he was going to
spend most of his money on wine, women and song, and waste the rest. Well, all I
can say is that after a round of golf the players, in this competition, go back
to McAllisters and Don has now arranged for a Group to play 60’s music on a
Friday. Who said golf was a walk spoilt?
 Aaron
New (left) won the day out with 43 stableford points and Kevin McIntosh (R) in
second place with 37, they’re both joined by one of McAllisters lovely staff
members.
On the day the course was in fine condition and a goodly crew
turned up to play in this friendly competition. Of course as soon as the round
was over all returned to the fine food and now fine music of McAllisters.
The winner of the day was Aaron New with 43 points and in second was Kevin
McIntosh with 37 points. T.T.F.N.
Sunday Quiz League
Merciless destruction in the wake of beer
Mickey Mouse Darts League - Week 5
The winning teams showed no mercy this week leaving the
losers with their tails between their legs and mouths parched by taking both
the beer legs and the matches for a clean sweep.
Tom from Cheers had a nice 73 checkout but there were no
reported 180s.
The Pleasure Dome had little trouble in keeping a perfect
record. They could be showing a sign of weakening, because Neil wants less
abuse, but after starting the beerleg with a score of 3, how could he
possibly expect less abuse.
The horses were loose at the OK Coral. It was just before 1 a.m. when
they finished the match. They even had to borrow beer. We can see why they
lead the league in the under 10 category.
A plentiful catch for the Flying Dutchman
A small group of avid anglers from the Flying Dutchman
set sail for a day out of the bay and on to Koh Pai (Bamboo Island).
(l-r)
Nigel, Mol and Alex with their bountiful catch of the day.
They left the mainland shores at around 6 a.m. for a
great day of fishing, resulting a large haul of barracuda, queen fish, jack
fish, leather jack, snapper king mackerel and pompano’s.
After full day out at sea and with bounty in hand they made their way
back to Pattaya and on to the Flying Dutchman to celebrate a great day out
with an ice-cold beer or two.
Rising Sun wins
the grand slam!
The Rising Sun Quiz team has pulled off the grand slam -
winning both the Sunday and Wednesday Quiz League titles this year.
Here is the winning team after the final Wednesday
fixture on November 10 after defeating Cheers Bar by 93 points to 68.
Rising Sun went through the season undefeated for 26
weeks, compiling a perfect score of 78 League points. The team’s winning
scores varied from 84 to 116 points during those 26 weeks - winning every
fixture, including a walkover on October 13 when LK Apartments cancelled
their home fixture. No previous team has ever gone through a Quiz League
season undefeated.
In the blue shirt is Martin, captain of the Rising Sun
(Wednesday) Team.
The Square Ring
by Howie Reed
As reported in the last big issue of The Square Ring,
Yoddamrong Sithyodthong (40-2-1) was simply in very deep water when he lost
to maybe the best superbantam in the world Mahyar Monshipour (26-2-2). There
is no disgrace in going in, fighting the best and giving everything you have
to give. That’s what boxing is all about. It’s not about the two crumbs
that were convicted of fixing a meaningless fight in Las Vegas last week.
It’s not about trash talking “wanna be” hoodlums. Boxing is about
giving everything you have. Yoddamrong did that against the best there is.
Second best is not always bad although in dueling it’s almost always
fatal.
Today up in the Big City with the “really bad traffic
problem”, WBO bantam king Ratanachai Sor Vorapin (59-8) is in action
against Joel Bauya (15-5-2). The 15-5 record is tainted. In Bauya’s last
five he’s 2-2-1 and naught for 3 in the last trio. In April of this year
Bauya somehow got a chance to fight for the WBC International Bantam title.
He got knocked ‘cattywampus’ by Vusi Malinga (12-2) in 1. It’s nothing
more than a paid workout. These type of encounters are not good for boxing
or the fighter. Boxing unlike many sports doesn’t allow the fighter the
luxury of turning it on and off. Get in the habit of giving 50% and that’s
what you’ll get when you need 100%. Sure quote me.
One who never leaves anything on the table is Kostya
Tszyu. If anyone doubts that he’s not the best at 140lbs they don’t
understand the sport. When there’s a new #1 challenger, Kostya is up to
the task. He doesn’t do the job with trash talk or self braggadocio. There
is probably no other athlete in as good a shape. Not many athletes approach
their sport with as professional a manner. The closest may be golfer Veejay
Singh. Don’t be snickering at me behind my back. “I never expected this
fight to end so early,” said Tszyu. “I knew all along the right hand
would work for me. I worked pretty hard. I was very confident. This is a
great knockout and great victory for me. I was very surprised he kept
getting up. I intend to take off a couple of months and be with my family. I
am the champion. I am the drawing card and I am ready for anybody.” After
Singh’s latest win he was asked, “Do you every celebrate?” “I guess
I don’t know how to celebrate. Maybe when this all over I’ll get drink
for a month.”
Got another note from M. John who advances the theory
that for the 140lb division these may be the Golden Years. “ Regards the
140lbs division, of which we’re enjoying something of a golden era, I
would like to make a prediction. Hatton and “porky telling” manager
Frank Warren have been shouting their mouths off that they’ve landed the
No #1 spot with the IBF, that next up for Mitchell slayer Tzsyu will be none
other than Ricky Hatton. Yeah, right! Don’t be in a hurry to believe it;
we all know the games the Hatton/Warren team likes to play! Warren has
played this one quite well. He knows a Tzysu victory would see the likes of
Gatti, Mayweather or Harris get to him before Hatton would get a peck.
He’s managed to keep Ricky away from the elite for at least another 12
months. During which time salad dodging Hatton can feast on lightweights and
old men for big paydays in the UK. Hatton is No #1 with the WBO but he’d
sooner run naked across the Arctic than step in a ring with a real fighter
like Miguel Cotto. Cotto will want it, Hatton will tremble at the idea!”
M. John closes with, “ Look for Ricky to hang up the
gloves end of 2005, telling everyone that he’s had enough of the big
fights evading him, which of course won’t be true but Hatton will say that
anyway out of a perverse, ignorant pride. After all, he’s not the smartest
cookie in the jar. The sport will be better off without pretenders like
Hatton.” Always fun to make predictions. The Manchester Evening News
reported that Hatton’s trainer explained his absence from the Tszyu-Mitchell
fight in Arizona. “He was too busy training for his tune up fight with
Oliviera on December 11.” Oliviera? He said, “I am no tune up fight.”
He’s right there. He’s not good enough to be a tune up.
Sunday in the USA Don King promoted the ultimate all
heavyweight boxing card, and the term is used loosely, calling it
“Struggle For Supremacy.” It did! Some in the press were less kind when
one reporter opened his story with, “The motley crew of big guys that is
the heavyweight division gathered together this afternoon at the Theater at
Madison Square Garden.” Missing from this group was Vitali Klitschko and
the latest in a long line of English Heartthrob Heavyweights, Danny
Williams. Neither is promoted by King. What does King think of those two?
Well don’t know for sure but his opinion of Vitali is clear. “”This
guy has never done nothing except be white. He’s white and that’s why he
is where he is. Period, end of story.”
IBF Heavyweight Chris Byrd (38-2) got off the canvas in
round 2 and struggled in round 3 but finally wore down Jameel McCline
(31-4-1) to ‘eke’ out a split decision 1112-114, 115-112, 114-113.
McCline made one last gasp to snatch victory from defeat when he pinned Byrd
on the ropes in the 10th. Byrd held on wining the last two rounds. The word
on the street was that when John Ruiz (41-5-1) defended his WBA title
against Andy “The Foul Pole” Golota (38-5-1) it would be ugly. It was,
but that’s par for the Ruiz course. “Golota floored the champion twice
in round two while Ruiz was also deducted a point for hitting Golota on the
back of the head in the fourth. However, the American somehow did enough to
convince all three judges to vote in his favor in an ugly fight.”
Evander Holyfield (38-8-2) showed his age, yet again, as
he was never in his 12 rounder with Larry Donald (42-2). Asked after the
fight by the press if he would retire, Holyfield said “why?” How about
119-109, 119-109, 118-109? Many think that the recent WBO heavyweight title
fight between Lemon Brewster and Aussie Kali Meehan was nothing more than
two average fighters getting paid for no apparent reason. When Brewster came
out of the draw with a broken jaw. Meehan (29-3) got a spot on Sunday’s
Madison Square Garden card against Hasim Rahman (40-5). Bad move. Meehan’s
dream of being meaningful was destroyed in 4 rounds as Rahamn, looking the
best he has since he KO’d Lennox Lewis, took the Aussie to the woodshed
where he administered a beating of gigantic proportions.
Last Friday in Bangkok IBF Pan Pacific Feather champ Fahprakorb
Rakiattgym (45-3) KO’d Ronaldy Kapughu (18-4-2) in 2. Kapughu who is the
Indonesian champ made a valiant effort in the first stanza hut came up
empty. The end came with a left-right combination that caused referee Somsak
Sirianat to stop the fight. “Rakkiatgym would defeat any featherweight in
the world including the world champion Marquez. Manny Pacquiao will taste
defeat when he meets my boxer Fashung 3KBattery in Manila on Dec 11. I will
then have the two best 126 pound boxers in the world. Fahprakorb Rakkiatgym
and Fashung 3K Battery.” Promoters talk like that cause they don’t get
hit. Drink to that? Why thank you, don’t mind if I do.
Gallic Violence Sparks Referee Walk Out
MBMG Casuals League - Week 6
The MBMG ‘Knock-for-Knock’ Casual’s League
witnessed some disgraceful scenes last weekend as game after game
deteriorated (or improved, depending on your viewpoint) into mass brawls,
handbag throwing and general gnashing of teeth. And whilst it would usually
be wrong to point to any one team in particular and label them as the main
instigators or troublemakers in these situations, this reporter feels duty
bound to lay the blame fairly at the feet of Les Gaulois de Bangkok; those
temperamental Gallic boys who have managed to have had at least one person
dismissed in each of their games so far this season
Whilst their incredible unbeaten run (which they hark on
about endlessly in their match reports) stretches all the way back to about
this time last year, in the words of the Man of La Mancha; “What good is
it for a man to gain the world, if he loses his soul in the process?” - or
something like that anyway...
This weekend’s battle saw them face off against the
much fancied Bulls Head Brazilians. Once it became clear that the Bullys (as
against the bullies) were not about to roll over and give up the points
without an Agincourt of a battle, rather predictably the match turned into
another French farce; three red cards and the embattled referee leaving the
pitch for 20 minutes to regain his composure and adjust his hairpiece. When
the normally mild-mannered Chatree is one of the Brazilians sent off for an
early shower, and the referee being subsequently withdrawn form the
league’s list, it becomes clear that if you stand up for yourselves
against these Chablis-fuelled boys you have as much chance of winning as a
lorry load of fine English lamb coming out of the port of Calais in the
middle of a farming dispute
More disgraceful scenes were witnessed in the stormy
encounter between The Londoner and The Robin Hood, no goals, but more people
hitting the canvas than a whole afternoon of WWF. The two red cards were as
evenly distributed as the points.
The rest of the weekend’s games were less bloody, but
none the less shocking in terms of results. A resurgent and reshaped Winking
Frog beat the young, rich but badly coiffured Blitz babes 4 - 1, who have
now lost their opening five games and sit mournfully at the foot of the
table. How about re-releasing “I’ve never felt more like singing the
blues” boys?
The increasingly mighty Dubliner accelerate 3 points
clear at the top following their 3 - 0 victory over the British Club, the
bizarrely named Jamin Bookhammer scoring two. Seaboard FC’s up and down
season continued with their 1 - 0 loss at home to Bangkok United. Patana
predictably came down to Earth with a bump following their heroic draw
against local rivals Shrewsbury last week, with a 8 - 2 defeat against GAS,
which once stood for German All Stars, but now reads Generally All Spanish.
Week 6 Results: Les Gaulois de Bangkok 0 - 0 Bulls Head
Brazilians, British Club Casuals 0 - 3 The Dubliner, The Winking Frog FC 4 -
1 Blitz FC, Londoner FC 0 - 0 Robin Hood FC, Seaboard FC 0 - 1 Bangkok
United, Patana 2 - 8 German All Stars.
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