Supaleuk wins arm-wrestling championship for 4th straight year
Vimolrat Singnikorn
Supaleuk Sonprasert won the lightweight category arm
wrestling contest for the fourth year in succession during the International
Arm Wrestling Championships held at Royal Garden Plaza on March 17.
Royal Garden Plaza Manager Suwit Wattana (left) presents the winning
prize to Supaleuk Somprasert, who won the lightweight (75kg) category for
the fourth consecutive year.
Chairman of the event Chanyuth Hengtrakul, a former
member of parliament for Chonburi Province Region 7, presented the prizes to
all the category winners.
Now in its fourth year, the tournament was organized by
the ‘Born to Be’ organization in conjunction with Royal Garden Plaza.
Royal Garden Plaza manager Suwit Wattana said that the
competition had drawn a substantial field of overseas competitors, with
Canada, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Norway, Italy, Russia,
England, Finland, Sweden, the USA, Japan and Korea all well represented, in
addition to a large attendance of local and visiting Thai arm wrestling
enthusiasts
Supaleuk (right) gets ready to take on another opponent on his way to the
title.
The lightweight category was for contestants of 75
kilograms and under, and the middleweight was for 95 kilograms and under.
This year, in response to public demand, a heavyweight category of over 95
kilograms had also been added. The three classes between them resulted in a
total of more than 30 bouts.
Three-times winner of the lightweight category Supaleuk
Somprasert, from the Samutsakorn arm wrestling association, was cheered on
as he squared up to Pornanan Juanjang, a freshman university student from
Bangkok University. Supaleuk won the bout outright when Pornanan was unable
to go into the second round because of a wrist injury.
The tournament drew many competitors from overseas, all eager to claim
the mantle of being this year’s ‘strongman.’
In the middleweight competition, Jasaeb (a.k.a. Pol. Sgt
Maj. Duangthong Kijyoschaipakorn) defeated Will Abney from the USA.
Meanwhile, in the new heavyweight division Vladimir Bondarenko of Russia
defeated Srinual Klinkularp, the heavyweight champion of Thailand.
The winners in the three weight classes received a purse of 15,000 baht
each along with trophies, whilst the runners-up were awarded 5,000 baht for
their efforts.
Pattaya Beach Soccer 2007
kicks-off this Sunday
The 2007 Pattaya Beach Soccer tournament gets underway at Jomtien this weekend with 27 teams battling it out on the sand.
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
Pattaya City Hall announced at a meeting held March 23
that this year’s Pattaya Beach Soccer 2007 tournament will kick-off this
Sunday, April 1, with the week long competition reaching its climax the
following Sunday, April 8.
The tournament will take place at the multipurpose field
on Jomtien Beach and will be divided into 3 categories: youth under 12 years
of age, 15 year-olds, and adults.
This year there will be 27 teams participating with the
Khrua Serf A and B teams earmarked as the early favourites. The Pattaya Mass
Media Club will also be taking part for the first time this year.
The winners in the adult category will receive 10,000
Baht and a trophy; the runner up will receive 7,000 Baht, whilst the third
and fourth placed teams will pick up 5,000 Baht and 3,000 Baht respectively.
Both of the winning youth teams will receive 5,000 Baht and a trophy,
with the minor placed teams picking up in order 3,000 Baht, 2,500 Baht and
2,000 Baht along with trophies.
New, sensational flexibility aid for senior golfers
Mike Franklin
Sventi Tumi, President of Tumi Ergonomics, has announced the launch of a
sensational flexibility aid for senior and aging golfers.
The Baktumi SS 90 golf ball and ‘High 5’ glove look set
to revolutionize the game of golf for senior players.
Senior golfers, generally categorized at an age of 60
years or more, inevitably suffer a loss of agility and flexibility the older
they get. Most golf clubs compensate for loss of distance by providing
forward tees that help in one respect. However, stooping to pick up, clean
and replace the ball under ‘winter rules’ can be an effort. Lining up and
placing the ball on the putting green requires similar effort, and the
euphoria of sinking the putt can be diminished by the effort of having to
bend to retrieve the ball from the cup.
The legendary Sam Snead, who died on the eve of his 90th
Birthday in May 2002, was able to stoop to retrieve his ball from the cup
without bending his knees. An amazing athlete, ‘Slamming Sam’ is the
inspiration behind Tumi Ergonomics coming up with a revolutionary aid that
compensates for loss of flexibility, namely the Baktumi SS 90 golf ball.
So, if physical retrieval is difficult with the advancing
years, then why not get the ball to come to you.
Thus evolved the sensational Baktumi SS 90 golf ball,
containing an electro-magnetic micro-chip at its core. However, that in
itself was not enough as the ball needed to react to something, so a special
golf glove was devised - the Baktumi ‘High 5’ glove. It is a conventional
design golf glove in a choice of leather or synthetic material, with a
non-removable stud ball marker on the wrist, but containing a tiny
electro-magnetic switch. By pointing the glove stud, (on, or off the hand
like the professionals), at a distance of up to 2 feet above the cup between
glove stud and ball, and firmly depressing the stud, the ball will react
magnetically and jump from the cup to be caught in the hand. If not caught
first time, just repeat the process again.
The operational height of up to 2 feet should allow ball
retrieval with just a slight bending at the waist and with the knees kept
straight ‘Snead style. Clearly the stud must not be depressed when lining up
the ball to putt, as it will ‘jump into play’ and incur a two-stroke
penalty.
Searching for a Baktumi SS 90 ball in the rough or a
hazard is also helped considerably by this technology. Slight pressure on
the Baktumi ‘High 5’ glove stud will react with the ball within a distance
of 2 yards, emitting a quietly audible ‘beep-beep’ signal that will increase
in frequency the closer to the ball you are. A red pin-point in the stud
flashes at the same frequency, as the quietly audible signal may be a
problem for the hard of hearing. Hearing aids are best switched off when
playing with Baktumi aids, to avoid the possibility of annoying feed-back
Once found, the ball, if appropriate within the Rules of
Golf, can be retrieved by the same process as applied on the green. A wooden
Baktumi tee peg will also be available for location and retrieval on the
teeing ground using the Baktumi ‘High 5’ glove stud.
Tumi Ergonomics has yet to seek USGA and R&A approval for
the Baktumi SS 90 ball and the Baktumi ‘High 5’ golf glove ranges. The
Baktumi tee peg will not require approval as it is not in play.
However, the Baktumi SS 90 ball and Baktumi ‘High 5’
glove combination is ideal for social golf that probably makes up the
majority of senior golfer outings. The ball and glove can, of course, be
used independently as normal equipment.
Baktumi balls will be available in packs of two-dozen
together with a Baktumi ‘High 5’ glove and a dedicated electronic signal.
Further supplies of the ball will be available from the factory with the
same dedicated signal applied.
Generously offering a playing partner a Baktumi SS 90
ball to play with, or a Baktumi tee peg on which to place a normal ball,
does open up opportunities for the more creative mind to have a little fun
during a social round! However, care is advised in this regard.
Further details of this exciting new product can be found at
www.tumiergonomics.com or e-mail [email protected]
Ian Ashenden is getting married
IPGC golf from Lewiinski’s
Sunday, March 18, Green
Valley – White Tees, Stableford
A Flight
1st Bob Patterson (8) 43 points
2nd Jack Grindvold (7) 43 points
3rd Peter LeNoury (10) 41 points
B Flight
1st Ian Grout (14) 40 points
2nd Jim Munns (12) 40 points
3rd Seamus Cotter (14) 38 points
C Flight
1st Geoff Kubas (20) 42
points
2nd Pete Stonebrige (16) 39
points
3rd Dave Porter (16) 39 points
D Flight
1st Robbie Bennett (21) 42
points
2nd Pierre Bietry (22) 42 points
3rd Oddvar Rykke (22) 39 points
NP’s: Rick Sharp, Jim Wickstrom, Paul Shaw, Mark Wood
2’s: Bob Patterson, Graham Holmes, Jim Wickstrom, Adi Mayer, Mark Wood,
Kris Kritsanajootha, Jim Munns, Seamus Cotter, J.J. Wright, Paul Shaw, Brain
Prudden
I realize the title has nothing to do with golf but it
was the most remarkable thing about the week. The word is that because
former Pattaya teaching pro Ian broke his hand on his last visit to Pattaya,
he had to get hitched to have any companionship. Anyway that is what
somebody said.
On to golf: The co-MoM of the day on the nearly
defenseless Sunday-set-up at Green Valley was the newly retired Golf
Manager, the Senator. Bob’s performance galvanized how much easier it is to
play if you don’t spend the morning herding cats. Bob still needed a count
back, however, to claim the A Flight top step, from the day’s Medalist, Jack
Grinvold who shot gross 72. Hard luck Jack!
Peter LeNoury’s magnificent 41 points was only good for
third, whilst Graham Holmes went home with nothing but the 40 points in his
hand. Eleven of the seventeen players in A Flight were in the 70’s, gross!
Big scores continued in the junior flight as Robbie
Bennett’s 42 points had a more favorable inward split than did Pierre
Bietry’s. Oddvar the Tent Maker came third with 39.
Geoff Kubas topped out C Flight with 42 points, three
clear of foursome mates Pete Stonebridge and Dave Porter. Turnabout is fair
play, as the Headmaster reversed last Sunday’s count back loss to the
Valet’s Best Friend to take the silver.
Ian “The Tile” Grout tied Capt. Fogg for B Flight gold,
but then prevailed in the count back. Seamus Cotter needed a count back as
well to grab third from the Hermit. Seamus’ 38 points was the lowest paying
score of the day!
Monday, March 19,
Bangpra – White Tees, Stableford
A Flight
1st Steve Mulberry (11) 42
points
2nd Bob St. Aubin (11) 41 points
3rd Kris Kritsanajootha (9) 38
points
B Flight
1st Brian Prudden (19) 41
points
2nd Pierre Bietry (22) 39 points
3rd David Driscoll (24) 38
points
2’s: Steve Mulberry, Gary Blackburne, Peter LeNoury, Gary Blackburne,
Peter LeNoury, Tony Molloy, Bob Patterson, Pierre Bietry (2), Eddy Beilby
Steve Mulberry picked up the cue from Sunday and decided
to emasculate the tough Bangpra greens with 42 points, one clear of A Flight
mate Bob St. Aubin. Kris Krits tossed in 38 points to round out the premier
Flight.
Brian Prudden, in one of his last rounds of this visit,
made it worthwhile as his 41 points were two clear in B Flight of Monsieur
Pierre and David “The Eskimo” Driscoll.
Wednesday, March 21,
Royal Lakeside – White Tees, Stableford
A Flight
1st Tik Mayer (14) 40 points
2nd Doug Williams (1) 38 points
3rd Adi Mayer (5) 36 points
B Flight
1st Dave Schelling (22) 43
points
2nd David Driscoll (22) 42
points
3rd Yui Duangkaew (36) 41 points
2’s: Dave Schelling
The gang took the always-intriguing drive up the freeway to Royal Lakeside.
Each journey there seems to provide some grist for the weekly article. The
comic relief this time was provided by three Irish rovers in the persons of
Pat Regan, Dave McFeely and Mossy Quaid. Although there were recriminations
and cross-recriminations as to whether it was navigator error or pilot
error, suffice it to say that when the lads reached the outskirts of Chaing
Mai there was consensus that they missed the turn off.
Dave Shelling topped the one point waterfall that was to
make up the B Flight podium . The Eskimo was next, with the divine Ms Yui
coming third with 41 points.
In what was a day of better looking podiums than usual,
Tik Mayer topped out A Flight with her masterful 40 points, two more than
single handicapper Doug Williams, who shot gross 71, and four more than her
husband, Adi.
Friday, March 23,
Crystal Bay A & B – White Tees, Stableford
A Flight
1st Hugh Byrne (9) 39 points
2nd Brett Chan (10) 37 points
3rd John Haugen (9) 34 points
B Flight
1st Bob Lindborg (19) 37
points
2nd Brian Prudden (19) 35 points
3rd Dave Driscoll (22) 35 points
2’s: Brett Chan, Gary Blackburne, Bob Lindborg, Dave Driscoll, Dave
McFeely, Colin Davis
Irishman Hugh Byrne edged Canadian, and first time
player, Brett Chan by two points to take A Flight. John Haugen needed a
count back to separate himself from Aussie Dave Palmer and Brit Ray Dell.
In B Flight, The Guru of Green Valley showed he was more
than a one trick pony as his 37 points on the A and B courses of Crystal Bay
topped B Flight. Brian Prudden edged the Eskimo on count back to sort out
the B Flight silver and bronze.
Dave Spendley breaks the bank
IPGC golf from The Haven
Monday, March 19,
Green Valley, Stableford
1st Dave Thomas, 39pts
2nd Alan Griffiths, 38 (c/b)
3rd Konrad Klama, 38pts
4th Peter Ingham, 36pts
Dave Thomas made an infrequent but welcome visit to The
Haven and walked away with the day’s top honours. Dave shot an excellent
round of three-under to deny the on-form but seemingly always bridesmaid
Alan Griffiths, who had to be happy with second place ahead of Konrad Klama
on count back, with Peter Ingham another couple of strokes behind in fourth
spot.
There were no 2’s in the Second Division but Phil Groves and Dave Thomas
shared the pool in the First Division.
Before presenting the prizes, The Doc, standing in for the still ailing
Richard, welcomed back Davis Wolstencraft, Martin Hayes and Yves Phillibert.
Wednesday, March 21,
Crystal Bay, Stableford
1st Dave Spendley, 42pts
2nd Trevor Schirmer, 41pts
3rd Bob Heath, 39pts
4th Paul Hartley, 36pts (c/b)
5th David Kim, 36pts
It is not often at The Haven that someone scores 41
points and it is even rarer when that player does not win, but that was the
case at Crystal Bay, not usually numbered among the easiest of courses, as
Dave Spendley put all his construction worries behind him to record his best
score by far since work on his new home commenced some 4 years ago.
The unlucky second placed man was Trevor Schirmer, who has also been going
through a bit of a lull in his recent performances, although 34 and 35
points have been securing him a few podium places in the singles
competitions.
Captain Bob Heath also counted himself to be unfortunate in having to take
third place with a usually good enough score of 39 points, but he had a
comfortable three shot cushion over Paul Hartley and David Kim who had to be
separated by count back.
Once again there were no 2’s in the Second Division and also none in the
First Division.
Prior to the prize giving The Doc welcomed back Koji Yamada, David Kim, Gary
Crutchfield and Tony Quaid.
Friday, March 23,
Pattaya C.C., Stableford
1st Serge Straeten, 35pts (c/b)
2nd Alan Griffiths, 35pts (c/b)
3rd Trevor Schirmer, 35pts
Serge Straeten emerged from a long period in the doldrums
to record an unlikely win with only 35 points over the benign Pattaya
layout. Serge had an outstand back nine of 20 to easily see off the much
weaker efforts of Alan Griffiths and Trevor Schirmer, both of whom looked
very good on the outward half but proved less than adequate over the closing
holes.
Serge also took the rollover in the First Division 2’s pool whilst there was
once again a dearth in the Second Division, making it three times this week
without a winner.
Back at the Haven The Doc welcomed back Walt Straub.
Tough going at Eastern Star
PSC golf from The CaféKronborg
Thursday, March 22, Eastern Star,
StablefordYou may have
noticed there is no write up for Monday, and also guessed why. Yes, the
boys were rained off. It seems that there is a lot of rain about at
present.
Thursday’s A Flight winner Rob Brown
On Thursday we were off to Eastern Star, and we
gathered at the first tee under dark skies, hoping the rain would stay
away. It was obvious on the course that the area had seen plenty of
recent rain, as there was lots of green grass growth and the rough was
not brown and dry as it has been of late.
This is always a difficult course to score on and
most players find this a tough 18 holes. On this day the scores were
also as expected. In the A Flight (0-15) the winner was Rob Brown with
36 points ahead of Johan Reynisson in second with 35 points and Ebrahim
in third with 32 points.
In the B Flight the winner was Peter Hammond with 37
points, ahead of Koji Yamada with 35 points and Michael Winfield in
third with 34 points.
T.T.F.N.
Near Pin: Ebrahim, Derek Brook, Kevin Dunne (2)
Long Put: Lotte Baskov, Johan Reynisson
Honesty abounds at Greenwood
PSC golf from the Bowling Green
Barry Hooper
Tuesday, March 20, Plutaluang, Stableford
Play Abandoned due to torrential rain and heavy mist
Thursday, March 22, Greenwood, Stableford
A Flight (0-20)
1st Dick Warberg (19) 40pts
2nd Tom Herrington (16) 39pts
3rd Mashi Kaneta (11) 38pts
B Flight (21 up)
1st Cary Clark (22) 38pts
2nd Greg Mason (23) 37pts c/b
3rd Terry Hopkins (23) 37pts
Near Pins: Mike Wardman, Fergus Brennan, Mashi Kaneta, Bob Short
2’s: John Merritt, Bob Short, Bernie Segrave.Petter
Anderson penalised himself four shots after having discovered that he played
the wrong ball, and Tom Herrington penalised himself two shots for a
practise swing that hit a branch. It did not stop him taking second place in
the “A” flight though
Two flights this week played of the white tees on A & B
with Dick Warberg and Cary Clark taking the top honours in each flight.
Saturday, March 17,
Eastern Star, Stableford
A Flight (0-21)
1st Joe O’Driscoll (15) 36pts
2nd Bob St. Aubin (13) 35pts
3rd Brian Gabe (21) 35pts
B Flight B (21 up)
1st Mod Chauraksa (30) 37pts
2nd Naders Lindmark (25) 37pts
3rd Graham Buckingham (23) 36pts
Near Pins: David Thomas, David Wood, Pat Regan, Bob St.Aubin
2’s: Bernie Segrave, David Thomas
Two flights off the white tees saw some good golf in tough conditions.
Joe O’Driscoll rose to the top in the premier flight with
Bob St. Aubin taking second spot and Brian Gabe third.
Mod Chauraksa won the “B” flight from Anders Lindmark on
count back with Graham Buckingham a point further adrift in third.
If any one is interested in golfing with the Bowling
Green we play every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. We meet at Bowling Green
at 7:45am for breakfast and transportation, and new players are always made
to feel welcome. Call Tewin on 086 056 7019 or the Bowling Green on
038-720742 or send an email to [email protected].
Prakong back to form with a bang
Phoenix Members Golf Society
Wednesday,
March 21, Stableford Today we had 24
players (16 members and 8 guests) on the Mountain and Lakes course. The
day started off nice and sunny but after 4 or 5 holes the heavens
opened. After about 40 minutes the rain abated and by the time we had
finished even the caddies had dried out.
Friday’s winners Prakong Robinson (center) and Nigel
Irvine (left) with Mike Gerrard.
Terry Turner returned our best guest score with 32
points with Paul Buckland coming a close second on 31 points.
For the members it was nice to see Prakong Robinson
back in form, shooting 40 points to win the day. Second with 36 points
was our Members Chairman Ron Bridge, just easing out (on count back)
Geoff Bowers in third place, also with 36 points.
Technical prizes went to Neils Johanssen, Geoff
Bowers, Mike Poustie (2) and Mike Gerrard whilst the only ‘2’ on the day
was recorded by Uli Leuenberger (73 years old and still walking the
course). Meanwhile a special short putt prize went to young Chazzie
Poustie (only 6 yrs old).
Friday, March 23,
Stableford
Prakong Robinson secured her second victory of the
week with a fine 39-point haul. Playing off the yellow tees, this was a
good performance. Mike Gerrard, also hitting a bit of form lately came
in second with 38 points from the back tees and third was a new member
to the group, Dennis Choo scoring a fine 35 points,
The Guests’ winner was Nigel Irvine with 29 points
and second was Patrick Martin with 27 points. Both were gob-smacked to
learn they had won the first two places.
Technicals went to Alan Collinge (2), Nigel Irvine,
Terry Oconner, Geoff Bowers and Patrick Martin.
Sunday, March 25,
Stableford
It was a strange day today with many regulars
missing, and especially after having such a full field on Friday. Only
10 players showed up on a fine and clear day.
First place in the sole flight went to newly
established member David Czernie with 40 points. I think if my
calculations under the Mike Poustie system are correct David will be cut
6 or 7 shots for next week. Second was Annette Haraldsson with 37 points
and third was Niels Johannessen with 36 points.
Technical prizes were claimed by John Cargill, Steen Poulsen and
Lasse Eriksson.
The Beautiful Game?:
Riz Taylor
Premiership Returns
Sometimes I really, REALLY wish I could practice what I
preach. Only seven short days ago I suggested in these very pages that
painting the fence or watching grass grow would be more enticing than
another weekend of international football. Unfortunately that was proved
to be all too accurate (unlike the strikers of a particular nation).
I say unfortunately because rather than take satisfaction
about having predicted another round of dross, nothing would give me greater
pleasure than to be proved wrong and have good reason to get excited about
international fixtures. Put some flags up, maybe. Paint my face. But instead
it was the usual story of doom and gloom, just as it always seems to be.
Whilst the audience of this newspaper is an international
one which will hold me back from giving England the full treatment they
deserve, there’s a lot of space to cover and one paragraph won’t do any
harm. England were appalling in Israel, and writing before Wednesday’s
fixture against a ski resort nestling in between France and Spain (sorry
Andorrans) the English side hadn’t won in five games and scored just once in
those fixtures. Yes it’s time for second-choice Steve to do the decent
thing, but you can’t blame him entirely and I wonder about the player’s
commitment to the cause.
Oh alright, two paragraphs and that’s it. The English
team are supposedly a ‘golden generation’ that should be competing for world
honours, but for all I can see they’re a bunch of clueless primadonnas who
can’t string three passes together and who seem happy thumping long balls up
to pint-sized Andy Johnson. Fantastic.
Well anyway, let’s move on with congratulations to
Scotland, who gave new boss Alex McLeish something to cheer about with a
late win against Georgia to move top of their group. At least someone’s
doing well and the Jocks can also take heart from moving into the top 16 of
the FIFA rankings, if you believe in that kind of thing.
And that’s not all. I heard a curious footballing tale
the other day which may or may not have any truth behind it. Back when
football began England would play against Scotland on a fairly frequent
basis and the winner took away with them the title of ‘World Champions’, as
they had every right to do as the only two nations playing the game. This
cosy little world order continued for some time until ‘Johnny Foreigner’
wanted a piece of the action and began playing football himself, which of
course meant that the title was passed around from nation to nation whenever
the current champs were beaten.
They tell me that were you to follow the results of the
international fixtures since then - and of course someone with nothing
better to do has done just that - then until the weekend it was Georgia who
could claim themselves as unlikely World Champs, before unfortunately coming
a cropper against the Scots at the weekend. So even if you’re reading this
after your boys have lost in Italy on Wednesday, the Scots amongst you can
at least take solace from having stood at the top of world football for a
few days.
Right, so before I take a running jump off the nearest
hotel roof it’s time to put international football back into its box for the
last time before June, when I’ll suddenly develop a love for the beautiful
international game as there’ll be no domestic soccer to keep us busy. Until
then, though, the focus will remain on a diet of mostly European football
sprinkled with the odd story from around the globe when we’re running low on
stories, just as it always should be.
Just before we move on though, and not because it’s a
slow news week, spare a thought for the players of Trinidad and Tobago. The
‘Soca Warriors’ squad all retired from international football last week
after being offered just 485 pounds each (31,000 baht) for their efforts at
last year’s World Cup, despite the belief that a multi-million dollar
sponsorship deal had been signed with sportswear company Adidas. The squad
later retracted their retirements but pressed ahead with court action
against the Trindad and Tobago Football Association. Good luck to them -
being paid less than the cost of two weeks in Pattaya for a month’s outdoor
work in a foreign country just ain’t good enough.
“What have we got this weekend then?” I hear you ask.
Well it’s back to the Premiership this weekend, and what’s more the start of
British Summer Time means that kick-offs are an hour earlier, which sounds
like an excuse to watch more football if ever you needed one. And that’s not
all, because Saturday’s early game - at 6:45pm Pattaya time - features what
could be a humdinger between Arsenal and Liverpool. Or at least it should be
a humdinger, but with both sides looking safe for a top four finish it could
turn into a bit of a damp squib. Still, even if it does there’s still a
whole load of other matches to whet the appetite this weekend, and after the
tosh served up last week it’s a welcome return for the domestic game. With
just six weeks of the season remaining, enjoy it while it lasts.
Saints fans get ‘Krankie’
A bronze statue of former Southampton footballer and
manager Ted Bates was removed from outside the club’s St.Mary’s ground last
week, just days after it had been unveiled.
The statue had been greeted with dismay from the club’s
supporters, many of whom contributed towards the cost of the 112,000 pound
figure. They say the statue’s arms are too long, legs are too short and the
head too large. The statue has been compared to former Portsmouth owner
Milan Mandaric and even the cheeky schoolboy character Jimmy Krankie played
by a stumpy middle-aged woman.
During his time in charge at Southampton, Bates took the
side into the First Division for the first time in 1965, and also presided
over their first European matches.
‘Quote of the Week’
“It’s not the crucial game for Championship qualification. But it is a
very, very crucial game. The whole qualification goes one way or the other
with this result.” - Glenn Hoddle offers his unique insight on international
football management after England’s draw with Israel.
The ‘Organiser’ storms
to 46 points at The Emerald
IPGC Jomtien Golf
Monday, March 19,
The Emerald, Stableford
Monday saw a trip to The Emerald for a Stableford
competition.
After a few months in the golfing doldrums, a remarkable and embarrassing
46-point total was recorded by the organiser to take the top position in
Division 2. This sort of score is normally unheard of in an I.P.G.C.
competition, but it happens. 10 points behind in second place was Chris
Knapp, and in third with 33 points was Ken Foster beating Richard Baldotto
on count back.
Ben Findon’s 36 points secured first place in Division 1
with Adrian Shelley second on 34 and Yasuo’s 33 points beating four others
on count back for third.
Paddy (Del Boy) Wilson, Bob Martin and Raivo Velsberg
shared the 2’s pot in Division 1 and there were no winners in Division 2.
Near pins were scored by Richard Baldotto. Ted Morris and Raivo Velsberg
Wednesday, March 21,
Greenwood, Stableford
In today’s Stableford competition in Division 2, the
ever-improving Bob Lathwell scored 38 points to beat Les Hall on count back
for the top honours. Glyn Evans finished third with 35 points. The same
winning score was recorded in Division 1 with John McLoone taking the top
place ahead of Ben Findon in second with 35 points and Andy Shelley third
with 33.
John Mcloone and Jan Sordal both had birdie 2’s on the A6
hole to win the Division 1 pot, but there were no winners in Division 2 yet
again.
Grenville Hill, Les Hall, John McLoone and Miss Oam all
won near pin prizes.
Friday, March 23,
Eastern Star, Stableford
A larger field than normal arrived for our regular Friday
outing at Eastern Star.
A second 38-point score of the week secured Bob Lathwell
first position in Division 2 with the Windmill’s Alan Duckett second on 34,
Miss Nom third with 31 and the old man fourth with 29 on a count back.
A meagre 33 points for Ken Lill won the higher division
first prize; beating Mikael Andersson’s identical score on a back three
count back. There were 4 players tying for third and fourth positions with
32 points; the mathematics sided with Grenville who took third and Jan who
took fourth on count back.
Jomtien Golf meets every Monday, Wednesday and Fridays at
Paweenas in Soi 5 Jomtien Beach Road at around 9.00pm for a 10.30 tee off
time. Please sign up in the bar or ring Glyn on 0868375464.
Buckland braves the storm
to beat a depleted field
IPGC golf from The Caddy Shack
Tuesday, March 20,
Pattaya C.C., Medal
A Medal comp was held at Pattaya C.C. on what turned out
to be a very frustrating day. Minutes after teeing off the thunder and
lightning struck and everyone fled for cover. After one hour we returned but
when the bad weather came back again, most of the players called it a day
after completing only 9 holes.
The few remaining who finished the course saw Paul
Buckland take first place with a net 70, Steve Nowell in second with net 75
and Bev Evans third with net 77.
The 2’s were shared between Emmet White, Damian Trant and
Steve Nowell.
Friday, March 23,
The Emerald, Stableford
Friday saw a trip to Ban Chang on a very hot and humid
day.
The cut was made at handicap 14 and under and in Division
One, Al McGrory’s 40-point total proved to strong for the rest of the
flight, with Steve Nowell finishing second two points adrift. Division Two
saw Roy Mitchell take top honours with 40 points and Brian Kelly in second
with 35 points.
Dave Smith and Al McGrory both recorded a ‘2’ to share
the pot between them.
Evans above, Andy returns to form
PSC golf from Tropical Berts
Tuesday, March 20,
Greenwood, Stableford As is well known to all
the golfers, this is a fine course, at a fine rate, with the only draw back
being its distance from Pattaya. Mind if you are a golfer and are on the bus
it really does not matter, except you have to be awake to get off the bus.
On this day the bus was full as the players relaxed before the hard work to
come.
Andy Evans enjoyed a fine day both on and off the course.
Stood on the first tee it was obvious there had been
quite a lot of rain in the last few days as the course looked lush and in
fine condition. The fairways were green, and as we found out during the
round so were the greens and most of the rough.
Under dark skies we started the round on a course that
was lightly populated and we went around A & B at a brisk pace. This was
good because as we entered the B nine, it started to drizzle and the winds
started to rise but we still got around without any dramas.
Back at Bert’s with a few of his cold ones inside, the
winner was declared as Andy Evans, who came back to form to with a fine 39
points. Rob Brown came in second with 37 points and Derek Brook was in third
with 36 points.
T.T.F.N.
Near Pin: Derek Brook (2) Rob Brown, Don Carmody
Long Put: Kevin Dunne, Andy Evans.
Smith & Barr pass stiff test
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the OK Corral
Sunday, March 18, the Pattaya Golf Society paid a call on the Royal Thai
Navy course at Plutaluang for another of its Sunday “Specials”, this time a
stableford competition over the North and West nines. The course was very
dry with hard fairways and firm greens, all of which posed a tough
assignment to the golfers. It was to be a day when the
thinking golfers would make their impact and Ray Underwood set the initial
pace with a finely crafted 34 points to eventually give him third place.
Leading the field was the indomitable pair of Keith Barr and Denis Smith.
For Keith his level par 36 points was a sign of his increasing consistency
and for Denis, the “gaffer”, his similar score was a bonus for tolerance and
perseverance. Who said “Nice guys don’t win”? They certainly did on this
occasion.
Surprisingly there were no birdie 2’s on the par threes,
even Kasu Agune breaking his winning habit of late, but the ‘Booby Bevy’ was
still lurking back at the OK Corral, and it found an appropriate winner in
Andy Bardill, making his debut with the group and shooting the day’s worst
score. Welcome Andy, good times still lie ahead.
Multinational leaderboard
at stormy Emerald
A heavily overcast day dawned on Tuesday, March 20 as the
Pattaya Golf Society set out for Emerald to play a stableford competition
and the heavens duly opened as the third group took to the tee, to the
accompaniment of rolling thunder and flashing forks of lightning.
The two flights would have been forgiven if they had
abandoned their efforts there and then but, with the exception of four
players, they completed their task in style, to return saturated scorecards
to the recorder. It was a memorable day as seven nations were represented on
the leaderboard across the two flights with some extremely creditable
performances given the conditions.
In the second flight, cut at 22 and over, England’s Ian
Hart took third place with a score of 32 points, three behind Canada’s Keith
Barr, so consistent of late, and a further shot behind American Paul
Quodomine whose level par 36 points heralded a very welcome return to form.
In the top flight, Dutchman Joop Medze tied with Thai
lady Saranya Chaiyanont for third with 32 points, only one behind Sweden’s
Mikael Andersson whilst Finn Erik Anttonen took the flight honours with a
steady 36 points, sharing the day’s best gross figures with the
aforementioned Mikael.
Erik also had the honour of a birdie ‘2’ on the seventh
whilst Saranaya did likewise on the fifteenth to share the 2’s pot.
Celebrating three eventual years of golf at the OK
Corral, Mr. Denis had very kindly donated two “nearest-the-pin” prizes and
these were won by David Thomas on the seventh and John Mason on the
fifteenth. The ‘Booby Bevy’ went to Japanese golfer Kasu Agune for failing
to register his trademark birdie ‘2’ in a round of stunning mediocrity.
The true winners on the day were the bedraggled golfers
who had weathered the worst that Emerald and the elements could throw at
them.
Greenwood, Underwood, 44!
Three years ago Pattaya golfers could be forgiven for
thinking that Noble Place was definitely in the “Land that Time Forgot.”
They rarely went there because of the horrors of the drive and the general
condition of the course. But how things have changed. A little investment in
the right places has brought about a transformation and the Greenwood course
is now one of the Pattaya Golf Society’s favourites.
The group visited there on Thursday for a stableford
competition over the B and A nines. Two flights were divided at 23 and under
and the day was to throw up some pleasant surprises.
In a competitive top flight, David Thomas fired the day’s
best gross figure of 78 to give him third place with a score of 36 points,
whilst Erik Anttonen went two-under with 38 points for second place. The
flight winner was Joop Medze and his 39 points marked his best return with
the PGS.
In the second flight Paul Quodomine, Andy Bardill and
ladies Margaret Wilkinson and Mod Churaiska all shared third place with
their 32 point returns, three behind the 35 points of Tony Kitchen. Lording
it at the top was Ray Underwood who massacred the course with some deft and
at times fortunate golf to amass 44 points and set the best score record
with the group for 2007.
Such was the enormity of his score that his net return
was four less than his age and promises a large cut in his handicap. It
could not have happened to a finer competitor and if the truth be known it
has been coming for the last few weeks. Well done Ray!
There were three birdie 2’s, Erik Anttonen managing the
feat on A6 and B2 and a blushing Margaret Wilkinson took the third with her
birdie on the long par-three “A” second.
The ‘Booby Bevy’ went to Rob Hill for the only nil return of the day and
would serve to remind him that in stableford such events are rare, except
when a caddy runs off with one’s golf bag! Greenwood had been a treat and
for Ray Underwood it was certainly a day to remember.
Neil and Wayne triumph in the rain
PSC golf from the Oohsa Bar
Tuesday, March 20,
Eastern Star, Stableford
This week was a story of rain followed by more rain.
(L-R): Wayne Farrell, Bah (waitress Oohsa Bar), Yves Philibert and Neil
Duncan.
Our Tuesday outing to Eastern Star on the 20th promised much at the start.
When we arrived, the course looked good and the weather was hot. But by the
middle of the first nine the heavens opened. Within minutes everything was
under water, lightning was flashing all around and everyone was exceedingly
wet. In short, a complete wash-out, competition cancelled.
Thursday, March 22,
Plutaluang, Stableford
Having dried ourselves out after Tuesday’s wash-out, 19 players
set off for Plutaluang. Again the day started well and we were assigned to
the difficult North and West nines.
With the round well under way, guess what? Rain again! It wasn’t as severe
as the lightning storm on Tuesday so we pressed on. Some manage better in
the rain than others and the winning scores were excellent under the
circumstances.
Two of this month’s in-form players, Neil Duncan and Wayne Farrell fared
best with 36 points apiece. Neil took first place narrowly on count back 17
to Wayne’s 16 in the worst of the conditions.
Well done also to Yves Philibert in third place with 35 points on this
difficult course on a very difficult day.
Near Pins: Mick Heatley, Peter Mills, Yves Philibert, Paul Smylie
Long Putt: Phil Dwyer
Next week we will play at Emerald on Tuesday, April 3 and Plutaluang on
Thursday, April 5, Call in tot the Oohsa Bar and sign up.
When you’re Hot, you’re Hot!
Beaver Bar Golf
Pictured from left-right: Sus, Gordon, Apple, Herb and
Bob
Amazing is the only description that can be used in commentary on the
play of Phanom Jitchana, better known as Apple, at the weekly Friday
Beaver outing at Emerald.
This has been the norm of late, and many players were
left wondering if “it’s the humidity” or “the heat generated from the
smoking shots from Apple’s clubs” causing the perspiration to flow. With
back-to-back birdies on the tough 6th and 7th holes and a lone dropped
shot on number 8, Apple maneuvered the front nine with a stupendous 35
gross. A brief spring shower at the turn failed to cool her off as
Apple, playing off a 12 handicap, shot a 78 on the day to account for 42
stableford points, easily outdistancing the nearest competitors in the A
Flight.
Calvin “Sus” Ige and Roy Thorton each managed 37
points with 19 of them on the back nine, but Sus outscored Roy 16 - 12
on the final six holes to claim the 2nd place money.
Aussie Bob Laurence handily won the B Flight with an
equally impressive 42 stableford points, while Gordon Everingham scored
38 points and Herb Schwieterman 35 to capture 2nd and 3rd places
respectively. The cut-off was 18+ for the B Flight and golfers with
handicaps of 17 or less comprised the A Flight.
A special “Thank You” needs to go out to Jimmy Little
for placing the near pin makers on the correct par 3’s. This is the
first time this has happened in over a month. The winners were Apple on
hole #5 and Dave Wolstencroft on hole #13. As predicted Apple was able
to draw out the maximum 500 Baht Beaver discount voucher, while Dave
could only manage a 100 Baht voucher. When you’re hot, etc.
Back at the Beaver, Dennis Willett was the source of much of the
entertainment well into the evening. He may well heed the advice of
those with more acute eyesight in the future rather than face that type
of abuse again. Each Friday the Beaver plays at the Emerald with a 7:45
starting time.
Montana clinches first place trophy
Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League
200 Bowlers – Mai, Tien, Leo, Ooy, Leen, Dang & Tui
Montana clinched the first place trophy with one week
to go after they took all four points in their match against last place
Domicil. VFW Post 9876 won all four points from House of the Golden Coin
and remain in second place.
Diamond Shop also won four points in their match
against Café Kronborg. Diamond Shop moved up to third place and Café
Kronborg dropped down to a tie for sixth. Jack & Tar moved up to fifth
place after they took three points from Shenanigans. Café Ole won all
four points from Mai’s Thai Restaurant and Brother D took three points
from Three Sisters.
Leo led all bowlers with a 598 series, games of 230, 168 & 200, Mai –
583 series, Rich – 564, La – 532, Leen 527, Dang 523 and Konrad – 523.
The Square Ring:
by Howie Reed
“M’lord, is it possible that the gentleman you called
a moron last week, i.e. promoter Dennis Rappaport, is a lot smarter than
his lordship? “I know I shouldn’t bring this up, but last week you made
fun of Mr. Rappaport when he announced that Oleg Maskaev would defend
his title against Vitali Klitschko in Moscow on June 2 and that Samuel
Peter drank the Kool Aid in taking ‘step aside money’ with the promise
of a kiss and cigarette later.”
It would appear Jeeves that you are correct, and I,
as rare as it may be, was wrong. It’s interesting though that while the
Briggs-Ibragimov has a venue in the 12,000 seat Lizhniki Sports Palace
in Moscow on that date, no TV deal is set. On the other hand, TV Cable
giant HBO is said to have been the driving force for Maskaev-Klitschko.
For those outside the USA, the first Saturday of each
month (Sunday in LOS) features matching boxing cards on HBO and
Showtime. Both Biggs and Maskaev have fought on HBO. There’s a news
report from ‘inside’ the Maskaev camp that HBO will televise his meeting
with Klitschko.
The ‘insider’ reported: “Subject to finalizing some
details, it looks like there’s a good chance we’re going to go June 2nd
in Moscow. If we had the opportunity (to move the date) we would, but
we’re committed to June 2nd. There are some things that need to be
finalized but it looks like we’re going on that date.”
Anyone that covers boxing in print and refers to a
person as a “boxing expert” can be sure of one thing: - that the
so-called “expert” will invariably agree with the writer. That makes
them both smart. It was the Square Ring that first mentioned when
picking Marquez over Barrera that maybe the latter (that would be
Barrera) was getting a little long in the tooth. Now two other “boxing
experts” have expressed the same view. They have asked though that their
identities be kept secret.
Two weeks later the fight still draws fan interest.
It should, as it was action filled the way professional boxing is
supposed to be. With the exception of Barrera whining about the judges,
both boxers have acted like professionals.
“Barrera is a great champion,” said Marquez.
“This is boxing, we are Mexicans, this is a sport,”
said Barrera.
Re-match? You bet, with a target date of September
16, which just happens to be Mexican Independence Day. Remember the
first fight took place on St. Patrick’s Day, or as Jay Leno called it
“Cinco de Gringo”.
There is little argument that WBC flyweight champion
Pongsaklek Wonjongkam (64-2) is the best Thai fighter around. He’s
defended his title 16 times. You just can’t argue with facts. That is
except that all of those title defenses came in Thailand, with many
against bodies that were this close to entering the ‘Riga Mortis Zone’.
On April 6, Wonjongkam will defend for the 17th time
against Japan’s Tomonobu Shimizu who has a professional record of 10-1.
Toss out that Shimizu just beat Fahpetchnoi Sor Chitpattana at 13-1 and
somehow ranked 8th; the record of Shimizu’s opponents is 38-52-5 for
goodness sake! The current rankings have the Japanese boxer ranked at
#14. Way to go Wonjongkam - keep building that record that means
nothing.
Amorn Supyuwittaya village in the Nongjork district
of Bangkok had some box fight action recently. The reason for the card
was to showcase Sataporn Singwancha (17-4-1) and also provide a payday
for a couple of former champs.
The showcase part didn’t work as Singwancha only
managed a draw with Fernando Montilla (32-20-4). WBC Super Feather
champ, Sirimongkol Singwancha (55-2) took all 6 rounds against Jesus
Muzaka (2-6), who was able to stretch his losing streak to 5 in a row.
Former WBC Bantam Champ Ratanachai Sor Vorapin (70-9,46 KOs) got a
six-round unanimous decision over a Filipino whose name was reported as
Roger Monserto. Mr. Monserto now has a record of 0-3.
Back to the future moment, and tomorrow night Virgil
Hill (50-5) and Henry Maske (30-1) meet at the Olympiahalle in Munchen,
Germany in a rematch of their 1996 tussle. On that occasion Hill
captured the IBF light heavyweight title to add to his WBA crown. It was
a majority/split decision with Hill winning 116-113, 116-112 on two
cards and hometown ‘fave’ Maske winning on the third 116-112.
After that fight Maske said, “I quit.” He was a man
of his word as he did quit - until tomorrow night that is.
After he won the title, Hill only held it till his
next fight when he got taken to the woodshed by Dariusz Michalczewski.
Michalczewski would run his record to 48-0 before losing back to back to
against Julio Cesar Gonzales (10-18-03) and Frabrice Tiozzo (2-26-05).
After the second loss Dariusz retired. “Boxing is over for me”, he
stated. “I am an ex-boxer.”
Dariusz’s take on tomorrow’s fight? “Maske will lose
early. The condition will not be there. The psyche will not be there.
The expectations are too big. And Henry can’t have better reflexes than
eleven years ago. For me it’s very courageous what Maske is doing. After
eleven years, you can play tennis, swim, kick the ball a little ...
boxing is the only sport you can’t do anymore after such a long break.
When he gets hit in the nose, Maske will wake up in the ring.” Or not.
There are things that occur in boxing that drive
people crazy. Next Monday at the new headquarters of the WBA there will
be a purse bid for a match between champion lightweight Juan Diaz (31-0)
and Thailand’s Prawet Singwancha (30-2). The bid starts at US$150,000
with the champion getting 70% and the challenger 30% of the final
amount.
Here’s the slight problem. The champion Juan Diaz is
boxing Acelino Freitas and defending his title on April 29 at Foxwood’s
Resort Casino in Connecticut, USA. What happens if Diaz should lose?
Whoever won the rights to the Diaz- Singwancha title fight is now like
the punter with lots of blue pills and no Baht!
Jack Sharkey was a great heavyweight with a record of
37-13. He fought the best - winning some and losing others. He captured
the world heavyweight title by winning a split decision over Max
Schmeling on June 21, 1932. He defended once, losing to Primo Carnera a
year later. Sharkey - not noted for his eloquence - penned a piece
called “The Lonesome Spot”. It went like this: “The lonesomest spot in
the world is the center of the ring after the bell has clanged to start
a fight. Your seconds climb out of the corner - and there you are.
Nobody but you and the referee and the other guy. The referee can’t help
you and the other guy is in there strictly to hurt you.”
Nowhere could Sharkey’s words be more appropriately
used than when referring to the boxing killing zone that is Indonesia.
There have been 27 deaths in Indonesian boxing since 1948, which on the
surface doesn’t sound as bad as it might. But in the last three years
there has been at least one death a year.
The country kept its record going on March 15 with
the death of Dwi Mulya (1-5) from injuries received in the ring. The
first question that anyone with one iota of intelligence should ask is,
“What the hell was Dwi Mulya doing in any ring?”
Mulya was a boxer that had only fought once a year
since 2001, taking 2006 off completely. Too many sanctioning
organizations are taking the money from Indonesia and turning a blind
eye to the corruption that makes the country a modern day killing field
for boxing.
Jeeves my good man, you’re right on time with a
couple of pints of the magic elixir, a finely cured cigar and the new
Rod Stewart CD.
“Your lordship, I’ve had another communication from
Richard McGinnis of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. He sends the
world’s shortest fairy tale. May I read it?”
Oh course Jeeves, proceed.
“Very well your lordship: ‘Once upon a time, a guy asked a girl ‘Will
you marry me?’ The girl said, ‘NO!!!’ And the guy lived happily ever
after and went fishing, hunting, played a lot of golf, drank a lot of
beer, watched girls that walked to music with brief costumes, and broke
wind whenever he wanted. The end.’”
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