Matt Anderson claims ‘The Mug’

Phoenix Tuesday and Friday Members Golf

Mike Gerrard
Tuesday, June 3, Phoenix Mountain & Lakes - Monthly Mug
Another gloriously hot day at Phoenix and a nice group of 11 players turned up to challenge the Mountain & Lakes course for our second Monthly Mug.
Stroke play was the order for the day, with a beautiful pewter tankard and accessories (sponsored by Toy’s Bar) as the main prize.

Matt Anderson (center) was the Monthly Mug winner with a score of net 69.

The course has now settled into fine condition and the greens are getting back to their normal (fast) speed. I emphasise this because unless you can get a good read and judge the speed well, these greens can ruin anybodies card. The occasional 3 and even the odd 4 putt is not unusual.
Being the Monthly Mug day, we also had the extra prizes for near pins and 2 lucky draw prizes. Plus 1 consolation - the wooden whistle. This meant that with 4 places being awarded for the main prizes we gave all but 1 player some form of reward. As it happens the one player who could not come back for the presentation was the one to miss out. Poetic justice.
So back to Toy’s Music Bar and it was time to present the prizes. The wooden whistle went to holidaymaker (for 5 days only), young Colin McAllister. This was Colin’s first visit to Thailand and I am sure he will be back soon and for a longer time?
Lucky draws went to Tommy Raven and Terry Vicary, which was nice because both players did not have the best of fortune on the course.
Near pins went to the scribe (Mike Gerrard), Clive Robinson (2) and Lennie Bantleman.
For the main prizes third and fourth were so close that we decided to give equal third to Neil McAllister and Peter Harris, both scoring a net 73.
In second place with a net 71 was the jovial David (Beetlejuice) Smith, and the winner of the Monthly Mug along with some cash was Matt Anderson, returning a net 69. I think his handicap may be looked at this week.
Double for ‘Big’ Ken.
Clive Robinson is our host on Fridays and this day is proving to be very popular. Already (in quiet times) we are getting close to the limit of tee times.
The quality of players is very high on Fridays with many medium to very low handicappers (one off scratch).
‘Big’ Ken McCarthy continued his good form and returned the winning score for the second week running, with a fine 38 points. A net Albatross (4 Points) away was yours truly (Mike Gerrard) with 34 points just pipping Marty Allred on count back for second place.
Reminder: The next Monthly Mug (stroke play) will be held on Tuesday, July 1. To register for Tuesday golf (Tee off time 12 noon), please call me, Mike Gerrard on 087 091 7565 before the morning of the game. Friday golf kicks off at 10.30am and Clive Robinson is the man to contact. Just turn up on the day at least 30 minutes before the first tee time and Clive will try to fit you in or better still give him a call in advance on 084 947 5874.

McLoone and Findon separated by count back

Jomtien Golf with the IPGC

Monday, June 2, The Emerald – Stableford
With a few murmurings the day before regarding the condition of the greens, there were eight cancellations overnight which caused an organisational hiccup the next morning, but there were still 21 players out on the day. Before next month’s visit here we will need to check beforehand on the progress of the greens and of the course in general before we confirm our booking at the agreed green fee price.
There were still some amazing scores coming in regardless of the conditions. Miss Nom’s 38 points won division 2, beating William Chang by 1 point, and newcomer Bryan Rought finished in third with 35 points.
In his last game but one before his departure back to the ‘Emerald Isle’, Paddy Wilson took third place with 36 points in division 1, two points better was Harry Riley in second with 38 and Paul Butler won the division with 40 points.
There were two divisional rollovers from Eastern Star on Friday in the 2’s competition and both were snapped up by Paddy Wilson for his birdie on the 5th in division 1 and by Roger Ribbins on the 15th in division 2.
Wednesday, June 4, Pattaya C.C. - Monthly Medal
After our first visit here for some time, there were still debates going on into the late evening as to whether we should play here again in our July schedule, owing to the general condition of the course. This discussion will continue over the next few weeks.
In the medal competition today there were some amazing scores coming in: Andy Mills playing off 6 had an amazing nine 4’s on the front nine for a gross 36, but his back nine was a different story! Two net 65’s from John McLoone and Ben Findon saw John take top spot courtesy of a 29.5 to 33.5 back nine count back.
In division 2, Jean Morel took the honours with a net 72, beating Les Hall by just one stroke.
In the 2’s competition Grenville Hill and Dave Stockman had one each in division 2 and Gordon Everingham and Mam Morel did likewise in the premier flight.
Near pins meanwhile went to Ben Findon, Grenville Hill, Ted Morris, Dave Stockman, Glyn Evans, Gordon Everingham, Mam Morel and Miss Oam.
Fond farewells were said today to Andy Mills and Cully Monks.
Friday, June 6, Eastern Star – Stableford
Five four-balls out today with totally conflicting scores in each division.
Coming in third place in division 2 with 28 points was Andy Crabb, while in second place, and only losing on a 17/16 count back after finishing with 31 points, came Miss Nom, and the winner with the same score was Miss Oam. There were smiles all round.
In form Tom Sathrum came in with 40 points to win division 1. He was followed home by Harry Riley on 37 who beat John McLoone on a 20/17 count back. Harry also had the only ‘2’ with no winner in division 2, so a rollover to Phoenix.
After last week’s request to the management to put the white tees further back on the temporary green holes, all four tees were just in front of the blues today, thank you.

Heffernan enjoys ‘special day’ at St. Andrews

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s

Derek Brook
Tuesday, June 3, St Andrews – Stableford
Good thing about this time of year it is the special ‘Sports Day’ rates that come along. Most of the courses have a special on, and as we play on a Tuesday we usually take advantage of them.
The ‘special’ on this day was at St. Andrews and the players at Bert’s do like visiting this course, in fact it is their favourite and they insist I book it as soon as it comes on offer.
The good thing about this place is that not only is it a very difficult course, but it is also picturesque and quiet. Once you get on the course a calm descends and you are in your own little world. Of course the fairways are well defined, and the greens are tricky but that is all to be expected.
Back at Bert’s we had plenty of time to sit and drink as one of the cars got ‘lost’, and unfortunately it had two of the three winners in it. So we had a few more drinks and finally they tottered through the door. So finally is was declared that the winner with 36 points was John Heffernan ahead of Bill Knight in second with 35 points who won on count back over Richard Line in third. In fourth was Dick Warberg with 33 points. T.T.F.N.
Near Pins: Richard Line, Daryl Evans, Dick Warberg
Long Putts: John Heffernan, Dick Warberg

Bob fires a 41-pointer at Pattaya Country Club

PSC golf from The Three Sisters Bar

Tuesday, June 3, Pattaya C.C. - Stableford
The beginning of June and Bob Benda was on a rampage as he dominated the field. Bob turned the corner with 21 points in hand and kept going. He finished with a birdie on the 18th to cap off his day with 41 points. His driving and putts were spot on and he is now waiting for the axe to fall to see whether he will be cut at the knees or the ankles.
Walt Straub also had a good day as he came in with 37 points. It was one of his better days but he could not compete with Bob. His score was good enough to come in second as the next golfer had only 34 points. The previous week Dale Murphy had been at the top but he dropped to the third spot this time.

The Pattaya Sunday Quiz League is no more!

This is to announce that as from Sunday July 20, the Pattaya Sunday Quiz League will finish. However from Monday July 28, the brand-new, improved Pattaya Monday Quiz League will take its place.
Any bars in the Pattaya area that have an English-speaking clientele are welcome to join the new quiz league. Quizzes start at 8:30pm and generally finish around 10:30pm, and are played on a home and away basis. All you have to provide is a question reader and a few pens and pencils (for home matches only), and of course, a team!
The matches are usually very friendly affairs, and teams often go out on the town afterwards to celebrate, or commiserate!
If your bar wishes to enter the league, or if you would like further information, please contact [email protected].

Pattaya Mail ‘Mike Franklin’ Classic 2008 – New Date

Mike Franklin
The Pattaya Mail ‘Mike Franklin’ Classic Charity Golf tournament, originally scheduled for Saturday 12th July, has been moved to Saturday 25th October. The tournament will take place at Eastern Star Country Club & Resort with a pre-tournament party on the evening of Friday 24th, poolside at Pinnacle Grand Jomtien Resort & Spa.
Pattaya Mail’s tournament partners, on the second occasion of this major charity golf tournament, are Pinnacle Grand Jomtien, Eastern Star and the Rotary Club Eastern Seaboard.
Full details of the event, with the beneficiaries for 2008, will be published in due course. Any enquiries regarding sponsorship E-mail: [email protected] or contact Tony Malhotra: 08 1514 8584 www. pattayamailgolfclassic.com

Pattaya Marathon scheduled for July 20

The 14th Pattaya Marathon will be held on Sunday July 20, 2008, with the start and finish line on Pattaya Beach Road in front of Soi 4.
The competition will be divided into 5 categories: The International Marathon and Wheelchair Marathon for a distance of 42.195 kilometers, The Half Marathon for a distance of 21.100 kilometers, The Quarter Marathon for a distance of 10.550 kilometers, and The Student category for a distance of 5 kilometers.
July 19, 2008 is the official registration date in Pattaya for athletes from both Thailand and around the world, and along with the sign-up there will also be entertaining activities performed on stage by popular local artists. The opening ceremony will be held on July 20, 2008 at 4:00 am and will be hosted by Pracha Taerat, Governor of the Chonburi.
For more information www.pattaya-marathon.com

Young Stockman takes the day

IPGC golf from Donovan’s

Saturday, June 7, Green Valley (White Tees) - Stableford
Men’s Flight
1st Nuee Stockman (6) 38pts
2nd Jack Grindvold (5) 38pts
3rd Ray Dell (12) 36pts
4th Klaus Schackt (10) 36pts
Ladies’ Flight
1st Yui Duangkaew (20) 35pts
Near Pin: Ray Dell (#16)
2’s: Steve Mascari, Ray Dell, Kris Kritsanajootha
Nuee Stockman, son of fine player Dave Stockman, showed the olds boys a lesson as he counted back Wacko Jacko to win the day’s Men’s competition. Note that the young man is playing off a stingy 6 handicap.
Ray Dell used a big backside (should that have been inward nine) to break a three-player knot at 36 points. Ray’s big backside (24 points, that is) but him at the top of heap, ...er... pile, …er… never mind, you know what I am trying to say. The Volkscomputer came second in the math thus, garnering the fourth pay slot. The poor Tile was the odd man out. He said he was no fan of Ray’s big backside.
Yui topped out the ladies, nearly matching her handicap with 35 points.

Kelvin Crouch prepares for home

IPGC golf from The Haven

Monday, June 2, Phoenix - Stableford
1st Kelvin Crouch 41pts
2nd La Keith 39pts
3rd Tom Parks 39pts
4th Mark Cooper 38pts
With the International Pattaya Match Play League taking eight of the regular local contestants, it was left to the regular visitors to clean up the day’s spoils with the addition of La Keith who had been excluded for gender considerations. But it was still a very keenly contested affair with Kelvin Crouch taking his first win of the week and indeed his first one in Thailand with a very good knock of five-under. This was after following his Pattaya Guru’s advice and shaving off all his hair to match The Guru, claiming it helped to keep his head clear on the approach shots and contrary to myth actually added to his strength and length.
This outstanding effort left La Keith and Tom Parks scrabbling over second and third spots with very good returns of three-under, with La just winning out on count back.
Mark Cooper rounded out a very good set of winner’s results in fourth place with his two-under return.
There were no 2’s in either division.
Before presenting the prizes The Doc welcomed back Yasuo Suzuki.
Wednesday, June 4, Khao Kheow - Stableford
1st Stephen Lewis 36pts
2nd Rick Schramm 35pts
3rd Phil Groves 34pts
4th Brian Beaupre 33pts
Khao Kheow off the yellows is always a very stiff test of a golfer’s ability, and that test was made harder with the fairways soaked following a seemingly all night rainstorm that continued until well into the morning, delaying the start for half an hour. The competition started with lift and place as the rule of the day but even that latitude failed to make the going much easier.
Stephen Lewis stuck to the task manfully to accumulate an even-par round that was just enough to see him home against Rick Schramm, whose recent golf has promised much but delivered little in the way of success and prizes. But today was to be his best result as he finished ahead of Phil Groves by a single stroke with his old stable mate Brian Beaupre a further shot away in fourth spot.
Once again there were no 2’s in the second division but Russell Exley had the lone one in the first.
Friday, June 6, The Emerald - Stableford
1st Kelvin Crouch 39pts
2nd Yasuo Suzuki 37pts
3rd Mike Dabanovich 37pts
4th Russell Exley 36pts
5th Barry Traynor 36pts
6th Trevor Schirmer 36pts
Clearly the new go faster haircut as sported by Kelvin Crouch was no one-game wonder as he sped to his second win of the week over the Saharan wastelands of the Emerald’s once green and pleasant land. When many others bemoaned the slowness of the treated areas around the holes, Kelvin reveled in stimp readings that almost exactly matched the normal conditions of his home course, as he led the field home by two clear shots.
Yasuo Suzuki added to his day’s collection towards his hopeful to be extended stay, with a very good second placing on count back from Mike Dabanovich over the back six.
Russell Exley continued his steady play from his new handicap to secure fourth spot in front of Barry Traynor, also on the back six in their count back, with Trevor Schirmer just missing out with a level par inward half.
Yasuo Suzuki slipped in the only ‘2’ in the first division whilst Geoff Picken and once again Stephen Lewis had one each in the second, although this time Stephen’s was his first time that he used a putter to get one.

The Beautiful Game?: Riz Taylor

Euros hotting up

I’m on the verge of ‘slapping-in’ a transfer request this week. Sure it’s glamorous being the Pattaya Mail’s chief football correspondent, but yet again the Sports Editor has turned down my request for an all-expenses-paid visit to a major tournament. It’s an outrage, particularly for those of you hoping for a minute by minute account of Switzerland’s brain-numbing opener against the Czech Republic or a tactical analysis of Germany’s important victory over Poland.
Without the ability to offer a proper view on proceedings in Austria and Switzerland I’m turning gossip-monger for a couple of weeks, with some of the stories you may have missed whilst catching up on sleep from staying up for Euro 2008 group matches.
Chances are the initial enthusiasm may have waned after the initial excitement, but one thing you can’t complain about is a lack of action. Holland versus France is a must for any self-respecting football fanatic and is the pick of this Friday’s fixtures, and the group stages reach their climax from Sunday until Wednesday with the quarter finals commencing next Thursday. Enjoy the football while it lasts, because two months of soccer wilderness is so nearly upon us.
Drugs are expensive
Romania striker Adrian Mutu has been ordered to pay his former club Chelsea 9.6 million pounds for testing positive for cocaine, according to his (presumably useless) lawyer. Chelsea sacked Mutu in October 2004 and he was subsequently handed a seven-month worldwide football ban.
His lawyer Cristian Sarbu said Fifa’s decision was not final and that Mutu would contest the ruling. “This is a decision taken by a sporting tribunal. After this is final, this can be taken to a civil court,” he said.
Balls
Former German international goalkeeper Andreas Kopke said Saturday that shot-stoppers must not make excuses about the new ball being used at Euro 2008, which current German guardian Jens Lehmann has criticised.
“This ball is super fast. It floats in the air and Jens Lehmann is not the only one to have said so,” Kopke said at a press conference in the German base of Tenero. “I don’t think any keeper is 100 percent satisfied with this ball, even if they don’t say so publicly.”
Midfielder Torsten Frings was delighted at his goalkeeper’s misfortune. “If this ball is difficult for keepers it’s superb for us. I think we’re going to see a few goals from distance at this Euro, as when you hit it well it really flies,” he said.
Cheats
UEFA president Michel Platini has effectively branded a number of Premier League clubs as ‘cheats’, when asked about the success of European Champions League finalists Manchester United and Chelsea.
“Look at the debts that Chelsea and United have,” said Platini. “Fifa and Uefa are going to have to do something to combat that because, today, it is the clubs who cheat that are winning. It’s a race for money and we’ve ended up with this proposal for a 39th game to be played.
“It isn’t about winning titles any more but about generating enough money to pay off debt. I don’t think one should cheat to win and when clubs are in debt - English, Italian and Spanish clubs - it’s probably easier for them to beat other clubs who aren’t in debt.
“The Professional Football Strategy Council [a body introduced by Platini last year] has started to think about how the licensing system can bring about more equilibrium between the clubs to make sure they are not so much in debt and it will be the major topic for the European Club Association [the 103-club body formed after the dissolution of the G-14 earlier this year] to discuss when next they meet. We have to look for means for clubs to be less in debt and find methods to fight this,” said the former French international.
Chants of the Season – Part 2
More chants of the season stolen from the BBC website, who hopefully won’t sue me after I tell you that the BBC website is quite possibly the most informative and best laid out source of news on football that the internet has to offer, along with much, much more. Don’t forget to drop in there sometime, and tell them I sent you.
“We should have stayed at the funfair.”
Watford fans after going 2-0 down to Southend.
“Let’s pretend we’ve scored a goal!”
Bradford City fans during a 3-0 home defeat to Accrington Stanley, followed by all participants going crazy.
“Bill Oddie, Bill Oddie, rub your beard all over my body! Bill Oddie, Bill Oddie...”
Reading fans against Derby - to the tune of Madonna’s Erotica.
“We can see you washing up!”
Swindon fans to the occupants of the flats in the corners of Leyton Orient’s ground.
“Jim Bullard, Bullard, He’s better than Steve Gerrard, He’s thinner than Frank Lampard, Jim Bullard, Bullard.”
Fulham fans salute Jimmy Bullard.
“Are you Llanfairpwllg wyngyllgogeryc hwyrndrob wllllantysiliogogogoch in disguise?”
Wrexham fans.
“Does your butler know you’re here?”
West Ham to Fulham fans.
“We’ll race you back to London!”
Arsenal fans to Man Utd during their 4-0 FA Cup defeat at Old Trafford.
“Can we play you every week?”
Havant & Waterlooville fans when 1-0 up against Liverpool at Anfield in the FA Cup.
“If Robin Hood was real, he’d be dead!”
Oldham supporters at Forest.
“We’re the famous Tartan Army and we’re here to save the snail.”
Scotland fans in Paris.
“We can’t see you sneaking out!”
Worcester City fans celebrate their abandonment at Nuneaton Borough when the floodlights failed with Nuneaton 2-0 up in the 82nd minute.
Quiz
Last week we asked you to name the three Taylors that lined up in April’s Premier League fixture between Wigan and Birmingham. The answers were Martin, Mike and Ryan. And the four British managers to feature in the 1996 FA Cup semi finals were Roy Evans (Liverpool) against Brian Little (Aston Villa) and Alex Ferguson (Manchester United) against Glenn Hoddle, then of Chelsea.
Two more questions to leave you scratching your chin for another week. Which England international, still earning a tidy living in the Premier League, has featured at three European Championships but has never been selected for a World Cup? And which Italian superstar did exactly the opposite by playing in the three World Cups of 1990, 1994 and 1998 but astonishingly never made it to the Euros?

Jack’s the lad

IPGC golf from Lewiinski’s

Sunday, June 1, Green Valley - Stableford
A Flight
1st Jack Grinvold (5) 40pts
2nd Bob Newell (7) 39pts
B Flight
1st Ray Hansford (20) 39 pts
2nd Bruce Milner (14) 37pts
Near pins: Mark Wood (2), Jim Munns and Joe Tynan.
2’s: Mark Wood, Bob Newell, Ian Halfpenny, Joe Guinan and Jim Munns.
Thirty-five golfers turned out for this Sunday’s warm up to next week’s Monthly Medal only to be greeted on the first tee by a large group of golfers from the Bangkok Wanders Golf Society. A long, hot day lay ahead.
Winning the senior flight with a superb 40 points was that man again Jacko, beating ‘Big’ Bob Newell by one stroke.
The junior flight winner was the big-hearted Sugar Ray Hansford, with an excellent 39 points while Bruce Milner took second place on 37.
Back at Lewiinski’s, after a few sherbets, the long hot day was soon forgotten.
Tuesday, June 3, St Andrews 2000 - Stableford
A Flight
1st Jack Grinvold (5) 39pts
2nd Ben O’Connor (11) 38pts
B Flight
1st Pat Duffy (20) 38pts
2nd Graham Heskett (14) 36pts
Twenty seasoned Lewiinski’s golfers traveled to Rayong to play this extremely tough par 74 course. Jack Grinvold started were he left off on Sunday (Jacko is on fire at the moment) as he canned a superb 39 points to win A Flight by one stroke from Ben O’Connor, whose 38 points was itself no mean achievement.
B Flight was won by Pat Duffy, with a commendable 38 points and Graham Heskett rounded off the flight with a useful 36.
Wednesday, June 4, Bangpra - Stableford
1st Ivan Plunkett (23) 38pts
2nd Eddie Beilby (16) 36pts
A small field of nine golfers, turned out to play this beautiful layout with the greens still recovering from the annual “coring”, but the rest of the course was in excellent condition despite some renovation work.
Winning the game “cheered on by the monkeys” was Ivan Plunkett with 38 points and the runner up was “Steady” Eddie Beilby on 36 points.
Friday, June 6, The Emerald - Stableford
A Flight
1st Ben O’Connor (11) 37pts
2nd Neil Cameron (13) 36pts
B Flight
1st Justin Fowlis (16) 37pts
2nd Peter Ring (21) 36pts
The Emerald course at Rayong welcomed the Lewiinski’s golf society and the day was as is usual for this time of year - very hot and humid.
Ben O’Connor took the A Flight, and shared the man of the match honours after returning a good 37 points. Second in the flight with a steady par 36 was Neil Cameron, winning on count back over the unlucky Mark, happy shoes Wood.
Justin Fowlis topped B Flight, and a share of man of the match on 37 points and second with 36 points was Peter Ring on count back over Peter Henshaw. The week was concluded in the usual manner back at Lewiinski’s.
Note: Lewiinski’s is situated on Pattaya land Soi 1, Beach road Soi 13/3 near to Walking Street. Anyone wishing to play with us please just pop in and add your name on the list or alternatively give Colin a ring on 089 826 0764. Transport is provided.

International Pattaya Match Play League

The Haven vs. The OK Corral

Monday, June 2 - Phoenix Mountain & Lakes (White Tees) The Haven                    5          v         3 OK Corral Al Keith (won 3&1)                    v            Dave Thomas Russell Exley (won 2&1)           v            Chris Voller Tony Barritt (lost 3&1)               v            Chris Hardy Peter Sumner (won 6&5)           v            Tony Kitchen Barry Traynor (won 5&4)            v            Jean Morel Mike Dabanovich (won 3&2)       v            Paul Quodomine Trevor Schirmer (lost 3&2)         v            Evan Millar Stephen Beard (lost 2-down)      v           John Schroeder

With unbeaten Al Keith leading off on the Mountain course together with Russell Exley, expectations were high in the Haven team, and they proved to be well placed as the two of them came back to the clubhouse as worthy winners against two very tough opponents in Dave Thomas and Chris Voller and with the scores giving little hint as to the difficulty in garnering two wins.
The next duo out for the Haven were not quite so highly regarded as a pairing, with Tony suffering of late with the short stick and so it transpired as he went down to the always steady Chris Hardy. But Peter Sumner, drafted in after a couple of cry offs in the lower order, produced an almost faultless display to totally demoralise the usually hard to beat Tony Kitchen.
Barry Traynor had a really difficult match in prospect as he teed it up giving nine strokes to Jean Morel, but with his trademark steadiness off the tee he wore down Jean to leave him unable to take his last shot in the match.
Mike Dabanovich, another first timer drafted in at the last moment due to another unavailability, was a source of total amazement to Paul Quodomine as his 4 irons overtook Paul’s drivers off the tee by large distances and the eleven shots were slowly eaten away, although the 16th proved decisive when Mike won a hole that Paul could have won, to finish as the match winner for The Haven.
The last two matches went the way of The OK Corral as Trevor Schirmer found 11 shots were a little too many to overcome against Evan Millar, who hardly missed a fairway and closed off their match on the 16th, and Stephen Beard, also drafted in as a late replacement and still struggling to get back to form, did well to hold John Schroeder to 2 down, as John went round in eight-under his handicap having cleverly left the driver in the bag in favour of the 5-wood.
After all the results were in, the whole teams returned to The Haven to exchange hard luck stories and trade beers and agreed that no matter what the result, it had been a great day’s golf played in a very friendly spirit and everyone now looks forward to the rematch in August.

Matchplay League Table as of June 3 Team             Played  Won  Drawn  Lost  Points Haven             3            13     2             9      5 Lewiinski’s      2            7       2            7      2 Jomtiem Golf   2            7       0            9      1 OK Corral        1           3        0            5       0

The Square Ring: by Howie Reed

TSR is a great believer in the theory that boxers improve their skills first in the gym then hone them with meaningful opposition in the ring. Today’s heavyweights and 99% of all Thai boxers do neither. Heavyweights neglect to do this because they’re flat lazy in the gym and can make big bucks by fighting ‘tomato cans.’ With Thai fighters once they get to a certain level they stop all progress. That’s the way it is.
Undisputed cruiserweight David Haye may be ready to break the mold though. He’s made the decision to move up to heavyweight and chase the big money and also to broaden his opportunity to improve. There’s a history of cruiserweights moving up with some success: Michael Moorer and Evandler Holyfield to name but two.
Most UK heavyweights stay home, fight the ‘usual suspects’ and never become complete fighters. To ensure he gets the opportunity to fight in places where the competition is, Haye recently took a giant step. He signed with Golden Boy Promotions for fights in the USA. Until he moves to the USA however, Haye’s next four fights will be in the UK, probably at the O2 Arena and all the fights will be carried on Setanta TV.
“My ultimate ambition is to become the heavyweight champion, a two-weight world champion and to go out there and clean up the heavyweight division,” Haye told Setanta. “The heavyweight championship is held by a guy called Wladimir Klitschko. He’s universally recognized as the number one fighter, so that’s the guy I have to go after. I’m willing to fight the best out there to get to the main man. I’m going to knock him out live on Setanta Sports.”
Let’s see if Haye can now walk the walk.
Mayweather retires (again)
It’s hard to take seriously a boxer that retires from the ring when he’s still winning and on top. It becomes especially difficult when he states that, “money doesn’t matter.” Ever notice that’s it’s always people with money that make this stupid statement?
That’s exactly what 5-time world champion Floyd Mayweather jr. did last week. He made the announcement in a letter to the press that was released by ‘one of his peeps.’ The contents of the letter won’t be reprinted here as it’s filled with enough ‘sugar’ to put any reader into a diabetic coma. The immediate effect though is to put the kybosh on Mayweather’s September 20 rematch with Oscar De La Hoya - although it’s only June so ‘Pretty Boy’ could ‘un-retire’ again!
It’s just a guess but the general sports public probably greeted the news with a yawn and a “so what?” Mayweather never was popular with sports fan, had no fan base and depended upon his opponents to sell tickets. Ricky Hatton being the latest.
The boxing press, as one could predict, greeted the news with the solemnity reserved for the announcement that they might actually have to pay for something. The gnashing of teeth with the obligatory hand wringing with the down turned eyes was the order of day in the boxing community. The actual effect of Mayweather jr. retiring this time on the sporting public, with the exception of the cancelled fight with De La Hoya, is about the same as a tetsi fly climbing an elephant’s rear with romance on his mind.
The fact is that Mayweather’s exit may be a blessing in disguise for boxing fans. There can be little argument but that a Ricky Hatton-Paulie Malignaggi fight is of little interest to anyone that doesn’t known all the words to “There’s Only One Ricky Hatton.” How about Ricky Hatton-Oscar De La Hoya outdoors this September in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Wembley, or how about Yankee Stadium in New York? Will it happen? No way Jose.’ Makes too much sense.
Promoters - Gotta luv ‘em
Two of the primary requirements for any boxing promoter are no sense of guilt or responsibility and a really short memory. The great promoters would also be ‘bumfuddled” to explain the meaning of the word ‘shame.’
The UK’s Frank Warren is one of the very best promoters simply because he has all the elements necessary. He also never misses the opportunity to make a headline. Warren made a $1.2 million dollar offer for David Haye to defend his relinquished cruiserweight title against Matt Skelton.
“The timing of the offer was priceless,” said Haye. “As Hayemaker Promotions (Haye’s company) are announcing their ethos and plans to break trends in boxing - to put on exciting, competitive and meaningful contests – Frank Warren’s Sports Network offer me a fight with a washed-up 40-year old coming off a defeat with nowhere else to go. I’m sure I’m not the only one who saw the irony in that. That aside, the offer was a derisory one anyway. We thank him for the offer.”
Of his next fight Haye says, “It will be an exciting fight against a dangerous, top 10-ranked heavyweight. Taking that into account, if you’ve seen Matt Skelton fight, you’ll know it won’t be him.”
How many times have you heard a boxer use the words “ethos” and “derisory”?
Writer’s goofy also
“Your Lordship makes fun of promoters but as a group you boxing writers aren’t a lot better. One of the favorites of TSR is Japan’s Joe Koizumi who doubles as a writer and promoter. He filed a story recently that announced to a waiting world that, ‘We now have no less than seven world champions here in Japan.’ That’s the cat’s pajamas your Lordship. He then travels into the land of Dah with ‘Their (the boxer’s) promoters have been struggling to get TV dates before or after the Olympic Games in China.’
“Why struggle? Unless my fine English public education isn’t working, boxers everywhere are struggling to get TV dates. Of course they’re either before or after the Olympics in China. Couldn’t be any other way, could they?
“The Governor of the Pattaya Mail sports page sometimes has to admonish the Lord of the Manor because he writes sentences that never end. He just prattles on until he decides it’s time to insert a period. Kurt Wolfheimer, writer for Fightnews.com., published the following sentence: ‘41-year-old former heavyweight champion Bruce ‘The Atlantic City Express’ Seldon (38-6, 34 KOs) had to overcome a bad cut over his left eye in his comeback for one last shot at a world title in scoring a fifth round stoppage of Ecuadorian Livin Castillo (14-5, 9 KOs) at the House of Blues in the Showboat Hotel and Casino on a five-bout card promoted by Rising Star Promotions on Saturday night in Atlantic City, New Jersey.’
“Now that’s a sentence.”
The Jeevers Report
“The Lord of the Manor went 50-50 in fight predictions last week, which is about what any ‘rookie’ could do. Where he really stubbed his toe was when ‘super star in the making’ Juan Manuel Lopez, now 22-0, destroyed Daniel Ponce De Leon almost before the deep tones of announcer Michael Buffer had died down.
“Nicknamed ‘Juanam’, which the uneducated might pronounce ‘Yo Mamma’, Lopez started slow for the first minute of round 1. The next minute and 25 seconds of the fight were pure hell for De Leon. He went down once, getting up at 9 but still in bad shape. The second knockdown caused referee Michael Ortega to stop it at 2:25.
“While Lopez-De Leon was spectacular, a majority of the fans that packed the Boardwalk Auditorium in Atlantic City came to watch Kelly Pavlik put on a show. They weren’t disappointed as Palvik dropped ‘The Rocket’ Lockett twice in the second and a final time in the third. Trainer Ezno Calzaghe tossed in the towel.
“Pavlik, now at 34-0 was dominating, powerful and scoring at will with both hands. Prior to the fight Lockett said, ‘I’m prepared to go 12 rounds. I just predict a W. I have a great chance of winning.’ As your Lordship noted, Lockett was brought in to make Pavlik look good. He did the job.
“Next for Pavlik? According to promoter Bob ‘Today I’m telling the Truth’ Arum, it looks like an October 20 match up with ‘Joltin Joe’ (maybe). The Lord of the Manor says ‘Pavlik will walk thru Calzaghe like a Teelock does through Baht.’”
Youth will be served
Sergio Mora (21-0-1) had it and former three-time champion Vernon Forrest (40-3) didn’t. In their title WBC super welterweight bout on Sunday morning from the Mohegan Sun Casino, Forrest started like a “house a fire”. The problem was that the fire wasn’t a blaze but a small spark. The fire was extinguished by Mora and age following round 3. They were two factors that couldn’t be overcome by experience, guile or desire.
Thailand’s “super judge” Anek Hongtongkan gave Mora 8 of the last nine rounds on his way to scoring with the majority 116-112. Judge John McKaie had it 115-113 while Gayle Van Hoy had it 114 all, so one has to wonder what fight he was watching.
The first time they fought for the WBO welter title, Carlos Quintana surprised the heck out of an undefeated Paul Williams with a unanimous decision victory. Paul Williams calls himself “The Punisher,” a name that fitted well him on Sunday. He unleashed a plethora of punches with amazing alacrity early in the first round that caught Quintana by surprise. At the end of the flurry he placed a period and the exclamation mark with a left hook that sent Quintana to the canvas. Quintana got up wobbly and not having the slightest idea what all the fuss was about. Another “barrage of punches” ensued that ended with the obligatory left hook. Quintana got up again but referee Eddie Claudio wisely stopped the carnage at the 2:15 mark of the first stanza.
Here’s Jeeves (again)
“Gov, your pals from the Island Lager Bar and the Yorkshire Inn in Patong have a big time WBC championship fight on tap next Wednesday at the Phuket Boxing Arena. Oledong Sithsamerchai (26-0) defends his straw-weight crown against Japanese invader Junichai Edisouka whose 17-10 record would indicate that he may be a victim of a Thai ‘Tsunami’. No problem if it goes the 12 rounds because your pal from Las Vegas, Tony Castillano, will be one of the judges.
“When Shane Mosley defeated Oscar DeLaHoya back in September of 2003 rumors of Mosley’s use of performance-enhancing drugs swirled around. Those rumors now can be confirmed with the filing of court papers in the case against convicted steroids dealer Victor Conte. Mosley’s trainer Derryl Hidson and Conte both say they saw Mosley take the drug EOP weeks before the De La Hoya fight.
“Your Lordship, as I prepare your refreshments of a fine lager, a moderately large cigar and musical entertainment fit for a king, I would like to relay to you some inspirational thoughts from John ‘The Space Man’ from Northern California: ‘Build a man a fire, and he’ll be warm for an evening. Set a man on fire, and he’ll be warm for the rest of his life.’”
Jeeves you’re getting a little weird.

Birdie blitz at Green Valley

Golf from the Travellers Rest

Barry Hooper
Monday, June 2, Green Valley - Stableford
1st Rick Scramm (10) 41pts
2nd Brian Beupre (5) 38pts
3rd Robert Lamond (7) 37pts
4th Phil Knight (11) 35pts
2’s: Fergus Brennan, Ray Allison, Brian Beupre(2), Phil Knight and Rick Scramm

Saturday’s first and second: Rich Moore (right) and Mod Chaviraksa.

Green Valley on Monday saw six 2’s recorded in the day’s competition – and this is another first for the TRGG. One of the ‘hot shots’ was Rick Scramm who took the event by three clear points with a forty-two. Brian Beupre was second with thirty-eight and third man was Robert Lamond with thirty-seven.
Everyone I spoke to was singing the praises of the course and just what good condition it was in. It was obviously good for scoring 2’s.
Tuesday, June 3, Plutaluang - Stableford
1st Jack Mooney (12) 36pts
2nd Paul Challis (30) 35pts
3rd Colin Cronin (15) 34pts
2’s: Roger Wilkinson
Tuesday’s outing on the third was to Plutaluang with a small turnout. The condition of the course was great but the fairways are not to everybody’s taste with the broad-leaved grasses that have been used.
But this did not stop Jack (money) Mooney from winning the day with thirty-six points, just the one clear of Paul Challis at thirty-five and Colin Cronin, who we have not seen much of lately, coming third with thirty-four.
Roger Wilkinson picked up the 2’s for himself.
Thursday, June 5, Phoenix - Stableford
Division 1 (0-15)
1st Fergus Brennan (10) 42pts
2nd Robert Lamond (7) 39pts
3rd Brian Beupre (9) 37pts
4th Phil Knight (11) 36pts
Division 2 (16-up)
1st Mod Chaviraksa (16) 39pts
2nd Orowan Sodok (28) 39pts
3rd Gunnar Vangenes (28) 37pts
4th Colin Cronin (16) 32pts
2’s: Fergus Brennan
Thursday was a visit to Phoenix and as like last week we had a large turn out with some nineteen players in attendance split into two divisions. This course is very popular with the members and is reportedly in great condition.
The top two order was reversed this week with (Mr. Organiser) Fergus Brennan going one better this time and taking the event in division 1 with forty-two points. Robert Lamond was three back in second with thirty-nine and third place went to Brian Beupre with thirty-seven.
In division 2 the honours went to the ladies for the first two places with Mod Chaviraksa, who I understand has been having some serious coaching of late and it is obviously paying off, beating Orowan Sodok on count back, both in the clubhouse with thirty nine-points. Gunnar Vangenes was third with thirty-seven.
Fergus Brennan picked up the 2’s and Mod’s handicap meanwhile was lowered by two to fourteen and Orowan’s also reduced to twenty-six
Saturday, June 7, The Emerald - Stableford
1st Rich Moore (28) 44pts
2nd Mod Chaviraksa (14) 37pts
3rd Mike Gosden (6) 32pts
Saturday and back to Emerald we went with a small turnout of just eight players.
The course was testing and several greens had been sanded and not brushed in, which caused consternation for some players. However, this did not stop Rich Moore for firing in a massive forty-four points off his twenty-eight handicap to take the day and leave everybody in his wake. This included second placed Mod Chaviraksa on thirty-seven and Mike Gosden back yet another five points in third on thirty-two.
Rich’s win resulted in his handicap being lowered to twenty-four.

It’s a clean-up for Wylie/Smylie combo

PSC golf from P J Pool Bar

Ian Campbell
Tuesday, June 3, Phoenix Mountain & Lakes (White Tees) – Stableford
1st Jeff Wylie (6) 36pts
2nd Paul Smylie (26) 33pts
3rd Jim Fortune (25) 33pts
Happy to be back at this beautiful golf course, and with some threatening dark clouds fortunately not emptying their contents on top of us. Off-season numbers again today with 10 players, but a reasonable average score of just above 30.
Back in action following a visit to that big island in the Southern Hemisphere, and swearing that this was his first game for several weeks, it was back to winning ways for big Jeff.
The near pin winners were David Smith on M8 and Jeff Wylie on L2 and L7 and the long putt prize on 18 went to yours truly (Ian Campbell).
Thursday, June 5, The Emerald (White Tees) - Stableford
1st Jeff Wylie (6) 34pts
2nd Paul Smylie (26) 33pts
3rd Willi Nachbur (21) 32pts
Off to The Emerald today, a course which is a real test at the best of times, made a bit more difficult on this occasion by the fact that 17 of the greens resembled beaches, having been Heavily sanded.
This, coupled with the rain earlier in the morning, made putting a bit of a lottery. While appreciating that course maintenance has to be undertaken, some of us are of the opinion that a small reduction in the green fee should be offered in such conditions (pigs can’t really fly, can they?)
A touch of déjà vu at the top of the leader board after Tuesday with the Wylie/Smylie combo taking the top places again.
Near pin winners today were, correction – near pin winner today was Jeff Wylie (all four) while the long putt on the final hole went to Jim Fortune.
Today’s winner of the Paradise Bar shirt, albeit with a score which was not far below the average for the day (just under 30) was Keith Hodges.
Note: Information on the group’s venues can be obtained by visiting P J Pool Bar & Restaurant on Soi Boonsampan (Soi Khao Noi) or phone Ian on 087 834 1025.

Dinan top scores at Plutaluang

PSC golf from The Cafe Kronborg

Derek Brook
Monday, June 2, Green Valley – Stableford
The Rayong Green Valley layout was host to a stableford competition and the course on the day was in very good condition, but we had a threat of rain all the way around that fortunately held off.

Thursday’s B Flight winner Kevin Dinan.

Ted Morris was the winner on the day with 37 points and back in the dust we had a count back on 33 points that saw Kevin Dinan in second and Dave Richardson in third.
Thursday, July 5, Plutaluang – Stableford
Nice day, nice results, pity about the course. This for many years has been my attitude, and why should I change it? Well, all the ‘Plutaluang people’ tend to give me a hard time and I have to say that of late the South and East nines have improved greatly, the other 18 holes I try not to play.
Dave tends to book this place regularly as it is one of his favourites with really good prices and an overall package that is hard to beat.
On this day we did play the S & E course and it was in good condition and continues to improve. I am given to understand that in the near future it will change so that South and North will be one 18 holes and East and West the other 18 - could be interesting.
One of the good things about this course is that the changing room now is quite ok, with good showers and the restaurant has fine views with good prices. So sat there it was time to look at the results.
In the A Flight (0-16) the winner was Bob Pierce with 35 points on count back over Bob Benda, while Mike Gosden was in third with 33 points on count back over yours truly (Derek Brook).
In the B Flight the winner was Kevin Dinan with the best score of the day, 38 points, then we had a count back on 35 points that saw Dave Richardson in second and Nigel Perry in third. T.T.F.N.

Don’s 40-pointer thwarts the birthday boy

PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar

Joey’s column
Monday, June 2, Burapha - Stableford
A & B off the blues for the third week in a row and the Outbackers are getting too used to this course, no less than seven of them playing to their handicap or better.
Highest score of the day went to Bruce Milner with 40 points from Dave Porter off his new 13, soon to be 12, handicap on 39. Don Francis pipped Rick Sharp on count back for third, both with 38.
Harvey Samuel took the B Division easily by three, which included two 2’s in the round, believed to be for the first time. Trudy put the guys in Division C to shame with an excellent 37 points.
Div A (0-13)
1st Bruce Milner (13) 40pts
2nd Dave Porter (13) 39pts
3rd Donald Frances (11) 38pts
4th Rick Sharp (13) 38pts
Div B (14-19)
1st Samuel Harvey (18) 38pts
2nd Ken Bailey (14) 35pts
3rd Dennis Persson (17) 35pts
4th Frank O’Neill (16) 33pts
Div C (20+)
1st Trudy Chadbourn (27) 37pts
2nd Mike O’Brien (20) 36pts
3rd Barry Rothberg (20) 35pts
4th Peter Gibson (29) 34pts
2’s: Rick Sharp, Dave Porter, Bruce McAdam, Bruce Milner, Don Frances, Bernie Segrave  and Harvey Samuel (2).
Tuesday, June 3, Phoenix – Stableford
Ten seems to be the regular number that can get up for this early slot. Welcome to a couple of new faces today, namely Dick Hobson from Perth & Andrew Jardine from Hong Kong.
The triple rollover 2’s went eventually to Barry Chadbourn & David Evans who shared the pot. The day was won by Bob Pearce on count back from the course specialist Norm Martin, with a rather ordinary 32 points.
1st Bob Pearce (11) 32pts
2nd Norm Martin (23) 32pts
3rd Andrew Jardine (18) 31pts
2’s: Barry Chadbourn & Dave Evans
Wednesday, June 4, Crystal Bay – Stableford
The second visit to this wonderful resort course in as many weeks saw a depleted number in the field as a result of 10 Outbackers playing an MBMG league match against Angkana House at Phoenix. Nevertheless 17 played in one division, which was won by Ian Covill with 38 points beating Sunny Khanna by one. Third place went to the in form Bruce Milner, second time in the frame this week.
1st Ian Covill (13) 38pts
2nd Sunny Khanna (13) 37pts
3rd Bruce Milner (13) 35pts
4th Chris Davisson (9) 35pts
5th Rosco Langoulant (16) 34pts
2’s: Bruce Milner, Chris Davisson, Sunny Khanna, Kathy Doody, Ian Covill & Paul Crosland  
Friday, June 6, Siam Plantation – Stableford
Fifty-nine golfers enjoyed yet another Outbacker ‘Birthday Cup’, this time sponsored by Mick Moore who at one stage looked as though he might win his own competition, but late in the day both Pimusa & Don Pavlovic came in with brilliant scores of 38 & 40 respectively.
Sugarcane & Pineapple again this week and for those of you that are interested the course was set up with 7 yellow tees & 11 white tees giving a total length of 3,246 yards on Sugarcane & 3,293 on Pineapple. That would, on length alone, rate the course at 70.6 with a slope of 118. However, both will increase quite dramatically when the difficulty of the greens is added in.
There were some wicked pin placements but unlike last week, 4 players managed to share the sizeable rollover 2’s pot. Mick also put up some near pin prizes that were won by Capt’ Bob & Robbie Bennett.
Back at the ranch, cottage pie and a selection of other delights were enjoyed by all, courtesy of Mick. Thanks young man & Happy Birthday.
Overall
1st Don Pavlovic (15) 40pts
2nd Pimusa Tonkhoksoong (20) 38pts
3rd Mick Moore (25) 36pts
Div A (0-11)
1st Kith (8) 33pts
2nd Jack Moseley (8) 32pts
3rd Chris Davisson (9) 30pts
Div B (12-16)
1st Bob Lindborg (15) 34pts
2nd Rosco Langoulant (16) 33pts
3rd Sunny Khanna (13) 30pts
Div C (17-22)
1st Robbie Bennett (19) 33pts
2nd Cambell Potts (20) 31pts
3rd Barry Rothberg (20) 27pts
Div D (23+)
1st Mark Brenton (28) 30pts
2nd John Dillon (25) 29pts
3rd Kevin J Dinan (24) 28pts
2’s: Robbie Bennett, Graham Buckingham, Jack Spencer & Nigel Perry
Note: The Outback Golf Bar is situated about 6km from Sukhumvit Road along Soi Siam Country. All are welcome to come and join us for a beer and a hit. Just call in and put your name down on the list or give Bob a call on 087 941 2474.
Now we have our own minibus and have started regular Pattaya pickups on our golf days and have an ‘Exclusive Deal’ at Siam’s new Plantation course every Friday.
More information can be found on our website www.outbackgolfbar.com.

McDonald scores back to back at Emerald & Navy

PSC golf from The Bunker

Monday, June 2, Crystal Bay - Stableford
1st Geoff Parker (16) 37pts
2nd Alan Sullivan (15) 37pts
3rd Colin Stokes (24) 37 points
Playing Stableford on the Monday at Crystal Bay there was a three-way tie with the Bunker Boy’s and on a count back it was Geoff Parker who came out on top while Alan Sullivan just edged out Colin Stokes by one shot to take second place, all three scoring 37 points.
Alan Sullivan got one of the near pin prizes too along with Tony Robbins, Paul Smith and Glen Cunningham.
Wednesday, June 4, The Emerald - Stableford
1st John McDonald (6) net 71
2nd Paul Smith (3) net 73
3rd Mick Benton (20) net 75
4th Roger Privett (15) net 77
Playing Medal at the Emerald the low handicappers took control as you might expect and it was John McDonald who fared the best, winning with a one-under par net 71. Paul Smith claimed second place with a one over par net 73, Mick Benton came third with net 75 and Roger Privett came fourth with net 77.
Winner John McDonald was a near pin prize winner too as were Tony Robbins, Tony Berry and William Macey.
Friday, June 6, Plutaluang - Stableford
1st John McDonald (6) 41pts
2nd Stan Watkins 33pts
3rd Peter Habgood 33pts
4th William Macey 33pts
Playing stableford on the South and East courses at the Royal Thai Navy course, three players finished with 33 points and after a count back Stan Watkins claimed second place, Peter Habgood took third place and William Macey came fourth. The best round of the day however was played by Wednesday’s winner John McDonald who shot a great 41 points to take the lion’s share of the spoils.
Near pins went to William Macey, John Hughes and two were won by Geoff Hart fresh from his lovely holiday in the UK!

Sydney, Pattaya sailors dominate 7th Koh Samui Regatta

The crew of Pornstar receive their award as winners
of the “Sports Boats” category.

By Peter Cummins,
Koh Samui
Ray Roberts, top Asian sailor for 2008, Matt Allen, Commodore of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia and Andrew Short, also from the Sydney Club, ‘cleaned up’ the IRC-1, IRC-2 and the Cruising Classes, respectively at last week’s Koh Samui Regatta. Thai sailors Radab Kanjanavanit and Kipsan Beck did the Kingdom honours in the other two classes – the Sports Boats and the Multihulls.

Australia’s Ray Roberts was nominated as “Asia’s top skipper” for 2008.
The 7th Samui International Yacht Regatta closed last Saturday, June 7, with a splendid Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner Party, held seafront on the spacious grounds of the Centara Grand Beach Resort.
It was once again a most successful regatta. The ‘wind gods’ finally obliged, after some tricky days and, even, one day abandoned. But, the Samui Regatta race management under principal race officer, Tony Denham and director of the sailing programme, Simon James, was not an entity to mess with – not even by ‘wind gods’!
Hong Kong luminary, Frank Pong, is the defending Phuket Regatta Racing Class champion and a prominent sailor, coach and advisor to up-coming sailors in the Asian region, training and nurturing the Chinese teams for the past years, especially for the forthcoming Olympiad.

Thailand’s Radab Kanjanavanit on “Cedar Swan” was the winner of the “Multihull” class.
Last year he also won the coveted ‘Amani Blue Blazer’, as the Yachting Grand prix skipper, receiving the most top placings on the eight-regatta Asian Circuit and also carrying off the Perpetual Asian Yachting Cup, presented by AY’s Captain Marty Rijkuris.
This year, it is Aussie Ray Roberts who becomes the fifth skipper to carry off the award and honours as Asia’s top skipper.
One of the highlights of the 7th Samui Regatta was the competition of the new class of Samui youngsters racing Optimists, emanating from a programme initiated by Samui Regatta co-founder and a strong supporter of Samui sailing, John Stall. With strong ongoing assistance from another Samui entrepreneur and regatta supporter, Francesco Brancaccio, John designed and implemented the first Youth Sailing Squadron last year.

Pattaya’s star turn “Pornstar” heads for home.
The 7th Samui International Yacht Regatta 2008’s Optimist Championship was won by tiny Thai girl, Mai, with Amanda second and Nattapol, third. Unsuspecting Hong Kong journalist, Chris Howarth, was conned into race management for the children and, as could be expected, Chris performed admirably.
Hot parties – all week
Although, at times, the action was not too ‘hot’ on the water, with a fickle, disappearing wind, the vibes on the shore were red hot, with parties/receptions and dinners every night.
It all started with the traditional opening party at host sponsor Centara Grand ‘s Brazilian Grill and Bar, Zico’s, which was, indeed, a worthy ‘curtain-raiser.’ Evident was the affable GM of Centara, Jacques Mury but missing were the exotic Brazilian dancers, although the beautiful staff serving and catering made up the difference.

“Quantum Racing” under full sail.
Throughout the entire week, again thanks to co-sponsor Centara, the most popular rendezvous was the seaside Regatta Tavern, where food and drinks were always plentiful. The sailors, regatta management and supporters gathered for an extended happy hour, to hear the results and (for some), to receive the day’s awards.
Then there was a truly memorable press dinner at the Chef’s Table of the Sila Evason Six Senses Hideaway and Spa on Koh Samui’s northeastern corner. It was a gourmet spectacular, prepared especially for the media and press, by Executive Chef Thomas Jakobi and Sous Chef Ryan Dadufalza. So exotic was this banquet that many of the Media were wishing they had more than six senses (or, should that read, ‘five’?) to savour the marvelous food and a great selection of wines perfectly matching the menu.
At mid-week, the Samui Dhevatara/Samui Villas & Homes Party, at Fisherman Village, Bo Phut, was a splendid, open-air event, with a cast of hundreds picnicking around the spacious lawns and imbibing the free flow of beverages – some (who must remain anonymous) absorbed too much.
A VIP & Press party the following night at the Briza Resort & Spa, brought together skippers, sponsors, supporters and, of course, the ubiquitous press and media, for a grand gathering, for champagne drinking, wine sipping and beer guzzling - another memorable, or some forgettable – evening. The biggest challenge was to make one’s way u to the lofty heights of the Briza Lobby, without a capsize!
Prior to this was a beer party and some snacks at John and Bang Stall’s Tradewinds Resort, where trophies were presented to the excited children who had competed in their first Samui International Regatta Optimist Championship.
Friday night was the much-awaited Raimon Land Party at the Tradewinds. As usual, the entertainment was top class, the f&b non-stop and the splendid fireworks to top everything off.
And Saturday evening, it all ended with the ever-famous Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner Party in the spacious grounds of host sponsor, the Centara Grand Beach Resort Samu.
Basically, the total private sector is behind the Samui regatta, particularly Thailand’s leading supporter of international sports events, Raimon Land, joined by Singha and Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui, which has been the headquarters of the regatta for seven consecutive years. Additionally there is support from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)
Samui Regatta is also supported by Dhevatara Properties, The Kata Group, Samui Villas and Homes, The Briza Resort Group, Bangkok Hospital Samui, The Lofts Southshore, The Lotus Terraces, and Seatran Discovery as well as other local event supporters.
See you all for the 8th Samui Sailfest in 2009.

The Racing Class IRC 1 boats cross the start line on day 3.

2008 Samui Regatta winners:
Racing Class (IRC-1): Ray Roberts (Aus)”Quantum Racing” (10 points)
Racing Class (IRC-2): Matt Allen (Aus), “Ichiban” (5 points)
Sports Boats: Kipsan Beck (Thai), “Pornstar” (5 points)
Cruising: Andrew Short (Aust) “Constanza” (5 points)
Multihull: Radab Kanjanavanit (Thai) “Cedar Swan” (9 points)

Brother D remains in first with 2 weeks to go

Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League

200 Bowlers – Dang, Kran, Lek, Su, Ooy & Tue
Brother D won three points from Café Ole and is getting closer to a league first place trophy. Dang led Brother D with a 226 game and 573 series. Tue was best for Café Ole with a 200 game and 562 series.
Diamond Shop took three points from Café Kronborg, knocking them two points behind first place. Su rolled a 222 game, 551series, for Diamond Shop and Kran had a 528 series for Kronborg.
Montana is in fourth place after winning three points from third place SaBai Friday. Beaver Bar & Grill took 3.5 points from Balls Galore with both teams having trouble with the lane conditions.
Ooy bowled a 229 game and 552 series to lead Canada to a three-point win over House of the Golden Coin. Jack Tar took three points from VFW Post 9876.

200 Bowlers: Dang, Kran, Lek, Su, Ooy & Tue.

Lawn Bowls – “The Pattaya Challenge”

Barry Hooper
Many people outside the sport are unaware that Pattaya now has two lawn bowls operations: The Bowling Green, Pattaya, which has been established for many years and now has new management, and the new Retreat Bowling Club on the outskirts of the town.

Albert and May being presented with their trophies by Steve from the Bowling Green.
For some time it had been considered that the two clubs should arrange and hold an inter-club event. Well I am pleased to report that the first round of the inaugural “Pattaya Challenge” was held over the weekend of June 8 and 9 at the Bowling Green with a return event scheduled to be held at the Retreat on June 21 and 22.
Over the two days of competition twelve matches of triples were held involving six teams from each club.
On Saturday the Bowling Green lost four matches to two and on Sunday the result was three all, and when all this is converted into points it means that the Retreat hold a fourteen points to ten lead going into the second round.
The top team of the weekend, who were presented with a trophy at the presentation, were Albert, Steve and May from the Retreat. Following the conclusion of the bowling the Bowling Green management lais on a fabulous buffet for the players.
The final result after the second round will be reported in two weeks time and meanwhile I am very happy to report that the involvement of players in this sport is having a revival after some time in the doldrums. Long may it continue!