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Play Time
Play time benny teo reports on the region’s latest sports news
HORSING AROUND
Among other things, Singapore is known as a site of spectacular horse-racing. With more than 160 years of tradition and a new world-class facility in the north of the island, it is defi nitely worth spending the day at the Singapore Turf Club when the S$3 million Singapore Airlines International Cup takes place on 14 May.
As part of the prestigious World Series Racing Championship, the competition attracts trainers and riders from around the world, including Italian Derby winner De Sica and Argentinian Derby (G1) winner Vroom Vroom. Representing the island republic are Steven Burridge’s World Leaders, King And King and former Sydney galloper, Warm Ride, among others. Don’t miss this exciting race! www.turfclub.com.sg
TWO FOR ONE
Discover the latest in diving and adrenaline fixes at the ailand Travel & Dive Expo 2006 and the thailand Outdoor Adventure 2006 shows, both taking place at Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in May.
As well as finding out what’s new in the underwater and outdoor worlds, dive operators, resorts, package tours, and courses at all levels are offered at special prices which are unavailable at any other events throughout the year.
Major exhibitors include the Living Sea, Rock Camp International, Siam Diving, Dive Master, and fi rst-time exhibitors Amorn ATV, Clark and Wayu Water Sport. Last year’s event saw a total of 100,000 visitors turn up with even more expected this year. 18-21 May 2006, www.thaitravelexpo.com
FANCY FOOTWORK
Cambodian football fans are thrilled to welcome what has become one of Asia’s major football competitions, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President’s Cup this year. In its second season, the tournament will kick off from 3-13 May in Phnom Penh.
Clubs from eight countries – Bhutan, Chinese Taipei, Cambodia, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Tajikistan – will be split into two groups with the top two teams from each division competing for the top honours at the end of the 11-day event. www.the-afc.com
BATTLE OF THE BOATS
During the next few months, the Dragon Boating Festival season descends on the region with teams from all over Asia taking to the water. Join in the fun and watch paddlers push themselves to the limit at the Singapore Dragon Boat Festival at Bedok Reservoir on 24-25 June.
As with other similar events taking place at this time, the fiercely competitive 800m-long race commemorates the death of Qu Yuan during the fi F h lunar month of each year (June). This influential character was a Chinese poet and statesman during 4th century BC, who drowned himself to protest against political corruption. Hopefully, competitors and supporters will remain safe and dry. www.sdba.org.sg
LIFE AT SEA
Hurry down to thailand’s coastal destination of Pattaya to catch the last few days of the First Pattaya Boat Show & Premier Living, running until 3 May.
The inaugural event is held at the exclusive Ocean Marina Yacht Club and is targeted to promote the Gulf of ? ailand as a prime sailing and marina lifestyle destination.
Look at and learn about all things aquatic at this inaugural show – from sailboats, motorboats and yachts; to a variety of water sports and their apparel. Also exhibiting will be a range of luxury lifestyle companies showcasing wine, cigars, watches and jewellery, as well as spa, golf, property and insurance products. www.impact.co.th/Pattayaboatshow
GOLF TIP
How hard should you grip the club, any club? The real question should be, how easy to grip it? Think of your grip this way: You have an egg in your hand. How hard can you squeeze before the egg breaks? That’s how easy your grip should be. This is extremely tough to master, but try and be conscience of it the next time you get on the course. You may be pleasantly surprised! From www.free-golf-tip.com
HISTORICAL PUTTS
Singapore’s top player, Mardan Mamat, also became its first winner of a European Tour title after winning the OSIM Singapore Masters by a single stroke in March. He led all four days to seal victory and take home a cheque for US$166,660.
Mamat pumped his fi sts in the air in triumph before covering his face as he burst into tears after his final putt to finish with 12-under 276 at the Laguna National Golf and Country Club Masters layout.
Talking about his victory against more than 100 professionals from both the Asian and European Tours, Mamat said, “I kept myself relaxed and played my own game. That is the key for my success today.” The patriotic local hero added, “To win this is a dream come true. I dedicate this win to all Singaporeans.” www.asiantour.com
SAMUI ROUNDS
Can Taiwanese veteran Lu Wen Teh successfully defend his title? Or will the < ais stake a meaner challenge this time to take the trophy and US$300,000 prize money home? The drama will continue at the Bangkok Airways Open taking place at Santiburi Samui Country Club from 8-11 June this year.
Only in its second instalment as an Asian Tour event, the contest seeks to draw Asia’s top golfers to the beautiful resort island of Koh Samui. www.bangkokair.com
PUTTER POWER
After blazing the golfing world with the revolutionary 2-ball putter, Odyssey now offers something to beat its own competition. What can be better than a 2-ball view of the line at address?
Try 3-ball. This new Odyssey Tri-Ball SRT Putter is face-balanced, has a half-shaft offset and is available in both right- and left-handed models in 33-, 34-, 35-and 36-inch lengths. It combines Odyssey’s exclusive Saturn Ring Technology with new alignment technology for unprecedented straight-back, straight-through performance on every putt! Available at Pan-West retail stores throughout Asia. www.odysseygolf.com
TRUE HEROES
Life with a Swinger: Conversations off the tee with golf professionals and their wives is a book that highlights how 96 leading men of golf all have to fight for survival, both on and off the greens. But while their sacrifices make wonderful tales, it is really their wives – who hold them together and quietly support them through weal and woe – that are the real heroes of this book. An ideal choice for anecdotal reading and a source of inspiration for maintaining the longevity of marriage.
Published by Wiley Publications. Available at all major bookstores.
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