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BENNY TEO REPORTS ON THE REGION’S LATEST SPORTS NEWS
SAILS AHOY
Following the success of the 5th Koh Samui Regatta in May, the yachting fraternity’s attention will shift its focus to the other side of Thailand’s coastline from 27-30 July.
Billed as “Asia’s most exciting regatta”, Evason Phuket Raceweek presents a full week of international-standard yacht racing for a wide range of vessels – from highly competitive top racers all the way to live-aboard cruisers and charter boats.
Based at the Evason Phuket Resort, the social programme will be five-stars of thrills and spills, offering excellent catering and first-class entertainment – and very special low-season rates for luxury accommodation. www.phuketraceweek.com
DAM GOOD RIDE
Imagine cycling across the breathtakingly beautiful landscape of Thailand’s largest dam near the northern city of Tak, against a stunning backdrop of mountains and shimmering reservoir waters…
It’s no wonder that so many people are keen for an invite to participate in the annual Bhumibol Dam Invitation International Mountain Bike Championship on 26-27 August.
The highlight of this event is a 40km professional race, but there are also various other categories, including novelty rides such as the short-distance sprint “Cheetah” race; and a “Conqueror” race to the top of the dam.
In its fifth year, this event is jointly organised by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in cooperation with the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) and Bhumibol Dam to promote ecotourism in Thailand. www.tat.or.th
COOL RUNNINGS
Attracting a mix of professional and recreational runners, participants of the Pattaya International Marathon will be running a full 42km on a pleasant beachfront route stretching from Pattaya to Jomtien on 16 July.
The race toughens up at the end with an uphill climb towards the finish on Sukumvit Road back in Pattaya. Events are broken into marathon, half-marathon and quarter marathon to cater to amateur runners wanting a piece of the action.
Last year’s winner, John Rotich from Kenya finished two minutes ahead of his predominantly Thai challengers.
Will a local hero prevail this time round? Pay a visit and find out!
www.pattaya-marathon.com
TOUGH GETS TOUGHER
A gruelling race awaits the fitness-crazed in this year’s OSIM Singapore Triathlon 2006. This annual event to be held on 1-2 July at East Coast Park features a 1.5km swim in the sea, a 40km bike race and a heart-pumping 10km run.
A world-ranking event sanctioned by the International Triathlon Union (ITU), the race continually attracts top triathletes from around the world, including ITU World Champion (and last winner), Peter Robertson.
For amateurs wanting a taste of what it’s like, there are prep courses to gear up for this energy-sapping race.
www.singaporetriathlon.com
BALL OF A TIME
Come 16-20 August, some of the world’s best women’s volleyball players will come together at the Hong Kong Coliseum to kick off the FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix that takes place all over Europe and Asia.
Home favourite China will take on Italy in this first leg of the US$1 million tournament, which sees 12 nations battle it out on the court. Five teams will go on to Reggio Calabria, Italy, to compete alongside the host nation’s team for top honours in September this year.
Brazil returns to defend their title, but should expect a hard game against the United States and Russia, who is making a comeback after missing last year’s event. Asian hopes are pinned on China, who has already amassed seven podium finishes.
www.fivb.org
play time golf news
HOME SUPPORT
June saw the Bangkok Airways Open at Santiburi Samui Country Club take place for the second time on the Asian Tour, boasting a strong presence of golfi ng stars that included perennial home favourite, ˚ ongchai Jaidee.
Asia’s only BOUTIQUE airline further highlighted its commitment to promoting golf in ˚ ailand by announcing its sponsorship of the multiple Asian Tour Merit Winner, who also has a European Tour trophy under his belt.
Supporting Jaidee’s game is akin to national pride for the man who became the fi rst ˚ ai to tee-o˛ at this year’s Masters tournament. www.bangkokair.com
COBRA J-SPEED JUNIOR GOLF SET
While everyone is in awe of Tiger Woods as golf’s present-day hero, parents all over the world are happily gearing their tiny tots for golf’s future. Until now, no one has manufactured clubs customised to grow together with the kids (who grow really fast!).
Cobra Golf has designed two sets of golf clubs to suit children of various age groups; one for kids aged 6-8 years and another for those aged 9-11 years.
So, look out, Tiger, your competition might come sooner than you think!
Available at all major golf retailers. www.cobragolf.com
GOLF TIP
When you are in a greenside bunker and need to get out, the most common mistake is a no-confi dence shot of a half-swing without follow through.
Try this: Pretend the ball is lying on a pancake, or sprinkler head.
Aim for the front edge of the “pancake” and don’t stop your swing upon contact. Follow through as you would a regular shot and, voila! out comes the ball.
From www.free-golf-tip.com
GOLF’S TRUE CALLING
Rough Meditations is about the most honest book one can fi nd on the opinions of a learned man with regards to his greatest passion – golf.
Author Bradley S. Klein is a university professor who is a sometime-caddie on the professional tour as well as a golf writer who has spent a large part of his life poring into the intricacies of golf course architecture.
You will fi nd many interesting and intriguing stories about his experiences at both professional and amateur events, including his visits to some of the best and unheard-of golf courses in the world!
Published by Wiley Publications.
Available at all major bookstores.
JUST PITCHING IN
Chinese’s most prolifi c touring professional, Zhang Lian Wei certainly made waves when kicking o˛ the recent Johnnie Walker Golf Challenge in his home country. China’s No. 1 golfer chipped a shot from an unanchored luxury yacht about 50m away towards a mini golf course on shore to tee o˛ the event.
Despite a strong current and blistery wind conditions, Zhang nailed his shot in front of over 200 journalists, guests and celebrities on the other side. ˚ is fabulous chip is the fi rst swing of the 2,500km Par 12 Challenge that will culminate in Beijing at the Great Wall of China, where Zhang will again be faced with some di˝ cult shots at this wonder of the world.
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