China’s General Administration of Sport (GAS) has banned all tattoos and is calling on athletes, especially footballers, to have theirs removed.
GAS issued a statement on Thursday saying all national teams must strictly observe the new requirements to set a good example.
Photo Credit: ACL
There is no indication as to when the new rules will go into effect.
The GAS statement said that athletes are prohibited from getting new tattoos, while those who have been tattooed are strictly advised to have them removed.
Players can cover up their tattoos while training and at matches under special agreements, however, under the new rules, young players with tattoos will not be called to join the national squad.
There are also suggestions that the Chinese Football Association will take disciplinary action against players who breach the rules.
GAS also requires that national teams organise “ideological and political education activities” that would “strengthen patriotic education”.
Tattoos have become more popular with Chinese athletes in recent years, and Chinese defender Zhang Linpeng has been told to have his covered up while playing for the national team and his club Guangzhou FC.
China is scheduled to face Japan in the third round of World Cup qualifiers on January 27.
Thailand’s newly amended Sports Doping Control Act of 2012 was published in the Royal Gazette on Friday in line with requirements set by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
WADA slapped Thailand with many prohibitions on January 1, 2021, for failing to adjust its “out-of-date” anti-doping law and bringing it in line with the international 2021 Anti-Doping Code.
If the law had not been amended, Thailand would be disqualified from hosting international competitions, have trouble sending Thai athletes to games overseas and worst of all, not be able to fly the national flag at tournaments.
The Cabinet on Tuesday approved an executive decree for the law to be immediately amended in line with the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT)’s proposal.
SAT governor Gongsak Yodmani said on December 22 that WADA was satisfied with the draft amendment.
Wichayapat Sinsrang remained on track in his bid for a maiden title as he held on to the lead after day three of the Bt5 million Thailand Mixed hosted by TrustGolf at the Aquella Golf and Country Club on Thursday.
In his chase for a breakthrough win after turning pro earlier this year, the 24-year-old was engaged in a see-saw battle with star players Sadom Kaewkanjana, Prom Meesawat and teen prodigy Ratchanon Chantananuwat for the top of the leaders’ board.
But a brilliant eagle chip on the 15th hole finally propelled him to take the outright lead. He signed off with a 67 (including four birdies and a bogey on the ninth) and a three-day total of 22 under-par-194, a shot ahead of Sadom, the 2021 No 1 player on the All Thailand Golf Tour.
Wichayapat, also named as “Tiger” after American golf super star Tiger Woods by his father, accepted that he was under pressure after superb displays of from in the first two rounds (64 and 63). “(Between holes 7-13) I couldn’t score at all as I was a bit under stress. But I was so lucky to make that eagle and took a solo lead,” said the unfancied player from Nakhon Ratchasima. He is eyeing on his best finish in a professional tournament after his best attempt at lone sixth in the Singha Laguna Phuket Open in October.
“My game plan for the final round is to be focused, study the weather condition well and play more carefully,” added Witchayapat, hoping to earn the winner’s cheque of Bt750,000 which will be the most handsome prize money in his career.
Sadom who has four wins and three runner-up positions in 2021 once again set himself as a title contender. His bogey free round of 66 saw him trail the leader by a shot on 21 under-par-195. “I had a slow start and it took me a while to get into momentum. After I saved a long par putt on the seventh hole, I began to feel more confident and hit five birdies at the back nine,” said the 23-year-old Sadom. A win in the Friday’s final will see him kiss good-bye to the season in style.
“The tee and approach shots will be the key. If you hit to the right positions on the greens, you are likely to make birdies. Several greens here are undulating, so you just have to go for the right positions,” said Sadom, looking for his fifth title this year.
LPGA member Pavarisa Yoktuan caused a stir at the Aquella on Thursday as she set a new course record with an astonishing 61, which also marks her personal best. The 27-year-old decorated her error-free scorecard with 11 birdies, eight at the front nine. She came at lone third with a total 196.
“I hit very close to the pins and made those putts. I worked on my putts during the morning practice as I barely made my putts in the afternoon round yesterday,” Pavarisa explained the reason why she was on fire.
Pavarisa will be determined to become the second woman to win the Thailand Mixed after Arpichaya Yubol in March. The Nakhon Si Thammarat-based will also attempt to stem her long drought of title since winning the Thai LPGA Championship in 2015.
“I will focus on my game and try not to think about others or what’s going on. Everyone, men or women, stands equal chance at this course,” added Pavarisa whose best LPGA finish was at tied fifth in the 2019 Marathon Classic.
Three shots off the lead was 14-year-old amateur Ratchanon who despite an opening eagle had to be content with a 69 (including four birdies and three bogeys) and a total 197.
“Everything fell apart today, the iron, the driver and the putt. I made a bad decision by trying to go on top too much while it was just the moving day, not the final. I paid the price for being concerned with the scoreboard too much,” said Ratchanon, looking for his first win on a pro tour after coming second in the Singha Laguna Phuket in October.
“I’m just three strokes behind, so it’s still possible for me to win. But you need to shoot low score, may be 8-9 under to make it possible,” the promising teenager said.
Two-time winner Prom Meesawat, with a 69, and two female players Chanoknan Angurasaranee (66) and Natthakritta Vongtaveelap (63), amateur, fell a shot behind after each hit a 198.
The tournament is being staged under strict protective protocols against COVID-19. ATK Swap test is provided for players, personal caddies, player’s company and officials. Only those who test negative are permitted to participate in the tournament. Furthermore, fans who produce negative ATK results within 72 hours before the tournament are welcome at the course.
Viewers can watch live streaming of the Thailand Mixed hosted by TrustGolf on AISPLAY APP, https://www.facebook.com/trustgolfclub and at TrustGolf Youtube channel from 9am onwards during tournament days.
The substitution of goalkeeper Kawin Thamsatchanan, who lost his father on the same day, was the highlight of Thailand’s victory against Indonesia 4-0 in the first leg of the final of the AFF Championship on Wednesday.
Substitute goalkeeper Kawin Thamsatchanan replaced goalkeeper Siwarak Tedsungnoen in the seventy-fourth minute.
Kawin, whose father died from cancer on Wednesday before the match, thanked his teammates and staff for helping the team come closer to winning the trophy. He also thanked everyone who supported him after he lost his father.
He said he wanted to thank everyone because he needed support at the moment. Kawin also wanted everyone to cheer for the team during their second key match.
Meanwhile, head coach Alexandre “Mano” Pölking said he wanted to reward Kawin after the footballer’s father passed away.
Mano said he wanted to explain to Indonesia that he did not intend to disrespect them after the team changed its goalkeeper. It was because Kawin’s father died in the afternoon. He wanted to reward Kawin by creating a “great memory” for him to play for his father.
Rookie Witchayapat Sinsrang was hot on his heels as he fired a stunning 63 to lead the halfway stage of the Bt5 million Thailand Mixed hosted by TrustGolf at the Aquella Golf and Country Club in Phang-Nga on Wednesday.
The little-known player from Nakhon Ratchasima produced an error-free second round with four birdies at the front nine and five more at the turn to total 17 under-par-127 to grab a stroke lead over 14-year-old sensation Ratchanon Chantananuwat in the fifth and final circuit of the Thailand TrustGolf Tour series.
“I just wanted to stick to my game plan but it turned out I made nine birdies without any bogey,” said Witchayapat whose round of 63 matched the course record set by Ratchanon, the first round leader, on Monday.
“I hit the iron well and my short game was unbelievable. I created myself a lot of birdie opportunities from 2-3 yards to the pins. The court sets up pretty easy to shoot low scores. But it depends on whether or not you capitalize on your chance,” added the young gun who has yet to savour a maiden victory. His best finish occurred at the November’s Singha Laguna Phuket Open where he signed off at lone sixth.
“I’m so excited to be on the lead again. My first time was at the Singha Masters in Chiang Rai two weeks ago, and I wasted my chance (in the final day). Hopefully I can make it this time. At this point I hope to win. Anything can happen in the game of golf,” added Witchayapat who settled at joint 10th in Chiang Rai.
Boy wonder Ratchanond produced a spectacular back nine performance where he shot four birdies and an eagle on the 14th hole to finish with a 65 and 16 under.
“It was a totally different scenario at the back. I played poorly at the front but everything just went my way at the back. Once I made that eagle, I was so pumped and got my momentum back,” said Ratchanon whose round three plan is to exert pressure on the more experienced players on the lead.
“I may be only 14, but I will try to play like a mature man and intimidate them. If you play like a kid, they will not take you seriously, to be honest,” he said.
Coming at joint third was Sadom Kaewkanjana who has the most wins in 2021 with four titles and has never finished outside the top 10 in all 10 starts. He casted a second round 64 for a total 15 under-par-219.
“Overall, I played a good standard of golf without a bogey. My iron just worked really well, hitting close to the pins several times and made some good putts,” said the 23-year-old player from Narathiwat.
“For the weekends, I will have to stick to the same routine by hitting to the right positions. On this course, you have to hit the iron well to create your opportunities. But it will be tougher if there are strong winds,” said Sadom who captured three titles on the All Thailand Golf Tour and one on the Thailand PGA Tour this year.
Two-time Thailand TrustGolf Tour winner Prom Meesawat, with a bogey free 64 and a total 219, was again in contention for the title.
“I don’t want to pressure myself by setting a particular goal. What I need to do is to hit to the good positions to create birdie chances and be very careful with some tough holes,” said Prom, winner of the second and fourth Thailand Mixes series.
Four shots off the lead at lone fifth was two-time Asian Development Tour winner Itthiphat Buranatanyarat who submitted a scorecard of 66.
Rising star Chanoknan Angurasaranee, with a 68, was at tied sixth on 132 along with Thaya Limpipolpaibul, the latter with a 67.
The tournament is being staged under strict protective protocols against COVID-19. ATK Swap test is provided for players, personal caddies, player’s company and officials. Only those who test negative are permitted to participate in the tournament. Furthermore, fans who produce negative ATK results within 72 hours before the tournament are welcome at the course.
Viewers can watch live streaming of the Thailand Mixed hosted by TrustGolf on AISPLAY APP, https://www.facebook.com/trustgolfclub and at TrustGolf Youtube channel from 9am onwards during tournament days.
Thailand team won over Indonesia 4-0 AFF SUZUKI CUP 2020 first leg approaching the 6th ASEAN Championship almost 100 percent
Thailand team won over Indonesia 4-0 AFF Suzuki Cup AFF SUZUKI CUP 2020 first leg approaching the 6th ASEAN Championship almost 100 percent
AFF SUZUKI CUP 2020 final second match will kick off on Saturday January 1, 2022 at 7:30 p.m.
Thailand win over Indonesia 4-0 AFF SUZUKI CUP 2020 final first legThailand win over Indonesia 4-0 AFF SUZUKI CUP 2020 final first legThailand win over Indonesia 4-0 AFF SUZUKI CUP 2020 final first legThailand win over Indonesia 4-0 AFF SUZUKI CUP 2020 final first leg
Thailand win over Indonesia 4-0 AFF SUZUKI CUP 2020 final first legThailand win over Indonesia 4-0 AFF SUZUKI CUP 2020 final first leg
Thailand win over Indonesia 4-0 AFF SUZUKI CUP 2020 final first leg
Whiz Kid Ratchanon Chantananuwat relied on sharp ball striking to open his campaign with an immaculate 63 after round one of the Bt5 million The Last Chapter, the fifth circuit of the Thailand Mixed hosted by TrustGolf series, at the Aquella Golf and Country Club in Phang-Nga on Tuesday.
Teeing off at the back nine, the 14-year-old boy sank seven birdies and one eagle on the first hole to establish a stroke lead over star players like two-time winner Prom Meesawat, LPGA veteran Pornanong Phatlum, and 17-year-old Chanoknan Angurasaranee and rookie Witchayapat Sinsrang at the par 72 landscape which measures 7,018 yards for the men and 6,179 yards for the women.
“I’m not greedy but I should have made more birdies,” said the 14-year-old teen prodigy. “My ball striking is very good. I hit 17 greens, made birdies from nine holes and narrowly missed my birdie chances from seven holes,” said the wonder kid who won five straight best amateur titles on the All Thailand Golf Tour (ATGT) in 2021.
Things could have gone wrong for the talented Ratchanon after he miscalculated a shot that hit the pathway before landing into the pond on the 16th. But he managed to save par and went on to shoot four more birdies plus an eagle chip from the bunker on hole No 1.
“It was a turning point on the 16th. If I ended up with a bogey, I could have lost my momentum and finished with a bad score,” added the world No 651, the youngest in the top 700.
“If I can keep striking the ball like this, I stand a very good chance at winning. I won’t hope for another nine under tomorrow. Just hitting five under every day will do,” Ratchanon said.
Former world top 30 Pornanong produced four birdies at the front and repeated the same margin at the back to enjoy a bogey free 64 to follow at second in her first start at the mixed event.
“I putted really well today and the green condition really suits my game. This is my first time playing this format and I’ve got to learn that the guys play quite fast and aggressive. The men’s game is fun to watch,” said Pornanong, three-time runner up on the LPGA including the 2018 Women’s British Open.
“My game plan for the next three days is to hit the fairways and be prudent with some holes which are quite narrow. But I will go for the flag positions if necessary,” she added.
Prom who won the second Thailand Mixed (with Chapchai Nirat) in Chiang Mai and the fourth in Hua Hin had nine birdies against one bogey on the 18th to also settle for a first round 64.
“My shots are getting better than in the previous weeks. I set myself up in several good positions and capitalised on my chances. The course sets up in a perfect condition. It’s quite beautiful and new for everyone, so we still have to get used to it more,” said Prom.
Unfancied Witchayapat, 24 from Nakhon Ratchasima, fired an eagle on the first hole, seven birdies and one bogey to join the leading group.
“My iron shots are sharp. A 64 first round is beyond my expectations. The course condition really favours me,” said Witchayapat who posted two top 10 finishes on the ATGT this year.
2021 ATGT No 1 player Sadom Kaewkanjana, with a 65, shared the sixth position with Chiang Mai-born Thaya Limpipolpaibul
The tournament is being staged under strict protective protocols against COVID-19. ATK Swap test is provided for players, personal caddies, player’s company and officials. Only those who test negative are permitted to participate in the tournament. Furthermore, fans who produce negative ATK results within 72 hours before the tournament are welcome at the course.
Viewers can watch live streaming of the Thailand Mixed hosted by TrustGolf on AISPLAY APP, https://www.facebook.com/trustgolfclub and at TrustGolf Youtube channel from 9am onwards during tournament days.
The Thailand Mixed is organised by TrustGolf, an indoor training center with advanced technology, It is supported by the Sports Authority of Thailand, the National Sports Development Fund, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Bangkok Bank, B.Grimm Company, Bond Holdings, AISPLAY, Bridgestone, Trust Pharmacy, Trust Live Streaming, the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration, Aquella Golf and Country Club and S.Khonkaen.
Nineteen Thai karate athletes who returned from the 2021 Championships in Kazakhstan were infected with Covid-19.
Thai coach Yanisa Torrattanawathana revealed on Tuesday that athletes, staff, the president of the Karate Sports Association of Thailand, General Surachart Jitjaeng, and association secretary Praparnpongs Pochanasomburana, who were all infected, are currently in isolation in Thailand after returning from competing in the AKF Senior and Cadet, Junior and U21 Championships.
However, there were no worrying symptoms and they are currently under symptomatic treatment.
She said all athletes had been vaccinated before the tournament.
Yanisa pointedly blamed the hosts for the infections.
She said the Asian Karatedo Federation was “careless” in their management of the competition.
The tournament was ten days long but the athletes were tested via ATK only once, when they arrived.
Meanwhile, the venue was not well-ventilated. The room for training and warming up was small and athletes couldn’t maintain a proper social distance from one another.
Yanisa speculated that the disease spread during the competition.
Moreover, the hosts let everyone head easily back to their home countries.
The teams from Japan and Kuwait have also reportedly been infected.
The Thai team are now waiting to see if they are infected with the Omicron variant.
They can at least take consolation from the fact that they fared well at the competition. They bagged one gold medal, courtesy of Siwakorn Muekthong, in the U21 Kumite Male under-60kg category, and two silver medals, thanks to Irinlada Sriargardkraisang in the Junior Kata Female category and Penpisut Namkhao in the U21 Kumite Female under-55kg category. Meanwhile, Kewalin Songklin won bronze in the Senior Kumite Female +68kg category.
A total of 126 players will strut their stuff in the season-ending Thailand Mixed hosted by TrustGolf which tees off on Tuesday at the Aquella Golf and Country Club in Phang-Nga.
The fifth circuit of the Thailand Mixed series which offers the highest overall prize money of Bt5 million features the Kingdom’s rising stars including 2021 All Thailand Golf Tour No 1 Sadom Kaewkanjana, LPGA member Wichanee Meechai, Symetra Tour player Prima Thammaraks plus 14-year-old amateur Ratchanon Chantananuwat, the youngest player in the world’s top 700.
Sadom who has posted 10 straight top 10 finishes this season hoped to have a great time in the last stop of the Thailand TrustGolf Tour series which offers a scholarship in golf sports degree at Rangsit University for the winner.
“I don’t set a goal that I have to win this week. The field is tough as there are many top players and the prize money is huge. I want to enjoy the competition and produce some great form,” said Sadom who finished the year as the Order of Merit winner of the All Thailand Golf Tour (ATGT) with a total earning of over Bt2.5 million.
The Thai young gun is in no rush about his career as he plans to compete mainly in Asia in the next 12 months.
“As a former Asian Tour winner (Bangladesh Open in 2019), I can enter a lot of events on the Asian Tour next year, so that will be my priority. However, if I have the opportunity, I will try to play Q-School events either on the Japan Tour or European Tour,” added Sadom who just settled at tied eighth in the Singha E-San Open in Khon Kaen on Sunday.
Asked what aspect of his game he wished to improve for the up-coming season, Sadom said: “I want to improve my driving distance. If I can hit further, it will make my game easier.” Ratchanon who is ranked No 651 in the world has won five consecutive best amateur titles on the ATGT. Despite his age, the teenager, due to his recent form, will be one of the forces to be reckoned with at the picturesque Aquella.
126 Players to Launch Actions in 5th Thailand Mixed
“The course isn’t so long but it has narrow fairways. You need to come up with a good game plan,” said the young Bangkokian who received some advice from two-time Thailand Mixed champion Prom Meesawat. “He told me not to get under pressure by overestimating myself. I will take that approach to compete this week. But hopefully, I can shoot good scores and at least try not to make mistakes on a bad day,” added Ratchanon who will make his third start in the Thailand TrustGolf Tour.
28-year-old Wichanee who is ranked No 121 in the world and No 60 on the Road to CME Globe will be making her first appearance in the tournament which pits the men versus the women.
“I’m excited as I’ve never competed in this format,” said Wichanee whose best finish on the LPGA Tour this year was at tied fifth in the Pure Silk Championship. “I hope to finally win on the LPGA next year. I’m now working on my fitness to get ready for the next season,” she added.
Prima, 29, will launch her third attempt in the mixed event after signing off at joint 27th in the previous episode at the Black Mountain Golf Club last month.
126 Players to Launch Actions in 5th Thailand Mixed
“I’m glad to be able to play in the Thailand Mixed again. This week is even more special as a lot of good players are here for the last event of the year. So far, it’s been a good season for me especially winning the last event of the Symetra Tour,” said Prima who triumphed in the Symetra Tour Championship in Florida two months ago.
The tournament will be staged under strict protective protocols against COVID-19. ATK Swap test is provided for players, personal caddies, player’s company and officials. Only those who test negative are permitted to participate in the tournament. Furthermore, fans who produce negative ATK results within 72 hours before the tournament are welcome at the course.
Viewers can watch live streaming of the Thailand Mixed hosted by TrustGolf on AISPLAY APP, https://www.facebook.com/trustgolfclub and at TrustGolf Youtube channel from 9am onwards during tournament days.
The Thailand Mixed is organised by TrustGolf, an indoor training center with advanced technology, It is supported by the Sports Authority of Thailand, the National Sports Development Fund, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Bangkok Bank, B.Grimm Company, Bond Holdings, AISPLAY, Bridgestone, Trust Pharmacy, Trust Live Streaming, the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration, Aquella Golf and Country Club and S.Khonkaen.
126 Players to Launch Actions in 5th Thailand Mixed
Thailand national football team has been qualified to enter AFF Championship finals in Singapore despite ending up in a 0-0 draw with Vietnam on Sunday.
Thailand will face Indonesia in the final round which will be organised on December 29 and January 1.
Zhang Linpeng Photo Credit: ACL
Thailand win over Indonesia 4-0 AFF SUZUKI CUP 2020 final first leg
Thailand win over Indonesia 4-0 AFF SUZUKI CUP 2020 final first leg
Thailand win over Indonesia 4-0 AFF SUZUKI CUP 2020 final first leg
Thailand win over Indonesia 4-0 AFF SUZUKI CUP 2020 final first leg
Thailand win over Indonesia 4-0 AFF SUZUKI CUP 2020 final first leg
Thailand win over Indonesia 4-0 AFF SUZUKI CUP 2020 final first leg
Thailand win over Indonesia 4-0 AFF SUZUKI CUP 2020 final first leg
126 Players to Launch Actions in 5th Thailand Mixed
126 Players to Launch Actions in 5th Thailand Mixed
126 Players to Launch Actions in 5th Thailand Mixed
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