Somkiat makes history by snatching Moto2 pole position in Buriram
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 01, 2022
THE NATION
Moto2 rider Somkiat Chantra snatched Thailand’s first-ever Grand Prix pole position on Saturday, delighting his home fans in Buriram.
Supporters roared on their home favourite as he secured first place on the grid for tomorrow’s race with a qualifying time of 1 minute and 35.625 seconds.
Somkiat took advantage of a dry track at Chang International Circuit to grab fourth in the opening qualifying session before gunning down his rivals in the shootout.
Italy’s Tony Arbolino secured second on the grid with a time of 1:35.710 while Ai Ogura, currently second place in the championship, snatched third. Moto2 championship leader Augusto Fernandez will start from eighth on the grid, looking to defend his 2-point championship lead over Ogura
Meanwhile, rookie Marco Bezzecchi clinched polo for tomorrow’s MotoGP race with a time of 1:29.671. Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia were second and third respectively to complete an all-Ducati front row for the start of tomorrow’s race
Reigning world champion Fabio Quartararo, who leads second-place Bagnaia by 18 points going into the last four rounds of the championship, took fourth.
Two-time Thai MotoGP winner Marc Marquez dropped to a disappointing eighth on the grid after being fastest in Friday’s opening practice.
Sunday’s action in Buriram begins with the Moto3 Grand Prix at noon.
The Moto2 Grand Prix starts at 1.20pm and is followed by the MotoGP race at 3pm.
Tomorrow’s races will be broadcast live on SPOTV and PPTVHD36.
Somkiat 4th in first practice for Thai Moto2; Zarco tops MotoGP times
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 01, 2022
THE NATION
French Ducati rider Johann Zarco recorded the fastest lap in Friday’s first practice for the Thailand MotoGP championship with a time of 1 minute and 30.281 seconds.
Teammate Francesco Bagnaia, who lies second in the championship standings, was just 0.018 seconds behind as Ducati grabbed the limelight under heavy clouds but no rain in Buriram.
The dry conditions are expected to change to wet this weekend, giving teams and riders a headache over tyre selection and setup.
Jorge Martin was third in Friday’s practice, while eight-time world champion Marc Marquez delighted his fans by sealing his comeback from surgery with the fourth-fastest time.
Championship leader Fabio Quartararo (Yamaha) was fifth as he struggled to hold off the challenge of Bagnaia, just 18 points behind him in the standings.
In Moto2 practice, Thai rider Somkiat Chantra was fourth fastest with a time of 1:36.597s. Somkiat managed to record a competitive time despite suffering a fall during his second practice lap. Fellow Thai Moto2 rider Keminth Kubo clocked 1:37.465s to land 22nd.
Qualifying for grid positions will be held on Saturday before race day at Chang International Circuit on Sunday.
Somkiat to have stand named after him at this weekend’s OR Thailand Grand Prix
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2022
THE NATION
Moto2 rider Somkiat Chantra has become the first Thai in motorcycle world championship history to have a stand named after him.
Somkiat will be cheered on during this weekend’s OR Thailand Grand Prix 2022 by Thai fans watching from the Chantra Stand at Chang International Circuit in Buriram.
The race organiser made the move to mark Somkiat’s return to Thailand after scoring one win and four podium places so far this season.
The Idemitsu Honda Team rider said he was honoured and looking forward to seeing his home supporters gathered together in the stand wearing his No 35 shirt to cheer him on.
“I want to thank all my fans and I will celebrate my success with everyone in the stand,” he added.
In March, Somkiat became the first Thai rider in history to win a Moto2 race when he took the chequered flag at the Indonesian Grand Prix. He is currently ninth in the championship standings on 120 points.
“I am very nervous but happy to be competing in my home country again after two years,” he said. This time, I will do my best. My goal is to give maximum effort and put on a show in front of all the Thai fans.”
On Wednesday, Idemitsu Honda announced that Somkiat and Japanese rider Ai Ogura will have their contracts renewed to race with the team next season.
Tawanchai claims featherweight Muay Thai world title with unanimous verdict against Petchmorakot
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2022
THE NATION
In one of the most eagerly watched contests at the ONE 161, Tawanchai PK Saenchai managed to defeat Petchmorakot Petchyindee to claim the ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Title.
The matchup between the two Thais was a dream battle for fans on Thursday at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
After battling five tough rounds, Tawanchai did enough to stay ahead on the scorecards and earn a unanimous decision.
Earlier on the card, Thailand’s Ferrari Fairtex came into the limelight by beating Han Zi Hao from China.
He picked apart Han to leave the Circle with a unanimous decision in his promotional debut.
Sangmanee PK Saenchai also made a strong impression in his comeback fight. He regained his composure in the second round to win the latter stanzas against Zhang Chenglong and earn a split-decision victory.
In the two ONE Heavyweight Kickboxing World Grand Prix semi-finals, Roman Kryklia astonished with his first-round demolition of Guto Inocente, while Iraj Azizpour defeated Bruno Chaves to set up a final clash.
A shy showing from Chaves allowed Azizpour to put on a confident performance to solidify his place in the Grand Prix final against old foe Kryklia.
Rodrigo Marello had a record-breaking performance against Ruslan Bagdasarian, as he trapped the Russian with an ankle lock in just 15 seconds, making history for scoring the fastest finish in ONE submission grappling history.
Thailand ease past South Korea to qualify at volleyball world championship
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2022
THE NATION
Thailand qualified for the round of 16 at the FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship after beating South Korea 3-0 on Thursday evening.
The Thai spikers guaranteed a top-four place in Pool B with a 25-13, 25-15, 25-14 victory over the Koreans in Gdansk, Poland.
The top four teams in each pool of the 24-team tournament qualify for the next round.
Thailand were led by Pimpichaya Kokram, who was the match’s top scorer with 21 points. Ajcharaporn Kongyot weighed in with another 12, as the world No 14 Thais eased past the No 25 Koreans to clinch their third win in four matches.
The result left them fourth in Pool B on eight points.
Ahead of the Thais are Dominican Republic, who lead the pool with 10 points. Poland and Turkey are second and third, respectively, on nine points. Croatia and South Korea are both winless and lie bottom of Pool B.
Thailand’s next match is against Dominican Republic on Saturday at 7pm. The match will be broadcast live on Workpoint TV (Channel 23).
Arpichaya Keeps Cool Under Rain to Win Maiden SAT-TWT Open Crown
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2022
THE NATION
Hot on her heels, Arpichaya Yuboll lifted up her maiden Thai WPGA Tour title with a four-shot victory over Filipina Princess Superal in the Bt2.5 million SAT-TWT Open Road to World Ranking at Rayong Green Valley Country Club on Wednesday.
Despite strong winds and rains, the 20-year-old from Saraburi remained composed under the harsh condition to card a final round 68, six birdies against two bogeys, for a total nine under-par-207. After endeavouring three runner-up positions in the first two SAT-TWT circuits (run by the Thai WPGA Tour) last year and in the previous meet at Kabin Buri Sports Club earlier this month, Arpichaya rose to the challenge eventually.
“I’m so happy to finally win on this tour after coming so close several times. It was such a relief,” said Arpichaya who, a fortnight ago, just celebrated her crown in the season finale Thailand Mixed in Lumphun.
“I got off to a great start by firing two straight birdies. But after I made two bogeys on the next three holes, my father told me that there were plenty more holes to play and to slow down the pace. So, I regrouped my concentration, brushing off the pressure and took it one step at a time,” added Arpichaya who won the winner’s cheque of Bt367,500.
Thus far this year, Arpichaya has claimed three titles including her victory in the LET Access Series in July in Scotland. She has won a total of 13 professional titles. This latest win serves up as a good psychological booster for Thai rising star before she tees off in the LPGA Q-School Second Stage at the Plantation Golf and Country Club in Florida between October 16-21.
“This really boots up my confidence before the Q-School. I will spend a week training at the Water Mill to get fully prepared. With the form that I have been playing recently, I’m quite confident that I can get an LPGA Tour card,” added Arpichaya who will be travelling with another local hope Chanettee Wannasaen and Budsabakorn Sukapan in the first week of October.
Superal, with five birdies and a bogey, finished with a 68 and on five under-par-211 to match her best attempt on the tour after the fifth edition at Lake View Resort & Golf Club in July.
“I was so happy as I didn’t expect to play well on the final day. It was definitely a good thing for me,” said the 25-year-old. “It was a bit tough to have to play under the rain and strong winds. But I managed to get through it.”
Apart from the prize money of Bt223,440 for a runner-up, the Filipina was also granted the Sportsmanship Award voted by fellow players.
“I was surprised. I didn’t know they would vote for me,” said Superal who will next play a local event back at the Philippines in November.
After winning five straight domestic events, Patcharajutar Kongkraphan had to be content with a tied third position with Sherman Santiwiwatthanahong, Jackie Chulya and Chayanit Wangmahaporn, each on three under-par-213.
Albon ‘not underestimating challenge’ of returning to action in Singapore after surgery
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2022
THE NATION
Alex Albon says he’s done “everything possible” to ready himself for a return to action in this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix, after missing the last race when he was hospitalised with appendicitis and suffered complications including respiratory failure.
The Williams driver took part in Friday practice at Monza for the Italian Grand Prix, before he became ill and underwent surgery on the Saturday – as Nyck de Vries stepped in to cover for him over the rest of the race weekend.
Williams later confirmed Albon had suffered respiratory failure after his surgery and he was moved into an intensive care unit, before he recovered and returned to the UK.
Once he was discharged from hospital Albon said he was targeting a return to action for the Singapore Grand Prix, telling fans: “The goal is to be ready by Singapore, which is going to be tough; it’s one of the toughest races that we go to, so not an easy one, but let’s aim high and see what happens.”
And on Wednesday he said he was looking forward to getting back behind the wheel of his Williams FW44.
Even so, the 26-year-old said he was under no illusions as to how tough it will be to return to the cockpit at one of the most physically challenging races in the championship.
“Firstly, I’d just like to thank everyone for all their messages and support over the Italian Grand Prix weekend,” he said.
“My preparation for Singapore has been a little different than normal but I’m feeling good and I’ve done everything possible to get ready for one of the most physical races on the calendar.
“I am not underestimating how big of a challenge this is going to be, but I am looking forward to hitting the track on Friday and getting back driving.
“It’s a great street circuit and the closest race to home for me in Thailand, so I’m really excited to be here and to see the fans that have turned out.”
Albon has raced once before at Singapore, when he came sixth for Red Bull in 2019.
Perfect Scorecard Propels Benyapa to Share Lead with Arpichaya at SAT-TWT Open in Rayong
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2022
THE NATION
Pressure-free Benyapa Niphatsopon proved the only immaculate player in the Bt2.5 million SAT-TWT Open Road to World Ranking on Wednesday after a bogey free 67 which sent her the top of the leaders’ board alongside Arpichaya Yubol at Rayong Green Valley Country Club on Tuesday.
While the rest of the field had at least one bogey in round two, Benyapa committed no error at the dampened par 72 6,378 course, carding a total five under-par-139 to share the lead with Arpichaya who shot three birdies against two bogeys for a 71.
“I just focused on one shot at a time today. I hit the iron better than yesterday which is why I had a low score today. The course is quite soaked wet which prevented the ball from rolling,” said Benyapa, the 2017 Player of the Year on the LPGA challenger tour (then known as “Symetra Tour”).
A wrist injury has been the hindrance of Benyapa’s career, forcing her to take several breaks from the circuit. Since turning professional in 2015, she has yet to win a tournament with a tied sixth finish in the 2018 LPGA event in Portland in as her best result on a big tour to date.
Asked if this was the right time to have a breakthrough win, she said: “I didn’t expect anything at all. I’m not even sure whether we will be able to play tomorrow due to the weather condition.”
In fact, Benyapha just resumed training a few days before the tournament as she had to help her mother who is being hospitalized after an accident take care of a family business.
“My mother was injured in a gas explosion, but now she is safe. She is the reason why I’m competing here because knowing that I’m competing is something that makes her happy. I call her every day and receive blessings from her,” Benyapha said.
With the Typhoon Noru hitting many provinces in Thailand, organisers keep their finger crossed that the final round will be completed.
Overnight leader Arpichaya who is in the hunt for her third title of the season hoped all final round actions will be finished ahead of the storm.
“I hope there would be no interruption, so we can finish the round. But things like this are beyond control. On my part, I don’t set a goal to win. I just hope that I can hit the iron better than I did today and have another under-par round,” said the 20-year-old Arpichaya.
Another strong contender Patcharajutar Kongkraphan put herself in contention once again with a 69, and sat just a shot back at four-under-par 140 along with Chayanit Wangmahaporn and Sherman Santiwiwatthanaphong.
“I had an inconsistent round but fortunately I managed to hit a 69. Everyone still has an equal chance to win as there is no big margin. We just have to hope for a clear day tomorrow,” said Patcharajutar, winner of five local tour titles in 2022.
Spartan Thailand set for return in Phuket this November
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2022
THE NATION
Spartans from all over the region will gather on the beautiful island of Phuket, Thailand for the 2022 Spartan Asia Pacific Championship weekend.
Phuket is preparing to welcome more than 5,000 Thai and foreign athletes to the island during the weekend of November 26-27 at Blue Tree Phuket, a Sports, lifestyle, and entertainment destination unlike any other, as part of a wider program to promote Phuket Island as the World’s Health & Wellness Centre.
The province of Phuket, together with the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Tourism Authority of Thailand, Sports Authority of Thailand, our partner Blue Tree Phuket, and sponsors from the private sectors are excited to be collaborating to organize the 2022 Spartan Asia Pacific Championship race!
This world-class obstacle course racing event is slated to be held on the internationally acclaimed island of Phuket and is looking to welcome 5,000 athletes and 20,000 companions from 30 countries.
As part of a wider program to promote Phuket as the world’s Health and Wellness Centre, this global event is scheduled to be held on 26 and 27 November 2022 at Blue Tree Phuket.
Mr. Pichet Panapong, Deputy Governor of Phuket, said “Phuket is very pleased to host this Spartan Race event on an estimated area of more than 500 rai of land at Blue Tree Phuket.
The hugely popular Spartan Race will be one of the wellness sports we are promoting, as part of the sports tourism ecosystem that will help create a trend in adopting the concept of Wellness in Phuket. The event will help stimulate the local economy at the same time.”
“More importantly, this race also arises from the integration of various parties, both public and private sector and in particular, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau or TCEB, which is an integral agency in promoting and driving this event in Phuket. This will be an important step for the province in becoming a world-class sporting destination.
The Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Sports Authority of Thailand, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand are all part of the huge governmental agencies that are working together and will be an integral part and process of our preparation for the bid to host the World Specialized Expo in 2028.
On this occasion, I would like to thank all parties working together to promote the growth of Health, Wellness, and Sports tourism in Phuket” Mr. Pichet revealed.
Mr. Pattanachai Singhawara, Director of the Southern Region, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, said, “The 2022 Spartan Asia Pacific Championship is held to reinforce Thailand’s capacity and successes in organizing Mega Events and World Festivals.
This will be a continuation of the success of the first Spartan race in Chiang Mai that took place on 13 and 14 August.
The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau hold the core responsibilities of collaborating and bringing in world-class events to attract more visitors to the country.
Our responsibilities include mentoring and advising on the planning of events for the host city, to ensure the smooth organization of the events, while at the same time synchronizing the visions and directions of different departments and organizations towards a common objective.
We believe that this Spartan Race will drive tourism and the economy in the high potential area of Phuket through the Festival Economy policy, which is a timely and important opportunity for Phuket to showcase its potential and ability in hosting the World Specialized Expo in 2028”.
Mr. Anuparb Vejvanichsanong, Vice President of Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization, said that as a representative of Phuket, we are very pleased and honored to be the host city of the world-class Spartan Race.
We are prepared to fully support this global sporting event and host the thousands of athletes descending onto our Phuket city come November 26 and 27.
With Midas Grand Resort Hotel leading the way as the 1st Official Hotel Partner, the Phuket Hotel Association is working with its members to set aside the thousands of rooms expected from this event. The accommodations are mostly located within 7 minutes from Blue Tree Phuket, the race venue, with free shuttle services. This race event will also incorporate Official Gyms, Official Physio, and many other Official Partners in Phuket.
The 2022 Spartan Asia Pacific Championship event is expected to cover an area of over 500 rai within Blue Tree Phuket and will be segmented to cater to the various requirements of the race. “We are READY and confident that we will offer a truly fantastic experience for all Spartans, supporters, tourists, and friends and families. We have the most excellent venue in Phuket; we have the food and drink options, and we have the PASSION. We are ready and looking forward to hosting the Spartan Apec Championship” Mr. Paolo Randone, Deputy Managing Director of Blue Tree Phuket said.
In addition, there will be a specially created ‘Spartan Festival’ activity – the Amazing Thailand Spartan “Beat on the Beach” Festival 2022 organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, where famous Thais and International artists and DJs are expected to perform. There will also be a ‘Wet n Wild Party’, A Blue Tree Signature Event alongside multiple selections of Food and Beverages scheduled on the evening of November 26 from 18:00 hrs. at Blue Tree, Phuket.
The 2022 Spartan Asia Pacific Championship race will see the top-notch and high-performing athletes taking part and competing for the honor of being the BEST in the Asia Pacific region.
Athletes can choose to sign up for the SPRINT, SUPER, KIDS, or HURRICANE HEAT 4 race categories.
For more information on the race and registration fees or any other details, please check out the official Spartan Race Thailand Facebook page (www.facebook.com/spartanracethailand), the website (www.spartan.com), or Instagram (@soartanracethailand)
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