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Sandy Kraokaew Stuvik and his team finished seventh place overall after the first round of 2022 GT World Challenge Asia.

The first round took place from May 20 to 22 at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia after a two-year disruption due to Covid-19.

Sandy Kraokaew Stuvik teamed up with Audi Sport Asia Team X-Works for the inaugural round of Asia’s most professional GT3 championship.

Stuvik shared his No. 22 Audi R8 GT3 Evo II with Australian Yasser Shahin, former Audi R8 LMS Cup champion. The duo race in the Pro-Am category and compete for overall wins.

With a productive Thursday test completed, Stuvik and Yasser together with the team endeavoured to find the best setup for the hot conditions at the Sepang Circuit.

Come official practice on Friday, it was clear that the Audi-backed team would be fighting an uphill battle with this season’s BOP (balance of performance). This is supposed to create a level playing field for all cars, however, this was unfortunately not the case for the Audi cars on the grid.

On Saturday morning, qualifying sessions took place with Yasser Shahin taking the wheel for Q1, qualifying in seventh place. Sandy jumped in the car for Q2, where he managed to secure the sixth position.

“This is the maximum we can do given the circumstances. Sadly we don’t stand a chance with the BOP the way it is now”, Stuvik explained after a difficult session.

Saturday afternoon’s Race 1 took place with Shahin at the wheel of the No. 22 Audi Sport Asia Team X-Works Racing entry. A fantastic drive from the Australian saw Shahin get up to second place before the pit-stop window, and he handed over the car to Stuvik. A few crucial seconds lost in the pit-stops meant Stuvik slipped down to third position.

Just as the race was settling down, Stuvik, unfortunately, had a rear-wheel hub failure, which meant the Thai driver had to retire from the race.

Thankfully the No. 22 entry had completed more than 75 per cent of the race, meaning that Shahin and Stuvik were able to secure valuable championship points.

“A real shame to have to retire the car as we were looking set for a top-four finish. The podium would likely have been out of reach as we simply cannot match the pace of the leading cars, but we’ll regroup and give it our all again in tomorrow’s race”, said Stuvik.

Race 2 took place on Sunday at noon, with Stuvik taking the start and keeping his nose clean in the first few corners. Stuvik settled into the race and was running in the fifth position before the pit-stop window.

The Thai driver handed over the car to Shahin, but sadly the car left the pit lane too soon, resulting in a penalty. Yasser and Stuvik would be classified in the sixth position despite the penalty, securing more valuable championship points.

Stuvik said that after a challenging weekend: “It is very unfortunate that the pit-stop was slightly misjudged, but luckily we have only lost one position because of it. We’ll learn from this and we will come back stronger and more ready for the next one. I’m looking forward to racing in Japan again, and at Suzuki, one of my favourite circuits in the world .”

He will compete in the second round of the GT World Challenge at Suzuka International Racing Course in Japan from July 15 to 17.

Published : May 26, 2022

By : THE NATION

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English team Leicester City Football Club arrived in Thailand for some relaxation and a visit to Wat Traimit in Bangkok.

Club chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, manager Brendan Rodgers and football stars including James Maddison and Kasper Schmeichel visited Wat Traimit earlier in the week.

They met abbot Chao Khun Thongchai and reportedly received sacred objects from him.

The temple posted a picture of the visit on its Facebook page on Tuesday.

Chao Khun Thongchai has travelled to King Power Stadium several times in the recent past to bless the team.

He had handed out sacred scripts and amulets to each player before the team won the 2015-16 Premier League Championship.

As the team visited Thailand only for leisure, their schedules have not been officially revealed.

Leicester City made it to eighth place in the 2021-22 Premier League without qualifying for any European club competition.

Published : May 26, 2022

By : THE NATION

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An aeroplane dedicated to Argentine great Diego Maradona was unveiled on Wednesday (May 25) ahead of a journey that will end at the World Cup in Qatar later this year.

The Tango D10S – a 12-seater financed by an Argentine fintech company – is designed as a flying museum in tribute to the former World Cup winner, who died of a heart attack in November 2020.

It features a picture of Maradona kissing the World Cup trophy on the fuselage, while his face is also on the tail.

The wings feature both of his goals from Argentina’s 2-1 victory over England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final: the ‘Hand of God’ goal on the left-wing and the winner, a goal widely regarded as the greatest of all time, on the right.

“I know that the airplane will be traveling through Argentina before going to Qatar, that is what we know. Obviously, this is not just any airplane for us, especially for the fans, it seems it will be a very good experience.” DAUGHTER OF DIEGO MARADONA, DALMA MARADONA Said.

“This transcends everything and goes beyond what you can imagine and say, how far can a fan go? Well, as far as a plane goes, it’s beautiful.”

Maradona

The plan is to fly the plane around Argentina and eventually fly to Qatar for the World Cup in November.

“I think it’s a brilliant idea, it’s a very comfortable airplane decorated with the image of the best player in the world, in history and a friend. We came here three months ago to see it and promote it and the truth is it fills us with pride, and that it bears Diego’s face is the best for us.”  FORMER ARGENTINEAN NATIONAL SQUAD MANAGER, SERGIO “CHECHO” BATISTA Said.

Fans will be able to board the aircraft and leave a message for Maradona in the cockpit, ‘interact’ with the late player through artificial intelligence and see memorabilia from him and other players from the 1986 team.

It will also be available for private hire before being auctioned for charity.

Published : May 26, 2022

By : Reuters

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Champions League victory would make Liverpool’s season ‘fantastic’ – Klopp

Liverpool will be looking to make amends for their 2018 Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid when they again take on the Spanish giants for Europe’s top prize in Paris on Saturday (May 28).

After a campaign where Liverpool triumphed in both domestic cup competitions and came agonisingly close to dethroning Manchester City as Premier League champions, manager Juergen Klopp said on Wednesday (May 25) a seventh Champions League crown for the club would turn a “great season” into a “fantastic” one.

Speaking at a news conference at the club’s training facility, Klopp said a third Champions League final in five years was a really “special” achievement for his group of players.

“Without (winning) the Champions League it would be a great season.”  JUERGEN KLOPP Said.

“with the Champions League, winning the Champions League, would be a fantastic season. As easy as that. So there are still levels. That’s absolutely fine.”

“We don’t think that because we won our two competitions (FA Cup and League Cup) and were close in a third competition (Premier League) that… yeah, we wouldn’t care about that. That’s of course not the case. No. You never know how often you will reach a Champions League final, you better use the few opportunities you get. So for us it’s now really special, the third time in the last five years. That’s really special with this group.”

Had Liverpool clinched the league title, the club would now be on course for an unprecedentred quadruple.

Klopp was recognised for his side’s tilt at the feat when he was named the League Managers Association (LMA) and Premier League Manager of the Year on Tuesday (May 24).

Star forward Mohamed Salah spoke of the disappointment he felt when he came off injured in the 31st minute of Liverpool’s 2018 final defeat to Real in Kyiv.

He had previously said he would rather face the Spanish La Liga champions than domestic rivals City to atone for the loss.

“I think I remember when I went out, after 30 minutes of something, it was like the worst moment in my career.” MOHAMED SALAH Said.

“I was really, really down in that time, because playing the (final of the) Champions League… I’d had a good season that time, and just playing the Champions League and to come off after 30 minutes… (it’s) like the worst thing that good happen to any football player. After the game, I knew the result – because I was in the hospital… I came back and found out from Hendo (Henderson), to be fair… And I was like ‘we cannot lose this way.”

“I’ve never had that feeling before in football. Especially because it was the first Champions League (final) for all of us; for most of us. So we lost it and we were very, very disappointed, but I think after that summer we came back, we talked to each other. I think Hendo and me talked in the dressing room, if I remember rightly, and we said we’ll go again for everything, and we managed to win it the year after. So that was also, kind of, revenge, in a way. But I think we managed it in the best way possible.”

Mohamed Salah spoke of the disappointment he felt when he came off injured in the 31st minute of Liverpool

Salah, who is heading into the final year of his contract with the club, says he will be staying at Liverpool next season regardless of how future talks over his deal progress.

The 29-year-old, who was joint top scorer in the Premier League with 23 goals this season, would be available on a free transfer at the end of the next campaign if he does not sign a contract extension.

With the Paris showdown against Madrid only days away, the Egyptian told reporters it was not the right moment to deal with contract negotiations.

Klopp also told reporters that Thiago Alcantara’s injury is not as bad as feared raising the prospect that he could feature in final.

However, t he Spanish midfielder, who appeared to pull a muscle during Sunday’s final Premier League game against Wolverhampton Wanderers, did not feature in Liverpool’s Wednesday morning training session.

Klopp said Thiago would likely be involved in Thursday’s session.

Central defender Virgil van Dijk, who has not featured for Liverpool since picking up an injury during the FA Cup final victory over Chelsea on May 14, is fully recovered and trained with the rest of the squad.

Published : May 26, 2022

By : Reuters

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Roma win first major European title in more than 60 years as Nicolo Zaniolo’s first-half goal earns a 1-0 victory over Feyenoord in the Europa Conference League final.

Roma won their first major European title in more than 60 years as Nicolo Zaniolo’s first-half goal earned the Italians a 1-0 victory over Feyenoord in the Europa Conference League final in Albania on Wednesday (May 25).

The 22-year-old Zaniolo steered the ball home in the 32nd minute with a left-footed touch, after first taking it down off his chest, to make Roma inaugural winners of European football’s new third club competition which was introduced this season.

“With the greatest of respect to Eintracht Frankfurt and the other teams that were involved in the Europa League quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final, I think that the semis and the final of the Conference League was unrivalled, and we’ve made history today.” ROMA COACH, JOSE MOURINHO, SAYING:

“I said to the players after the Torino match, I said the work of an entire season has been done. This team had not been built to qualify for the Champions League. We did not have a strong enough, experienced enough squad with enough depth to be able to compete for the top four.” 

“We did our job, which was qualifying for the Europa League, and improving our league position from last season, and this competition was our opportunity to make history. History is not being involved in a final, that’s not a nice story at all, and I even went over the finals I’ve lost with the lads, and every time I lost a final, I always felt like ‘what am I doing here? Why wasn’t I knocked out in the semi-finals?’ I’ve always had that horrible feeling about losing finals, but we won. The guys gave everything, and it’s a shame they all now go on international duty, because if they have the same energy as I have, they should have gone straight to the beach, and unfortunately for them, they have to now play for their countries, and we’ll see each other for the next season. They are fantastic guys.”

“As you know, I have won European competitions with four different clubs. Winning with Manchester United, even though it was a Manchester United side that lacked the quality of proper United sides, but winning with United is almost natural. Winning the Champions League with Porto is not normal, and bringing joy to people, winning the Champions League with Inter, obviously, a huge club, but I think it was 50 years since they’d won the Champions League and brining joy to the fans, and today winning this competition with Roma brings joy to the people as well. It has a special flavour to it.”

Roma, whose only previous continental title was the old Fairs Cup in 1961, held off a spirited comeback from their Dutch opponents, who were twice denied by the woodwork in the second half, and ensured that Jose Mourinho became the first manager to win a European trophy with four different clubs.
 

Published : May 26, 2022

By : Reuters

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Thai Moto2 rider Somkiat “Kong” Chantra flew to Italy on Monday night to participate in the Moto2 Italian Grand Prix at the Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello from May 27 to 29.

The Idemitsu Honda Team Asia rider received encouragement from Thai Honda Manufacturing executives and fans as he was seen off at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Somkiat said he was proud to compete in world class races and boost Thailand’s reputation. He vowed to produce “good results” for the remaining 14 circuits.

Meanwhile, Thai Honda Manufacturing executive vice president Arak Phornprapha said Somkiat had proved that the “Honda Race to the Dream” project had enabled Thai youth to take part in world class competitions.

“Somkiat is the project’s role model who has made all Thais proud and inspired Thai youth,” Arak added.

Somkiat is the first Thai rider to win a world championship race and has grabbed three podium finishes from seven Moto2 races.

He returned to Thailand last week after roaring into third position at the Le Mans Circuit 24 Hours in France.

In a meeting with Somkiat, Tourism and Sports Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn praised the rider as a role model for youth to reach global competitions and wished him the best of luck after he reached his goal of competing in the Grand Prix motorcycle racing (MotoGP) competition.

Somkiat’s fans can follow his activities and cheer him on via the Race to the Dream Facebook page.

Published : May 25, 2022

By : THE NATION

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Jürgen Klopp has been named the Premier League’s Manager of the Season for 2021-22 as well as the LMA Manager of the Year.

The Liverpool boss received both awards at a League Managers Association event on Tuesday night, in recognition of an outstanding campaign for his team.
 

Klopp guided the Reds to triumphs in the Carabao Cup and Emirates FA Cup this term, while they narrowly missed out on the Premier League title having accumulated 92 points in the top flight.

Liverpool are also set to contest a third Champions League final in five years, with Real Madrid their opponents in Paris on Saturday.

Klopp emerged as the Premier League’s Manager of the Season winner from a shortlist that also included Thomas Frank (Brentford), Pep Guardiola (Manchester City), Eddie Howe (Newcastle United) and Patrick Vieira (Crystal Palace).

It is the second time he has won both honours, which he also previously claimed together in 2019-20.

Published : May 25, 2022

By : THE NATION

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The inaugural Notah Begay Thailand Junior Golf National Championship Presented by Trust Golf will tee off next month to select over 30 youngsters to compete in a Notah Begay Regional and the Notah Begay National Junior Championship in the United States.

This Thailand stop which comprises six divisions: boys and girls in the 8-11, 12-14 and 15-18 categories is scheduled between June 4 – 7 at Suvarnabhumi Golf and Country Club.
 

For the first time, a Notah Begay golf series will take place outside the United States. Six winners from the six divisions will receive their berths in the Notha Begay Junior Golf National Championship which is due in Florida in November.

In addition, 30 top performers from the six divisions from the Bangkok tournament will earn their slots in a Notah Begay Regional competition in the US. 

“Up to 30 players will achieve the pathway to play in the 36-hole Regional for the chance to go to the Championship,” said Ryan Burr, CEO of Notah Begay Junior Golf, during a virtual press conference.

The Notah Begay Junior Golf National Championship is regarded as one of the top-notch junior golf tournaments in the US.  It will be broadcast on The Golf Channel in the USA to over 100 million viewers, including college coaches throughout America.

The Championship has also outlined a pathway for its winners to pursue their career both on the PGA and LPGA Tour. 
 

Dr Prin Singhanart, CEO of TrustGolf is not hesitant to organize the event to Thailand as she foresees a pathway for young golfers to enter good institutes in the US. 

“Only one percent of golfers can make it to the top 100. But what I’m more concerned is the remaining 99% of players. Tournaments like Notha Begay provides the opportunity for these kids to be observed by college coaches. If a Thai win one of the six spots, I’m pretty sure he or she will stand a very good shot at getting into an American college,” Dr Prin said.

Four-time PGA victor Notha Begay III realizes the potentials of talented youngsters outside the US which urges him to bring the tournament to Thailand for the first time. 

“There are so many talented kids across the world that have the ability to play at high level. But they aren’t exposed to programs or aren’t seen by coaches. So, for us in partnership with Dr Prin, we believe in this whole vision and it’s the initiative for us to go in and work a lot with these kids and bring them to the United States to have access to the system,” said Begay III who received a  scholarship at Sandford University and won the National Championship while in college with his teammate Tiger Woods. 

Burr also invites Thai children to take part in the tournament that can serve up as a springboard to a promising future. 

“We are here through our partners and platform to take those talented golfers and get them a chance to be seen by quite a few number of great quality propgrams. There are so many opportunities for Thai players to achieve this ultimate dream. It’s as simple as going to http://www.thaijgt.com. Register your children to come play in Bangkok. Who knows they might just change their lives in a couple of weeks,” he said.

Junior golfers between 11-18 can apply for the Notah Begay Thailand Junior Golf National Championship Presented by Trust Golf from now on.  For further information, please visit https://www.thaijgt.com/.
 

Published : May 24, 2022

By : THE NATION

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MANCHESTER CITY PLAYERS, STAFF AND FANS CELEBRATING AT EVENT A DAY AFTER THE CLUB WAS CONFIRMED AS 2021-2022 PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

 Manchester City celebrated their fourth Premier League title in five years in spectacular style on Monday (May 23) as fans thronged the streets of the city to party with their heroes for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.

City nearly lost their crown to Liverpool on the last day of the season on Sunday (May 22) when Pep Guardiola’s side found themselves 2-0 down at home to Aston Villa before scoring three goals in a dramatic five-minute turnaround to win 3-2.

The players and staff, decked in City’s sky blue and holding the Premier League trophy aloft, waved at fans from an open-top bus as confetti rained down and blue smoke flares were lit along the route.

Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne was named the Premier League’s Player of the Season, having won the award for a second time after scoring 15 goals and providing eight assists — including one for the winner against Villa scored by Ilkay Gundogan.

Guardiola, who became the most successful foreign manager in English football with his fourth league title, puffed away on a cigar and looked a rejuvenated man after a tense title race.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola celebrates during the victory parade REUTERS/Hannah Mckay

The 51-year-old also joked that he would be dancing throughout the night, with the party atmosphere in full swing in northwest England.

Ukrainian defender Oleksandr Zinchenko also paid tribute to the club’s fans for their support, especially given the situation in his home country.

The 25-year-old was brought to tears after City’s decisive win when he draped a Ukrainian flag over the Premier League trophy and subsequently received a round of applause from supporters.

Champions Manchester City paint town blue with open top bus parade

Published : May 24, 2022

By : Reuters

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New Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says he sees big potential for the club and that Cristiano Ronaldo’s goals will help them find success on the pitch.

New Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says that Cristiano Ronaldo is part of his plans for the club, ending speculation over the Portuguese forward’s future.

Ten Hag was unveiled as United boss on Monday (May 23) and while he avoided making grandiose promises, the Dutchman was clear when asked at this first news conference if Ronaldo was in his plans.

“Of course,” he said before being pressed on what he thought the 37-year-old could bring to his team? “Goals”.

Ronaldo scored 24 goals in the Premier League and Champions League this season after returning to United from Italian club Juventus but has been criticised by interim manager Ralf Rangnick over his lack of contribution to pressing of opponents.

With Ten Hag taking charge and bringing in former England manager Steve McClaren and ex-Ajax Amsterdam assistant Mitchell van der Gaag as part of his coaching team, Rangnick will be restricted to a consultant role.

In an interview with the club’s MUTV channel, Ten Hag said the players would have to come together and co-operate if the team are to challenge for top honours.

The disappointing season has been accompanied by widespread reports of divisions within the club and the team and a difficult relationship between some players and German Rangnick.

United will play in the Europa League next season and face the challenge of trying to catch up with local rivals Manchester City who won the title, finishing 35 points above United.

Ten Hag says he admires both clubs but said eras always come to an end.

“In this moment, I admire them (Liverpool and Manchester City), them both — that they play, at this moment, really fantastic football — both Liverpool and Man City. But you will always see that an era can come to an end. And I’m looking forward to battle with them and I’m sure all the others in the Premier League, all the clubs, will want to do that,” he said.

“The reason is, although it is clearly a fantastic history — but the reason is that there’s a high potential for the future. That’s why I’m here,” Ten Hag added.

Published : May 24, 2022

By : Reuters