Thai and foreign athletes compete for Muay Thai glory
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 07, 2022
Scores of Thai and foreign boxers drew crowds to Bagnkok’s Iconsiam as they competed for trophies at the three-day Muaythai Festival 2022, which was live streamed globally by the International Federation of Muaythai Associations.
Besides boxing, the festival offered concerts, art and cultural performances.
The festival was a collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF), the Sports Authority of Thailand, the Board of Boxing, the Professional Boxing Association of Thailand, and the International Federation of Muaythai Associations.
NSDF manager Supranee Guptasa said her fund partnered with the other groups to show that Muay Thai could be used as soft power to promote Thailand and Thai products, including fashion and food.
Portugal power into last eight with 6-1 demolition of Switzerland
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 07, 2022
THE NATION
Goncalo Ramos scored a stunning hat-trick as a slick Portugal thrashed Switzerland 6-1 on Tuesday (December 6) to storm into the quarter-finals of the World Cup for the first time since 2006.
Portugal coach Fernando Santos took the brave call to bench Cristiano Ronaldo and was rewarded with an artful display from his side as they set up a last-eight clash with Morocco, who stunned Spain in a penalty shootout earlier in the day.
Ramos, making his first start at the World Cup, gave Portugal the lead in the 17th minute after latching onto Joao Felix’s pass and smashing the ball past Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer at his near post from an acute angle.
The 21-year-old Benfica striker scored his second, and Portugal’s third, six minutes after the break by getting onto the end of Diogo Dalot’s low cross and he completed his hat-trick in the 67th with a delicate dinked finish.
Pepe had doubled Portugal’s lead with a powerful header from a Bruno Fernandes corner after 33 minutes and Raphael Guerreiro rifled in their fourth in the 55th before Rafael Leao completed the rout in added time with a curled finish.
Manuel Akanji scored a consolation goal for the Swiss from a corner just before the hour.
Muay Thai ace Buakaw draws attention at NY Times Square
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 06, 2022
Thailand’s famous Muay Thai champion and martial artist, Buakaw Banchamek, made it to the famous digital billboard in New York’s Times Square for the second time in a year.
The digital billboard showcases the upcoming Rajadamnern World Series (RWS) match between Buakaw and 21-year-old Ukrainian boxer Olexander Yefimenko in Bangkok’s Rajadamnern Stadium.
The kickboxing duel between Buakaw and Yefimenko will be held in three rounds of three minutes each on Friday (December 9). Boxing fans can watch live broadcast on Workpoint TV at 9.15pm (Thailand time).
Previously, the advert featuring Buakaw had been shown above the Manhattan landmark in July to promote the Muay Thai legend’s comback in the RWS tournament on August 19.
Up to 450,000 people pass Times Square each day, making it a prime spot for advertisers seeking to draw eyeballs.
A billboard here can range in cost from $5,000 (183,000 baht) per day to well over $50,000, according to advertising company Inspiria. Typically, the minimum amount of money required to advertise for 1-3 days ranges from $5,000 to $25,000.
Badminton World Tour finals kick off in Bangkok on Wednesday
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 06, 2022
The 2022 BWF World Tour Finals will be held at Nimibutr Arena in Bangkok from Wednesday to Sunday.
It is the last tournament of the 2022 season with total prize money of US$1.5 million. The event was scheduled to be held in Guangzhou, China but was relocated due to the Covid-19 situation.
On Monday, the Badminton World Federation held a gala dinner to welcome players at Centara Grand at CentralWorld.
Several Thai athletes dressed up in Thai dresses for the tournament’s gala dinner.
The award ceremony for the BWF Player of the Year Awards 2022 was also held.
Among 10 awards, Thailand’s Busanan Ongbamrungphan won the award for the best-dressed player among her contemporaries.
For the 2022 BWF World Tour Finals, the top eight players and pairs in each category in the BWF World Tour Rankings will be invited to compete, with a maximum of two players or pairs per member association being eligible.
From Thailand, Ratchanok Intanon and Busanan Ongbamrungphan will compete in Group B of the women’s singles event.
Good gusts welcome start of keelboat racing in 34th Phuket King’s Cup Regatta
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 06, 2022
THE NATION
Sailors did not have to wait long to get underway at the 34th Phuket King’s Cup Regatta as good wind gusting to 20 knots, held allowing Race Officer Simon James to get in three windward-leeward races for the IRC Zero, and IRC One classes.
The IRC Premier Cruising, Charter Cruising and the Multihull classes were each sent on a single passage race.
17 keelboats and multihulls spread over five classes are competing in the Asia’s longest-running and most illustrious regatta, held over five days racing through scenic courses amidst the beautiful Andaman Sea islands. Combined with the 182 participating dinghies it brings the total of participating boats to just below 200. A great bounce back as the regatta was put on hold in 2020 and 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
All eyes are on the three-boat IRC Zero class as all three entries have won the King’s Cup before. Kevin Whitcraft’s TP52 THA72 is up against another TP52 Ray Roberts Team Hollywood as well as Sarab Jeet Singh and Nick Burns’ Welbourn 52 Windsikher. All three yachts have finely-tuned crew and cunning & knowledgeable skippers – this will be a battle for the ages.
On day one, THA 72 captured the first two races with Team Hollywood winning the final race of the day, after finishing second in the first two contests. Windsikher had to play bridesmaid today, finishing third in all three races. So, THA 72 leads the class with four points followed closely by Team Hollywood with five and Windsikher in third spot with ten points.
The majority of the crew on THA 72 raced as the Vāyu team in the TP52 Super Series this past summer in Europe. Don Whitcraft, who helmed THA 72 today, spoke after the race:
“It was great to be back on the water. We had a couple of practice days, but today was a big day, hard racing, with three races, nine laps in total. It was really good, windier than previous days, a baptism by fire. The first two races went well for us, the third race we didn’t have a great start and Team Hollywood took advantage of that.”
The six-boat IRC One class has Craig Douglas’ Ramrod, a Farr 40, take home wins in races two and three after finishing third in race one. They stand in first place with six points. A first, fourth and second-place finish in that order have Morten Jakobsen’s Hanuman XXXIX, a VXOne, second spot with seven points heading into day two. In third place with eight points is Garry Holt’s Let’s Get It On, a Corby 37, as it had one second-place finish and two thirds today. You might remember this yacht as it used to called Jessandra II when it was owned by Andrew McDermott, and most or its crew was female.
Kazuki Kihara’s Char Chan, a First 40.7, sits in fourth spot in the IRC One class with 13 points, based on a fourth, and second-place finish today, even the boat did not start the final race. Matti Sepp’s Judy, a Farr 30, was next with 14 points earning two fifths and a fourth-place. Craig Nichols Alright, a Sydney 40 (formerly owned by Scott Bradley and called Emagine), brought up the pack as it had a tough day with 20 points based on two DNFs and a sixth spot in race two.
The three-boat Premier Cruising class saw Peter Cremers Shatoosh, a Warwick 75, win on both elapsed and corrected time. The Thai vessel Pine Pacific, an X-Yacht 55, skipped by Ithinai Yingsiri, followed closely behind. Simon Piff’s Firstlight, a Beneteau First 50, unfortunately, did not finish the race.
The Charter Cruising Class saw Torben Kristensen’s Kinnon, a Hanse 400, take home the honours today over the other two boats in the class with Jakod Handte’s Fei Jian, a Bavaria 33, coming in second and Masami Yamashita’s Sunsail Inlova, a Sunsail 41, placing third in the class.
The two-boat Multihull OMR class saw Hermann Schwarz’ 2Fast4you, a Mumby Cyber 4800, pip Hang Chen’s ZOE, a Bahia 46 by twenty minutes on corrected time.
The International Dinghy Classes race from 3-6 December at Kata Beach, divided into the following classes: Optimist Boys, Optimist Girls, 29er, 49er, Open ILCA4, Open ILCA6, Open ILCA 7, 420, 470, and Open Skiff. 182 dinghies from Thailand, United Kingdom, Singapore, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia and China are competing.
In the 29er class, after seven races, Chaichanawut Deenak and Suthon Yampinit of Thailand lead the pack. Fellow countrywomen Narisara Satta and Nichapa Waiwai lead the 49er class after 7 races as well.
The Open ILCA4 has ISAAC GOH of Singapore leading after six races with fellow countrymen Khoo Zachary leading the Open ILCA6 also after six races. The Open ILCA 7 has Thai national Prakasit Hongpradab leading after six races with fellow Thai Paliga Poonpat and Chakkaphat Wiriyakitti leading the 420 class after 7 races. The 470 class has Navee Thamsoontorn and Panida Suksomporn of Thailand leading after Seven races. Open Skiff has Anandi Chandavarkar of Indonesia leading after six races. Optimist Boys Chanatip Tongglum and Optimist Girls has Prin Subying leading after seven races.
The Royal Awards Ceremony will be on 10th December 2022 at Beyond Resort Kata, Kata Beach, Phuket.
World Cup favourites Brazil produced a performance to delight fans and terrify potential opponents on Monday (December 5) as they ripped through South Korea with four first-half goals to secure a hugely impressive 4-1 victory in their last 16 clash.
They were ahead after seven minutes when Raphinha’s low cross reached Vinicius Jr and he expertly lifted the ball above the charging goalkeeper and three defenders.
Five minutes later it was 2-0 with a Neymar penalty and Richarlison added a brilliant third after a spell of juggling then a razor combination with Marquinhos and Thiago Silva that had Brazil’s delirious fans dancing and neutrals everywhere purring.
Lucas Paqueta volleyed in the fourth after 36 minutes and the five-times champions played the second half as an exhibition, denied more goals only by impressive Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu, as they turned their attention to Friday’s quarter-final meeting with Croatia.
Korea worked tirelessly and bravely to try to limit the damage and were rewarded for their own attacking efforts when Paik Seung-ho smashed in a brilliant long-range shot beyond Alisson 13 minutes from time.
England beat Senegal 3-0 to set up quarter-final clash with France
MONDAY, DECEMBER 05, 2022
THE NATION
Free-scoring England extended their unbeaten record against African teams with a 3-0 victory over Senegal on Sunday (December 4), which included a first goal at this World Cup from captain Harry Kane as they set up a quarter-final clash with holders France.
England had initially looked sluggish against Senegal’s pacy forwards, in the two nations’ first ever encounter, with a wonderful one-handed save by Jordan Pickford stopping Boulaye Dia from giving the African side a shock lead.
But Jordan Henderson settled England’s nerves in the 38th minute, stroking the ball home after being played in by Jude Bellingham at the end of a lovely passing move.
Kane struck a ferocious shot past goalkeeper Edouard Mendy with the last kick of the first half, leaving him one goal behind Wayne Rooney’s record of 53 goals for England.
Nippy winger Bukayo Saka bagged the third with a neat chip over Mendy after a cross by Phil Foden in the 57th minute.
England’s goalfest in Qatar – 12 so far – equals their previous best World Cup total at Russia 2018 when they made the semi-finals. They scored 11 in winning the world title in 1966.
Record-breaking Giroud, sublime Mbappe send France into quarter-finals with Poland win
MONDAY, DECEMBER 05, 2022
THE NATION
France beat Poland 3-1 in a record-smashing World Cup last-16 clash on Sunday (December 4) that saw Olivier Giroud become France’s outright all-time top scorer and Kylian Mbappe score a magnificent double.
France were relentless on the attack as they pushed for an opening goal but could not unlock a sturdy Poland until just before the break when Mbappe played a pin-point ball through to Giroud, who hammered it past a diving Wojciech Szczesny to claim his 52nd goal for Les Bleus.
Holders France continued to press after the break, with Giroud almost netting a second when he flicked Jules Kounde’s cross just past the near post. But Mbappe did not miss in the 74th minute, unleashing a missile from just inside the penalty area that shot into the top corner.
Mbappe was not done, adding a second goal in stoppage time with another screamer to seal the win and take his total for the tournament to five.
A handball by Dayot Upamecano gave Poland’s Robert Lewandowski a chance of scoring a consolation goal with a penalty that was first saved by Hugo Lloris before being retaken — and scored — as the keeper did not have his feet on the line.
France
No country has repeated as World Cup champions in six decades – since Brazil achieved the feat by claiming consecutive trophies in 1958 and 1962. Italy is the only other nation to have won two straight, in 1934 and 1938.
France’s quarterfinal opponent will be either England or Senegal.
France, however, wasn’t so sure to go this far when several other top players were ruled out shortly before the tournament because of physical issues, including midfielders Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante, central defender Presnel Kimpembe, left back Lucas Hernandez, and forward Christopher Nkunku are also out.
France
On a record-setting night for France, goalkeeper Hugo Lloris matched the national team mark of 142 appearances held by Lilian Thuram.
The previous defending champion to reach the quarterfinals was Brazil in 2006 – when France beat the South Americans before eventually losing in the final to Italy in a penalty shootout.
With two European teams playing, there weren’t all that many supporters of either country inside Al Thumama Stadium except for small pockets of France fans beating drums behind one goal and red-and-white clad spectators chanting “Polska” behind the opposite goal. There were also plenty of empty seats.
France fan celebrates in a car with a flag outside the Arc de Triomphe as France progress to the quarter finals
The 34th Phuket King’s Cup Regatta returns to reignite yacht racing in Thailand
MONDAY, DECEMBER 05, 2022
THE NATION
The 34th Phuket King’s Cup Regatta is ready to set sail and welcome sailors from all over the globe, including Thailand, to undertake the challenge of competing in one of the most scenic locations in the world in the azure waters of the Andaman Sea off Phuket, Thailand.
The regatta will not only bring yacht racing back to Thailand but also enhance Phuket as a destination for family holiday and adventure sports.
Kevin Whitcraft, President of the 34th Phuket King’s Cup Regatta organizing committee, said,
“We are excited to organize the regatta again after a two-year forced hiatus. The 34th Edition is ready to welcome all international and Thai yacht racing sailors for Keelboat and Multihulls and Dinghy races. It is indeed special to compete in this warm weather water, surrounded by the beautiful Andaman Sea and the scenic beauty of Phuket.
“We want to make the King’s Cup a bucket list sailing event for all boat owners globally. It is a family-friendly event where adults can race yachts while their kids race dinghies. The King’s Cup Regatta has established itself as one of the most spectacular and best-organised events in the region. The diversity of the craft, the international complement of crews and the highlight – the best-after-sailing beach parties – have made the King’s Cup Regatta well-known globally. We’re very proud of its contribution to Phuket and Thailand and to the sport of sailing.”
Under Royal Patronage, the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta is organized by the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta Organizing Committee under the auspices of the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, in conjunction with the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, the Royal Thai Navy and the Province of Phuket. The region’s most prestigious regatta includes International Dinghies Classes, Keelboats, and Multihulls Classes. The Royal Awards Ceremony will be on 10th December 2022 at Beyond Resort Kata, Kata Beach, Phuket.
Widely regarded as one of Asia’s premier yachting regattas, it consists of five days of racing on scenic courses amidst the beautiful Andaman Sea islands.
Following two years of no regatta due to the Covid pandemic, Phuket King’s Cup Regatta glad to be back with a strong showing of 182 Dinghies from Thailand, United Kingdom, Singapore, India, Japan, Malaysia and China to participate the International Dinghy Classes.
A key event on the Phuket tourism calendar, the regatta helps promote Phuket as a premier sports paradise on the world stage. In addition, the regatta has boosted sailing as a sport in Thailand, allowing young Thai sailors to develop their sailing skills in dinghies and go on to join international keelboat crews competing for class honours.
Besides attracting some of the world’s fastest independent racing teams, the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta is famous for its après-sailing beach party series that showcase Phuket’s culinary specialities and gourmet food.
Adding to the festivity is live music. The event draws corporate and international brands keen to grow their presence on a cosmopolitan platform. It also offers premier networking opportunities at the party venues each night following the conclusion of the day’s racing.
Keelboats and Multihulls will compete between 5-10 December, with 8th December reserved as a lay day for competitors to adjust their strategies or fix their boats. The race will continue from 9-10 December.
The International Dinghy Classes will race from 3-6 December at Kata Beach. Classes are divided into Optimist Boys, Optimist Girls, Open ILCA4, ILCA6, ILCA 7, 420, 470, and Open Skiff.
The Phuket King’s Cup Regatta has played an important part in the development of sailing in Thailand. It has encouraged young sailors to take up the sport and helped develop talented and aspiring skippers, who now represent Thailand at several international events.
Sponsors of the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta include Kata Group, RMA Group, Haad Thip PCL. and Workforce International.
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France fan celebrates in a car with a flag outside the Arc de Triomphe as France progress to the quarter finals
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