Xpress-qTODAY PAGE-1011.COVER

PY O C E FRE

XPRESS

DAILY

Monday, December 15, 2008 VOL 1, NO 238 dailyxpress.net

GOOD MORNING BANGKOK!

The art of gaming

By Banjong Pisanthanakun Film-maker

I

’m just crazy about the Xbox! Many may think playing a console game is juvenile, but I beg to differ because it is the ultimate entertainment. If you stop to think about it, creating such a popular game is an uphill task which requires a big investment. A good game needs the best graphics, a good plot, attractive characters and nice sound. To me it is an artwork – not different from film-making at all.

Shop for tech stuff Check out 2 exciting big-screen TVs, plus a touch-screen cellphone with the great feature of eyes-free calling

AP

>PAGE 13

CROWNING BEAUTY Russia’s Kseniya Sukhinova steals judges’ hearts to become the new Miss World. >PAGE 4

2 TODAY

Monday, December 15, 2008

THE CITY

37%

THE RATING ML Nattakorn Devakula received in a recent poll, giving him the lead in the race to become governor

Andrea, right and Ines pose with their book ‘Bangkok Guide for Kids by Kids’.

CHARNNARONG PORNDILOKRAD

THE BOOK OFFERS CANDID REVIEWS OF TOP LOCAL ATTRACTIONS, QUICK TRIPS, FAVOURITE HANGOUTS AND EVEN FOOD OPTIONS.

For kids by kids Two teenage sisters turn their local travel & food experiences into an easy-to-understand guidebook for children

By Wannapa Phetdee D A I LY X P R E S S

A

fter reading a guidebook packed with travel information, adults – leave alone children – may actually find it difficult deciding where to go or what to do. But with “Bangkok Guide for Kids by Kids”, discovering Bangkok will be like child’s play for kids.

The book, which follows two dynamic girls’ experiences, provides a fresh perspective on how to tour the city.

Andrea and Ines Dumont describe their favourite attractions and activities in a humorous, light and refreshing manDAILY

XPRESS

ner – all for the benefit of other children.

“It’s good because there is no other guide for kids,” says Andrea, 15, pointing out that big guidebooks are not convenient for children.

Multicultural The 12-chapter, 160-page book offers candid reviews of top local attractions, quick outof-town trips, favourite hangouts and even food options. It also includes useful information for young visitors – from jet-set tips to a crash course in Thai gastronomy and language.

Ines, 14, says they share their

opinions about various places.

“If we like a restaurant, for example, we say the food is really good.”

Born to a French dad and a Filipino mum of SpanishChinese descent, Andrea and Ines are typical multicultural teenagers who have lived in Bangkok all their lives. Fluent in English and French, they are secondary students at Bangkok Patana School.

It took the two girls around three years to complete the book, and Andrea says she didn’t imagine it would hit the shelves.

“I’ve planned to update this

DAILY XPRESS

book every three years because the places change so fast in Bangkok and maybe I’ll continue to discover more,” Andrea says.

“We have many friends and relatives who visit Bangkok; they always ask us what to do and we tell them,” Ines chips in.

She recommends that readers check out an interesting chapter on restaurants and her favourite place, Siam Square, while Andrea says she likes the “adrenaline boosters” chapter, and suggests readers visit her most favourite Italian restaurant, Limoncello.

The book, priced at Bt450, is available at Asia Books, Kinokuniya and B2S.

briefly BMA to restrict New Year events The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will hold only two New Year events this year to comply with an electoral law that restricts parties in the wake of the gubernatorial election, City Clerk Phongsak Samesant said yesterday.

In one event on December 30, the Phra Phuttha Nawa Rajborphit Buddha image will be set up in Sanam Luang for public worship. The other event, on January 1, will be an alms-giving ceremony also at the grounds, he said, adding that no New Year countdown events will be held.

Phongsak also called on all 14 candidates running for the Bangkok governor election and those competing in a byelection for Bangkok’s Constituency 10 to avoid holding any parties or entertainment events that would violate the electoral law.

Prostitution: 1 held Lumpini police arrested an Indian man yesterday for allegedly forcing 13 Uzbekistani women into prostitution.

Police arrested Dalhjit Singh, 30, after receiving complaints from a 16-year-old vicitm who escaped from a room at Grace Hotel near Soi Sukhumvit 3. The unnamed girl said Singh hired her and 12 women from Uzbekistan to work as maids, but later forced them into prostitution.

Police said they are also after an Indian woman identified as Norshushuk, who the victims accuse of being Singh’s accomplice.

Editor: Tulsathit Taptim / Managing Editor: Thanong Khanthong / Deputy Managing Editors: Kumar Krishnan, Jintana Panyaarvudh / Design Editor: Leroy A Sylk Web Co-editors: Marisa Chimprabha, Paisal Chuenprasaeng / The City Editor: Chularat Saengpassa / The Fun Editor: Veena Thoopkrajae / Sport Editor: Preechachan Wiriyanupappong / Group Editor in Chief: Suthichai Yoon

>>DAILY XPRESS is edited by Tulsathit Taptim and published by NMG News Co Ltd, at 1854, Bang Na-Trat Road, Bangkok 10260, and printed by FOR DISPLAY ADVERTISING,PLEASE CALL (02) 338 3000 # 1 WPS (Thailand) Co Ltd, Tel (02) 338 3000, Fax (02) 338 3334. EDITORIAL: Tel (02) 338 3333. ON THE WEB: DAILYXPRESS.NET >>DAILY XPRESS is a supplement to subscriber copies of THE NATION with bonus distribution in selected areas of Bangkok and its environs every Monday to Saturday. The Sunday edition of DAILY XPRESS incorporates THE NATION. Subscription rates: one year Bt4,900 within regular delivery areas; please contact Customer Service on (02) 338 3000. For bulk copy subscription rates please call (02) 338 3532.

4

GLOBETROT

Monday, December 15, 2008

THE WORLD

DAILY XPRESS

1 MILLION The number of people without electricity in northeast United States following a severe ice storm

briefly Pilots fired over take-off scare Two Hong Kong Airlines pilots have been sacked after trying to take off from a taxiway rather than the main runway at the city’s airport.

The pair, an Indonesian captain and Argentinian copilot, were only stopped by an alert air-traffic controller who saw them speeding on the taxiway and warned them to stop. Their Boeing 737 was carrying 122 passengers and seven crew. – AFP

AP

Nude pics: Carla sues

Newly crowned Miss World Kseniya Sukhinova from Russia, centre, with first princess Parvathy Omankuttan from India, left, and second princess Gabrielle Walcott from Trinidad and Tobago. Two of the other contestants, Miss Slovakia, Edita Kresakova, left, and Miss Germany, Anne-Kathrin Walter, bottom.

EPA

Russian blonde new Miss World

Miss India first runner-up, Miss Trinidad & Tobago second among 109 contestants A P , Johannesburg

EPA

R

ussian blonde Kseniya Sukhinova has been crowned the 58th Miss World after a two-hour spectacle in South Africa that combined elements of travelogue and reality show, and the kind of flag-waving usually seen at sports events.

Sukhinova beamed as she was crowned on Saturday night.

Moments afterward, she was composed and smiling during a brief interview.

She said her immediate ambitions included meeting Russia’s

president, and that she planned to return soon to her studies at the Tyumen Oil and Gas University in her home region of northwestern Siberia.

“I am so happy to be here,” she said of South Africa, which was hosting its sixth Miss World final. “I am so excited.

It’s amazing.”

Sukhinova, who in a biography on the Miss World website listed becoming a supermodel as a goal, also won the contest’s top model award and was third in the swimsuit competition.

She was a crowd favourite – though not as popular as hometown beauty Miss South Africa, Tansey Coetzee. Coetzee made the final five.

The first runner-up is Miss India, Parvathy Omankuttan, and the second runner-up Miss Trinidad and Tobago, Gabrielle Walcott.

Miss Angola, Brigite Santos, completed the top five.

The 109 contestants also competed in a “pentathlon” that included building a small boat and taking soccer penalty kicks; a talent show; and an event showcasing their charity work in the lead-up to the live international broadcast.

French first lady Carla BruniSarkozy is taking a clothing company to court to stop it from selling a shopping bag featuring a photo of her in the nude.

The white canvas bags went on sale this month on the French island of Reunion, produced by local clothing firm Pardon, which plans to sell them throughout France soon.

Today, a court will hear the request from President Nicolas Sarkozy’s wife to ban sales of the bag.

The 40-year-old former supermodel is also seeking 125,000 euros (Bt5.8 million) in damages from Pardon, which she would donate to charity. – AFP

Cheesy weapon Police say a pizza delivery man fought back with the one weapon he had handy when a gun was pulled on him in a stickup: a large, hot pepperoni pie.

Delivery man Eric Lopez Devictoria, 40, flung the steaming pizza at the gunman, buying time as he ran for safety. At least one shot was fired as Devictoria fled, but the deliveryman wasn’t hurt and was able to quickly call police.

Three teenage suspects were nabbed soon after. – AP

6

ENTERTAINMENT

Monday, December 15, 2008

THE FUN

DAILY XPRESS

RICKY MARTIN SINGER, ON RAISING HIS TWIN BOYS, MATTEO AND VALENTINO, BORN LAST SUMMER TO A SURROGATE MOTHER.

“I’m the one who changes the diapers, the one that feeds them, the one that puts them to sleep.”

WHAT’S UP, CUPCAKE? You might have to find a shorter word for “anniversary” when you decorate them, of course, but these things are great!

By Sirinia D A I LY X P R E S S

C

XTRA CUPCAKES! NOW! >> Cupcake Carousel is at

>> Butler’s is on Floor L at

Gaysorn Plaza, at the Rajprasong intersection. Call (02) 656 1107-8. >> TrueCoffee and TrueLife branches around Bangkok sell ’em too.

DAILY XPRESS PHOTO BY NANTHASIT NITMATHA

156/18 Petchburi Road, Rajthevee. Call (081) 612 8605 or (085) 833 0886.

onsider the humble cupcake: Year-round, holiday after holiday, people teeter around under the weight of enormous, candlestrewn, multi-layer cakes, and the lowly cupcake watches from the sidelines, all but forgotten.

It deserves better, surely.

Cupcakes can be just as colourful, represent far more casual dining, and collectively can offer partygoers much greater choice.

“Pick a combination of flavours, colours and designs!” says Donaya Tanarugsachock, whose Cupcake Carousel was the first shop in Bangkok to sell American-style cupcakes.

This season she’s tempting us with a bunch of jolly new items: “Minty Mistletoe” is a chocolate cupcake with peppermint.

“Winter Wonderland” looks like a gift box. “Christmas Tree” has chocolate chips and is decorated with dark chocolate and butter cream. “Christmas Cranberry” is a cranberry cake done up with white chocolate and cream cheese. And “Dazzling Deco” is a gorgeous vanilla snack.

Donaya says cupcakes have become more popular for parties for youngsters – as if kids weren’t already converted – because of their convenience. There’s none of the careful carving that big cakes require, and the cups they come in are easily trashed.

But she advocates cupcakes for any sort of gathering, whether it’s a party for 50 or a sit-down dinner for five. The decoration on the cakes helps set the mood, with something glittery and swank easily fitting in at a formal banquet.

Set out an array of cupcakes somewhere handy and people can grab the ones they like anytime.

As for the design, Donaya has made “mummy cupcakes” for Halloween and a whole garden of flowers for Mother’s Day. “You can make a bouquet out of

WHAT’S THE SECRET? IT’S THE ORIGINAL AMERICAN CUPCAKE RECIPE,BUT SHE’S ADAPTED IT FOR THAIS, USING LESS SUGAR IN THE CAKE AND LIGHTER CREAM IN THE DECORATIONS.

cupcakes,” she says, having succeeded with roses and lilies.

With treats as soft and flavourful as they are good looking, Cupcake Carousel flourished on word of mouth before Donya opened her shop on Petchburi Road last year and a booth in Siam Paragon early this year.

What’s the secret? It’s the original American cupcake recipe, but she’s adapted it for Thais, using less sugar in the cake and lighter cream in the decorations.

Monday, December 15, 2008

74

ENTERTAINMENT

DAILY XPRESS

7

BREW CHRISTMAS

THE PERCENTAGE of girls who say hair is one of the first things they notice about a guy, according to an AXE survey in the US.

Serve tea at your holiday bash-it’s posh >Page 8

Posing

questions

soopsip Palette gets unpalatable

Dancer/choreographers Pichet Klunchun from Thailand and Jerome Bel from France rehearse for ‘Pichet Klunchun and Myself’, their journey of discovery through the noman’s land between traditional and contemporary dance.

Pay now, watch later If you want cheaper tickets to see the flick “Transporter 3” when it opens on Thursday, transport yourself now to

Robovie and me Friendly Japanese robots help with the shopping DEUTSCHE PRESSE-AGENTUR Tokyo

H

www.MajorCineplex.com. Seats at Major Cineplex and EGV Multiplex are going for Bt150 and at Paragon Cineplex and the Esplanade Cineplex for Bt200. Otherwise you’re going to pay Bt240. Plus, you get some movie gear if you act now.

Love with Earth, win a phone Be one of the first 8,000 people to drop your unused mobile-phone devices and accessories – such as batteries and headphones – and receive a limited-edition phone pouch for free.

The offer is part of the “I used to BE” campaign designed by Playhound’s Bundit Rasameeroj under the “Nokia Loves Earth” banner to raise environmental awareness.

Also up for grabs are three Nokia 5800 XpressMusic phones. Drop-off boxes are located at Nokia Care Centres, Nokia shops, Playhound shops and Power Buy outlets both in Bangkok and in Central department store.

The campaign runs through February 14. For more information, visit www.Nokia.co.th/Environment or call (02) 255 2111.

umanoid robot guides are being used at a shopping mall in the Japanese city of Osaka to give consumers “a helping hand”.

Standing 114-centimetres tall, “Robovie II” whirs up to customers with tips on where to shop.

It can tell from the way they walk whether shoppers have gone astray or are hesitant about entering a particular store, says Takaati Akimoto. He heads the ATR Intelligent Robotics

and Communication Laboratories in Seika, which developed the droid.

Three different robot guides are being tested close to Universal Studios in Osaka, says Akimoto. These include Wakamura, a robot sales assistant with an onboard display that interacts with customers.

It monitors the store signs people are reading before showing what it “thinks” to be relevant information.

The machine was developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

The various robots are interlinked to provide consumers with the highest level of service.

There is no word however on when the droids might become commercially available.

Japan’s falling birth rate and rapidly ageing population have encouraged a number of companies and research institutes to come up with robot guides to complete simple tasks and support citizens in their daily lives.

Thailand’s politics will continue

to be in technicolor for a while yet.

Natthawut Sai-kua, who’s the spokesman for the government until someone else wants the job, says an Abhisit Vejjajiva Cabinet would be a “private taxi” – taxi suen buk-khon.

Natthawut said on NBT’s “Truth Today” that it would be the product of “the yellow and green force”, by which he meant the bananacoloured PAD and the khaki military.

Jatuporn Promphan, his co-host, didn’t like bringing Jatuporn yellow and green taxis into the equation, though. A lot of the people driving those cabs wear red shirts and, “They aren’t going to like that,” he sniffed.

Fluke and his friend Does Kirkphol “Fluke” Masayavanich have a small willy? Should you care?

There was gossip going around that he’s undersized inside his underwear, so Fluke issued a challenge via Manager have a look at it before you smirk.

Sure enough, Fluke was in a public toilet and some guy asked to see the proof.

Over to astrologer Mor Kirkphol Krit, then, who knows his stars. He confirms that Fluke’s perfectly normal in the pants.

Don’t you love showbiz?

Contact Soopsip at veenxpress@gmail.com

8

LIFE

Monday, December 15, 2008

DAILY XPRESS

ATHOME

Teatime for Santa People are scaling back the holiday parties this year – a ‘casual-elegant’ tea (with a little wine) sounds perfect

By Kupluthai Pungkanon D A I LY X P R E S S

W

ith the economy going hungry, maybe you ought to cut back on the holiday party razzmatazz.

“Keep it casual, yet elegant,” suggests Brent Smith, the head of marketing at Habitat Thailand and the Chanintr Group, which sells imported furnishings.

Smith recommends a “casu-

al-elegant holiday tea”.

“Sometimes when people try to ‘do elegant’ it becomes too formal and stiff. People don’t feel comfortable.

“Remember that the holidays are all about sharing and friends and family. When you’re with friends and family, you shouldn’t be stiff, but you also don’t want jeans and Tshirts either.”

Avoid anything that might

make any guest feel uncomfortable. The best hosts think through every detail, including their guests’ likely reactions to any given component of the party.

An ideal Christmas tea, says Smith, might involve a setting where gold, white and offwhite tones predominate in the décor, saving the traditional red and green for other occasions.

Candles always invoke a good mood. Candlelight has a luxurious calm about it that makes any occasion special, he notes. Keep an eye out for interesting festive candles while you’re shopping.

For an afternoon tea party, sandwiches are a good choice.

At other times of day, you can let your imagination free.

“I had a Loy Krathong dinner with friends last month,” says Smith. “It was a sit-down dinner and I made a big bowl of fresh pasta. Everyone felt relaxed and just dug in.”

As for drinks, he says, “It’s funny, but you could have every kind of alcohol imaginable – and people don’t bother with them. They always prefer red or white wine.

“Actually, in Thailand, it’s always white wine, because it can be served chilled. If it’s a really nice Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, you can’t go wrong. People love it.”

Smith says a big pitcher of fresh orange juice is invariably a winner too. Non-drinkers will appreciate your consideration – and vodka fans as well.

XTRA

TWO MUST-HAVES >> You'll need a porcelain

tea set - no mugs or paper cups - and silver wear if possible. >> Put a lamp in the

kitchen that gives off a soft, welcoming light. Guests tend to gravitate toward the kitchen anyway, so give them a little extra ambience.

,,

WHEN YOU’RE WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY,YOU SHOULDN’T BE STIFF,BUT YOU ALSO DON’T WANT JEANS AND T-SHIRTS EITHER. Brent Smith

Monday, December 15, 2008

EVENTS 9

DAILY XPRESS

WHAT’S ON/WHAT’S UP Tribute in coinage

see it!

River City shopping complex celebrates the birthday of His Majesty the King with “The King in my Heart”, an exhibition featuring coinage metals of the present reign, along with paintings and figurines by such popular artists as Nirun Kaisornratt, Watchara Prayoonkam, Natikorn Chinyo and Warawutt Chusangthong. Also on show and up for auction are 82 framed pictures portraying the feelings of actors, actresses, and well-known personalities towards the King. Proceeds go to the Chai Pattana foundation. The show runs through January 4 and is open daily from 11 to 7. Call (02) 237 0077-8.

Cinderella in Bangkok Tony award-winner Lea Salonga stars in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s classic musical “Cinderella” from tomorrow through Sunday at the Muang Thai Ratchadalai Theatre. Famed for her performance in “Miss Saigon”, the Filipina singer and actress is joined by Peter Saide as the Prince. Shows are at 7.30 with weekend matinees at 2pm.

Tickets are Bt1,000 to Bt4,000 at Thaiticketmajor. Call (02) 262 3456.

A walk on the art side Watch experimental short films, listen to indie music and shop for art by the young and creative set at the sixth Art Square fest, which is being held Wednesday through Friday at Chulalongkorn University’s Jamjuree Art Gallery. It’s open from 4 to 9.

Call (02) 218 3709.

y as arnt The boSd ry o iam Discove

to round of Head over for the last auty: 2 2 r e b m Dece of Be etics’ “Code ody B MAC Cosm & p -U g Make Siam Youn ontest” and watch C Paint Artists work their magic ts lis a n fi 16 in the the d faces to w n a on bodies prize.

Bt300,000 on kicks off at 5 in titi The compe . all h d n ra g e th 5000 687 Call (02) 400. n o si exten

Thinking out of the frame Fasang Navaaran is featuring his latest abstract creations in the show “Appropriate” at H Gallery until December 30.

The artist has experimented by attaching panels to his 15 canvases to escape the confines of the frame and give the mixed-media works extra space and depth.

The gallery at 201 Sathorn Road Soi 12 is open daily except Tuesday from 10 to 6. Call (081) 310 4428 or visit www.HGalleryBkk.com.

The beauty of impermamneceonnomcicewoes

olate Crazy fonur arcyh4,othce Sukhothai Hotel’s Ja ate From Friday to a feast of chocol lon plays host to

lobby sa to 6. ternoon from 4 delights every af e served along ar s rie st pa s and Chocolates, cake for just Bt850++ per person. ffee with tea and co nsion 5104.

8888 exte Call (02) 344

fro Distract your mind impermanence of e th by focusing on at the Perishable everything in this life which runs at Beauty Exhibition, Design Centre & Thailand Creative ry 22. ua br (TCDC) until Fe ousands of antith es ur at fe The show d also looks at mum ageing formulas an daily except mification. It’s open to 9,. Admission is .30 10 Mondays from 8448. free. Call (02) 664

10 EVENTS

Monday, December 15, 2008

DAILY XPRESS

WHAT’S ON/WHAT’S UP do it!

Sake and snacks

kok’s Nami JW Marriott Bang khouse Teppanyaki Stea wine and holds its monthly cember De sake testing on 30 at Sake 8. to 30 26 from 6.

Bar. ports this Among the rare im suru ot an w month are Sa suru ot an w Su u, Honjyosh Tanrai u ur ts ku Ha , ku Jitsura u. The ur ts Junmai and Haku clusive in 0 50 Bt tasting costs food and snacks.

Holiday on the farm The beautiful Jim Thomson Farm in Nakhon Ratchasima’s Pak Thong Chai district is celebrating the holiday season Isaan-style from Saturday to January 4 and treating visitors to “agro-cultural” tours.

Indulge in the impressive array of fresh vegetables, fruits and other farm produce any day from 9 to 5.

Admission is Bt50 for adults and Bt30 for children. Call (085) 660

00.

Call (02) 656 77

7339 or (02) 762 2566 or visit www.JimThompsonFarm.com.

A helping

hand

The first am ba Thailand, te ssador for Habitat fo r Humanity en star Rath a Tokongsap , has create poom “Film” da funds for th e foundatio New Year card to rais e n.

The card de pic some happ ts a smiling heart surr yp ou You can ord eople living in their ne nding er the card w homes. s by call 0644 ing (02) 6 or visiting 64 www.Hab itatThaila nd.org.

Shopping for a cause On Saturday, from noon to mid-

night, take time out to go to a great Gift Fair at Dan Niramit on Phaholyothin Road. There you can shop for handmade presents and souvenirs made by independent artists, chic designers and even celebrities! There’ll also be live concerts! Entry is Bt50 with proceeds goes to charities in Chiang Rai. Call (02) 641 5393.

A calendar of memories The loving nature of Her Royal Highness the late Princess Galyani Vadhana, especially towards her dogs is known to all. In memory of her kindness, Tippaya Insurance and DMG Books have produced a 2009 calendar with portraits of the late Princess with her many dogs at Le Dix Palace. The calendar is now available at all bookstores and costs Bt199. Proceeds after expenses will be donated to charities under Princess Galyani Vadhana’s patronage.

Every therapy under the sun

Singing on the screen Be kind to animals Sexy lasses Girly Berry continue their work as ambassadors of the Thai Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (TSPCA) by asking everyone to vote on a law that will make cruelty illegal.

Find out more and register your vote at www.ThaiSPCA.org for voting.

To promote Brit pop singer Dido’s latest album “Safe Trip Home”, Sony Music (Thailand) will screen a series of 11 short films dealing with the idea of “home” tomorrow at 6 at Grand EGV Siam Discovery Centre.

Among them is one short from Thailand, “Black Eyelashes”, which goes with the track “It Comes and It Goes”. It’s directed by Tinge Krishnan and stars Parinya “Nong Toom” Charoenphol.

Get free tickets at www.MajorCineplex.com or call (02) 686 8000 extension 512. For details, click www.SafeTripHome.com.

The Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi in Chiang Mai has created a broad choice of wellness programmes covering everything from women’s healthcare and Ayurvedic treatments to back relief and “golf wellness”.

Room rates start at Bt17,000 a night, with the wellness programmes costing from Bt23,500 for a minimum three-day journey.

Each comprises four hours of treatment per day.

Call (053) 888 888 or visit www.MandarinOriental.com.

12

LIFE

Monday, December 15, 2008

AT WORK 105

THOUSAND POUND is the price of a bottle of 1787 Chateau Lafite Bordeaux, the world’s most expensive wine.

Money that grows with age Invest in a few crates of wine, keep it safe and you can double your stake within a few years D A I LY X P R E S S

I

nvesting in wine is a rare thing in Thailand, but for those who can go abroad and have the money, it’s a good way to make money.

Arnaud Mirey, the brand .. ambassador for Moet & Chandon Asia Pacific, knows about wine investment, although he’s yet to part with any bottles from his beloved collection.

Love wine? You can invest!

Unlike gold, which can fluctuate in value, wine increases in value every year if you keep it in good condition.

“Wine gains value by ageing,” Mirey says. “Your Champagne increases in value because the taste improves.”

The best way to invest is through professionals, distributors and brokers, who can also help with the storage.

Maintaining your own wine cellar can be a challenge.

love scope

BY EUGENIA LAST

December 15 to 20, 2008

ARIES March 21-April 19 Venture into unfamiliar territory. Take pleasure in exploring the prospect of getting together with someone who comes from a different background. The possibility of a lifestyle change will entice you. Prepare to make a move.

TAURUS April 20-May 20 Don’t let love cost you financially or emotionally. Your heart may be in the right place but meeting someone who is as good for you as you are for him or her isn’t in the stars this week. Bide your time and build on friendships.

GEMINI May 21-June 20 You’ll attract a lot of attention and potential lovers but before you decide to jump in feet first, consider the ramifications. If the person who interests you is someone you work with or involved with someone else, take a pass.

CANCER June 21-July 22 You’ll be attracted to someone from a different walk of life.

As much as you are intrigued by your differences, you will be equally repelled as time passes by, so don’t move too quickly.

Leave yourself an escape route if necessary.

Arnaud Mirey

AFP

By Lisnaree Vichitsorasatra

DAILY XPRESS

Mirey says if your Bordeaux and Burgundy will rise in value 12 to 15 per cent in a few years. You can double your investment in 10 years.

Mirey owns 1,000 bottles.

He buys wine in packs that usually contain three cases, and in each case are six to 12 bottles. “If I’m wealthy enough I’ll be keep my collection, but if I want to have a house or have kids, I might sell two cases and keep one,” he says.

One of his most valuable wines is a 1996 Chateau Pichon Lalande, considered the 20th century’s best year – and thus a sure-fire value in wine.

If you’re serious about wine investment, you have to keep your stock in the right conditions. Air-conditioning is a must in Thailand. Ideally, a cool cellar is available.

One investor who asks not to be identified leaves his collection in England, where he has a broker negotiate sales when the value goes up.

Arnaud keeps his wine at the perfect temperature in a facility in Normandy, France, so he rarely has a problem with his wine going off.

LEO July 23-August 22 You’re hitting a passionate high but before you go any further, make sure that you are true to yourself as well as honest with the person who has grabbed your attention. Keep things light, friendly and adventuresome but don’t make a commitment.

VIRGO August 23-September 22 You’ll be emotional and sensitive and have plenty to offer the right person. Look for someone with common interests, beliefs and life goals and you will avoid wasting time with people who are not marriage material or good for your ego.

LIBRA September 23-October 22 Take your pick and plan to have a good time. You will be attracted to someone who is innovative and imaginative and in to you. Enjoy the ride but make sure that before you get in too deep, your motives are in the right place.

SCORPIO October 23-November 21 Emotional deception is likely to ruin any romantic plans you make if you don't find out ahead of time how someone you are attracted to feels about you. Don’t set yourself up for disappointment. Be blunt - ask what you need to know.

SAGITTARIUS November 22-December 21 You should be out having fun. You will be drawn to the unusual and should take part in activities that will combine adventure, physical activity and testing your skills in order to meet someone just as spirited as you are.

CAPRICORN December 22-January 19 Get serious about love. It’s time to move forward and choose the person best suited to fill your needs and to work in unison with you for the rest of your life. Take the next step by making an offer that is difficult to refuse.

AQUARIUS January 20-February 18 Stay away from people who are emotionally, physically or financially overindulgent. Avoid anyone who tempts you with bad habits or who is involved with the wrong crowd. You need stability in your life, not debauchery.

PICES February 19-March 20 You may feel ready to get serious about love but picking the right person may be a challenge. Do your homework and find out as much as you can about anyone who interests you before you decide to profess your feelings and intentions.

Monday, December 15, 2008

NEW GADGETS

DAILY XPRESS

Meet a massive speed freak Two-hundred frames per second flow through Sony’s top-ofthe line LCD tube, the 52Z450A. The Z is short for “Zealous for Motion” because this new series is great for watching speedy sports or fast-action movies. This model features a 52-inch high-definition screen (1920 x 1080 pixels), a dynamic contrast of 80,000: 1, a “BRAVIA Engine 2” image processor and three HDMI slots. The suggested retail price

TO DO

is Bt134,990 – so don’t pay that much.

Fast and furious competition Philips matches the Sony’s 52-inch screen with its 52PFL9703 from the range-topping 9000 series. The 52PFL9703’s response time of 2 milliseconds beats the 4ms that most of its competitors offer, while its 100 Hz refresh-rate adds sharpness to fast action. Outside there’s a high-definition display of 1920 x 1080, inside a Philips’ Perfect Pixel HD Engine takes care of the image processing. The dynamic contrast figure is 55,000:1 and there are four HDMI slots. Philips have suggested Bt189,900, but you should be able to find it cheaper.

buy it!

There are things we can’t do without, and some of them are here.

So go ahead and take your pick!

Eyes-free calling Thanks to designer Bruno Fosi, the touch-screen iPhone has a handy new feature that will appeal to a lot of people, but perhaps especially the visually impaired. His Silicone Touch covers the phone’s screen with bas-relief buttons that correspond to the menu items, allowing you to feel your way through all the functions. Once the idea catches Steve Jobs’ attention, expect Silicone Touch to be caressing shelves in the shops.

13

14

THE SCREEN

Monday, December 15, 2008

DAILY XPRESS

TO SEE on tv

Walking Tall: Lone Justice Kevin Sorbo plays a retired sheriff who finds himself in a middle of a war against a ruthless drug lord in this action adventure.

Ong Bak 2

of a nobleath, the son r, skilled e d ’ ts n re a ung warrio ce. ssing his p After witne to become a fierce yo r vengean p u s st ith a ta e fo w man grow d n a s, rt a rtial e cinemas. in many ma es at som sh subtitl With Engli

Cinemax (TrueVisions), 8pm

The Day th e Earth Sto od Still In this rema ke of 1951 sc i-fi cl alie

ass n Klaatu wh o comes to w ic, Keanu Reeves plays doom. Jenn the a rn Earthlings ifer Connelly of their imp also stars. In other cinem ending 3D at Im as. ax and som e

Cold and Dark When Detective Mortimer Shade (Kevin Howarth) is somehow killed in a freezer, a parasite called a grail possesses his body in this 2005 horror flick.

True Movie Hits (TrueVisions), 7pm

Saw V Jigsaw might be dead, but his grisly traps live on in this fifth instalment of the tortureporn franchise. Costas Mandylor stars as a detective trying to piece things together. At SF Cinemas.

Kids

Titan AE

A young man with the power to transfer other people’s wounds to his own body strikes up a friendship with a trou-

bled teen. In Japanese with Thai and English subtitles at House, APEX.

Teeth A high-school student struggling to suppress her budding sexuality makes a startling discovery about her womanhood after becoming the victim of sexual violence in director Michael Lichtenstein’s exploration of the vagina dentata myth.

A young man races to find a hidden Earth ship ahead of an enemy alien species in order to secure the survival of humanity in this 2000 animation voiced

by Matt Damon and Bill Pullman.

Sudden Death A disgraced fireman takes on a group of terrorists holding the Vice President hostage during the NHL Stanley Cup finals in this 1995 flick starring JeanClaude Van Damme.

HBO (TrueVisions), 8pm

www.NationChannel.com Channel 3 – www.ThaiTV3.com Channel 5 – www.TV5.co.th Channel 7 – www.CH7.com Modernine – www.MCOT.net NBT – TV11.prd.go.th Thai PBS – www.ThaiPBS.or.th True – www.TrueVisionsTV.com

Adapted from Amanda Foreman’s best-selling novel, the film documents the romantic entanglements of Georgiana Cavendish (Keira Knightley), who becomes a celebrity of British high society when

she marries the Duke of Devonshire (Ralph Fiennes) and becomes consort to one of the most powerful men in England. At APEX.

Haa Thaew

Angelina Jolie’s back, spiritual tattoo master Noo Kanpai, the film tells the story of a man empowered by an inked alphabet. With English subtitles at some cinemas.

Produced by the man who etched the tiger on

Beverly Hills Chihuahua Drew Barrymore voices pampered pooch Chloe in this Walt Disney comedy.

Star Movies (TrueVisions), 8pm

Channel links

The Duchess

Traitor Don Chead le st operative w ars as a conflicted se cre ho tions lead to se ties to terrorist org t anisahis being d og an FBI agen t (Guy Pearc gedly tracked by e).

Monday, December 15, 2008

THE SCREEN

DAILY XPRESS

15

TO SEE Quantum of Solace James Bond is back – and this time it’s personal. The world’s most famous spy sets out to stop an environmentalist from taking control of a country's water supply.

on dvd REGION 1

Apex Lido: (02) 252 6498 Siam: (02) 251 3508 Scala: (02) 251 2861 www.ApexSiam-Square.com

Century – The Movie Plaza (02) 247 9940 www.Century TheMoviePlaza.com

House (02) 641 5913-4 www.HouseRama.com

Major Cineplex/EGV Bangkok: (02) 515 5555 Chiang Mai: (053) 283 939 www.MajorCineplex.com

Tokyo Sonata

Kung Fu Panda

An ordinary Japanese family slowly disintegrates after its patriarch loses his job. In Japanese with Thai and English subtitles at House, APEX.

Hua Lood Family (Headless Family) Comedian Kotee Aramboy makes his directorial debut with this movie about Ding (Jaturong Mokjok), Kanta (Methinee

Kingpayom) and their son Brazil (Kotee), who return from a trip headless but alive and are determined to keep their affliction a secret from curious neighbour Sangkom (Kom Chuanchuen). With English subtitles at some cinemas.

20th Century Boys Based on the award-winning Japanese manga series, this live action epic follows Kenji (Toshiaki Karasawa), Otcho (Etsushi Toyokawa) and Yukiji (Takako Tokiwa) as they race against time to stop a mysterious new cult led by “Friend”. In Japanese with

Sex Drive Josh Zuckerman plays a high school graduate determined to lose his virginity in this all-American sex caper.

The House Bunny Anna Faris plays a former playboy bunny determined to turn her life around after being expelled from the Playboy mansion.

Into the Faraway Sky Though marketed as a children’s fantasy, this Japanese family drama with an environmental message centres on the friendship between three children in a small town. Told mostly in flashbacks, it stars Ryunosuke Kamiki and Tomokazu Miura. In

Post critic John Anderson calls this computer-animated DreamWorks film “infectious and inspiring”. Jack Black is the voice of panda Po, a noodle chef who aspires to become a kung fu master. Extras include commentary, a music video and a featurette titled “How to Use Chopsticks”. This release is also available in a two-disc edition that includes a new animated short, “The Secrets of the Furious Five”.

- Washington Post

Paragon Cineplex (02) 129 4635 IMAX: (02) 129 4631 www.ParagonCineplex.com

SF Cinemas Bangkok: (02) 268 8888 Phuket: (076) 209 000 www.SFCinemaCity.com

Vista Chiang Mai: (053) 894 415 www.ChiangMaiVista.com

Critical consensus ★★★★★ = Must see! ★★★★ = Solidly entertaining ★★★ = It’s okay ★★ = Barely watchable ★ = Don’t bother

Japanese with English and Thai subtitles at House and Lido.

English and Thai subtitles at Major Cineplex, EGV, SF Cinema.

Burn After Reading In this black comedy by the Coen brothers, a disk containing the memoirs of a CIA agent (John Malkovich) ends up in the hands of two unscrupulous gym employees (Brad Pitt and Frances McDormand) who then attempt to sell it. George Clooney and Tilda Swinton co-star. At Paragon Cineplex, APEX.

Twilight

en she falls in love wart) risks everything wh Ste n isti (Kr l gir ge na A tee

with a vampire.

16

Close to Home

By John McPherson

LEISURE

Pooch Cafe

The Buckets

Adam

Calvin and Hobbes

By Brian Basset

By Paul Gilligan

By Scott Stantis

By Bryan Basset

By Bill Watterson

Monday, December 15, 2008

Comics&Games

Red and Rover

DAILY XPRESS

Monday, December 15, 2008

LEISURE

DAILY XPRESS

Games&YourStars SUDOKU

The last word in

ASTROLOGY

By Eugenia Last

Today’s Birthday: You will have to make some adjustments this year where contracts, investments and health issues are concerned. Emotional matters will crop up regarding a loved one and finances. You can manipulate a situation that will allow you to change your lifestyle or direction. Take advantage of available opportunities.

Saturday’s Puzzle Answer Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively.

ARIES ***** March 21-April 19 Get all your last-minute preparations taken care of so you can enjoy the closing of the year. You need ample time to reflect on the ups and downs of the year gone by and set yourself up for a better 2009.

TAURUS ** April 20-May 20 You may be tempted to overspend on your family, causing problems with someone who isn’t in agreement. Talk things over before making a decision. Learn by observing.

GEMINI **** May 21-June 20 Plan something special for entertainment and it will lead to love. If something or someone has been dragging you down it may be time to move on. Making new friends should be your intent.

DIFFICULTY RATING ★

CANCER *** June 21-July 22 Put a push on what needs to be done before the year comes to a close. If you want to finish a deal, do it now. Don’t mix love and money or you may suffer a loss.

LEO *** July 23-Aug. 22 You’ll be feeling emotional about the past and looking forward to the future. Love will be on the rise and picking up a gift for that special someone will ensure you make headway in the future.

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY

VIRGO *** Aug. 23-Sept. 22 Secrets will be hard to keep. Don’t let changes going on at work cause you to make a poor choice.

Ride out the storm but not without preparations for moving in a new direction if necessary.

LIBRA **** Sept. 23-Oct. 22 You can position yourself for the future if you play your cards right today. Good times are heading your way — all you have to do is be in the right place at the right time. Love is in the stars.

SCORPIO ** Oct. 23-Nov. 21 Be very careful how you approach people today.

Emotions will be close to the surface and problems can erupt out of nowhere. Don’t make a move until you have all the facts.

SAGITTARIUS ***** Nov. 22-Dec. 21 Tie up business deals and make sure your money is positioned properly before the year ends.

Personal paperwork must be finalised quickly.

Uncertainty should not stop you from making decisions.

CAPRICORN *** Dec. 22-Jan. 19 Secure your position personally, professionally, financially and emotionally. This is not the time to leave things to chance. Be ruthless and shrewd in your pursuits. Strike while the iron is hot.

Sergio Pizzorno

Novelist Edna O’Brien is 78.

Singer Cindy Birdsong (The Supremes) is 69.

Drummer Dave Clark (The Dave Clark Five) is 66.

Actor Don Johnson is 59.

Bassist Paul Simonon (The Clash) is 53.

Actress Helen Slater is 45.

Drummer Dave Mackintosh (Dragonforce) is 31.

Guitarist Sergio Pizzorno (Kasabian) is 28.

AQUARIUS *** Jan. 20-Feb. 18 Passion, emotional talks and getting things cleared up so you can end the year on a high note should be top priorities. Have a game plan for making proper use of the opportunities that should come your way.

PISCES *** Feb. 19-March 20 Like it or not, change is upon you. Face the past so you can move into the new year optimistically. By standing up to whatever and whoever you have had differences with, you will show your courage.

17

Saint - Gobain, a French multinational and one of the top 100 industrial companies in the world, has been enhancing its global leadership position with operations in more than 50 countries and it fields a workforce of over 200,000 people. The abrasive division is world leader in the manufacture and distribution of abrasive products with a strong presence in the USA, Europe, Asia and Latin America.

Saint - Gobain Abrasives (Thailand) Ltd. specializes in the manufacture of reinforced cutting and grinding wheels with highly automated manufacturing process. All our products are designed to satisfy the needs of industrial application, the professional users or even the do-ityourself enthusiasts.

Saint - Gobain Abrasives (Thailand) Ltd. trades wide range of abrasive products and manufactures thin wheels under various brands i.e.

Flexovit, Norton and Atlas. Our manufacturing plant is located in Nakornchaisri, Nakornpathom province with sales office on Sri Ayutthaya Road, Bangkok.

To strengthen its operation in Thailand, we are looking for high caliber candidates to join us in this growing company.

Product Engineer - Bonded Abrasives Product Engineer - Thin Wheels

Sales Engineer - Engineering Market Sales Engineer - Distribution Market

He/she reports to Product Manager. He/she determines market and product needs, and promotes the development, testing, and introduction of improved and/or new products for his/her assigned end use product classifications. He/she provides technical service support to the field sales organization to solve customer needs and product problems for the purpose of maintaining and increasing sales. Job includes:

Reporting to Sales Manager, he determines market, approaches customers to understand product needs and to sell, promotes and introduces new products. The ultimate objectives are to increase sales turnover and to strengthen market position. Job includes:

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Brand management & development of new products to meet market requirements and raising the performance levels of existing products.

Identify new customers and markets. Recommend strategies to make inroads into these customers' accounts, and assist the sales team to establish distribution channel in the markets.

Defining & implementation of promotional programs, laying out marketing campaigns, participation in exhibitions, trade shows, etc.

Develop product catalogues. Streamline product labels and packaging for various in-house brands and private labels products manufactured in the plant.

Acquire, analyse, evaluate and disseminate technical and market information and competitor analysis.

Understand market sizes, price points to help define the pricing policies.

Develop training programs, from basic to advance levels, to customers as well as sales team.

Set product manufacturing and safety standards (in Thailand) in accordance with International norms in coordination with Thai Institute of Standards (TIS).

Qualifications: ● ● ● ● ● ●

●

●

●

Qualifications: ● ●

●

●

Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering.

5-7 years working experience including in sales and marketing.

Good technical background with industrial consumables is a plus.

High mechanical aptitude and sales ability. Effective analytical and problem-solving skills. Able to work under pressure.

Strong leadership, interpersonal and communication skills.

Good command of spoken and written English.

Identify and build customers base and markets to increase sales and sales channel in the markets.

Retain existing customers.

Obtain, analyse, evaluate market information and competitor analysis. Understand market, its sizes, price points to help define the pricing policies.

Define and implement marketing campaigns and promotional programs i.e. exhibitions, trade shows, etc. Develop sales tools, training programs, and product catalogues.

●

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering.

5-7 years working experience including in sales and marketing. Sales experience of industrial products is a plus.

High mechanical aptitude and sales ability. Effective analytical and problem-solving skills. Able to work under pressure.

Strong leadership, interpersonal and communication skills.

Good command of spoken and written English.

Interested candidates, who look for a career, are invited to write in with full resume, stating present and expected salaries, and enclosing a recent photograph to:

sea-recruit@saint-gobain.com

Saint-Gobain Abrasives (Thailand) Ltd. 539/2 Gypsum Metropolitan Tower, 13th Floor, Sri Ayutthaya Rd., Phayathai, Bangkok 10400.

Tel: 02 6405440 Fax: 02 6405441 www.saint-gobain.co.th

ITALIAN-THAI DEVELOPMENT PUBLIC CO., LTD.

Urgently Required An associated company of Italian-Thai Development PCL. invites candidates for the following position.

PLANT MANAGER Qualifications: - At least Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical or Industrial).

- Age 30 years up. Willing to work in Indonesia.

- Experience in engineering and management, no less than 5 years in maintenance of mining heavy equipment (i.e. Backhoe 0.8-3.1 Cum., Articulate Hauler 25Ton, Dozer Tractor D6-D8, Loader, Dump Truck, and supporting machine and etc.)

- Good command of English, and preferable Indonesian language.

- Strong skills in MS Office, and preferable AutoCAD program.

- Strong in preventive maintenance planning and maintenance management.

- Strong interpersonal & leadership skills.

- Strong analytical & problem solving skills.

Please apply in person or send your application letter, transcript and recent photo to:

Vice President (Personnel and Legal) 2034/132-161 Italthai Tower, 37th Fl., New Petchaburi Road, Bangkapi, Huaykwang, Bangkok 10310 Tel: 02-716-1600-9 # 4012 E-mail: recruit@itd.co.th

‡≈¢∑’„Ë ∫Õπÿ≠“µ π

Asia Lamp Industry Co., Ltd. A leading lamp manufacturer is urgently looking for the following positions:

1. HR Manager • Age not over 35 years old • Bachelor's degree in related field • At least 3 years experience in HR management in a manufacturing company

2. Sales Engineer • • • •

Male or Female with age not over 30 years old English proficiency and computer literacy Own vehicle and mobile phone Able to work in Sukhumvit office, Bangkok

3. Purchasing Manager / Asst. Manager • Age not over 35 years old • At least 3 years experience in related field Positions 1 & 3 have to work in a factory in Samutprakarn Interested? Please e-mail your resume to:

cya@asialamp.com

1059/2546

Nippon Consulting Recruitment Co., Ltd. “Let us be your professional Career Consultant” We are looking for many positions according to our clients requirement as follow :

• • • • • • • • • • •

Japanese Interpreter / Translator Accountant Engineer Secretary Human Resources Customer Service Logistics / Shipping QA / QC / ISO / BOI Purchasing / Warehouse Import & Export Sales & Marketing

All positions required : ◆ Thai or Japanese Nationality ◆ Good command of English or Japanese ◆ With computer literacy Please send your resume, present photo together with relevant documents or apply in person at:

Sino-Thai Tower, 16th Floor, Unit B, 32/41 Sukhumvit 21 Road (Asoke), Klongtoey-Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110 Tel. 02-261-7165, 02-665-2505 Fax: 02-665-2510 E-mail: info@ncrecruitment.com Website: www.ncrecruitment.com

Home Product Center Public Company Limited was founded on June 27, 1995 with the initial registered capital of Baht 150 million. The Company is a joint venture between Land and Houses Group, American International Assurance Co., Ltd. and the Sarasin family. The Company was listed in the Stock Exchange of Thailand on October 30, 2001.

The Company was established with an objective to operate a retail business by selling goods and providing complete services relating to construction, improvement, decoration and renovation of buildings, houses and residence places under the trade name "HomePro".

Management Trainee - District Manager / GM Store Qualifications: • Age 35-45 years old • Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Business Administration or related field • Prior experience in sales team management, sales target management, customer management, inventory management or overall knowledge of retail operation business / department store will be an advantage • Good English communication skill, good personality and good leadership, Able to work upcountry

Management Trainee - Sale / Administration / Customer Service Qualifications: • Age 28-35 years • Bachelor's or Master's Degree in any field • Minimum 3 years experience in logistics management, sales team management, product delivery management areas or customer services • Willing to work on rotating shift schedules • Experience in retails business or department stores will be an advantage • Able to work upcountry

Advertising Division Manager (Head Office) Qualifications: • Age 28-35 years old • Bachelor's Degree in Marketing or Communication Arts • At least 4 years experience in marketing and advertising management • Good English communication skill, good personality and good leadership, Good computer skill

Buyer Division Manager / Buyer (Head Office) Qualifications: • Age 22-35 years old (for the division manager over 27 years old) • Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Management, Economics, Statistics or related field • 3-5 experience in retails business or department stores at least 2 years will be an advantage • Good personality, confident, and good negotiation skill • Good computer skill especially in MS Excel

The Ministry of Higher Education in the Sultanate of Oman invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced academic staff for positions in its Colleges of Applied Science to support the delivery of new programmes (taught in English): • Bachelor of Communication Studies • Bachelor of Design • Bachelor of Information Technology • Bachelor of International Business Administration Lecturers, Senior Lecturers: Lecturers/Senior Lecturers with experience of teaching in English in one or more of the following specialisations are required:

Communications Studies

• International Communications • Media Management • Digital Media • Journalism • Public Relations

Design

• Digital Design • Graphic Design • Spatial Design

Information Technology

• Software Development • Networking • IT Security

• International Business • Tourism Management • Hospitality Management Preference will be given to holders of Doctoral degrees but Master's degree holders with relevant professional qualifications and experience will be considered.

Qualifications should have been gained by studying where English is the medium of education.

International Business Administration

English Language Teachers

Bachelor's Degree in English Language+CELTA, DELTA or Trinity TEFL certificates+At least three years of teaching experience at tertiary level Master's Degree in English Language+CELTA, DELTA or Trinity TEFL certificates+At least two years of teaching experience at tertiary level

Salary & Benefits Successful applicants will receive a generous salary package free of income tax in Oman.

Benefits include annual air fare/tickets, free medical treatment in government hospitals and an end of service gratuity equivalent to one month's basic salary for each year worked, provided that at least two years have been completed.

Contact Details Applicants should send their letter of application, contact details (full postal address, telephone, fax and e-mail address) to edn@mohe.gov.om or Director of Educational Needs, Ministry of Higher Education P.O. Box: 82 P.C. 112 Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman Or by Phone No: (+968 24486370) Fax No: (+968 24484323) web address: www.mohe.gov.om/coas st Applications must be received by 31 December 2008.

Data Analyst (Head Office) Qualifications: • Age 22-35 years old • Bachelor's Degree in Statistics, Marketing, Business Administration, Economics or related field • At least 2 years experience in sales analysis, inventory, gross profit analysis • Good analytical skill and expertise in MS Excel (such as Pivot table, Macro) • Experience in retail business is a preferable To join our team, please send your resume and recent photograph to:

Home Product Center Public Co., Ltd. Head Office 96/27 M. 9 Bangkhen, Muang, Nonthaburi 11000 (Beside of The Mall Ngamwongwan) Download Map: http://www.homepro.co.th/map/pr.asp Tel. 0-2832-1000 ext. 1364, 1399, 1681 Fax: 0-2832-1299 E-mail: job@homepro.co.th or thanapolw@homepro.co.th Website: www.homepro.co.th

22

THE SPORT

Monday, December 15, 2008

DAILY XPRESS

THE SPORT BARCA

BORDEAUX vs LE MANS

3:1

Bordeaux closed the gap on serial champions Lyon with a fine win while PSG also moved into the fray with a 2-1 win over Auxerre.

briefly

Hawks halt Cavs’ 11-game streak

DEAL A BLOW

The red-hot Cleveland Cavaliers were looking to go where no team in franchise history had gone before, but the Atlanta Hawks had other ideas.

Mike Bibby scored 24 points, including the goahead 3-pointer down the stretch, and Marvin Williams hit a pair of game-sealing free throws Bibby with 2.9 seconds left, as the Hawks denied the Cavaliers their first-ever 12-game winning streak, with a 97-92 home-court victory. – DPA

Malaysia rule out Withe as coach Malaysia shot down reports they were planning to hire Englishman Peter Withe but said they may turn to a foreign coach in a bid to reverse their steady decline. Definitely, Withe is out.

We have never considered him to be our new coach in the first place,” Football Association of Malaysia general secretary Azzuddin Ahmad said. – AFP

Fisichella and Sutil get the nod again The Force India Formula One team ended speculation about its driver line-up for the 2009 season Saturday by confirming it will continue with Adrian Sutil and Giancarlo Fisichella.

Force India also confirmed that Vitantonio Liuzzi will be retained as the official test and reserve driver “to give complete driver continuity” for the team’s second season in F1.

Sutil, who has a contract with the team until the end of the 2009 season said the announcement was unexpected for him. “I never doubted for a second that I would be driving for Force India in 2009,” said the 25-year-old German. – DPA

76ers sack Cheeks, make DiLeo coach The Philadelphia 76ers sacked Maurice Cheeks yesterday, mak-

ing him the fifth coaching casualty of the National Baskerball Association season.

The Sixers are mired in last place in the NBA’s Atlantic Division with a disappointing 914 record. Assistant general manager Tony DiLeo will be the club’s interim coach for the remainder of the season, the team said. – AFP

Hewitt training 6 hours a day Australia’s former world No 1 Lleyton Hewitt is training six hours a day as he bids to recover from hip surgery and make a surprise return to the top 10.

Hewitt said he has been swimming, running, cycling, climbing stairs and stretching, all before picking up his racquet, which he did two weeks ago.

Australia’s leading player Hewitt said he has no doubt his tennis remains competitive provided he can remain injury-free. To do that he is training up to six hours a day, half of that time on court.

“I actually enjoy it. If you’re fit you’re playing most weeks on tour,” he said. “So this is a good opportunity for me not just to look at the Australian summer, but also the 2009 calendar.” – AFP

Late goals from strikers Eto’o, Messi sink hapless Real Madrid at Camp Nou A G E N C I E S , Madrid

B

arcelona scored an important 2-0 home win on Saturday over historic rivals Real Madrid, with late goals from star strikers Samuel Eto’o and Lionel Messi.

The win leaves Barca way out atop La Liga, eight points above second-place Valencia, who came from behind earlier on Saturday to beat Espanyol 2-1.

Villarreal, who were to play on Sunday at fourth-placed Sevilla, are nine points behind Barca.

Real, who have lost four of their last six games, are now fifth, no less than 12 points behind Barca – and practically out of the title race.

“We are now a considerable distance from them,” said Real

captain Raul. “But we shouldn’t throw in the towel. We must keep on fighting.”

The veteran striker bemoaned: “We created good chances but didn’t take them.”

Barca President Joan Laporta said that the “fans have been wonderful tonight. ... It was a difficult game against tough opponents.”

Laporta gave special praise to keeper Victor Valdes, Messi and Eto’o. He said that the league title race “is not decided yet, though we are in a solid position.”

In front of an expectant 97,000 capacity crowd in the rainy Camp Nou, Barca enjoyed almost 70 per cent possession – but lacked their usual fluidity.

The defensive plan of new

Real coach Juande Ramos worked perfectly until fatigue took its toll in the last 20 minutes.

Barca huffed and puffed throughout the game but seemed to lack the imagination to blow the Real house down.

Twenty minutes from time, they were given a penalty for a clumsy push by Michel Salgado on Sergio Busquets, but Euro 2008 hero Iker Casillas smartly saved Eto’o’s penalty.

Eto’o had his revenge 13 minutes later, making it 1-0 by pushing the ball home with his thigh after Carles Puyol had headed a high corner across the 6-yard area.

Eto’o’s goal, his 15th of the season, forced Real to belatedly come out of their shell. In stoppage time, Thierry Henry squared for Messi – having a surprisingly quiet game – to

Monday, December 15, 2008

THE SPORT 23

DAILY XPRESS

Phil Brown

Harry Redknapp

HULL MANAGER

TOTTENHAM MANAGER

“Nick Barmby is brilliant. He’s enigmatic and enthusiastic, he’s a quality, classy player. If you could make the pitch a little bit smaller, Nicky would still be an England player and the adrenaline carried him through for us.”

“It’s just a matter of confidence with him. Heurelho Gomes has belief now. We went out to Holland a couple of weeks ago and I spoke to the goalkeeping coach at PSV. He said: ‘Don’t worry about the goalkeeper, he’s world class.’ I must admit, at the time, I assumed he had been drinking!”

Fergie rues United’s setback at Hotspur S

Pep Guardiola make it 2-0 with an exquisite chip.

It was Barca’s first win over Real since November 2005 and was sweet revenge for last season when Real did a league

double and Barca had to perform the guard of honour to salute Real as champions at the Santiago Bernabeu before losing 4-1. “The 12 point cushion over Real is obviously nice, however, we are not just competing against Real,” said Barca coach Pep Guardiola. “There are other teams up there like Villarreal, Valencia and Sevilla who are all dangerous.

“I said it would be difficult against Real and that we wouldn’t be scoring goals at will.

They are the reigning champions and a great side.

“We really wanted to win this match and kept on going to the final whistle and the goals finally came.”

For Real Madrid coach Ramos, it was a bitter pill to swallow and the former Tottenham Hotspur manager has a mammoth task.

“It’s always frustrating when you see your main rivals like Arsenal and Liverpool drop points and you also drop points yourselves,” the long-serving United manager said.

“Spurs worked very hard to contain us. It’s not the worst result in the world, but the two points we dropped would have made a big difference in the league,” Ferguson added.

“It was a similar situation a few weeks ago when all of the top sides drew and didn’t even score a goal. There were three draws today [Arsenal were held 1-1 away to Middlesbrough] and hopefully Chelsea will draw as well. “It’s not a case of letting Liverpool off the hook – there’s a long way to go. We want to narrow the gap by the new year anyway and if we do that, we have a chance.”

Ferguson admitted the trip to Japan was “a handicap” for his side as they aim to breathe new life into their title defence.

But the Scot refused to use their enforced Premier League hiatus as an excuse and instead urged his players to create history by returning from Asia with the trophy.

“We’re delighted to be going to Japan as representatives of England and we want to win it.”

Steven Gerrard, left, battles with Hull’s George Boetang.

Rafa mourns Reds’ failure to tame Hull A F P , Liverpool, England

R

AP

THE 12- POINT CUSHION OVER REAL IS OBVIOUSLY NICE, HOWEVER WE ARE NOT JUST COMPETING AGAINST REAL.

EPA

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Barcelona forward Lionel Messi celebrates his goal against Real Madrid at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona.

ir Alex Ferguson admitted Manchester United had wasted a golden opportunity to reinvigorate their English Premier League title challenge after they were held to a goalless draw by Tottenham Hotspur.

United could have moved to within four points of leaders Liverpool following their surprise draw at home to Hull City, but Ferguson’s team suffered their own frustrations on Saturday.

This stalemate means United remain six points adrift of top spot, but that gap could stretch if Chelsea defeat West Ham later yesterday and will almost certainly be significantly extended by the time the English and European champions return from the Club World Cup in Japan.

United were to fly to Japan later yesterday and so will miss next weekend’s round of Premier League matches as they attempt to become the first British side to win the Fifa tournament in its revised format.

Ferguson admitted he dearly wanted to slash his team’s points deficit before departing but a combination of wasteful finishing and inspired goalkeepering from Spurs’ Heurelho Gomes ensured they were denied a victory.

EPA

AFP, London

Man United’s Dimitar Berbatov, left, is tackled by Tottenham Hotspur’s Michael Dawson, centre, as Vedran Corluka looks on.

afael Benitez has admitted that Liverpool have to start beating teams like Hull City at home to have a chance of winning the Premier League.

The Reds were held to a 2-2 draw by Phil Brown’s Tigers – their third straight Anfield stalemate after their encounters with Fulham and West Ham ended all square. They have also dropped points at home to Stoke this season.

“Clearly these are the kinds of games that you have to win and we have to be disappointed but we can’t change things,” said Benitez, whose side were again indebted to Steven Gerrard after the Liverpool captain scored twice after Hull went 2-0 up through Paul McShane and a Jamie Carragher own-goal.

“This was a little bit frenetic and you have to control these games. We made too many mistakes,” the Liverpool manager added after Saturday’s match.

“We started really well and if we’d scored first, that’s a massive difference so to go two goals down, the reaction of the team was very good in the second half. But we just wanted to finish too quickly and we were giving the ball away in the last minutes.”

Monday, December 15, 2008

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DAILY XPRESS

FOOTBALL

HUGHES IN HOTSEAT Manager unmoved after Cahill downs Manchester City AFP, Manchester, England

ark Hughes, the Manchester City manager, refused to panic despite his team slumping to their fifth home league defeat of the season in a 1-0 loss to Everton.

Australia midfielder Tim Cahill’s goal in the first minute of stoppage-time was sufficient to give the injury-plagued Merseyside club a memorable win at Eastlands here on Saturday and leave City struggling at the wrong end of the table, just above the relegation places.

But Hughes refused to be too downhearted even though his team have scored just one goal in the last four games and are struggling to match the ex-

AFP

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Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart, right, makes a save during the Premier League match against Everton. pectation and excitement generated when they were taken over by new billionaire owners from Abu Dhabi early in the season. “I don’t think we have moved,” said former Manchester United striker Hughes of his team’s league position. “Nothing has really

changed although we would ideally have liked three points from this game.

“We have games coming up when we need to start putting points on the board and we need to show more personality and understanding of key times in games to make sure we take

something out of games,” Hughes added.“We should never have lost this but we have the Christmas period coming up and we can’t afford to dwell too much on this.”

City’s main problem lies in the goalscoring department, with their attacking and enterprising approach play all too often resulting in no end product.

City manager agrees his team need to improve in that area above all others.

“We played a lot of football in and around their box. But we need that physical threat, that desire to get on the end of things when the ball is flashing around the six-yard box.

“You need to get across defenders, mess people around and at the moment we’re lacking that,” added Hughes, renowned in his playing days for giving opposition back-fours a torrid time.

Ariya is the overall champion D A I LY X P R E S S

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Ariya Jutanugarn with the trophies she won yesterday.

hai golfers dominated Thailand Junior World Championships, the first ever world-class amateur tournament held in the country, with Ariya Jutanugarn taking the top honours by winning the overall title yesterday.

The highlight on the final day of the event held at the 6,743-yard Royal Hua Hin Golf Course was the contest for the overall championship, which turned out to be a duel between the 13-year-old girl Ariya

and Thitiphun Chuayprakong, three years her senior.

Ariya, the former junior world champion, put her male counterpart in the shade by blasting a blistering final round of six under par 66 for an aggregate of 282, three strokes better than Thitiphun.

“I am very glad to clinch the championship with the six-under-par score. I am happy although I should have done better,” she said.

“The overall competition is fun and I gained plenty of ex-

perience,” said a delighted Ariya, the younger sister of junior open champion Moriya.

Thitiphun, who won this year’s Lion Cup tournament in Singapore, took home the Boys’ Class A title, while Chirapat Jao-Javanil won the Girls’ Class A division with the total score of even-par 288.

Atiwit Janewattananond, who posted the total score of five under par 293, claimed the Boys’ Class B title. Wad Phaewchimpplee clinched the win in the Girls’ B category.

Klitschko now eyes Valuev belt AFP,Mannheim, Germany

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aving disposed of Hasim Rahman with a seventh-round technical knock-out yesterday, world champion Vladimir Klitschko says he now has rival champ Nikolai Valuev in his sights.

Klitschko had few problems as he first put Rahman on the canvas in the sixth round before the referee stopped the fight after 44 seconds of the seventh.

Now Klitschko wants to add the WBA title – which Valuev will defend against Evander Holyfield in Zurich on Saturday – to his IBF, IBO and WBO titles.

“It will be good if the combination fight for the WBA title happens against Valuev,” said Klitschko.

“But if not, then so be it.

“There are many interesting names in this division, guys like David Haye and Alexander Povetkin.”

Haye, England’s former cruiserweight world champion, made an impressive heavyweight debut against Monte Barrett last month and appeared live on German television after the Klitschko-Rahman fight saying he will face either brother.

Vitali Klitshcko, 37, ended his four-year retirement in October to win the WBC heavyweight belt from Nigeria’s Samuel Peter and Haye has said he is prepared to face either Klitschko in the next six months. “I want to fight the best in this division,” he said.

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Monday, December 15, 2008

DAILY XPRESS

GOLF

THONGCHAI ON A ROLL Spectacular Thai wins Cambodian Open by six shots A F P , Siem Reap, Cambodia

hailand’s Thongchai Jaidee made it two straight wins in a row on the Asian Tour when he claimed a comfortable victory at the US$300,000 Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open yesterday.

Thongchai, who welcomed the arrival of his second child nine days ago, duly dedicated both victories to his newborn son Kittituch.

The Thai produced another superb round of six-under-par 66 at Phokeethra Country Club for a 24-under-par 264 total to end his Cambodian campaign six shots ahead of closest rival Lam Chih Bing of Singapore.

Lam produced the best finish of his career so far, signing off with a 65 for a 270 total to take second place ahead of Thailand’s Chawalit Plaphol, two shots back on 272.

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Thongchai Jaidee on the way to his second crown in two weeks.

Welsh rookie Rhys Davies and Anthony Kang of the United States took a share of fourth place when they returned with matching 274s.

Seven days earlier in Ho Chi Minh City, Thongchai ended his two-year title drought with a win at the Hana Bank Vietnam Masters.

“My son was born on a very

good day and I believe he has given me all the luck. It was definitely a sign of good things to come, starting with my win in Vietnam last week,” said Thongchai.

“I played really well all week.

I only had four bogeys throughout the four rounds and I know that my game is all coming back now,” said

Thongchai. “I’m really happy and this win goes out to my son.”

Lam knew that it was always going to be an uphill task to close in on the on-form Thongchai, but was pleased all the same. “This is definitely the best finish of my career. I really felt very good when I birdied both 17th and 18th as I knew Chawalit was trailing very closely behind,” said Lam. “I came out this year trying to get my card but I think I’ve achieved a little more than that and I’m just very happy with the way things are going for me now,” added the Singaporean.

Leading final round scores: 264 – Thongchai Jaidee (THA) 68-6664-66 270 – Lam Chih Bing (SIN) 73-65-67-65 272 – Chawalit Plaphol (THA) 67-66-7267 274 – Rhys Davies (WAL) 64-75-67-68, Anthony Kang (USA) 65-69-69-71 275 – Juvic Pagunsan (PHI) 70-69-6868, Park Jae-bum (KOR) 68-67-71-69 276 – Iain Steel (MAS) 74-65-68-69, Thaworn Wiratchant (THA) 68-70-6969, Steven Tiley (ENG) 70-66-69-71

Clark takes Aust Open South African Tim Clark scrambled par from a greenside bunker to beat Matthew Goggin on the first hole of a play-off to win the Australian Open golf tournament yesterday. Clark, who shot a 5under 67 in his final round for a total of 9-under 279, had given up hope of winning the US$1.13 million championship at the Royal Sydney Golf Club when he finished his final round two shots behind on-course leader David Smail.

But New Zealander Smail (75) double bogeyed the 15th and 16th holes to crash out of contention and Clark, eating a pie and chips in the clubhouse, had to return to the practice tee to prepare for a play-off with Australian Goggin (69).

“I didn’t even consider there would be a play-off until about 30 minutes after I finished,” he said.

AP

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CRICKET

SMASHING SEHWAG India launch vigorous chase after Strauss’s landmark AP, Chennai, India

trademark swashbuckling innings by Virender Sehwag gave India a fighting chance of pulling off an historic victory over England after intriguing fourth day of the first Test.

Chasing a daunting victory target of 387 in their second innings, India made it to 131-1 at stumps yesterday after a brisk opening stand of 117 between Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir.

No team has ever successfully chased down a fourth innings target so large in India, and only three have done so anywhere in Indian opener Virender Sehwag on his way to a blazing 83.

Test history.

At stumps, Gambhir was batting on 41 and Rahul Dravid was line-up must battle a deteriorat- and Graeme Swann. on two, and will resume today ing track and England’s twin Sehwag’s 83 off just 68 balls when India’s vaunted batting spin attack of Monty Panesar included four sixes and 11 fours

RESULTS basketball NBA Yesterday’s results: Atlanta 97, Cleveland 92; Detroit 90, Charlotte 86; Philadelphia 104, Washington 89; Chicago 113, New Jersey 104;Dallas 103, Oklahoma City 99; Milwaukee 121, Indiana 103; Denver 123, Golden State 105; Orlando 103, Utah 94; New York 114, Sacramento 90; La Clippers 95, Houston 82

cricket India v England first Test at Chennai England 1st innings: 316 (A. Strauss 123, A. Cook 52, M. Prior 53 not out, H. Singh 3-96, A. Mishra 3-99) India 1st innings: 241 (M. Dhoni 53, H. Singh 40, A. Flintoff 3-49, M. Panesar 3-65) England 2nd innings (overnight 172-3): A Strauss c Laxman b Harbhajan 108; A Cook c Dhoni b Sharma 9; I. Bell c Gambhir b Mishra 7; K. Pietersen lbw b Yuvraj 1; P. Collingwood lbw b Zaheer 108; A. Flintoff c Dhoni b Sharma 4; M. Prior c Sehwag b Sharma 33; G. Swann b Zaheer 7; S. Harmison b Zaheer 1; J. Anderson not out 1; Extras: (b10, lb13, nb7, w2) 32 Total (for nine wickets declared) 311

Fall of wickets: 1-28 (Cook), 242 (Bell), 3-43 (Pietersen), 4257 (Strauss), 5-262 (Flintoff), 6-277 (Collingwood), 7-297 (Swann), 8-301 (Harmison), 9311 (Prior).

Bowling: Zaheer 27-7-40-3 (w2), Sharma 22.5-1-57-3 (nb7), Mishra 17-1-66-1, Yuvraj 3-1-12-1, Harbhajan 30-3-91-1, Sehwag 60-22-0 New Zealand v West Indies First test at Dunedin, New Zealand New Zealand first innings 365 (D. Flynn 95, J. Ryder 89, D. Powell 3-63, F. Edwards 3-91, C. Gayle 3-42) West Indies (1st innings): C Gayle c Franklin b O’Brien 74; S Chattergoon c O’Brien b Mills 13; R Sarwan c McCullum b Mills 8; X Marshall c Ryder b Vettori 20; S Chanderpaul b Vettori 76; B Nash c Ryder b Mills 23; D Ramdin lbw b Vettori 5; J Taylor c McCullum b Vettori 106; D Powell lbw Vettori 0; F Edwards c sub b Vettori 0; L Baker not out 0; Extras (b 1 lb 10 nb 4)15 Total (all out, 100 overs)340 Fall of wickets: 1-66 (Chattergoon), 2-87 (Sarwan), 3-114 (Gayle), 4-134 (Marshall), 5-162 (Nash), 6-173 (Ramdin), 7326 (Taylor), 8-326 (Powell), 9334 (Edwards), 10-340 (Chanderpaul) Bowling: Gillespie 25-5-102-0, Mills 24-6-64-3, O’Brien 15-446-1, Vettori 25-7-56-6, Franklin 15-2-61-0 New Zealand (2n innings): J How

5-4

AFP

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and reversed the trend of a match that had looked in England’s keeping after a 214run fourth-wicket partnership between Andrew Strauss and Paul Collingwood, who both hit 108.

Strauss became only the second England batsman to score centuries in both innings of a Test against India, joining Graham Gooch who managed the feat at Lords in 1990.

Having come together at the precarious score of 43-3 on Saturday, Strauss and Collingwood resumed yesterday at 172-3 and batted through the opening session.

The partnership was finally broken when Strauss, appearing tired after batting for over 6-1/2 hours, lofted off-spinner Harbhajan Singh (1-91) into the hands of VVS Laxman in the covers. It was his 14th century in his 54th Test. England never lost a Test in which he reached the ton.

Gamba gun down Adelaide A P , Toyota, Japan

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asuhito Endo scored the lone goal yesterday to lead Gamba Osaka to a 1-0 win over Adelaide United and a semi-final showdown with Manchester United at the Club World Cup. Endo, the MVP of the Asian Champions League, scored in the 23rd minute, taking a knock down from substitute Ryuji Bando and firing between the legs of Adelaide goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic.

“Endo got the opening goal and that allowed us to calm down,” said Gamba coach Akira Nishino. “The team passed the ball well tonight, we controlled the flow of play in the second half and I’m proud of my team.”

“I thought we played a good game and probably deserved more than we got,” said Adelaide coach Aurelio Vidmar.

Sharks extend home run, down Blues The NHL-leading San Jose made it 27 home games without a regulation loss as Patrick Marleau scored twice in win over St Louis.

b Powell 10; T McIntosh not out 24; K Mills b Powell 0; D Flynn not out 4; Extras (b 4, lb 1, nb 1) 6; Total (two wickets, 10 overs) 44 Fall of wickets: 1-33 (How), 2-33 (Mills) Bowling: Edwards 5-0-22-0, Powell 5-0-17-2 Australian Open

golf Yesterday’s final round scores (Australian unless stated): 279 – Tim Clark (RSA) 70-7369-67, Mathew Goggin 65-7075-69 (Clark won at 1st playoff hole) 280 – Robert Allenby 71-67-71-71, Stephen Dartnall 65-68-75-72, David Smail (NZL) 67-68-70-75 281 – Geoff Ogilvy 72-71-70-68, Steven Conran 70-66-75-70, Chris Gaunt 70-65-74-72, Andre Stolz 69-71-66-75 282 – Richard Green 71-72-71-68 283 – Stuart Bouvier 70-69-7371, Adam Bland 71-69-71-72, Brendan Jones 70-71-70-72, Tim Wood 70-74-66-73, Ewan Porter 65-71-72-75 284 – Rod Pampling 67-71-74-72, Paul Goydos (USA) 71-71-70-72 285 – John Senden 69-72-73-71, Gareth Paddison (NZL) 70-72-7172, Andrew Bonhomme 69-7269-75 286 – Michael Sim 72-67-74-73, Simon Griffiths (ENG) 71-68-7374, Mark Brown 67-72-72-75

ice hockey NHL Yesterday’s results: Philadelphia 6, Pittsburgh 3; Los Angeles 3, Minnesota 1; Boston 4, Atlanta 2; Buffalo 4, New Jersey 2; Ottawa 2, Tampa Bay 0; Washington 2, Montreal 1; Columbus 3, NY Islanders 1; NY Rangers 3, Carolina 2, SO; Nashville 3, Dallas 0; Detroit 5, Phoenix 4, SO; Edmonton 3, Vancouver 0; San Jose 5, St. Louis 4

rugby union European Cup Saturday’s results: Pool 1: Munster (IRL) 23 Clermont Auvergne (FRA) 13; Montauban (FRA) 16 Sale (ENG) 12 Pool 3: Treviso (ITA) 16 Ospreys (WAL) 36 Pool 4: Harlequins (ENG) 19 Stade Francais (FRA) 17 Pool 5: Newport-Gwent Dragons (WAL) 13 Toulouse (FRA) 26 Pool 6: Biarritz (FRA) 6 Cardiff Blues (WAL) 10; Gloucester (ENG) 48 Calvisano (ITA) 5 European Challenge Cup Saturday’s results: Pool 2: Toulon (FRA) 30 Montpellier (FRA) 9 Pool 3: Worcester (ENG) 27 Bourgoin (FRA) 6; Petrarca (ITA) 15 Bucharest (ROM) 17

ON TV

Pool 5: Viadana (ITA) 25 Montde-Marsan (FRA) 6

soccer French League Saturday’s results: Auxerre 1 (Hengbart 86-pen) Paris SG 2 (Sessegnon 5, 22); Le Mans 1 (Helstad 66) Bordeaux 3 (Cavenaghi 60, Chalme 76, Jussie 90+3); Nancy 2 (Feret 17, I. Dia 66) Grenoble FC 0; Sochaux 2 (Privat 77, 89) Caen 2 (Gomis 21, 68); Toulouse 3 (Gignac 4, 54, Didot 45+1) SaintEtienne 1 (P. Machado 37); Valenciennes 3 (Sanchez 29, Belmadi 41, Pujol 59) Monaco 1 (Pino 23);Rennes 0 Nantes 0 Italian League Saturday’s results: Bologna 5 (Volpi 48, Di Vaio 55, 62, 79-pen, Bernacci 68-pen) Torino 2 (Barone 7, Abate 53); Napoli 1 (Hamsik 11-pen, Pazienza 42, Denis 65) Spanish League Saturday results: Valencia 2 (Albiol 58, Vicente 81) Espanyol 1 (Roman Martinez 28); Barcelona 2 (Eto’o 83, Messi 90) Real Madrid 0 Scottish Premier League Saturday’s results: Aberdeen 2 (Miller 16-pen, 42) Falkirk 1 (Lovell 89); Celtic 1 (McManus 79) Hearts 1 (Driver 23); Dundee Utd 2 (Wilkie 50, Feeney 54) Rangers 2 (Boyd 11, Lafferty 76)

Soccer Scottish League

Motherwell v Kilmarnock 2.45am/TrueSport 3