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DAILY

Friday, March 13, 2009 VOL 2, NO 298 dailyxpress.net

FURIOUS FOOTWORK

WEEKEND TRAVEL Take the Philippines’ stairway to heaven with THE FUN

Feet fly as the world’s best dance moves come to Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket for this year’s International Dance Festival. >PAGE 2

CATCH A SHOW TUNE IN TO AFRICAN SOUNDS PAGE 8

WATCH A MOVIE ‘DRAGONBALL: EVOLUTION’ HITS THEATRES PAGE 11

2 TODAY

Friday, March 13, 2009

THE CITY

DAILY XPRESS

47

COUNTRIES will join the ‘Earth Hour 2009’ campaign in turning out the lights for one hour on March 28.

Hot dogs and rabies Rabid mutts claim three lives in Bangkok; BMA providing vaccinations, sterilisation for strays

By Jeerawan Prasomsap D A I LY X P R E S S

C

onstruction sites are the worst hotspots for rabid dogs, said Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) Health Office deputy chief Wanthanee Wattana yesterday.

Rabies has claimed the lives of three people in Bangkok this year, in Wang Thong Lang and Bang Khunthien districts, compared to the previous rate of just one death for each of the past two years, she said.

One of the victims in Bang Khunthien was a youth bitten by a puppy at a construction site.

In the summer heat, dogs were more prone to attack people approaching them, which meant a higher risk of catching rabies in the hot season, she said.

SWINGING TIMES Kicking off today, the world’s top troupes show off their best moves in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket

Construction site danger A survey has found that construction sites carry the biggest risk, as workers often raise dogs without having them vaccinated and let them roam freely. The BMA has started providing free rabies vaccinations and sterilisation for pet dogs to try and deal with the problem.

The Prawet Animal Control Centre reports that each day it gets about 30 complaints of stray dogs, and captures between four and 30.

The district with most complaints in the period from last October to this February was Bang Kapi at 79 cases, closely followed by Lat Phrao at 73 cases and Chatuchak and Bang Khen at 65 cases. The centre currently holds 250 stray dogs.

DAILY

XPRESS

By Pawit Mahasarinand SPECIAL TO DAILY XPRESS

T

he shrinking economy has shrunk most cultural events, but not the International Dance Festival. Starting today, the ninth edition of the fest has attracted more of the world’s top troupes than ever before.

They’ll be showing off their best moves in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket at a mix of free and ticketed events, kicked off today at CentralWorld’s Centerpoint Play-house by acclaimed Egyptian folk dancers of the Reda Troupe.

“Over the years, staging everything outdoors has led to problems, and some artists wanted indoor venues this time round,” says Vararom Pachimsawat, the festival’s director.

“Of course, we’re keeping the core of free events [at Benjasiri Park from today

Highlights ● Ballet Prague’s “Te Deum” by worldrenowned Czech choreographers Pavel Smok and Lucy Holankova. ● Chongqing Dance Company’s mix of modern and traditional Chinese dance. ● Oplas Theatre (Italy) with “Touch”. ● “The Last Silver Crane”, a blend of Thai contemporary dance and khon, with Israel’s Ido Tadmor and Sri Lanka’s percussionist Ravibandhu Vidyapathy along for the ride. ’til Sunday]”. She adds that the previous eight festivals have shown that contemporary dance has something for everyone and is not that difficult to understand. “For me, it’s easier than classic ballet,” she says.

XTRA I N T ’ L D A N C E F E S T I VA L 2 0 0 9 >> The fest runs for a week from today in Bangkok; from March 18 to 21 at Jungceylon in Phuket; and from March 22 to 25 at Tha Phae Gate Walking Street in Chiang Mai. >> Participating artists will conduct daily masterclasses at CentralWorld’s Dance Centre from March 16 to 20. >> Tickets for shows at Bangkok’s Centerpoint Playhouse (CentralWorld, BTS: Siam Square) and Aksra Theatre (Soi Rang Nam, BTS: Victory Monument) cost between Bt500 and Bt1,500 (Bt250 for students) at www.Thaiticketmajor.com. >> For more, visit www.Friends-of-theArts.info, call 02 259 8861 or e-mail info@friends-of-the-arts.info.

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 Friday. Subscription rates for THE NATION: 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

Friday, March 13, 2009

THE WORLD

DAILY XPRESS

1,000 years are needed to break down one of the 4-5 trillion plastic bags used annually worldwide.

Another castle, Charlie?

AFP, Brasilia

W

Hindu youths celebrate Holi, the “festival of colours” in Mumbai yesterday. The festival is celebrated throughout India to mark the onset of spring, with people from all walks of life coming out on the streets and applying coloured powder on one and all.

Colourful

AFP

smiles

AFP, Beirut

A

taxi firm in Lebanon has unveiled a new concept geared toward women, complete with a fleet of pink cars and pink-attired female drivers ready to keep the sexes apart. “Initially, I thought I would have a rough time finding female drivers given that in Lebanon this is a man’s job,” said Nawal Yaghi Fakhri, owner of Taxi Banat, or Taxi for Women. “But to my surprise I got about 40 requests.”

The initiative, the first of its kind in Lebanon, has won the backing of the tourism ministry keen to cater to a growing clientele of wealthy female tourists. The idea, however, has not gone down well with some. “This is what I call sexual discrimination,” joked Jad Fakhoury, a Lebanese businessman.

FROM PLASTIC TO PARLIAMENT A peasant’s environmental crusade lands him a position in China’s govt AFP, Yongjia, China

I

t takes something unique for a former peasant in China to become a member of the Communist Party’s parliament.

For Chen Fei his path began with a plastic bag.

His crusade to ban plastic bags began in 2000 when he was shocked by seeing trees in his hometown in eastern China covered with plastic sacks.

“It was horrible,” Chen says.

He is in Beijing for the annual session of the National People’s Congress, China’s parliament, which finishes today.

After investigating further he learnt about the toxic nature of plastic bags, and embarked on a

crusade to have them banned.

Now an entrepreneur running a fertiliser business, Chen, 53, has travelled all over Chen hands out China trying his eco-friendly to get rid of bags. the plastic bag, offering individuals and retailers free biodegradable baskets produced at a factory in his village.

According to his calculations, he has spent US$4,400

(Bt158,000) in his eight years trying to convince people in China stop using plastic bags.

However, the awareness he has generated is priceless.

Chen’s first victory came in 2004 when authorities in his village of Zhu’an put up a sign saying plastic bags were uncivil, and became the first place in China to ban plastic bags.

His work also led Chen to being appointed last year to the parliament, as the government sought to show it was becoming more environment-friendly.

An estimated three billion plastic bags were being used in China daily when Chen scored perhaps his biggest victory – an outright ban in June last year on the distribution of free plastic bags at supermarkets nationwide.

EPA

Pretty in pink for women

hat do you give a man who has everything? Another castle perhaps? That’s what was offered to Prince Charles – in jest – when he arrived in Brazil on a visit.

As the prince and his wife Camilla were being shown around the Brazilian congress, a presenter from a TV show known for its pranks came up to him.

Showing a picture of a castle owned by a Brazilian lawmaker – and up for sale – the presenter asked the prince if he’d like to buy it for £6 million (Bt298 million). Charles looked surprised but said nothing.

The castle itself has been the subject of scandal. The lawmaker who had it built, Edmar Moreira, had to resign last month after it emerged he had not declared the property. Moreira defended himself by saying he had given the castle – which has turrets but no moat – to his sons.

This was not the only breach of protocol. On Wednesday, Brazil’s official itinerary gave the prince’s name as “Charles Philip Arthur Chaves” – instead of Charles Philip Arthur George MountbattenWindsor. “Chaves” is the nickname of a character acted by a comic who masquerades as an oafish Mexican called “El Chavo”.

Friday, March 13, 2009

GLOBETROT 5

DAILY XPRESS

Sex-scandal star threatened

Gunman announced plan to ‘fry’ pupils

AP, HONG KONG

A

D P A , Winnenden, Germany

EPA

T

he German teenager who shot dead 15 people in a school massacre revealed his intentions on the Internet hours before the killings, officials said yesterday.

The youth had been undergoing psychiatric treatment for depression, said Heribert Rech, interior minister for the south-west state of Baden-Wuerrtemberg where the massacre took place on Wednesday.

The minister said investigations had shown the 17-year-old said in an Internet chatroom early on Wednesday that he planned to “fry” pupils of his former school because they did not take him seriously.

The suspect, identified as Tim Kretschmer, strolled into the Albertville school in the town of Winnenden on Wednesday morning and shot dead nine students and three teachers. He then fled, killing three other persons before apparently killing himself 40 kilometres away during a gunfight with police.

Police said he fired 60 shots in the school from a pistol that he stole from his father and another 44 shots after he fled the scene.

Students mourn outside the school in Winnenden near Stuttgart, Germany yesterday. A black-clad teenager gunned down students and teachers with a large-calibre pistol in a rampage on Wednesday.

briefly Midnight Oil burns again Australia’s environment minister swapped the political stage yesterday for one he trod in a former incarnation – as the country’s loudest anti-establishment rock star.

Peter Garrett, the towering frontman for Midnight Oil, broke up the band in 2002 to pursue a career in politics.

Band members will come together to raise funds for victims of Australia’s worst wildfires, which killed more than 210 and destroyed thousands of homes last month.

Once known as champions of Aboriginal

rights and the environment, Midnight Oil has not played since their singer became a minister. Garrett has toed his Labor Party’s policy line, and tries to avoid questions about his former views.

Now, he may have a dilemma on his hands because the lyrics in some of the band’s hits do not fit comfortably within the political mainstream. The band’s 1987 breakthrough album “Diesel and Dust” called for Australia to be handed back to the Aborigines. – AP

Five years for cold feet

‘Monster’ kills 10-year-old

A Japanese man who set fire to a hotel in a bid to buy time to decide whether to stay with his wife or marry his girlfriend was sentenced to five years in jail yesterday. The judge called Tatsuhiko Kawata, 40, “egoistic and short-sighted: and dismissed the defence argument that no-one was hurt in the fire. Kawata, who had been married since 1994, was also seeing another woman and had promised to marry her last October.

On the eve of the ceremony, the stillmarried Kawata sought to delay the ceremony by spilling seven litres of petrol in the hotel and setting it on fire. – AFP

A huge crocodile knocked over a canoe in a southern Philippine lake and decapitated a 10-year-old girl, police said. The girl and a classmate were on their way to their floating school on Mihaba Lake in Agusan del Sur province when the crocodile bumped the boat, causing it to capsize.

The attack happened on Saturday but it wasn’t until Monday that rescuers found the girl’s headless body.

The classmate was rescued by a man escorting the pair in another boat.

“It’s a monster crocodile,” a school official said, adding that authorities were hunting for the animal. – AP

Hong Kong actorsinger at the centre of a celebrity sex photos scandal received a threatening letter with a bullet, a Hong Kong TV station said yesterday.

Chinese-Canadian star Edison Chen caused an uproar in Asia’s conservative ethnic Chinese community when photos showing him performing sex acts with eight Hong Kong actresses and singers were leaked onto the Internet last year.

The anonymous Englishlanguage letter warned Chen not to appear at any events and threatened him with harm if he did, according to Cable TV, which received the letter on Wednesday afternoon.

The TV report yesterday did not say if the letter, which was mailed with a gold-coloured bullet, explicitly linked the threat with

CHEN the sex-photo scandal, and did not specify the type of harm Chen could suffer if he ignored it.

The envelope had US postage stamps on it and the return address was in the US state of Pennsylvania. There were no postmarks on the letter. The matter has been reported to the police.

Chen publicly apologised last February, and he and the other stars featured in the photos have only recently started to resurface.

The 28-year-old Chen testified two weeks ago against a computer technician accused of stealing the photos from his laptop.

6 WEEKEND

Friday, March 13, 2009

THE FUN. good deal

DAILY XPRESS

TRAVEL & ENTERTAINMENT

G E TAWAY S

Stairways to heaven A less travelled road north of Manila leads to the scenic rice terraces of Banaue

By Joleen Lunjew

Opening on Phuket’s Chalong Bay on April 2, the Outrigger Serenity Terraces Resort sounds alluring with a “Honeymoon Celebration” deal for Bt17,805 right through October. You stay for two nights, get a bottle of sparkling wine on arrival, have breakfast both days and enjoy a 60-minute spa treatment.

Check-out isn’t until 6pm.

Visit www.Outrigger.com

Amari Easter From April 10 to 15 the Amari Coral Beach Resort in Phuket is celebrating “Happy Easter” by offering four-day, three-night stays in a superior room with a welcoming drink, fruit basket, daily breakfast, an hour’s massage and discounted prices on the facilities. All this for Bt22,100 net per single occupancy. Visit www.Amari.com/ CoralBeach.

Courtyard caresses A spa package involving all kinds of treatments and scrubs is on offer through May at the Mood@M spa at the Courtyard Bangkok. With prices starting at Bt4,099, you can count on accommodation for two and a spa session each. Visit www.Courtyard.com.

T H E S TA R Asia News Network

I

’d read about the “Eighth Wonder of the World” and seen photographs. but it’s only when I get out of the coach after an eight-hour journey from Manila and see the Banaue rice terraces with my own eyes that I truly understand the immensity of the ancient Ifugao tribe’s engineering feat.

Just 300 kilometres north of Manila and still being cultivated today, the rice terraces were built more than 2,000 years ago by the Ifugaos, a tribe of headhunters and skilled engineers who invented a sophisticated irrigation system of bamboo tubes and mud channels to bring water up to the terraces.

The Ifugaos refer to the terraces, which were declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1995, as the “stairway to heaven”, as some reach an altitude of 1,500 metres. If the terraces were laid end to end, they would stretch half way around the world.

Sadly, the mud-walled terraces are now showing signs of erosion due to the lack of maintenance, as the younger generation of is more interested in tourism and jobs in the cities than toiling the soil.

The best places to see the terraces are at the viewpoints set at 200m intervals, and the best time is in the late afternoon when they are backlit by the setting sun.

There are plenty of souvenir shops along the way and since

XTRA It’s easy to see why the terraces are a Unesco World Heritage Site. the Ifugaos are skilled woodcarvers, you’ll find just about any shape you want. You can have your photo taken with one of the many old Ifugao ladies decked out in full tribal regalia at the viewpoints, but you are expected to give them a token of appreciation.

Ride a jeepney If you want to see more rice terraces, hop on a jeepney for a memorable ride to a neighbouring village.

I shared my jeepney with adults, children and assorted livestock to the Hungduan Rice Terraces, another Unesco World Heritage Site about 17km northwest of Banaue, where I learned about the harvesting process and how water is channelled to higher terraces.

There are many guesthouses in Banaue. I stayed at the Banaue Hotel and Youth Hostel, an easy walk from the heart of town and the Saturday street market, where I enjoyed both the local food and intricate beadwork.

Other than the rice terraces

and a stroll around the town, there is not much to do after dark, so Banaue is not for those who need the bustle of city life. Rather, it is a magical place where you can immerse yourself in stunning scenery and the serene aura of isolation.

Stay a few days – you are sure to lose track of time.

I F YO U G O >> The Banaue Hotel and Youth Hostel can be reached at (63 2) 524 2502. >> More upscale accommodation is available at the Native Village Inn in Uhaj, nine kilometres from Banaue. Call (63 916) 405 6743. >> On the Web: www.WowPhilippines.com.ph

To get around the rice terrace region, hop a jeepney and ride with the locals.

ASIA NEWS NETWORK/THE STAR

Phuket honeymoon

Friday, March 13, 2009

WEEKEND 7

DAILY XPRESS

10 to 18

JOAQUIN PHOENIX, ACTOR-TURNEDRAPPER, WHO JUMPED OFF THE STAGE AND CONFRONTED AN AUDIENCE MEMBER WHO WAS HECKLING HIM AT A CONCERT IN MIAMI BEACH.

MORE DATES have been added to Michael Jackson’s “This Is It” comeback concerts at London’s O2 arena.

“We have a [double-expletive] in the audience.”

Who’s that

It’s a mime field

bird?

EPA

Clever hair and makeup cap a creation by Indian designer Manish Arora for his autumn-winter 2009-10 women’s ready-to-wear collection during Fashion Week in Paris, which wrapped up yesterday.

C LU B B I N G

XTRA

Lose yourself Trance DJ Dave Pearce opens his mesmerising bag of beats tomorrow

By Manta Klangboonkrong D A I LY X P R E S S

I

t’s all about trance, trance and trance tomorrow at Club Culture.

Adding to the hypnotic bass of monthly resident Graham Gold is another British trance icon, DJ and producer Dave Pearce who will be manning the deck in the Big Mango for the first time.

Pearce kicked off his career almost 30 years ago when he swapped

school homework for spinning at a London pirate radio station. Mum and dad probably hit the roof, but they needn’t have worried – Pearce caught the ear of BBC Radio London who gave him a late-night show, playing new club tunes. He moved on to TV screens, helping to present the BBC’s first-ever dance show, before getting back behind the mixing desk for the long-running “Dance Anthems” show on Radio One, which ended a few months ago.

Though best known for radio, Pearce likes a live audience and has earned a reputation for hyped-up trance and hard dance tunes played

TRUST IN TRANCE >> Dave Pearce performs tomorrow night at Club Culture with Graham Gold supporting. Entry is Bt500 with a drink. >> Club Culture is on Sri Ayutthaya Road near Phya Thai Skytrain station. >> Call (02) 642 5499 or visit www.Club-Culture-Bkk.com.

at gigs and festivals. Keep your ears open for his other trademark as the party hots up – a cry of “Oi, Oi” from the DJ booth.

To celebrate 10 years of “Dance Anthems” last August, Pearce blasted UK bedrooms with a five-hour Pete Tong and Judge Jules-heavy set.

What’s he got in his bag for Bangkok?

We’ll find out tomorrow.

The Thai pantomime troupe

Babymime is back on stage this weekend for “Love ... Blah Blah Blah”, a show that’s inspired by love, everyday life and overlooked topics that touch on romance.

The highlight of the performance is a laughable yet Babymine performs this insightful adaptaweekend. tion of Thai folk tale “Krai Thong”.

The shows run at 2 and 7.30 from today until Sunday and again from March 20 to 22 at the Pridi Banomyong Institute on Thong Lor (Sukhumvit Soi 55). Tickets cost Bt300 and Bt500 from Thaiticketmajor.

Proceeds will benefit the financially troubled Jayavana Foundation (Kru Angun Malick), which donated the land for the performance venue.

Narratives in verse The Thai Writer Association is holding a poetry reading, “Love in the Garden”, on Sunday afternoon at the Krung Thai Bank Art Gallery on Yaowarat Road.

From 2 onwards, the audience can relax to heartfelt recitals of classic poems by Angkarn Kalayanapongsa, Angkarn Naowarat Pongpaiboon and Yada Arunawet. Admission is free.

Visit www.ThaiWriterAssociation.org.

8

ENTERTAINMENT

Friday, March 13, 2009

DAILY XPRESS

M O S A I C M U S I C F E S T I VA L

Africa re-tuned

A stunning innovator on the 22-string kora, Seckou Keita embodies the Singapore event’s diversity

By Manta Klangboonkrong D A I LY X P R E S S

S

eckou Keita, the king of the kora – the West African harp – will be charming the crowd at Singapore’s Mosaic Music Festival next week with harmony and tradition.

The Senegalese is one of world music’s best-known kora players and a gifted drummer as well. He debuted internationally in 1996 and has recorded several albums since 2000.

His career goosed along by

luminaries including Salif Keita and Youssou N’Dour, Keita has toured for the past five years with his own quintet, and it was in the midst of his latest trek that Daily Xpress made him put down the kora for a minute so we could talk.

What’s happening in African music lately?

,,

I’ve just come back from Senegal, where I accompanied master drummer Mamady Keita in this wonderful project

we’ve decided to make an annual event there.

And I’ve just composed four songs that still need refining. I have so many projects in my head, but my work with the quintet and my drumming projects are my priority at the moment.

How did the kora make its mark on you?

I was born to a family of kora players, so it will always have an important part in my life. It’s such a complete instrument – you have to play the bass, the accompaniment and the improvisation at the same time.

You’ve experimented with different tunings.

There’s still plenty of

ground to explore in terms of tuning. My kora has 22 strings – plenty to experiment with.

How do you find non-African audiences in general?

My music is quite special in the sense that it’s not typical or traditional African music.

So whether you’re African or not, you react the same.

We’ve travelled to 20 countries and always had the same reaction: surprise at first, enthusiasm, and then pure excitement.

I don’t think traditional African music is recognised enough yet globally, even though the blues, jazz and hiphop are direct descendants from it. It’s a shame, but I guess we just have to continue to spread the word.

I DON’T THINK TRADITIONAL AFRICAN MUSIC IS RECOGNISED ENOUGH YET GLOBALLY. XTRA SECKOU ONSTAGE >> The Seckou Keita Quintet is

at the Mosaic Music Festival next Wednesday. >> The festival starts today and continues through March 22 at the Esplanade Theatre by the Bay. See www.

MosaicMusicFestival.com.

Friday, March 13, 2009

AFTER DARK

DAILY XPRESS

COMEDY

Big heads are funny Watch carefully – magician John Lenahan guarantees laughter for his

,,

By Manta Klangboonkrong D A I LY X P R E S S

long with powerful hits to the funnybone, the Punchline Comedy Club will be suckering punters with the tricks of American illusionist John Lenahan this weekend.

After a few waves of his wand Lenahan swapped his birthplace of Philly for a home in London, where he conjured up a career after exposing the mysteries of the three-card trick on TV. Not surprisingly, fellow magicians and conmen were livid, and Lenahan became the first person in 85 years to be expelled from the Magic Circle.

However, that hasn’t stopped him from popping up in clubs and festivals all over the world alongside big names like Jack Dee and Victoria Wood.

Before he hits the stage in Bangkok for the first time tonight – with Australian comedian Hung Lee and

A

British stand-up specialist Eddy Brimson – Lenahan showed us what he has up his sleeves at the moment.

At the moment I’m performing all over the world.

There may be a recession in the UK but it seems everywhere else in the world wants me at the moment. After Thailand I’m off to the Middle East, and then South Africa.

Shed some light on your first novel, “Shadowmagic” – how’s it doing?

clubscene

Dudesweet: Art School Confidential Tonight Club Culture Sri Ayutthaya Road (BTS: Phya Thai) (02) 642 5499 www.Club-Culture-Bkk.com Dress code; ID Dudesweet College kicks off the 2009 summer semester with eclectic mix sets.

Come as teachers, students or janitors or whatever screams education.

mind-expanding trick

Hip-Hop Party

at the Bull’s Head tonight

Tonight Nomad Club Sukhumvit Soi 12 (BTS: Asoke) (02) 229 4448 www.NomadBangkok.com Catch Bangkok’s favourite hip-hop DJs Spydamonkee and Verseaille live at Nomad for a night of unique and varied sets.

Free entry all night.

I met a magician at college and got hooked on magic.

Where do you learn your tricks?

What are you working on now?

9

Mostly books, believe it or not.

What’s your favourite trick?

I ALWAYS SAY, ‘IT’S THE ONLY THING I LEARNED IN UNIVERSITY.’ PEOPLE THINK THAT’S A JOKE BUT IT’S THE TRUTH.

I have a new trick in my show where I make my head expand. That’s my favourite at the moment.

What tricks have you always wanted to pull off but haven’t quite succeeded?

I always wanted to levitate Jo Brand but she won’t let me.

It’s almost sold out in hardback and will be coming out in paperback in August.

“Shadowmagic 2” is almost finished. I’m very excited about it.

I never use animals; they crap on your props.

What inspired you to become a magician?

Not even a rabbit, then? So what can we expect?

I always say, “It’s the only thing I learned in university.”

People think that’s a joke but it’s the truth.

More tricks and jokes. I’m not sure what tricks yet, but there will be laughing – I can guarantee that.

Will we see animal magic tonight – any doves up your sleeves?

DJ Niina Tonight Bed Supperclub Sukhumvit Soi 11 (BTS: Nana) (02) 651 3537 www.BedSupperclub.com Dress code; ID She’s played her eclectic sets alongside big names like Armand Van Helden, Norman Jay & Pete Tong, weaving together electro and progressive. Entry is Bt1,000 with two drinks.

PhotoZero

XTRA GAGGING FOR MAGIC >> John Lenahan along with

Hung Lee and Eddy Brimson are performing at the Bull’s Head on Sukhumvit 33/1 tonight and tomorrow night from 9pm. Tickets are Bt1,500 and reservation is a must. >> Call (02) 233 4141-2, (02) 234 3590; visit www.GreatBritishPub.com.

Tonight till Sunday Rain Dogs Bar & Gallery Soi Pharayapiren off Rama IV (MRT: Klong Toei) World-class lensmen showcase their works as well as photographic documentaries. Entry is Bt200 with food and the slide show starts at 7.

DJ Aqeel Bed Supperclub Thursday This month’s Bollywood party brings you blockbuster DJ Aqeel whose hits “Vaada Raho”, “DON” and “Om Shanti Om” dominate the dancefloor. Entry is Bt800 with one drink. Come in glamorous blue!

10

ALTERNATIVE / SOHO

so-ho-t Love bites The advocacy group working on the issues of women who love women will have a meeting tomorrow morning at 10 at the Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand. For more information, call Chantalak at (085) 041 8477.

Remembering Harvey Milk A network of gay and lesbian organisations in New York will posthumously honour New York native Harvey Milk on April 18 when Stuart Milk will accept an award on his uncle’s behalf.

Meanwhile, in San Francisco where Milk became America’s first openly gay politician, thousands of people marched last Wednesday from Harvey Milk Plaza to the Civic Centre, across from the State Building where the California Supreme Court started the hearing on Proposition 8, the measure that ended same-sex marriage in the state.

Friday, March 13, 2009

Thailand’s loss of tolerance The fires of homophobia are stoked thanks, in part, to an about-face by a former activist

By Paisarn Likhitpreechakul SPECIAL TO D A I LY X P R E S S

I

keep telling myself that the shutting down of the Chiang Mai Gay Pride by the red shirts was just an isolated freak accident in a freaky political situation and that this climate of explicit hate against homosexuals and

transgenders will go away tomorrow. However, try as I might, I cannot account for Chiang Mai’s thick smog of homophobia and transphobia.

In many countries, homophobia is becoming subtler. The Chiang Mai incident marks the first time such hate has been flagrantly shown in Thai society.

The most effective way to stoke homophobia in any society, as used by Anita Bryant and John Briggs and seen in the movie “Milk”, is to engender irrational fear for children among parents and scapegoat LGBT people for social “degeneracy”.

Natee Teerarojjana-

Nations united Gay Olympic gold medal diver Matthew Mitcham headed the 2009 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. This year’s parade theme was “Nations United”, a tribute to homosexuals around the world, particularly in countries where they cannot live openly. Last year Australian lawmakers passed legislation giving homosexual couples the same rights as heterosexuals, though they have not legalised same-sex marriages.

-365gay.com

DAILY XPRESS

IT WAS VIOLENTLY SUPPRESSED AND NO APOLOGY HAS BEEN MADE FOR SUCH BLATANT VIOLATION OF CIVIL RIGHTS.

pong – ironically himself a gay man and a former activist as well as the past organiser of Bangkok Gay Pride – vowed on a TV debate to stop the Chiang Mai Gay Pride by all means.

He kept a straight face as he claimed it would tarnish Chiang Mai’s immaculate culture and make children want to become katoeys.

Before petitioning the governor and giving many interviews against the parade, he had been busy in Chiang Mai exposing katoey prostitutes, effeminate monks and the use of Lanna-style costumes in a private gay party. On the day of the parade, he phoned in to the red shirt radio station to attack the event.

The level of homophobia in Chiang Mai was raised so high that virtually all government offices expressed opposition to the parade, telling the organiser to hold the event in a closed space. It was violently suppressed and no apology has been made for such blatant violation of civil rights.

Natee must have forgotten that some people continue to blame Aids on gay men like himself and the Culture Ministry once wanted to ban people like him from television. By scapegoating all LGBTs as the cause of the country’s ills, he may even have become a hero in the eyes of conservative or even mainstream Thais.

But as Abraham Lincoln said, “You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time.”

Share ideas on gay issue via asiatrekker@yahoo.com

Friday, March 13, 2009

THE SCREEN 11

DAILY XPRESS

TO SEE

“WATCHMEN” was the No 1 movie at the North American box office last weekend.

It earned US$55.8 million.

don’t miss!

Yang Ying n e P g n e Kidtu A-Nuengu Again) enhis 1990s te fter (Miss Yo ird entry in la

Song of Sparr ows

schoo s this th ing to their takol direct .

Bhandit Rit s with the gang return ed into a superstore rn e ri tu se e d b n ce a at roman is going to t Tulayahch at the site , Thanacha tles at some cina iy ir learning th w g n o subti awin W Stars Ratch umnerd. With English k g n o h Namo T

In this Iranian fa mily comedy, an man loses his jo ostrich farm an b on an d ends up in th e city, where he becomes a mot accidently orcycle-taxi driv er. In Persian w and Thai subt it

h English

itles at House .

emas.

Maradona by Kusturica Emir Kusturica presents an admiring portrait of Diego Maradona, who the director dubs the “Sex Pistol of football”.

At House. ★★★

5 Huajai Hero Young Thai martial artists fight terrorists who’ve taken over a hospital. With English subtitles at some cinemas. ★★

Khwamjum Sun Tae Rak Chan Yao Memories and romance mix in the drama about two couples, young and old. With English subtitles at some cinemas. ★★★

Slumdog Millionaire

Milk

On the verge of hitting the jackpot on a game show, a young man recalls his life in the Mumbai slums and his lifelong love for a girl. At Apex. ★★★★

Oscar winner Sean Penn portrays the first openly gay man to be voted into major public office in the US. ★★★★

Bolt A TV-show pup escapes from the set and is shocked to discover he doesn’t really have superpowers. ★★★

Watchmen In a 1985 America in which Nixon is still president and it’s five minutes to Doomsday, someone has killed a masked superhero. Zack Snyder (“300”) directs. ★★★

Outlander A soldier from a far-off world (Jim Caviezel) helps the Vikings battle a monster. ★★

The Pink Panther 2 Bumbling French police inspector Clouseau (Steve Martin) heads an international task force. At SFW CentralWorld. ★★

Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li This video-game adaptation

stars Kristin Kreuk in Bangkok as fearsome fighter Chun-Li. ★

Luang Phi Kab Phi Khanun A conman-turned-monk faces a ghost. With English subtitles at some cinemas. ★★

Valkyrie Tom Cruise stars as a German army colonel who heads a plot to assassinate Hitler. ★★

Doubt

Stories from the North The “Six Degrees of Separation” movie series

at the Kiosk cafe in the Thailand Creative and Design Centre at the Emporium continues tomorrow with “Stories from the North”. Directed

by Uruphong Raksasad, it presents nine fascinating and often fantastical vignettes of rural life. The showtime is 5.30.

Admission is free. It’ll be followed by a talk with the director. The series continues on Saturdays until April 11. – DAILY XPRESS

on tv

A Catholic school headmistress (Oscar nominee Meryl Streep) suspects a popular new priest (Philip Seymour Hoffman) of abusing a black student. At the Lido. ★★★★

Apex Lido: (02) 252 6498 Siam: (02) 251 3508 Scala: (02) 251 2861

Century – The Movie Plaza (02) 247 9940

Outside the Law

House

When her fiance is killed on a military mission, an ex-agent (Cynthia Rothrock) goes all out to uncover what the government is hiding.

(02) 641 5913-4

Major Cineplex/EGV Bangkok: (02) 515 5555

Cinemax (TrueVisions), 8pm

Major Hollywood Bangkok: (02) 718 7999

Channel links

Paragon Cineplex Bangkok: (02) 129 4635 IMAX: (02) 129 4631

SF Cinemas Bangkok: (02) 268 8888 Pattaya: (038) 361 500

Dragonball Evolution In this adaptation of the popular manga, young warrior Son Goku (Justin Chatwin) sets out on a quest, racing against time and the vengeful King Piccolo (James Marsters) to collect a set of seven magical orbs that will grant their wielder unlimited power. Chow Yun-fat also stars.

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

12

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

Comics&Games

Red and Rover

Friday, March 13, 2009 DAILY XPRESS

Friday, March 13, 2009

LEISURE

DAILY XPRESS

Games&YourStars SUDOKU

The last word in

ASTROLOGY

By Eugenia Last

Today’s Birthday: Emotional issues concerning your past connections and partnerships will surface. You must deal with these matters if you want to move forward emotionally, professionally and financially. There will be a reawakening of old dreams, hopes and wishes. Seize the opportunity to work with someone you regard highly.

Yesterday’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 Emotions will be difficult to control and it will be vital that you do your best to keep the peace. Far more will be accomplished if you are willing to compromise. Love will evolve.

TAURUS *** April 20-May 20 Toe the line and do what’s asked of you if you don’t want to end up looking bad. You will have to talk your way out of a sticky situation if you have been meddling or have let a secret be revealed.

GEMINI ***** May 21-June 20 Whether it is a relationship, a project, a new budget or a diet you are trying to incorporate into your life, now is a great time to start. Work towards greater profits or more recognition.

DIFFICULTY RATING ★★★★★

CANCER ** June 21-July 22 Stand your ground and refuse to let someone push you around or upset you. Don’t expect to agree with the people you are dealing with personally, socially or emotionally. Focus on getting ahead.

LEO **** July 23-Aug. 22 Plan an event at your place and you will enhance your chance of getting the financial backing you need. Love is in the stars and travelling will ensure that you meet someone who interests you.

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY

VIRGO *** Aug. 23-Sept. 22 Talks, group initiatives and getting together with people who are working toward the same goals will be enlightening. Your input may lead to a partnership. Progressive action will draw attention.

LIBRA *** Sept. 23-Oct. 22 Your ability to visualise what you want and to express it vividly to others will enhance your chance of achieving your goals. You can feel comfortable making promises that you know you can keep.

SCORPIO *** Oct. 23-Nov. 21 You have a lot to take care of and, if you falter, you will be faced with difficult emotional issues.

Be aware that someone who is dependent on you is likely to make demands.

SAGITTARIUS **** Nov. 22-Dec. 21 You are ready to have some fun. You will impress everyone with your natural talent and ability to take on new tasks with confidence. A love relationship will take on a new flavour.

William H. Macy

Songwriter Mike Stoller is 76.

Singer-songwriter Neil Sedaka is 70.

Actor William H. Macy is 59.

Actress Deborah Raffin is 56.

Comedian Robin Duke is 55.

Actress Glenne Headly is 54.

Actress Dana Delaney is 53.

Bassist Adam Clayton of U2 is 49.

Jazz trumpeter Terence Blanchard is 47.

Actress Annabeth Gish is 38.

Actor Danny Masterson is 33.

CAPRICORN ** Dec. 22-Jan. 19 It’s worth taking a closer look at all your relationships and deciding who is on your team and who isn’t. Don’t allow someone to dump his or her responsibilities on you.

AQUARIUS ***** Jan. 20-Feb. 18 If you believe you can do something, so will everyone else. Take a fresh look at old ideas and you will find ways to implement them with current projects to come up with a winning combination.

PISCES *** Feb. 19-March 20 You have talents that can pull in some cash if you market your services. Don’t sell yourself short.

Check into the rules and regulations that are applicable to what you want to do.

13

Management Consultancy A consortium of twelve international NGOs supporting humanitarian assistance in Thailand is seeking a consultant or team of consultants or a qualified management consultancy firm to undertake a management review of the consortium’s management structure and financial functions.

The basics of the exercise will include: a functional review of the operational management structure, an analysis of the consortium’s budgetary process and developing benchmarks for senior executive succession planning. The consultant(s) will work closely with senior management over a period not to exceed 30 days. The consultant(s) will produce a final report, identifying suggested improvements and alternative methods as per the three elements of this scope of work.

Bidders should submit a written offer which briefly outlines a proposed time-line, action plan and cost. CV’s of the consultant(s) and or the bidding firm’s past experience and competencies is also to be submitted. The deadline for submission is: 31 March, 2009. For a full Terms of Reference and submission of offers, please contact

hr@thailand.theirc.org

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Executive Education Officer • • • • • •

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Sasin Graduate Institute of Business Administration of Chulalongkorn University Sasa Patasala Building, Phyathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 Tel. 02 218 4001-9 ext. 164 or 161 Fax: 02 216 1314 E-mail: sasin@sasin.edu

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3 brs., 2 bths., near club house, 43-storey 6 bths., parking 4-5 cars, easy access via Bangbon 4-5, w/ brs., shortcut to Ramindra, near Ekachai, Phetkasem Rd. Ekamai Expressway Sell@4.8 MB. Sell@3.5 MB.

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2-storey house, 180 sq.w. Detached house, 592 sq.w.

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Sell@18 MB.

Sell@38 MB.

Yen-Akart Rd. nt! e g 4-storey Ur townhouse No.28555-059 No.27534-006 40.5 sq.w.

2 units only No.28200-001/124 6 brs./5 bths. Phetburi Rd., Soi Soonvijai

fully furnished, parking 4 cars, connected to Rama IV, near Tops, Nisa Language School, suitable for office, showroom from 19 MB.

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24 GAMES

Friday, March 13, 2009

THE SPORT

DAILY XPRESS

3-2 Kris Versteeg broke a tie in the fourth round of a shootout as the Chicago Blackhawks beat Carolina to end their winning streak.

briefly Blackburn climb off Premiership trapdoor

Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo, right, celebrates with Wayne Rooney after scoring against Inter Milan.

AFP

Jason Roberts

Blackburn Rovers climbed out of the relegation zone on Wednesday with a 2-1 win away to Fulham.

Clint Dempsey gave Fulham an early lead, but ElHadji Diouf levelled in the second half before Jason Roberts fired a late winner.

Blackburn climb to sixth bottom, with Portsmouth slipping into the drop zone.

Fulham in 10th are themselves only six points above the drop zone. – DPA

Mourinho accused of assault after loss Inter Milan manager Jose Mourinho is under investigation for allegedly punching a fan after his team’s Champions League loss to Manchester United.

Manchester Police said yesterday they were investigating a 46-year-old man in connection with a “very minor assault” at Old Trafford on Wednesday night. The alleged incident took place near the Inter team bus as the team was leaving the stadium. – AP

Nigerian star wants apology Everton footballer Victor Anichebe wants an apology from British police after he and a friend were held outside a jewellery shop which officers suspected they planned to raid, the club said Thursday.

The 20-year-old Nigerian striker and a friend were window shopping in exclusive Knutsford, near Manchester, northwest England on Wednesday when they were stopped by police and Anichebe’s friend was handcuffed.

Police said the pair were spotted acting “suspiciously” and that Anichebe’s friend was cuffed during “a heated dialogue”

about what they were doing there. But they were not arrested. – AFP

Arsenal fan wounded in Rome An Arsenal fan was injured when AS Roma hooligans attacked the bus he was riding in ahead of a Champions League game in the Italian capital.

The fan was on a private minibus near the Olympic Stadium about 90 minutes before Wednesday night’s kickoff when Roma fans surrounded the vehicle and threw stones, the British Embassy said.

The fan sustained a leg wound, though it was not clear if it came from shattered glass or if he had been stabbed by Roma fans, the embassy said. – AP

Jazz miss a beat as Hawks snap run The Atlanta Hawks – the NBA’s latest streak busters – struck again.

Joe Johnson scored 31 points with nine assists, Josh Smith had 22 points with 12 rebounds and the Hawks snapped the seasonhigh 12-game winning streak of the Utah Jazz Wednesday night with a 100-93 home-court victory. “This shows everybody in the world the Hawks are for real,” Smith said. – DPA

FOOTBALL

MAD SWAGGER Fergie blasts team for ‘suicidal’ showboating in win over Inter AFP, Manchester

S

ir Alex Ferguson demonstrated why he has been Manchester United’s special one for over two decades as he laid into his players in the aftermath of a 2-0 win over Inter Milan that sent them into the Champions League quarter-finals.

The victory may have enabled Ferguson to settle at least one score with Inter boss Jose Mourinho, whose Porto side had eliminated United at the same stage on their way to lifting the trophy back in 2004.

But all the Scot wanted to talk about was his irritation at how close his side came to throwing the game away with what he described as their “suicidal” showboating after Nemanja Vidic had headed them into a fourth minute lead.

If Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Dejan Stankovic had taken the gilt-edged chances that came

their way, the Italian champions would have been ahead by the time Cristiano Ronaldo nodded in United’s second just after half-time.

And, perhaps with one eye on Saturday’s Premier League showdown with Liverpool, Ferguson left his players in no doubt about how furious he had been as he watched his side relinquish their early advantage.

“It was one of those long European nights where you don’t know if you’re watching a game of football or watching a game of suicide,” the Scot said.

“After scoring the first goal, I thought we would go on and kill them. But after going ahead we started trying to put icing on the cake and we were lucky to be in front at half-time.”

Flicking his hairdryer on to full blast, Ferguson added: “I thought we could score a few goals but then we started doing flicks and back heels, hitting balls into space where no one was.

“It was really reckless football and it allowed Inter Milan to get a grip of the game. From

the middle of the first half to the end of the first half they were the better team.”

Despite his frustration, Ferguson took heart from the fact that his side had survived to take their place in a quarterfinal draw in which he will be hoping to avoid any of the other three English clubs still in the competition as well as Barcelona.“We changed the system at half-time, closed the door on [Inter playmaker Esteban] Cambiasso and we were a bit better in the second half,” he said.

“We played a team at its maximum, potential-wise with all the experience they have. And they played to their maximum.

“To get through that was a big plus for us, because we will be better in the next round.”

Mourinho famously celebrated Porto’s win with an ecstatic sprint down the touchline. Five years on, the self-styled Special One was serenaded throughout by the United fans, “Sit down Mourinho,” giving way to “You’re not special any more,” as it became apparent that Inter were on their way out.

Friday, March 13, 2009

THE SPORT 25

DAILY XPRESS

FOOTBALL

Henry hits 2 as Barca whip Lyon

ITALY CURSED AGAIN Serie A clubs taking stock after European flop AP, Rome

F

,,

AFP

rancesco Totti walked off the field at the Stadio Olimpico with his jersey tugged over his head, contemplating AS Roma’s elimination from the Champions League after a penalty shootout loss to Arsenal.

There was no dancing down the sideline for Jose Mourinho as his Inter Milan club was ousted by Manchester United on Wednesday.

A night earlier, Juventus captain Alessandro Del Piero hung his head after losing to Chelsea.

Totti was likely the most upset of all. Mourinho and Del Piero have won the Champions League before, but the long-time AS Roma captain was dreaming of taking his first title in this season’s final, which is slated for his hometown – Rome. “It would have been better to lose 3-0, this feels like getting knifed,” Totti said. “When am I going to get another chance like this.”

At least Totti was not alone.

All three Italian clubs were eliminated by English opposition, marking the first time in seven years that none of the country’s clubs has reached the quarterfinals.

Yesterday’s Gazzetta dello headline read, Sport “Maledizione!” – “It’s a curse!”

Two weeks ago, AC Milan and Sampdoria were eliminated from the UEFA Cup. The last remaining Italian team in Europe this season is unsung Udinese, which was hosting Zenit St. Petersburg in a firstleg match Thursday.

Roma’s exit was the most dramatic, with Max Tonetto – the Giallorossi’s eighth man to step up to the spot in the shootout – sending his penalty high to give Arsenal the win.

“I’m sorry for all these fans

AS Roma defender Max Tonetto misses his penalty as Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia dives. that supported us nonstop for two hours,” Tonetto said. “My team-mates tried to console me, but it hasn’t helped much.”

Arsenal won the shootout 76 after Brazil defender Juan’s goal in the ninth minute for Roma left the clubs tied 1-1 on aggregate through regulation and extra time.

Injury-hit Roma thought it earned a penalty when Arsenal defender Gael Clichy tugged down Marco Motta from behind inside the area in the 45th, but Spanish referee Manuel Mejuto Gonzalez made no call.

Inter was also unlucky, with strikers Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Adriano both denied by Jose Mourinho the goalframe.

“Unfortunately, Manchester ing. There are 11 games to go scored in the key points of the and we’ve got to do everything game, at the beginning of the we can to win the Italian first and second halves,” Inter league, because it’s worth just captain Javier Zanetti said. as much as the Champions “That really hurt us.

League.” After three straight “But we’re going out with Serie A titles and no European our heads held high. What’s Cup since 1965, Inter’s fans going to happen now? likely have different priorities.

Nothing. We’ve got to focus on “To win the Champions the league where we’re lead- League you need a boat full of

TO WIN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE YOU NEED A BOAT FULL OF MONEY AND CONSTANT IMPROVEMENT.

Francesco Totti leaves the field after AS Roma’s loss. money and constant improvement,” said Mourinho, who is in his first season with Inter.

“And that’s what we’re doing.

[United] is superior in physical stature, speed and deadball kicks. But I don’t have anything to criticise my players about. To win the Champions League, you’ve got to grow step by step.”

Thierry Henry scored two goals on Wednesday to lead Barcelona into the Champions League quarterfinals with a 5-2 victory over Lyon that gave the Spanish League leaders a 6-3 aggregate win.

Lionel Messi and Samuel Eto’o also scored before Lyon started its rally just before halftime through Jean Il Makoun’s header.

Juninho took advantage of a Barcelona defensive lapse to score early in the second period, but could not come closer and substitute Seydou Keita added the fifth in injury time for the host.

“They were superior in all facets of the game,” Lyon coach Claude Puel said.

“When we can get out and get score three or four goals then we always have a chance to play our game,” Barcelona defender Sylvinho said. “When we score, we’re comfortable.”

Makoun rose above his marker to head a corner kick into the top left corner in the 44th to get one back for Lyon.

“We had already showed ourselves in other situations like that, such as against Fiorentina ... there was still a chance at that point,” Puel said. “But it’s true that they easily broke the game.”

The result means that Barcelona, a two-time winner of the Champions League, kept their bid for a trophy treble alive. They have already reached the Copa del Rey final and are top of La Liga.

Lyon failed to reach the quarters for the third straight year.

Messi said: “We weren’t afraid, but it’s true after those two goals [by Lyon] we were a little surprised, we had a complicated moment.

“But even so we weren’t in a very dangerous situation, we were all united, we wanted the same thing.”

AGENCIES

26

THE SPORT

Friday, March 13, 2009

DAILY XPRESS

Back to Serie A for Jose

BADMINTON

BOONSAK SHOWS WAY

AFP, Manchester

J

Thai ace puts Pang to sword in the first round at Basel D A I LY X P R E S S

hai players had a field day, marching into the second round of the Swiss Open Super Series at the St Jakob Shalle in Basel.

Thai ace Boonsak Ponsana led the way for his compatriots by thrashing the Netherlands’ Eric Pang in straight games.

Booksak, the world No 12 who won the India Grand Prix Gold last year, spent only 29 minutes in beating Pang 21-7 21-17. He now faces a showdown with top seed and world No 1 Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia. Lee, who was the runner-up at the AllEngland Championship last week and also at the Beijing Olympics last year, has a 6-1 win/loss record against Boonsak with that single loss coming at the Asian Championships last year.

Boonsak’s younger sister

AFP

T

Boonsak Polsana serves during his match against the Netherlands’ Eric Pang.

Salakjit also opened her campaign, with a comfortable 21-11 21-10 win over Hong Kong’s Pui Yin Yip. She next takes on Japanese Ai Goto, the world No 25, who scored a 21-13 21-17 win over another Thai qualifier, Porntip Buranaprasertsuk.

Meanwhile, Thailand’s Duanganong Aroonkesorn and Kunchala Voravichitchaikul

were sent packing 21-12 21-10 in the women’s doubles opening round by South Korean third seeds Lee Hyo-jung and Lee Kyung-won. Kunchala, however, made amends in the mixed doubles event when she and Songphon Anugritayawon beat Russians Vitalij Durkin and Valeri Sorukina 21-17 14-21 21-13.

The pair have a daunting task

in the second round where they challenge Olympic champions Lee Yong Dae and Lee Hyo Jung, currently ranked No 3 in the world, and No 2 seeds here.

Sudket Prapakamol and Saralee Thoungthongkam, seventh seeds and currently number 8 in the world, tamed Poles Adam Cwalina and Malgorzata Kurdelska 21-11 21-15.

ose Mourinho is confident Inter Milan will bounce back from the disappointment of their Champions League exit and go on to claim a fourth consecutive Serie A title.

Given that Inter currently stand seven points clear of Juventus at the top of the Italian top flight, few would disagree with that view.

But whether Mourinho sticks around for the defence of the Scudetto is another question altogether.

Everything about the former Chelsea manager's demeanour during his time in Manchester suggested that he would find it hard to resist an attractive offer to return to the Premier League.

Man City, where the position of Mark Hughes appears fragile, looks the most likely possibility but it is not inconceivable that Liverpool could be looking for a new manager given the current uncertainty over the future of Rafael Benitez.

Friday, March 13, 2009

THE SPORT 27

DAILY XPRESS

TENNIS

GOLF

GET IN THE HOLE! competition will tee off on March 18 at Muang Kaew Golf Course on Bangna-Trat Road.

Sponsors and partners this year comprise Samsung, Muang Kaew Golf Course, Taylor Made Golf, Thai Life Insurance, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Singha Corporation, Onyx, Hobby Shoes and Zenya.

Ace-makers take another swing at The Nation’s unique year-long test

By Werapol Temchotikosol DAILY XPRESS

N

Asian Tour severs ties XPRESS

ation Multimedia Group yesterday launched the sixth edition of The Nation’s Hole in One Golf Tournament, a year-long event whose popularity has made it a compulsory stop for all ace-makers in the last five years.

Aeumsree Boonhachairat, Nation Group’s chief operating officer – Special Events, told a press conference at the Royal Bangkok Sports Club yesterday that a slew of Thais and expatriates who had holed out from tees at courses around the country had been turning up for the event each month.

“Last year we had a golfer as old as 84 and one as young as 15 participating in the tournament. This year, we hope to at-

Aeumsree Boonhachairat, Nation Group’s chief of Special Events, sixth from right, with sponsors and partners of The Nation’s sixth Hole in One Golf Tournament yesterday. tract an even larger number of ace-makers,” said Aeumsree.

“Only six winners from each month will be eligible for the 66-golfer final, vying for top prizes in the Flight A, B, C and Lady Flight competitions,” she added. “Those who hit a holein-one each month will receive handsome prizes from our sponsors and partners, while

the winners in the final will also get a free round at Muang Kaew Golf Course, “We’ve already played in hills and on islands – the 2007 final was in Chiang Mai and the next two were on Samui and Surat Thani. Where else can we play the final round? The secret will be revealed soon.”

The first leg of this year’s

Asian Tour chief Kyi Hla Han severed ties with the “super series” of Asia-Pacific golf tournaments yesterday, accusing organisers of being “unprofessional and unethical”.

His decision came as the Japan Tour questioned why the series was in such a hurry to launch, saying it had sown confusion with issues unresolved.

Tensions have been simmering since the OneAsia Super Series was announced in January by the Australian PGA, the China Golf Association, the Korea Golf Association and the Korean PGA.

Tamarine tumbles out

D A I LY X P R E S S

T

amarine Tanasugarn made an early exit from the women’s singles in the US$4.5 million PNB Paribas Open in Indian Wells, helped by 13 double faults.

Playing her first match after the Pattaya Open in February, Tamarine struggled to keep her first serves and lost to Chinese No 1 Li Na 6-4 6-4 in the first round.

Tamarine still has the doubles to play in the tournament. She and American Jill Craybas will take on world No 1 team Cara Black of Zimbabwe and American Liezel Huber in round one.

Meanwhile, Roger Federer, bested by Rafael Nadal in a five-set final at the Australian Open in January, is keen to renew his rivalry with his Spanish foe at the Indian Wells Masters series. Federer’s appearance in the California desert marks his first tournament since falling to Nadal in Melbourne.