PY O C E FRE
EXCITING TRAVEL PACKAGES PAGES 15-21
XPRESS
DAILY
Monday, September 7, 2009 VOL 2, NO 412 dailyxpress.net
PROMPONG
TEPTAI
PANITAN
BURANAT
VERBAL BATTLE With political conflicts becoming more intense, spokesmen these days need to be ARMED WITH A QUICK, SHARP TONGUE >PAGE 2 GOOD MORNING BANGKOK!
Spend your cash wisely By Nuncharin Sithinamsuwan Winner of Chulalongkorn IV tournament – Thailand’s first international inter-varsity debate using British parliamentary rules
T
he economic crisis is having a severe effect on mostly everyone. Money has become scarce and many people blame it on the government’s management. Many institutions have gone bankrupt, affecting economies around the globe. Restoring a strong economy is not only the government’s duty – it requires every individual to change his or her perception of money and how it should be spent.
What’s on Get an earful of Brand New Sunset at this weekend’s TK Park Rock Festival; check out the Naked Masks Troupe’s new drama ‘Asurakai’; try out the ‘Movies Buffet: 30 Movies, 30 Days’, and more... >PAGE 10
Take your pick of HOT GADGETS >PAGE 9
2 TODAY
Monday, September 7, 2009
THE CITY
DAILY XPRESS
160,300 THE NUMBER OF primary school students who are said to be illiterate
Calling all
DAILY XPRESS/WANCHAI KRAISORNKHAJIT
teens
TALKING-POINT Achieving public trust and presenting policies seem to come secondary for political spokesmen By Budsarakham Sinlapalavan D A I LY X P R E S S
E
loquence and credibility are perhaps no longer the top qualifications needed for political spokesmen these days. As political conflicts become more intense, a spokesman needs to be armed with a sharp tongue. “It seems like the main duty of political spokesmen now are to verbally attack their opponents,” independent political scientist Sukhum Nualsakul comments. “The spokesmen become like vanguards.” Achieving public understanding and trust, as well as presenting policies appear to be just secondary tasks for them now, he adds. Associate Professor Darunee DAILY
XPRESS
Hiranrak, who heads the Thai Chamber of Commerce University’s School of Communication Arts, believes the changing political landscape has required that spokesmen adjust their roles.
Verbal barrages According to her, it is clear the spokesmen from rival camps have always traded verbal barrages in recent years. “Unethical politicians don’t mind using dirty tactics when it means they can hurt their opponents or gain media coverage,” Darunee laments. Sukhum says many notorious politicians have frankly told him that they welcome even bad publicity. “I asked them whether the bad publicity hurts
their career, but they said it’s okay.” According to them, the publicity – though bad – will make people remember their names. The public are prone to forget what they did pretty soon, but their names will still ring a bell after that. People’s Alliance for Democracy coordinator Suriyasai Katasila says the job of political spokesmen in foreign countries is to announce or clarify important issues only.
‘Retaliatory comments’ “But here in Thailand, colourful tactics have more weight than substance,” he says. Suriyasai says that in the face of the ongoing political conflicts, relevant spokesmen are engaged in retaliatory comments all the time. “Today, it’s necessary for political spokesmen to be wellversed in political games and al-
so able to react sharply,” he says. To Suriyasai, the political spokesmen are now trying hard to outwit one another to gain political advantages for their parties. “Sadly, their performances have caused a greater divide in society,” he concludes. Thanachai Suntara-anantachai, a former president of Thammasat University’s Student Organisation, urges political spokesmen to conduct their work more constructively. “They should stop trading accusations. They should stop the slandering,” he says. Thanachai also disagrees with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva’s decision to have a personal spokesman. “His Democrat Party has a spokesman. When these two spokesmen give conflicting information, people get confused,” Thanachai comments.
Visitors to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Teens Town project view exhibitions at the opening ceremony presided over by Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra yesterday at the Bangkok Youth Centre (Thai-Japan). The BMA hopes that the project will arouse teenagers’ participation in expressing their creative opinions and abilities in the right manner.
How they score Dr Panitan Wattanayagorn, acting govt spokesman His performance: At press confer-
ences, he presents information in an academic manner. He talks mainly about facts. He reacts to his opponents’ political punches only sometimes. Overall score: 5.83 Thepthai Senpong, PM Abhisit’s personal spokesman His performance: He is quick and
sharp. However, he usually engages in political games. There is not much substance in his statements. Overall score: 5 Dr Buranat Samuttarak, Democrat Party spokesman His performance: He does well as
the Democrat spokesman. But he has spent more time trading verbal salvos than actually clarifying his party’s policies. Overall score: 5.66 Prompong Nopparit, Pheu Thai Party spokesman His performance: He has held
quick press conferences on everything that has an impact on his party. However, he has spent most of the time playing political games. There is not much substance in his statements. Overall score: 5
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
Monday, September 7, 2009
THE WORLD Relaxing retreat
DAILY XPRESS
Sony’s Walkman outsold Apple’s iPod in Japan for the first time in four years, claiming a market share of
43% Info highway
EPA
Airborne car rips through 2nd floor of NY house
Sultry late summer weather makes the Summer Palace an ideal way to spend a lazy few hours on the outskirts of Beijing. The palace, a former imperial retreat, is a Unesco World Heritage site and sees well over 100,000 visitors a day in peak season.
Jackson’s brother slams media coverage of star’s funeral Michael Jackson’s brother Randy has criticised the media for filming and broadcasting footage of the King of Pop’s funeral. “As a family, we are all aware of how Michael’s life, and his death, touched so many around the world. It is why we held a public memorial in my brother’s honour,” Randy Jackson said in a statement posted on entertainment site TMZ.com. “I was dismayed at the coverage I saw on television of our ceremony for Michael. We had asked the media to respect the privacy and the sanctity of this event; to give us one moment of privacy to mourn as a family out of the public spotlight.” He said media organisations had chosen to ignore a no-fly zone set up around Forest Lawn cemetery, even though the Jackson family had released a limited amount of footage before the funeral. – A F P
McDonald’s takes McCurry to court again in Malaysia US fast-food giant will petition M’sia’s highest court today in its campaign to strip local eatery of the ‘Mc’ prefix A F P , Kuala Lumpur
U
S fast food giant McDonald’s, which has waged an eight-year legal battle with local restaurant McCurry, will today petition Malaysia’s highest court in its campaign to strip the eatery of the “Mc” prefix. In April, a Malaysian appeals court overturned a 2006 high court decision that McCurry – whose menu features local delicacies such as fish head curry – had illegally infringed on the burger chain’s trademark. “They [McDonald’s] have said that we are passing off as McDonald’s. But the food we
IN APRIL,AN APPEALS COURT OVERTURNED A HIGH COURT DECISION THAT MCCURRY HAD ILLEGALLY INFRINGED ON THE BURGER CHAIN’S TRADEMARK. serve is different,” McCurry owner Kanages Suppiah said yesterday. Today, the federal court will decide if McDonald’s can contest the appeals court decision. Kanages said the familyowned business is hoping the April decision in its favour
will be upheld so that they can go ahead with plans to open other branches. “I am keeping my fingers crossed. I hope we will win. We have only one shop. Because of this [legal] problem we have been unable to expand,” she said.
Police say a drunken driver sped through a stop sign and hit an earthen mound before going airborne and smashing his Jeep into the second floor of a New York home. The spectacular wreck happened just after midnight on Saturday in East Moriches on Long Island. The Jeep ripped a giant hole in the side of the house, then fell into a foyer on the first floor. It came to rest on its rear end with its headlights pointing skyward. The only person home at the time was asleep on the couch on the first floor. He was not hurt. The 20-year-old driver suffered minor injuries. A passenger walked away unscathed. Suffolk County Police charged the 20-year-old with driving while intoxicated, reckless endangerment and criminal mischief.
Crews dodge flying corks Battling an intensely hot fire after a cargo truck crashed on a highway in Wamsutter, Wyoming, emergency crews were surprised to find themselves suddenly fired upon – by corks from exploding wine bottles inside. “The corks were popping out of the bottles like the old Jiffy Pop [popcorn] we grew up with,” Wyoming Highway Patrol Lieutenant Scott Keane said. “My trooper got hit in the arm with one.” The fire was so intense it burned the trailer down to its axles, melted the tyres and damaged about 23 metres of pavement. Besides the heat and flying corks, firefighters also had to deal with shattering bottles. – AP
Monday, September 7, 2009
GLOBETROT 5
DAILY XPRESS
Global consequences Flooding brought about by Arctic warming will hit a quarter of world’s population, WWF warns
missioned by the WWF for the report. “The associated flooding of coastal regions will affect more than a quarter of the world’s population,” the WWF said.
Atmospheric disruption
A F P , Geneva
lobal warming in the Arctic will affect a quarter of the world’s population through flooding and amplify the wider impact of climate change, says a report by environmental group WWF. Air temperatures in the region have risen by almost twice the global average over the past few decades, according to extracts released by WWF. “What this report says is that a warming Arctic is much more than a local problem, it’s a global problem,” said Martin
AFP
G
A sea otter sits on a chunk of ice that fell from a glacier in the Prince William Sound near Whittier, Alaska.
Sommerkorn, senior climatechange adviser on the WWF’s Arctic Programme. “Simply put, if we do not keep the Arctic cold enough, people across the world will suffer the effects,” he warned in a statement.
The combination of thawing Arctic sea ice and melting ice sheets in Greenland and West Antarctica was likely to raise global sea levels by about 1.2 metres by 2100, more than previously thought, according to scientists com-
Star of dolphin-hunt film wants to win over Japan A P , Taiji, Japan
A
ll Ric O’Barry wants is to stop the killing, so the dolphin trainer for the 1960s “Flipper” TV series figured the natural place to start was in the Japanese seaside town of Taiji. The American activist, star of an award-winning documentary that depicts the dolphin slaughter in the town, got a predictably unwelcome reception when he showed up for the start of the annual hunt this week. “We have to keep Taiji in the news,” O’Barry said, bringing his own camera crew and a few foreign reporters on an impromptu tour on a chartered bus. “There is an international O’Barry tsunami of attention.” His movie, “The Cove”, directed by National Geographic photographer Louie Psihoyos, was released in the United States a month ago but has yet to come out in Japan.
Award-winning documentary The film, which won this year’s audience award at the Sundance Film Festival, juxtaposes stunning underwater shots of gliding dolphins with others from the hunt. Its hero is O’Barry, still a weathered outdoorsman at 69, who, after training
dolphins for “Flipper”, had a change of heart in 1970. He has devoted his recent years to helping return dolphins in captivity to the wild and to stopping the killing at Taiji.
Clandestine filming Scenes in the film, some which were shot clandestinely, show fishermen banging on metal poles stuck in the water to create a wall of sound that scares the dolphins – which have supersensitive sonar – and sends them fleeing into a cove. There, the fishermen sometimes pick a few to be sold for aquarium shows, for as much as US$150,000 (Bt5.1 million). They kill the others, spearing the writhing animals repeatedly until the water turns red. The meat from one dolphin fetches about 50,000 yen (Bt17,000), and is sold at supermarkets across Japan, where dolphin and whale meat are considered delicacies. “I’ve been working with dolphins for most of my life. I watched them give birth. I’ve nursed them back to health,” said O’Barry. “When I see what happens in this cove in Taiji, I want to do something about it.”
The report concluded that melting sea ice and the release of pockets of greenhouse gases – carbon dioxide from thawing permafrost and methane seeping from the depths of the warming Arctic Ocean – would also fuel disruption to atmospheric and ocean currents much further afield. The most immediately felt change would be on temperature and rainfall in Europe and North America. More details from the report “Arctic Climate Feedbacks: Global Implications” are due to be presented at the UN’s World Climate Conference in Geneva Wednesday.
Teen says brother innocent in murder case The brother of a man charged with slaying his father and seven others in a mobile home insisted that the suspect would never harm his family, and he also speculated that a dispute over drugs could have prompted the killings. Family members spoke to reporters outside a graveside funeral for seven of the victims slain at the home they shared in Townsend, Georgia. Their grief was mixed with shock after police charged 22-year-old Guy Heinze Jr with murder in the deaths of his father, uncle, aunt and four cousins. “I know my brother didn’t do this. My brother has a conscience,” 16-year-old Tyler Heinze said. “I can say there was drug involvement in the house ... Maybe somebody in the house double-crossed someone. It could’ve been my brother who double-crossed somebody.” AP
D G
6 ENTERTAINMENT
Monday, September 7, 2009
THE FUN
DAILY XPRESS
RUSSELL CROWE, IN A STATEMENT CHALLENGING SYDNEY DAILY TELEGRAPH COLUMNIST ANNETTE SHARP TO A BICYCLE RACE AFTER A SHE CRITICISED THE ACTOR FOR SMOKING AND EATING FATTY FOOD. THEY RODE FOR 20 KILOMETRES WITH SHARP STRUGGLING TO KEEP UP.
,,
“Get on your bike. Russell wants you to go riding with him. Are you ready to die?”
THE BAND DOESN’T CARE HOW MANY SHOWS THEY HAVE TO PUT ON,BUT THEY WANT TO MAKE SURE THEY PACK A PUNCH AND CAN GET INTIMATE WITH THE FANS. Boonperm “Pom” Intanapasat, concert promoter
COURTESY OF TOTAL RESERVATION
XTRA PUPS NO MORE >> Moderndog’s “5-3-15” anniversary concerts are at Hua Mark Indoor Stadium on October 2 at 8.30 and on October 3 at 7.30.
May T, Pod and Pong will get by with a little help from their friends.
>> Tickets are Bt600 to Bt2,000 at www.Total Reservation.com. Call (02) 833 5555.
C O N C E RT P R E V I E W
15 AND HOWLING Moderndog has the promotional muscle to play a big hall, but Hua Mark Stadium is so in-your-face By Kitchana Lersakvanitchakul D A I LY X P R E S S
M
oderndog – the sole survivor from a slew of alternative-rock bands that sprang up in the 1990s – is celebrating 15 years in the business next month in the wake of its sixcity “Ting Nong Noi” US tour. “Moderndog were the first and they’re the only alterna-
tive-rock band that’s still making music,” notes Total Sports and Entertainment managing director Boonperm “Pom” Intanapasat, who’s promoting the upcoming pair of anniversary concerts. He lauds the group’s “unique sound and great value”. “I’d love to take the band on a tour of Asia or book them as
the headline act for a music festival in Asia, maybe in the Philippines or Indonesia,” he says.
Dog years The show at Hua Mark Indoor Stadium is called “5-315”, referring to the birthday as well as Moderndog’s five albums and three members – singer-guitarist Thanachai “Pod” Ujjin, lead guitarist MayT Noijinda and drummer Pavin “Pong” Suwannacheep. A decade and a half on the
scene is good reason to celebrate with a concert, but why isn’t this promoter busy bringing in foreign acts, as he usually does? “It’s too risky importing foreign artists these days, financially and because they’re afraid of our political situation and the flu,” says Pom. “But the main factor is having sponsors who prefer to spend on local artists.” Surely Honda, Coca-Cola and Canon would prefer to have the Bt7-million-plus show
at the far bigger Impact Arena? A second show quickly had to be added for the Indoor Stadium when the first sold out. “The band doesn’t care how many shows they have to put on, but they want to make sure they pack a punch and can get intimate with the fans.” The concert will have five segments, each with its own designated rhythm. Guests include Kamol “Sukie” Sukosol Clapp from Pru, Palmy, Q from Flur, Stamp from Seventeen, Golf Sing Nuea and a rotating line-up of bassists: founding Moderndog big-string plucker Somatt “Bob” Bunyarattavej as well as the Groove Riders’ Nattapol “Kor” Srijomkwan, Yodtao “Yod” Yodying of Pru, Pukan “Mai” Sunsuriya of Apartment Khunpa and Toryos “Pock” Chongchaem of Zeal.
Monday, September 7, 2009
85
ENTERTAINMENT 7
DAILY XPRESS
YASH CHOPRA has been named Asian Filmmaker of the Year by the Pusan International Film Festival. The Bollywood director, 76, will receive the honour at the fest, running October 8 to 16.
TRACKS are on “Guitar Hero 5”, including songs by the Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Grand Funk Railroad, Deep Purple, Bush, Smashing Pumpkins, Muse and Kings of Leon.
Shadowed by
soopsip
Wit Pimkanchanapong’s new site-specific installation “Not Quite a Total Eclipse”, evolved from his interest in mechanical systems and is inspired by the phenomenon of the solar eclipse. He’s used a combination of robotic movement and light and shadow in the piece, which is on show until October 25 at the 100 Tonson Gallery on Soi Tonson off Ploenchit Road. It’s open Thursday to Sunday from 11am to 7pm. Call (02)
Discipline at a price
COURTESY OF 100 TONSON GALLERY
the light
684 1527 or visit www.100Tonson Gallery.com.
HANDICRAFTS
Take a shine to metal The latest exhibition at the Phufa Treasure Trove looks at smithing through the ages D A I LY X P R E S S
M
ud-encrusted objects dating back to prehistoric times and brilliant works of the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya eras can be found in the sixth temporary exhibition at the Phufa Treasure Trove, “Thai Wisdom Through Metal Crafts”. Among the objects dating back to prehistory are bronze
spearpoints found at Udon Thani’s Ban Chiang site, bronze bowls more than 2,200 years old dug up in Ban Don Ta Phet in Kanchanaburi and bronze bells discovered in several areas of the Northeast and Central regions. Pictures of Buddha images serve to illustrate the talents of metalsmiths in various periods.
A beautiful and finely produced head from a Buddha statue in the unique style of the Sukhothai period reflects the capabilities and artistic creativity of the metal workers and craftsmen of that era. Meanwhile, the head of a statue found at Wat Dhammikaraja in Ayutthaya reveals the quantities of copper, tin and lead that were necessary to produce the large bronze piece. It also pays testament to the skills of metal-
Examples of Thai metalsmithing through the ages can be seen in the exhibition, ‘Thai Wisdom Through Metal Crafts’, at the Phufa Treasure Trove in Siam Paragon.
If you think raising a kid is
expensive, consider the case of actor-director Pisarn Akaraseranee, whose daughter Piyada “Oom” Jutharattanakul got married last month. Oom was misbehaving once when she was little and Pisarn really wanted to smack her, Oom but just couldn’t. So he gave his wife Bt30,000 and told her to do it. “My wife is greedy, so she did as I asked without another word.” It’s a good thing Oom wasn’t a serial brat. Otherwise Pisarn would have gone broke long ago.
Tripob: sullen slob XTRA
SIAM SMITHING >> “Thai Wisdom Through Metal Crafts” continues through December 31 at Phufa Treasure Trove is on the fourth floor of Siam Paragon. >> The show is open daily from 11 to 7. Call (02) 129 4556.
smiths during the early Ayutthaya period who were responsible for casting these large sculptures. The exhibition is supported by Silpakorn University’s Faculty of Archaeology. The Phufa Treasure Trove is an activity of the Fund for the Development of Children and Youth in Remote Areas, a nonprofit organisation initiated by and under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
If it’s a surprise seeing talkshow host Tripob Limprapat in a T-shirt in Hello! magazine instead of the usual slick suit, read the accompanying story. “I wear a vest or an old T-shirt – what you see me wearing in the magazine are Tripob nice T-shirts that my wife and kids gave me for the photo shoot.” And get this: Mr Chatter doesn’t particularly like talking. He’s the type to walk away from the family’s aftermeal conversation at the dinner table. “I did that at a restaurant once, but then my wife and kids reminded me that I couldn’t leave because it was my birthday party!”
Contact Soopsip at veenxpress@gmail.com.
8
LIFE
Monday, September 7, 2009
ATWORK
love scope BY EUGENIA LAST
No pause for the publicist
Set your standards high and mingle with people who can help you raise your current status. Your charm, enthusiasm and ability to please will capture the heart of someone who has plenty to offer both mentally and monetarily. TAURUS April 20-May 20
Don’t let your heart rule your head or you will end up falling for someone who has few scruples when it comes to relationships. Ask direct questions about this person’s past and present involvements before becoming intimate. GEMINI May 21-June 20
You’ll dazzle someone who can help you on many different levels. Don’t shy away from someone who works in your field. Common interests will lead to a strong connection that can result in both personal and professional opportunities.
P
lenty of people are out of work with the shoddy economy, but Uracha Jaktaranon’s public-relations firm Branded Agency is busier than ever. “Advertising budgets are usually cut if the economy is bad, so there’s more spending on public relations instead,” says the general manager. “You might see fewer big social functions – it’s not like the boom of seven years ago when we met media and hotel people more often – but the events are still taking place. They’re just more focused, with more value added for the organisers.” A spot on the TV news remains a primary goal, Uracha says, but value is added when, for example, a foundation aiming to establish a health facility receives donations thanks to the publicity. “If we can get that part of the message across successfully, that’s the advantage.” With more than 15 years’ experience in the field, Uracha has seen her job grow more challenging because of globalisation as well, and information technology makes
things tricky when there’s negative news to counter. “Our customers these days have global reach, so if there are misleading news reports, it’s much harder than in the past to correct them and protect the client’s reputation. We have to keep up to date with all the technology.” Celebrities never lose their value in publicising events and products, Uracha acknowledges – unless they’ve done something naughty. “For a social event, to attract news coverage, we have to invite a famous actor or actress or a high-profile celebrity. They add colour and ensure news value for the reporters. “But if they’re a hot issue, the reporters ignore the point of the event.” Public relations is an attractive career for young
CANCER June 21-July 22
Don’t pussyfoot around. If you like someone, share your thoughts and feelings. You stand to secure your place in someone's heart just by being open honest and laying your cards on the table. Serious talks will lead to a commitment. DAILY XPRESS/ THANIS SUDTO
D A I LY X P R E S S
September 7 to 12, 2009
ARIES March 21-April 19
PR executive Uracha Jaktaranon watches strategies shift with the cash crisis By Kupluthai Pungkanon
DAILY XPRESS
LEO July 23-August 22
Be careful how you portray yourself and what you have to offer. Someone will be attracted to you for the wrong reason if you brag or embellish. Stick to the truth and avoid being used and disappointed by someone who isn’t worth it. VIRGO August 23-September 22
Visit a destination that will feature a lifestyle quite different from your own and you will meet someone who can offer you everything you feel you have missed out on in the past. Love is within reach if you are willing to go the distance. LIBRA September 23-October 22
Your involvement in something you really believe in will interest someone in a personal manner. Sharing a common goal will bring you closer together and make you realise that you have a connection that can stand the test of time. SCORPIO October 23-November 21
Don’t be fooled by someone acting like a chameleon. You’ll soon discover that you are not only being copied but used, as well. Settling for less than what you deserve won’t last. If the connection you make doesn’t feel right, move on. SAGITTARIUS November 22-December 21
people, Uracha says, but finding the right people to recruit isn’t easy. “They see us at events all dressed up, but there’s a lot more to the job than that. You have to be service-minded and have good managerial skills too. “But, yes, there are a lot of good parts to the job as well, especially when you get to meet business executives in various fields and learn from them.”
Live, love and be happy but don’t give anyone the runaround or pretend that you have an interest when you don’t. Leading someone on may get you a little romantic action but it will also lead to a poor reputation and scandal. CAPRICORN December 22-January 19
If you don’t mean it, don’t say it. You may feel emotionally sound but it won’t take much to derail you if you make promises that are unreasonable to keep. Passion can be yours but the price you pay may be too high. AQUARIUS January 20-February 18
Love is within reach but, if you let your emotions take over, you are likely to misinterpret what someone is telling you, causing a rift in a relationship that can potentially lead to a long-term union. Don’t overreact; there is too much to lose. PISCES February 19-March 20
Don’t play emotional games or waste time pursuing someone who isn't into you when there is someone waiting to be noticed on the sidelines. Open your eyes and you’ll discover someone with whom you have more in common.
Monday, September 7, 2009
NEW GADGETS
DAILY XPRESS
Messages on the move The Samsung B7320 is a mobile messaging centre that supports the “push email” solutions offered by MS Exchange ActiveSync and IBM Lotus Notes Traveler. It lets you tap into instant-messaging services such as MSN Messenger, GTalk and Yahoo IM. It’s got a qwerty keyboard, Wi-Fi and HSDPA connections and a threemegapixel camera. All this in a 101gram, 110.9mm package for Bt11,490.
This big guy saves space The HP IQ828D is a desktop computer from Hewlett Packard with a fancy new design. The processing unit is integrated with a 25.5-inch touch screen, saving a lot of space. It’s powered by an Intel Core 2 Duo P7450 2.13 GHz processor and has 4GB of RAM and a terabyte on the hard disk. And you get a Blu-ray drive too, the whole deal for Bt74,790.
How times flies
Listen to this
With a design inspired by an aircraft cockpit, the Alba Aviator from Seiko (Thailand) is a sports watch with an alarm chronograph that provides precision time setting. But it now
The new Walkman phone from Sony Ericsson, the W205 has a long-life battery that will play music for nearly 14 hours. You get a 2GB M2 Memory Stick card for storing your tunes, an an FM tuner and TrackID technology to show you what’s playing, with the details coming via automatic download. The GSM 900/1800 phone,
for between Bt5,000 and Bt6,600.
available in ambient black and creamy white, retails for just Bt3,990.
9
10 EVENTS
Monday, September 7, 2009
DAILY XPRESS
WHAT’S UP
do it!
rock o t y d a e R featured in Sunset are
Cooking with Ben
Brand New ’s TK Park Rock ay this Saturd ’ll be blazing through ey h T l. a iv Fest in Park and ngs by Link so f o rs ve co eir own as well as th Limp Bizkit concerts are every he numbers. T 6 in TK om 4.30 to f fr y a rd tu Sa ro o o fl eighth Park on the Admission is free. d. CentralWorl 00 or visit
On September 17, don’t miss
a chance to pick up tips on cooking and then tuck into a five-course lunch with Australian TV chef Ben O’Donoghue at Hamilton’s Steak House in the Dusit Thani Hotel Bangkok. The fee is Bt1,600. Call (02) 200
257 43 Call (02) ark.or.th. www.TKP
9000 extension 2501 or e-mailing rakdee.tw@dusit .com.
Mighty Mekong The Mekong Sub-Region Social Research Centre at Ubon Ratchathani University with the support of the Japan Foundation is organising the seminar “Cultural Diversity of the Mekong River: Sharing Experiences from Japan and the Mekong Countries” on November 19 and 20 at the university. The seminar will bring together Japanese and regional experts, NGO workers and local voices to discuss and share perspectives on development, cultural change and local livelihoods. Visit
ines agic Luckyben its m r nine work d
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7707, (662) 656 arriott@ ail bookm -m e r o 19 8 9 . otels.com marriotth
Flautist Kalaya Phongsathorn and pianist Pornphan Banternghansa play Chopin and Bach on Thursday at 7.30 at the Goethe Institut Auditorium. The recital presented by the Galyani Vadhana Institute of Music and Silpakorn University also features works by Haydn and Eldin Burton. Tickets cost Bt300 (Bt100 for students).
Very ious ma t i t s r e p u s e’s new dra asks Troup
M erstitions The Naked res the sup lo p x e i” ka disappear“Asura mysterious a g n in d n u o surr ect an urba ow they aff om h d n a ce n a d fr being stage the Naked family. It’s t a y a d n u to S za at Thursday ya Thai Pla h P in se u o y Masks Playh nees at 2 on Saturda 50 ati 7.30 with m ickets cost Bt250 (Bt1 T or y. 5 a 2 d 5 n 4 and Su ) 503 Call (085 ). ts n e d u e for st skstheatr
Call (02) 424 5623 extension 17.
Time is ticking Until September 27, the
Central International Watch Fair is offering deals on highend and mid-range brands at all Central stores. Limited-edition timepieces on display at Central Chidlom include the Tag Heuer Monaco 40th Anniversary watch priced at Bt338,500, the Hermes Cape Cod Tonneau Diamond for Bt374,500, the Classique Chronograph 5238 from Breguet at Bt9.5 million and Corum’s the Golden Bridge Lady, which costs a cool Bt7 million. Check it out at www.Central.co.th.
kedma e-mail na m. .c @gmail o
Movies on the menu Major Hollywood is serving up a new promotion, “Movies Buffet: 30 Movies, 30 Days”, which Hollywood Point Plus cardholders get to see 30 movies for free just by going along to the 7pm screenings. Call (02) 718 7999 or visit www.MajorHollywood.co.th.
Monday, September 7, 2009
THE SCREEN 11
DAILY XPRESS
TO SEE
on dvd REGION 3
Confessions of a Shopaholic
Gamer
tination The Final Des on of a fatal racing-car crash but
Gerard Butler p deadly onlin ortrays a convict locked e game in w into a violen hic ta geeky teena ger. Michael h he is actually controlle nd C Hall also st d by a ars. Rated 18 +
a premoniti s friends. In A teenager has zarre ends for hi bi e bl ita ev in e th that only delays as. Rated 18+. em cin e m so in 3D
.
Young@Heart This documentary looks in on a senior citizens’ choir in Northampton, Massachusetts, as they struggle with unfamiliar melodies and lyrics by the likes of Coldplay, Sonic Youth and James Brown for an upcoming concert. At House.
Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea
Rated P.
Animator Hayao Miyazaki’s latest fantasy is about a five-yearold boy and his relationship with a goldfish princess who longs to become human. In Japanese with English and Thai subtitles at Paragon Cineplex and the Siam. Rated G.
Under the Sea 3D
Fan Kao (My Ex)
A film crew explores the depths of the Coral Triangle, including Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and the waters off Papua New Guinea, for face-to-face encounters with mysterious and stunning creatures. At Krungsri
A womanising actor (Shahkrit Yamnarm) is terrorised by a ghost of a heartbroken ex-girlfriend. Also stars Wanida “Gybzy” Termthanaporn, Attama “Bowie” Chiwanitchapan and Navadee “Aom” Mokkhavesa.
Imax.
Rated 15+.
Bandslam
Paris couturier. In French with
An nerdy teenage boy (Gaelan Connell) becomes the manager of a rock band headed by a pair of female classmates (Vanessa Hudgens and Alyson Michalka). Rated 13+.
Inglourious Basterds
Buppah Rahtree 3.2 Yuthlert Sippapak offers a fourth installment in his genreblending romance-horror-comedy franchise. With English subtitles in some cinemas. Rated 18+.
Coco avant Chanel Audrey Tautou portrays the fashion icon in her rise from impoverished seamstress to
English and Thai subtitles at the Scala, SFW CentralWorld and SFX Emporium.
on tv
Jewish-American soldiers storm through occupied France scalping Nazis. Rated 18+.
Polamuang Juling This four-hour documentary examines politics and society and how they relate to the Islamic insurgency in southern Thailand after the brutal beating of teacher Juling Pongkunmul in 2006. At 6.30 tonight with English subtitles at House.
>> CINEMA NUMBERS
Helicopter Wars: Taleban Gambit Two modified Blackhawk helicopters fly into the Hindu Kush mountains to find a Navy Seal after ambush by the Taleban.
Apex: Lido, (02) 252 6498, Siam, (02) 251 3508, Scala, (02) 251 2861 Century: (02) 247 9940 House: (02) 641 5177-8 Imax: (02) 129 4631 Major Cineplex/EGV/ Esplanade: Bangkok, (02) 515 5555 Major Hollywood: (02) 718 7999 Paragon Cineplex: (02) 129 4635 SF Cinemas: Bangkok, (02) 268 8888 UMG: RCA, (02) 641 5913-14
National Geographic (TrueVisions), 9pm > > F I L M R AT I N GS As of August 2009, Thailand has these motion-picture ratings: G – General audiences. P – Promote as educational. 13+, 15+ and 18+ – Suggested minimum ages for viewers. 20+ – Restricted to viewers aged 20 and older; ID check mandatory.
> > C R I T I CA L CO N S E N SUS
> > C H A N N E L L I N KS 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 TV Thai: www.ThaiPBS.or.th True: www.TrueVisionsTV.com
Isla Fisher stars in this romantic comedy as a personal-finance columnist who’s having a crisis of her own. Special features include bloopers and deleted scenes as well as the music video “Stuck with Each Other” by Shontelle featuring Akon. The audio is in English, Spanish, Portuguese and Thai with subtitles adding Chinese, Bahasa, Malaysian Korean and Hindi. It’s priced at Bt240. – DAILY XPRESS
Land of the Lost A scientist, his research assistant and a redneck surivivalist are sucked into a space-time vortex and end up in a strange, prehistoric realm. Based on the cult 1970s TV series by Sid and Marty Krofft, the reamake stars Will Ferrell, Anna Friel and Danny McBride. At Paragon, Esplanade, Major Ratchayothin and EGV Seacon. Rated G.
= Must see! = Solidly entertaining = It’s okay = Barely watchable = Don’t bother No star rating means no reviews were available from Daily Xpress staff or agencies.
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
Monday, September 7, 2009
Comics&Games
Red and Rover
DAILY XPRESS
Monday, September 7, 2009
LEISURE
DAILY XPRESS
Games&YourStars SUDOKU
The last word in
ASTROLOGY
By Eugenia Last
Today’s Birthday: Be a little more creative about the way you handle your financial matters. Use your common sense and insight to invest in something with potential. Taking action will be what leads to your success so don’t procrastinate.
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 Emotions will be difficult to control and could lead to costly mistakes. Put more emphasis on love and relationships or doing something that will raise your self-esteem. TAURUS *** April 20-May 20 Keep anything that you are doing a secret for now. Interference will slow you down and make your life difficult. A problem pertaining to your current position will arise. GEMINI **** May 21-June 20 You have some amazing ideas that can help you advance professionally but, if you take on too much, you will fall short of your goals. Start small and build slowly. Let your talent fuel your plans.
DIFFICULTY RATING ★
CANCER ** June 21-July 22 Don’t let your anger show. Someone is just waiting for you to make a mistake. Keep things under control by fulfilling your responsibilities. Good things will come your way if you are patient. LEO ***** July 23-Aug. 22 If you think you can handle what’s being asked of you, go for it but if it will restrict time you want to spend with someone you love, rethink your schedule. Beware of costly mistakes.
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY
VIRGO *** Aug. 23-Sept. 22 Call the shots and you will avoid being taken advantage of by a fast talker. Don’t give in to anyone asking for a handout or wanting your assistance. Now is not the time to do for others. LIBRA *** Sept. 23-Oct. 22 Let your charm lead the way. Someone is likely to make you angry and, if you react negatively, it will set you back and make you look bad. Concentrate on what you can do that is positive. SCORPIO *** Oct. 23-Nov. 21 A few last-minute changes will ensure that you have everything just the way you want it. Let your memories and past experiences guide you. You have plenty to offer that’s worthwhile. SAGITTARIUS ***** Nov. 22-Dec. 21 You’ll be ready to have some fun so make sure you haven’t left someone out or forgotten to do something you promised to do. A problem left unattended will turn into a responsibility.
Evan Rachel Wood
Jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins is 79. Singer Gloria Gaynor is 60. Singer Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders is 58. Actor Corbin Bernsen is 55. Actor Michael Emerson is 55. Pianist Michael Feinstein is 53. Actor W Earl Brown is 46. Model Angie Everhart is 40. Actor Tom Everett Scott is 39. Drummer Chad Sexton of 311 is 39. Actress Shannon Elizabeth is 36. Actor Devon Sawa is 31. Actress Evan Rachel Wood is 22.
CAPRICORN ** Dec. 22-Jan. 19 You can talk all you want but, if you are too pushy, you will be wasting your time and energy. Laying down the rules must be done in such a way that you don’t offend anyone. Use a little charm. AQUARIUS **** Jan. 20-Feb. 18 Frequent places you used to enjoying going to and hook up with friends you have some history with. The more you do to remember your past, the better equipped you will feel. PISCES *** Feb. 19-March 20 Don’t play games or you’ll have to answer questions that may be awkward. You can make some changes but don’t do so for the sake of ruining someone else’s plans. Patience is required.
13
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24 GAMES
Monday, September 7, 2009
THE SPORT
DAILY XPRESS
6-4 Mark Teixeira and Robinson Cano homered to lead the New York Yankees to a win over the Toronto Blue Jays.
briefly
Masterful Rossi dominates
O’Hair, Furyk grab early lead Sean O’Hair overcame a recent birdie drought to claim a share of the lead in another day of low scoring at the Deutsche Bank Championship on Saturday. O’Hair was 8-under par in an eight-hole stretch in the middle of his round, sending him to a 7-under 64 and a share of the lead with Jim Furyk after 36 holes on the TPC Boston. – AP
Pettersen takes 5-shot lead Suzann Pettersen moved into position to end her 43-tournament winless streak, shooting a 5-under 66 on Saturday to take a five-stroke lead into the final round of the Canadian Women’s Open. The tall Norwegian had a 14-under 199 total after opening with rounds of 65 and 68. – AP
Ishikawa wins Fujisankei Classic Japanese teenage golf sensation Ryo Ishikawa yesterday won the Fujisankei Classic and returned to the top of the 2009 Japanese prize money list. The 17-year-old a 70 yesterday. – AFP
Melanie Oudin of the United States celebrates her upset victory over Maria Sharapova. AP
Italian motorcycling maestro Valentino Rossi extended his lead in the MotoGp standings yesterday as he easily beat team-mate and championship rival Jorge Lorenzo to take the San Marino race. The 30-year-old eight-times world champion’s lead is 30 points – 237 to 207 – while another Spaniard Dani Pedrosa, who was third here, moves into third place overall on 157 points ahead of Australian Casey Stoner, who is absent because of a mystery virus which has plagued him all season. – AFP
TENNIS
IT’S AN OUDIN ACT Safina, Sharapova downed by US Open teen titans AFP, New York
W
orld No 1 Dinara Safina and three-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova crashed out of the US Open at the hands of teen titans on Saturday, aiding fellow Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova’s title bid. Petra Kvitova, a 19-year-old Czech who won her first WTA title in January at Hobart, and US giant-killer Melanie Oudin, two weeks shy of her 18th birthday, became the darlings of Flushing Meadows after their third-round shockers. Kvitova, ranked 72nd, saved three match points in the 12th game of the final set and eliminated Safina 6-4 2-6 7-6 (7/5). “I’m very happy. It was amazing,” said Kvitova, her voice cracking with emotion. “Second set I was very down. I was not focused. It was terrible. After that I concentrated on every ball and I won.” Safina will remain atop the
Petra Kvitova celebrates after winning the match point against Dinara Safina. rankings after the Open but is still searching for a first Grand Slam title and a way to play her best when it matters most. “Third set, come back from down again having everything in my hands and just phhhhhwww,” Safina said. “She played some good points but still I let it go away again from my side. Three match points and I didn’t do anything on them. “Disappointing. Very disappointing.” Oudin stunned former world
No 1 Sharapova 3-6 6-4 7-5 at Arthur Ashe Stadium by holding serve in the final game after six consecutive service breaks to book a quarter-final berth against Russian 13th seed Nadia Petrova. “I still feel like I had my chances even though it wasn’t my best day,” said Sharapova. “When you let those chances go, it’s just frustrating.” Reigning French Open champion and sixth seed Kuznetsova dispatched Israel’s Shahar Peer 7-5 6-1 to become the highest remaining seed in her half of the draw with dangerous Sharapova also gone. Oudin followed her upset of former world No 1 Jelena Jankovic at Wimbledon with a second-round US Open ouster of fourth seed Elena Dementieva and added Sharapova to her victims list. “I’m just so happy,” a tearful Oudin said. “I just kept fighting as hard as I could. I tried as hard as I could. I just came in believing. “I once again proved to myself that I can compete with these top girls. If I believe in myself and my game, then I can
beat them.” Sharapova, who returned from right shoulder surgery in May, double faulted 21 times and committed 63 unforced errors, 19 more than Oudin, who converted on only 8-of-26 break-point chances. “With the amount of errors I made from both my groundstrokes and my serve, to be able to get it to three sets is not bad,” Sharapova said. “If I didn’t make those errors, those double-faults, I certainly would have won the match. “So that gives me some confidence.” There was no such optimism for Safina, who made 39 unforced errors and nine double faults with only 12 winners. While Kvitova had 59 unforced errors, she fired 47 winners with only five double faults. “I just thought I must play each point very good because Safina would play every point,” Kvitova said. “She didn’t give up.” Critics says Safina is less worthy of the top ranking than US Open second seed Serena Williams, the 11-time Slam winner who holds the Australian Open and Wimbledon titles.
Monday, September 7, 2009
THE SPORT 25
DAILY XPRESS
High fives as European champions Spain crush Belgium to near World Cup European champions Spain moved to within touching distance of the World Cup finals after coasting to a 5-0 win over Belgium in La Coruna on Saturday. Valencia duo David Silva and David Villa both scored twice with Barcelona defender Gerard Pique also on target in the five-goal romp and the scoreline should have been more emphatic. The double from Villa, who
also missed a penalty, raises his international goals tally to 33 in just 51 games as he closes in on the national record of 44 held by Real Madrid striker Raul. Spain have a flawless seven wins at the top of Group 5, six points ahead of second-placed Bosnia Herzegovina who won 2-0 at Armenia. If Spain beat Estonia in Merida on Wednesday and
Spain’s David Villa celebrates after scoring a goal.
Bosnia fail to beat Turkey
they will qualify for the World Cup finals with two games to spare. “It was nice to win and get back scoring again [after three games without a goal],” said Villa. “We started so well and should have been more than 1-0 up at the break. I missed my penalty although it was a bit unfortunate although I will be ready to take the next one that comes up.”
Silva added: “It was an important game to win and we did it well. I am coming back following injury and just hope I can continue injury-free for the rest of the season.” Villarreal midfielder Marcos Senna failed to recover from a knock sustained at the weekend so emerging Barcelona star Sergi Busquets, 21, won his seventh cap starting alongside Xabi Alonso in central midfield.
FOOTBALL
Capello has selection headache
PRECARIOUS POSITION France, Portugal stumble on road to South Africa
AFP, London
F
AFP, Paris
rance, the 1998 champions, and equally star-studded Portugal suffered two more potentially fatal stumbles on the road to the World Cup finals on Saturday. The French, who were also runners-up in 2006, were held to a 1-1 draw by Romania in Paris which kept them in second spot in Group Seven, four points behind leaders Serbia who they must visit on Wednesday in a must-win clash. Defeat in Belgrade would leave Raymond Domenech’s side facing having to qualify via the lottery of the play-offs. Portugal, boasting the world’s most expensive player in Cristiano Ronaldo, are in an even more precarious position after a 1-1 draw at Group One leaders Denmark in Copenhagen which virtually ended the 2006 semi-finalists’ hopes of automatic qualification. In Paris, France took the lead through veteran captain Thierry Henry early in the second-half only for Julien Escude to put through his own net a few minutes later. “It’s disappointing,” said Domenech. “After all we had many chances and 4-5 attackers. However, the top spot is still up for grabs. I repeat it would have been better to win but we just have to regroup and focus on Wednesday. We have to show character.” Portugal still face shock elimination despite Brazilian-born striker Leidson marking his debut with a headed equaliser
,,
AFP
F
French captain Thierry Henry, left, is tackled by Romanian defender Vasile Maftei, right. three minutes from time against Denmark in Copenhagen. Arsenal’s Nicklas Bendtner had volleyed the Danes ahead in the first half. Portugal, coached by former Manchester United assistant boss Carlos Queiroz, have slumped to fourth place, seven points behind Denmark, three behind Hungary and two back from Sweden who won 2-1 in Budapest thanks to an injurytime strike from Barcelona striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. World champions Italy saw off Georgia 2-0 in Tbilisi to stay a point ahead of the Republic of Ireland in Group Eight thanks to a pair of own-goals from AC Milan defender Kakha Kaladze. The Irish defeated Cyprus 2-1
IT’S DISAPPOINTING. AFTER ALL WE HAD MANY CHANCES AND 4-5 ATTACKERS. HOWEVER,THE TOP SPOT IS STILL UP FOR GRABS. Raymond Domenech
in Nicosia with a late strike from Robbie Keane securing the three points. “Georgia sparkled at the beginning but we controlled them very well. Then in the second half we deserved the luck we had with the goals,” said Italy coach Marcello Lippi Russia edged Liechtenstein 30 in St Petersburg in Group Four to move just a point behind leaders Germany, who they meet in Moscow on October 10. In Glasgow, Scotland grabbed a 2-0 win over Macedonia courtesy of Scott Brown’s first international goal and a superb solo effort from James McFadden. Scotland on Wednesday need to beat the Netherlands.
abio Capello was left with more questions than answers after England warmed up for Wednesday’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Croatia with a 2-1 friendly victory over Slovenia at Wembley. Capello’s side created enough chances to have won by a bigger margin and Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard and John Terry gave the kind of influential displays that will be needed to subdue a Croatian team fighting to stay in contention for a World Cup place. There are still a couple of pressing issues for Capello to resolve before Slaven Bilic’s team arrive at Wembley in midweek. Once again Capello opted to play Emile Heskey alongside Wayne Rooney in England’s attack on Saturday. The Aston Villa targetman is Rooney’s preferred partner but he was comprehensively outshone by Jermain Defoe, who came on at half-time to score his fifth goal in his last three England appearances after Frank Lampard’s penalty, won by Wayne Rooney’s controversial tumble, had opened the scoring. Defoe is England’s form striker and has now scored eight times since Capello took charge, but the former AC Milan boss is still unsure if the Tottenham striker is more than an impact substitute. “Heskey played a good game, but I had a chance at half-time to see a different style of play with two smaller players. I am still trying different things,” Capello said. “I want to know a lot of things,” he said.
Monday, September 7, 2009
THE SPORT 27
DAILY XPRESS
FOOTBALL
Keane finds redemption in victory
BRAZIL BOOK TICKET Maradona admits tough times ahead for Argentina AFP, Rosario, Argentina
rgentina coach Diego Maradona admitted it would be tough for his side to ensure World Cup qualification following yesterday’s home loss to rivals Brazil. Inspired by Real Madrid maestro Kaka, five-time champions Brazil rubbed salt in their hosts’ wounds by ensuring their own passage to the finals in South Africa courtesy of their 31 victory in Rosario, handing Argentina their first home qualifier loss in 16 years. “It’s going to be complicated for Argentina after this defeat – but we will keep on plugging away. Losing to Brazil always causes you to have a little crisis of confidence but we have to keep working, we mustn’t give up,” said the man who inspired the albiceleste to glory in 1986 but who is struggling as coach. While Kaka inspired the Brazilians, the Argentines, led by Lionel Messi and Carlos Tevez, endured a miserable night. “There were moments where we could have got on top – we mustn’t jump down their throats with criticism,” Maradona added. “I take full and exclusive responsibility for the loss,” he insisted.But after his team were sent packing for a fifth qualifier loss in 15 matches to date, the two-times world champions are hanging on for dear life in the fourth and final regional qualifying slot. Ahead of Wednesday’s tough trip to Paraguay, they have 22 points with just three games to go and both Colombia, who saw
,,
AP
A
Argentinian goalkeeper Mariano Andujar, left, is beaten by Luis Fabiano’s magnificent chip over him. off Ecuador 2-0, just two points adrift. Theoretically, even Uruguay (18 points), and, rather more fancifully, Venezuela (17), could overhaul them if the Argentines do not come out of a recent current spiral which included a 6-1 loss away to struggling Bolivia. The fifth-placed team enters a home-and-away playoff with the fourth-placed team from the North, Central America and Caribbean zone. “Our marking was poor, especially dealing with high balls. We went out there looking for a result – we needed to get out there and take a couple of risks,” Maradona said as he sought to find an explanation for the damaging defeat.
IT’S ALWAYS HORRIBLE TO LOSE TO BRAZIL.BUT I AM NOT BITTER.I AM CALM WITH MY PLAYERS Diego Maradona Praising his counterpart Dunga, he added: “Dunga is doing well and he has very good players. But I am not bitter. I am
calm with my players and this will not break me,” he vowed. Yet he conceded: “It’s always horrible to lose to Brazil.” Brazil striker Robinho said the visitors deserved their triumph, which ensured Brazil maintained their proud record of never having missed a World Cup after they joined Holland, Japan, Australia, South Korea, North Korea and hosts South Africa in next summer’s finals. “We knew it would be a tough game – but we deserved to win it. We came here to qualify and that’s what we achieved,” said the Manchester City star after the Brazilians stunned 40,000 fans who had packed the notoriously partisan Gigante de Arroyito stadium.
Robbie Keane scored a late winner on Saturday to keep Ireland’s hopes of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup finals on track as they struggled to overcome a stubborn Cyprus side 2-1 in the Group Eight qualifier. The Tottenham striker – who was a member of the Irish side humbled 5-2 in a Euro 2008 qualifier three years ago – scored with a header on 83 minutes after he beat keeper Sofronis Avgoustis to the ball from a Damien Duff cross. Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni admitted afterwards that the luck of the Irish pulled them through. “We are happy with this victory. We played well for 20 minutes but then lost our confidence. Our opponents put us under a lot of pressure and Cyprus deserved a draw. “This was a difficult game because Cyprus are a good team with good players. The goal was lucky but I had a feeling Robbie would score even though he wasn’t playing well.” Ireland stay second in the group on 16 points, one behind world champions Italy who beat Georgia 2-0 although the Irish have played a game more. Cyprus coach Angelos Anastasiadis – who was serving a touchline ban – said the home side paid for indiscipline. “This was a bad day for us, we can do better than that but look at the quality of player we were up against,” said the disgruntled coach whose team are now out of contention for the finals. - A F P
Mexico shock Costa Rica, USA, Honduras win AFP, San Jose
EPA
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Mexico’s Giovani Dos Santos after scoring against Costa Rica.
exico dealt Costa Rica a damaging home defeat while Honduras and the United States won yesterday to shake up the standings in 2010 World Cup qualifying in North and Central America and the Caribbean. Mexico more than met the challenge of taking on Costa Rica on the artificial pitch at notoriously hostile Saprissa Stadium, winning 3-0 with goals
from Giovanni Dos Santos, Guillermo Franco and Andres Guardado. It was Mexico’s first away win in the six-nation final round of qualifying, while Costa Rica lost for the first time at home and fell from first place to fourth. Dos Santos’s long-range, leftfooted blast put Mexico ahead in the 45th minute. Dos Santos also played a key role in Mexico’s other two goals. He
brought the ball into the area and passed to Franco, who fired home in the 61st minute. He also delivered the ball to Guardado for a shot from short range in the 70th. The victory gave Mexico 12 points, the same as Costa Rica but ahead on goal difference. They trail Honduras and the United States, both on 13 points. In San Pedro Sula, Honduras pummelled Trinidad and Tobago 4-1, while the United
States rallied to beat El Salvador 2-1 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Carlos Pavon in the 19th and 27th minutes, Amado Guevara in the 61st and David Sauzo in the 82nd scored for Honduras, while Kerry Baptiste scored in the 85th for Trinidad and Tobago. In Utah, Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore scored first-half goals to lift the United States to a 2-1 victory over El Salvador in Salt Lake City.
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Monday, September 7, 2009
BANGKOK
THESPORT
DAILY XPRESS
LOEB DECLARED LOSER Mikko Hirvonen snatched victory away from Sebastien Loeb in Rally Australia after the latter's Citroen team were slapped with a penalty for a technical infringement.
GIANT KILLER
John Isner celebrates defeating Andy Roddick. Inset:Isner, right, embraces Roddick.
Andy Roddick’s hopes of a second US Open crown, six years after his first, were blown apart by giant compatriot John Isner yesterday in the first major upset of the men’s tournament. The six-foot-nine-inch (2.03m) product of the US collegiate system stunned the fifth seed and top US hope 7-6 (7/3) 6-3 3-6 5-7 76 (7/5) in a 3-hour 51-minute, third-round clash between two of the biggest servers in tennis. There were scares also for top seed and defending champion Roger Federer and fourth seed Novak Djokovic. Both dropped their opening sets but both bounced back to win in four. While defending champion and top seed Federer made it 14 in a row over former world No 1 Lleyton Hewitt with a 4-6 6-3 7-5 6-4 win, fourth-seeded Djokovic struggled to see off the challenge of US wildcard Jesse Witten 6-7 (2/7) 6-3 7-6 (7/2) 6-4. The Isner-Roddick clash turned on two tiebreaks – one in the first and one in the fifth. Both were won by 24-year-old Isner, who is back to full fitness after missing three months of the year with mononucleosis. “Maybe I was a little bit fortunate to win tonight, but I played well and I think I deserved it,” he said. “It hinged on a few points here and there. “He brought it back and took it to the fifth set and from there it was anybody’s game. “I told myself, just hold serve, and if I could get to the tie-breaker I was confident. “I can really do some damage here. I’m not finished yet.” With US No 2 Sam Querrey also going out in a 6-2 7-5 6-7 (6/8) 6-1 loss to French Open runner-up Robin Soderling of Sweden and James Blake losing 7-6 (7/2) 6-4 6-4 to Tommy Robredo, Isner now represents the best chance of a first home win since Roddick in 2003. It was a crushing blow for Roddick, who lost a marathon five-setter to Roger Federer in the Wimbledon final in July. “It was a tough one to lose especially after coming back all that way,” he said. “Bottom line for the entire match is he played great in the breakers. I don’t know if I missed a ball in one of the breakers. He played well when he had to.”
FOOTBALL
TENNIS
Argentina have tough road ahead
Teen titans turn into giant-killers
Brazil qualified for their 19th consecutive World Cup, leaving Argentina to join Portugal and France with difficult paths to reach next year’s tournament. Defending champions Italy and European champions Spain maintained their leads in Europe, while England and Germany won friendlies ahead of qualifiers on Wednesday. >PAGES 25 & 27
World No 1 Dinara Safina and three-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova crashed out of the US Open at the hands of teen titans on Saturday, aiding fellow Svetlana Kuznetsova’s title bid. Petra Kvitova, a 19-year-old Czech, and US giant-killer Melanie Oudin, two weeks shy of her 18th birthday, became the darlings of Flushing Meadows . >PAGE 24