mauiguy90

Mauiguy: Thanks for the info...

Further...how long does it generally take to get to the MTT arena? Also, what are the start times for the day and evening sessions?

Hey JonnieB,

From mid Sukhumvit, using the tollway (tangduan), it takes about 40 minutes or so by taxi. Its a pretty convoluted route especially when you get close to MTT, the taxi will probably take a couple of u turns and such which seem suspicious but are apparently necessary to get there.

Don't know the exact start times for day sessions. I think night sessions start 6-6:30 pm. Also, in the past, all night matches were covered by local television. Khun Andrew, who I think is Australian who speaks thai fluently, does some match commentary.

Best of luck!

I am thinking of attending the Thai Tennis Open later this year for the first time. I am looking for advice from those who have attended before on what's the best way to approach this. I live in LOS so don't need advice on accomodations or things like that. What I want to know about is any tips on geting to the venue, Muang Thang Thani, what might be the best days to attend, and what seats to get.

Also, how does it work? THe Thai Ticket Master site has prices listed at like a daily entry ticket price and then another price "per session." What does this mean? Do you add the prices together to get the ticket price and does this mean that you are buying a ticket to a specific match or what?

I am already planning to most likely only attend nite-time matches to avoid the sun and heat as it is my understanding that the matches are played at an outdoor venue. Is that correct?

Also, any tips on getting out to MTT from the central Bangkok area would be appreciated. Is it best to just cab it out there and back or some combo of skytrain/subway/taxi?

I'm assuming things are as they were the past couple of years at the Muang Thani events center. If so, the matches are held indoors. There are two sessions held daily--day and evening. Of course, the evening sessions generally have the best matches probably because they are the best attended. I can't tell you about the thai ticket master "daily entry ticket price" as I am not familiar with that concept. I do know that there is rarely a bad seat in the house, as compared to the US Open, where there is rarely a good seat in the house (leastwise at a decent price). Most of the seats are located within a decent distance from the courts and you will likely get a good if not great look at the players. In the past, guys like Federer, Safin, Blake, Murray, Ljubijic, Roddick and of course Roddick have participated in the tournament.

As with any tournament, the tickets for the semis and finals are hardest to obtain, as they are played on the weekend. Which days to attend is a personal preference, in my book. Often, I find the final to be the most boring match of the tournament. I find the quarterfinal matches, or semi-finals the best days to attend because with more matches naturally you have a better chance of seeing a great match. Finally, watching Paradorn (or maybe now Danai) as the best attended matches, with lots of Thai entertainment between the games (drum beating and lots of cheering and screaming).

There are minivans to the tournament. I have only caught the minivans going back since I don't know where you catch the minivans in central Bangkok. They end up dropping you off at Victory Monument near Phahonyotin Road. If you don't know where that is, you are better off catching a taxi, which will run you about 150 baht plus tollway fees. Good luck! Maybe i will see you there.

OK, I'll bite, hopefully, where to buy Apple or Pumpkin Pie around Bangkok?

Even good apple turnovers.

Used to be could get great turnovers down at that mini mall on the corner of Soi 41 Sukumbvit but they stopped making them long ago. Also fairly decent ones at Yazaki shops, also stopped.

????

Mac

I love apple pies myself but I have found them both expensive and of less than average quality here in Bangkok. Bourbon Street at Washington Square (Suk. 22) makes great pies but I am not sure how frequently they bake them. I've had a decent but not cheap apple pie from the Chateau House, which has several locations including one inside Tops Market inside the Central building bottom floor. Apple pie, yum!!!

I am arriving in Bangkok in 3 weeks - have just purchased a condo in Silom area. So far in past visits I cannot find a Dim Sum (in Aus we call it Yum Cha) restaurant in Bangkok. I know that some of the big hotels have Dim Sum but they are expensive and mainly for tourists.

Is there any restuarants in China town that have Dim Sum? I would appreciate your help.

Asia Hotel has a dim sum buffet for about 350 baht which is fairly good but not top quality. Have also read that the Arnoma Hotel across from the Central World Plaza has a good Chinese dim sum buffet but have not tried it as yet. However the service at the Arnoma Hotel has always been great on those occasions that I have been there. Have also tried the dim sum buffet at Asoke Station and agree that it is of poor quality unless you are a pork fat fiend.

My vote goes unquestionably to Roger Federer..

anyone think different?

Laver was the greatest ever with two grand slams to his credit. When Fed wins a grand slam, he will then be considered the best ever, hands down.

Venus Williams has recaptured the Wimbledon title, guess she wasn't as "past it" as she seemed

Wimbledon lifts Venus to great heights

Sat Jul 7, 2007 7:26PM BST

By Martyn Herman

LONDON (Reuters) - Summertime arrived apologetically late at Wimbledon on Saturday just as Venus Williams burst once again from the shadows to walk off with the silverware.

As she did two years ago when she came in at number 14, the imposing American made a mockery of a low seeding to prove that, when fit and healthy, not many can tame her on grass courts.

Photo

The spirited Marion Bartoli tried her best but ultimately the French 18th seed was ill-equipped to deny the 27-year-old Williams a fourth Wimbledon title, losing 6-4 6-1.

"I feel fantastic. My sixth slam... I want some more," said Williams, who began the year ranked 48th in the world and missed the Australian Open with a wrist injury.

Her younger sister Serena, who was watching from the stands, won that Australian Open ranked 81st and Venus said her achievement there spurred her for Wimbledon.

"When I saw her win in Australia I knew I could do it. We love each other and inspire each other like that," Venus, whose last grand slam title came here two years ago, said.

Uk Reuters continued here

Venus Williams again proves that she is a superior athlete. Seems like whenever she really wants to win something badly enough, she can pull it off. Curious though how she would have done against Henin!

So here's my question: Are these major tournaments set up for Roger Federer to win? Or is it simply, the luck of the draw?

Well if the answer to your question was YES, that would mean there is an international conspiracy for Federer to get easy draws by some sort of fixing of the process by which the draw is established. Such a conspiracy would be almost impossible to hide in view of the media exposure major events get not to mention the entire field of players would be outraged at such an unfair bias toward Fed. Makes no sense that such a conspiracy could go undetected or tolerated.

Sounds to me like the simple human emotion of ENVY in your heart is showing.

Also, it seems you do not understand the basis for having seedings.

Do not the tough opponents usually appear in the later rounds ? This occurs intentionally, by design, using the seeding process so that the best matches between the top players occur at the end. And fans do not want the best players eliminated early because they want to see them play as many matches as possible.

And how is facing Andy Roddick in the semis deemed to be "setting up Fed to win" ???

PaulFr,

Seems like a hit a nerve here. Thought defenders of Federer would respond to this hot topic. Of course, you neglect to mention that in my first sentence I do point out that Federer is clearly a great player having won over 10 major tournaments.

However, my point still stands that he has not played anyone of consequence in a major tournament this year, outside of Nadal, who has had a recent win against him. I have already named a number of them in my original entry. Also, I mentioned before, by coincidence or not, Federer had Tommy Haas in his draw, a man who had previously announced that he would not be playing at Wimbledon due to a serious shoulder injury. Of course, the final straw would have been if Federer had Andy Murray in his draw.

I am aware of how tournaments are run, having been the vice president of a major tennis league in Hawaii. In that capacity, I have run several tournaments. Of course, the higher seeded players compete in the later rounds. However, which one of the higher seeds they play is supposedly determined by a semi-random draw.

If you have run a tournament, you would know that the #1 player has to play either the #3 or #4 seeded player in the semis. The tournament committee supposedly holds a random draw to determine whether the #3 or #4 seeded players plays the #1.... There supposedly are random draws to determine which seeds play each other, for each round of play, using the seeding format. (If you can't understand this, then I can explain in more detail in an email.)

My question is this: when have you ever seen the tournament draws being made on major media? Then, if you have not, how can you be so sure that the draws are not set up to keep the major seeds in the tournament and thereby, keep people interested in watching the tournament on tv, buying tickets, souvenirs, and so forth. If the World Series was fixed, then why couldn't the draw be set up to favor Federer.

Of course, Federer has to beat whoever is in his draw. I am not saying that the tournament is in itself fixed. However, isn't it possible that the draw is set up to favor Federer? Just consider for a moment, the millions of dollars of revenue that are made in a major tournament. And think for a moment, who is the glamour boy of tennis? How many people watch television just to see Federer play? Millions! How many of them know players by name outside of Federer and possibly Nadal? Very few... Think of what would happen to the interest level in the tournament, if Federer lost in an early round. Big bucks are one the line!

As for Roddick vs. Federer, I leave that to you to research yourself. After checking out the statistics, if you still think Roddick has a decent chance against Federer, let me know. I have some swamp land in Esan for sale. If that doesn't do it, then maybe a twenty spot on the line would be a sporting wager.

P.S. Don't take things so serious, PaulFr...

Roger Federer is a great player, no doubt! He has won Wimbledon 4 times and over 10 major titles in a short span of time. However, this year in the major tournaments, he is getting a free ride. He has been getting easy draws in major tournaments year long. In the French Open, aside from Nadal, he did not face one opponent who has ever defeated him.

In his Wimbledon draw, its the same thing. With the exception of Marat Safin, who is very clearly a "head case", his draw to the finals is a walk in the park. In the first round, he met the 85th ranked player, who couldn't even put his hat on straight. 2nd round, he faced Del Potro, who at age 18, clearly has no clue how to play on a grass court. 3rd round, he faced Safin--enough said.

He was to face Tommy Haas, who coincidentally announced two weeks ago, that he was not playing in the tournament due to a severe shoulder injury. Haas reportedly found some last minute treatment in Germany and decided to play on despite the injury. Haas amazingly won his first two matches, only to default to Federer in the 4th round due to an abdominal injury. Fed slides into the quarters. How does Fed coincidentally draw an opponent, who just two weeks ago was going to drop out of the tourney?

In the quarters, he will meet either Ferrero or "Tipsy", two clay courters. Roddick in the semis and then on to the finals... Maybe Wimbledon should just have seeded Roger into the finals instead...

I know that there are few people that can beat Federer, but where are Canas, Volandri, Stepanek, Nalbandian, Hrbaty, Gasket? Is it asking too much to have Fed face someone in a major tournament who has beaten him? Everyone was waiting for Federer to meet Canas in a major tournament but now that matchup is all but forgotten. Murray is injured and so is Haas now.

So here's my question: Are these major tournaments set up for Roger Federer to win? Or is it simply, the luck of the draw?

hello,

i live close to Soi Ari (phonyotin soi 7) and am looking for a gym aroud there (or towards victory monument/siam), thats good value etc. i am reluctant to join something like 'California Wow', dont know why, but just doesn't look like my kind of place! , but i could be wrong, anyone have any recommendations on that kind of 'chain' gym or any others.

all thoughts/suggestions would be mostly appreciated.

kind regards

Howzit!

Used to live in the area so I know there's a nice gym about 3 blocks down the street from you. Its in the same building where McDonald's isand where the old Villa Market used to be. The building has two entrances. Use the first entrance(closest to soi Ari, not the McDonald's side).The gym is on the 31st floor or thereabouts. Used to be called Olympic or something like that but think the name has changed. If you get lost, keep your eyes open as there are signs posted around.(Very few English speakers in the area altho' I remember bookstore personnel can speak some English). Its a bit expensive but has a great pool, ping pong, yoga and good equipment. You can pay as you go, by the month or by the year.

There is also a gym in the tallest building by the BTS Ari on the 9th floor, however, the gym is very basic. (Used to be a bookstore on the bottom floor but now its a health food store.) There is a nice pool there which costs a bit more to use. You can also sign up for a very good yoga program at the same location (not part of the gym) for about 1500 baht a month. I recommend the yoga program but not the gym. Good luck!

Just got back from Top's Supermarket in Asoke, where someone stole raisins and banana chips from my grocery bag. I stopped at the Food Court to grab a bite to eat and was probably gone 15-20 seconds to pick up my order when I discovered someone had ripped off my raisins and banana chips.

Kind of funny now but I am curious where people get ripped off most often in Bangkok and what unusual things have been taken from you.

i went yesterday at 12pm, sunday...i think the younger girl wearing the black shirt, should get some type of extra benefit..she looked really tired...and took control when the older stumpier worker couldnt comprehend that i wanted 3 tacos with different fillings....she is a hard worker.

i realize that people have different opinions about mexican food especially in LOS, thats why i had refrained from making any comments....but

heres my background, i am from houston, texas where i lived on mexican food as well as worked at a mexican restaraunt through highschool, i am 34 now.

i wont make any other comments, as i respect new businesses and try not to say anything negative.....all i have to say is, work on the size of the portions a bit and study what the traditional ingredients are, because a few were clearly missing.....and the toppins were way to thin, not like the in store picturs at all.

a good restaraunt is a good restaraunt, regardless of style....a texan can be converted to californian taste and vice versa....if its good its good.

that being said, if you make the tacos bigger you will have another repeat customer....or make it 4 for 137 baht instead of 3....or just up the ingredients, to resemble the picture.

heres one i took home to experiment with some chili sauce (original order was 3 assorted)

not like the picture in the restaurant.

Went in yesterday to check out Sunrise Tacos. Everything was fine. I had the carne asada, steak tacos. I can vouch that the picture of the tacos above is accurate. The tacos are about 3/4 the size of those you would find in most places. The filling was adequate but not generous. I would say the food taste and value is on the same level as Charley Brown's although the ambience at Charley Brown's is better since it is a full size restaurant, rather than a counter top operation. A good lunch spot, has its drawbacks for dinner. Altogether, its great to have good Mex food at such a convenient location.

How far off of Sukhumvit Road is Tia Maria?

It's not in Bangkok but if your ever in Korat go to the Big Chili. They have good Mexican food and Margaritas.

To get to Tia Maria's, turn in to Sukhumvit 31, then make a left at the first major intersection. Follow this road for another 200+ yards, then make the next left. This will bring you to a short stretch where you will see Silom Village on your right, and the Wine Connection on your left. Drive straight ahead to the next intersection, make a left and your will be right in front on Tia Marias.

An easier way to get there is to get in a cab or on a motorcycle, make the left into Soi 31 and tell the driver to take you to Silom Village, then work from there. Good luck!

Looking for amateur (as in, not beginner... but non International Tennis Federation) under 35 tennis tournaments. There seems to be plenty of junior competitions, but not much for adults. Anyone know of a local league, ladder, or web forum?

thanks!

We could always start our own using this thread to make connections. I am a 3.5+ level player and am always looking for a match. Used to play a lot of league tennis and some tournaments but my game has slowed down with age. Let me know if you or anyone else reading this is interested in playing a match. Aloha, mauiguy90

JR Texas: Wish I knew of one place that served a real hamburger at a decent price, but do not know of one in all of Thailand.

The best by a land slide American style hamburger I have had in Bangkok is at the Bus Stop. Sukhumvit Soi 4. Bacon cheeseburger 90baht. They tast sooo good, exactly the way they would back home (in the U.S that is). They don't use those tasteless beef preformed patties. I've tried many in BKK and think they win by far as the juiciest with the most flavor.

Others have recommended the food cart stationed right outside of Nana Plaza. As far as I am concerned, they were a littlebit tasteless and lacking in home-grown quality flavor.

Have you tried the Garage in All Seasons Place? The burgers their are expensive (and the bun needs some work), but the meat is really, really good. They have something called a heartattack burger (or similar, I have not been their in a while), that is litterally death on a bun with all the cheese and bacon ect, ect. The fries are large cut, but they don't give you many.

I've eaten at the Garage and the burger is very good. However, they need to work on quality control as the burger I ate contained a piece of metal, which appeared to be part of a gear from the meat grinder. I left a message for the owner manager to get back to me, which he never did. Typical! Yes, the meat is very good but watch out for that gristle!!! If you eat there, chew carefully before you swallow!

This ought to be interesting, so where can you find the best sandwiches and burgers in Bangkok?

As far as sandwiches go, I'm almost clueless, but the Garden Cafe (or whatever it's called) in the Landmark Hotel does a semi-decent Reuben. That's it. Please don't say Subway. Subway is to the sandwich as Burger King or McDonald's is to the burger. And I don't like what I call '<deleted>-<deleted>' sandwiches like those served at Snax in Amarin Plaza or even snobbier at The Oriental Hotel Shop.

The Hard Rock Cafe has some decent ones, but it's a tourist trap and has the stench of the party the night before as well as jaded staff.

As far as burgers go, and I've been just about everywhere, my top three are (in no particular order): Tony Roma's, The Londoner Brew Pub and The Outback Steakhouse.

11 years in the 'Kok and still searching.

Hi, m a newbie in BKK. Live near Sukhumvit Road. Would like to take up tennis, and need an english speaking coach. Any suggestions (besides Patana Tennis School) ???

Thanks a bunch.

Hi,

I've met the English speaking coach from Sukhumvit 50. He's a terrific player and has his own court now on Sukhumvit 38. His name is Timo and his number is 0846718478. His prices are a bit steep but probably worth it.

There are also a bunch of coaches at AUA Rajadamri, and Sukhumvit 31 courts, although their English ability varies. Call me at 02-662-4177 or 086-733-1495(M) and I can give you more specifics. Maybe we can hit.

Randy

Just moved to Bangkok ,

Anyone interested in playing tennis, or know where is good to join etc ?

Thanks.

Luke

Hey Luke,

If you are still interested in playing, call me at 086-733-1495. I am a 3.5+ NTRP player, intermediate level and live at the Sukhumvit area. I play at AUA about twice a week and at the Asia Hotel sometimes.

For your information, there are courts available at Sukhumvit soi 26 and 31.

Randy