The tight outfit reminds many of Spiderman's suit, only a blue version, which emphasises his muscular body. February's issue of Australian Tennis voted it the best male outfit at the Australian Open.

But it takes a lot of work for the Thai star to look macho in that costume. He has to cut down on calories to make sure he won't appear shabby in the Super Hero-like shirt. His personal trainer insists Paradorn is very concerned about his weight. He now abstains from alcohol and has only a glass of Coca-Cola when he hangs out at night these days. - The Nation.

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It's the bright lights for Siwath

Leading Thai badminton player Siwath Khoosakulthum used to train for five hours a day before competitions, but lately he's cut back to only three hours a week - but for good reason. The 20-year-old from Phitsanulok, who partnered HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana when they won the mixed doubles title at the National Youth Games two years ago, is certainly not over the hill, and he is not unfit or suffering from any injuries.

"I was chosen for the starring role in the television series "Chaonoo Taekwondo" [Taekwondo Kid]. After four months of acting in the Channel 3 series, I found that I have a strong passion for being a TV star," said Siwath, who is nicknamed Bad. "I think I have a bright future in my new career. Anything can change in life. I used to be fond of playing badminton, but not now. I get too tired. Now even a training session of three hours a week is rather tough to handle." - The Nation.

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Runners fall by the wayside

About 100 runners took the starter's gun in the Run for the One We Love marathon last month, but only four are still running after three weeks of the gruelling 930 kilometre event. The race, which is supported by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, covers 13 provinces - Bangkok, Pathum Thani, Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, Singburi, Uthai Thani, Nakhon Sawan, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Uttaradit, Phrae, Phayao and Chiang Rai.

The start of the historic race on February 27 at Bangkok's Siam Discovery Centre attracted several big names including SEA Games gold medallist Boonchu Chandecha. At the 520km mark in Phrae, only four runners, including Thanongsak Suppakarn whose wife died of bone cancer, remain. - The Nation.

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Germany a tall order for Crouch

The cheeky song Liverpool fans sing about their team's lanky striker Peter Crouch that goes: "He's big, he's Red, his feet stick out the bed, Peeeterr Croouch!" has been confirmed to be true as his 6ft 7in (198cm) frame won't fit into the beds at the English national team's hotel in Germany. England manager Sven Goran Eriksson picked the five-star Buhlerhohe Schlosshotel, high in the mountains above Baden Baden in the Black Forest, as England's base camp for the World Cup.

The team is due to check in on June 5 and - depending on their form - will serve as their home for as long as four weeks, until July 9, when the World Cup final will be played in Berlin. The luxurious hotel has everything Eriksson's modern millionaire players will need in the European summer, except a bed long enough for England striker Crouch, who is the second-tallest player in the World Cup tournament.

Although the hotel bought 60 new king-size beds, which are two-metres (6ft 6in) long after the Football Association requested bigger beds, they still fall an inch short for Crouch, English media reported. But don't worry, Crouchie. The hotel's assistant general manager, Britta Toborg, pointed out helpfully: "The new beds are also two-meters wide, so if you are a bigger player then you could sleep diagonally!" - The Nation.