In the ads, he is seen pushing the animated oranges to work harder on their fitness, but he has to pay a price for his role on TV wherever he goes.

"People make fun of me and the players also pick on me for this. When they see me, they say something like 'coach Rung is coming, coach Rung is coming' [which is the same dialogue as the television commercial]," he said with a laugh. "Or sometimes they say 'he has already quit the team and coaches oranges instead'," the Asian Games team coach added.

However, Charnwit is no novice when it comes to television ads - he appeared in a Carson sock commercial years ago when he was still a player. And despite the teasing he receives, Charnwit said he likes doing the ads and is looking for more. - The Nation.

Kelly aces Chatthida off the court

Settling down with someone twice her age had never entered the mind of Chatthida Thimjapo, who has represented Thailand in tennis at the SEA Games. Then she met Australian Ray Kelly. Chatthida is now engaged to marry the 46-year-old, a former two-time Australian Open junior winner. The two will marry in May in her hometown of Khon Kaen.

Chatthida, 23, who won a SEA Games women's team gold medal in Vietnam three years ago, had dated a few boys her own age but could not find a suitable partner. However, she has finally discovered true love with Kelly, a tennis coach for Hong Kong's Sports Institute. "He was the only one who cared for me when I was sick two years ago," she said. "Before that I tried to run away from him because I didn't like older men. But he is a great man and I have chosen someone who loves me," added Chatthida, who is now working with her future husband's coaching team at the Hong Kong Tennis Association. The two met at a junior tournament in Bangkok three years ago and never saw each other again for seven months but stayed in touch by SMS messages. Their romance developed and three years later they have decided to walk down the aisle. But Chatthida, whose best WTA ranking was No 576 in the world, said having children was not in the couple's short-term plan. She said: " Now I just want to work and save as much money as I can." - The Nation.

Cultural match turns sour

It was supposed to be a game to promote Liverpool as the European Capital of Culture in 2008, but the Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton last Saturday turned into a heated match with two sent off and nine others booked. The two sides were given special permission from the Premier League for Everton's James Beattie and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard to make history by becoming the first Premiership players to be allowed to change the digits on their shirts from 8 to 08 to promote Liverpool's City of Culture year.

After the match, the two shirts were to be auctioned at Anfield for charity by the Liverpool Culture Company. The head of Liverpool City Council, Councillor Warren Bradley, said the 08 shirts were "a tremendous gesture of support", the BBC reported. Gerrard said before the match: "Liverpool has got everything you need, with great places to go and lots to see. The derby will be shown live around the world and I'm glad we can help fly the flag for the Capital of Culture 2008."

Unfortunately, the match ended early for Gerrard, who was sent off in the 18th minute for a second bookable offence. - The Nation.

Cousin's tips pay off for Nida

If you happen to meet rising swimming star Nida Techakrittheeranan, don't ask about her relationship with national swimming queen Pailin Techakrittheeranan. "We are not siblings. Pailin is just one of my cousins. Many athletes at the [on-going] National Youth Games in Lampang have asked me similar questions. I'm bored with answering such questions," Nida said. "I admit that she gave me tips on how to improve my swimming skills."

However, whatever cousin Pailin - who won six gold medals at the 1999 SEA Games in Brunei - taught Nida worked as she left Lampang with nine medals, seven of which were gold. - The Nation.

Now fans can dial up Paradorn

If you are die-hard fan of Thai tennis star Paradorn Srichaphan and wish to have his voice as the ringtone on your mobile phone, it will be available on April 4 when he launches his own web site. Fans can download various items and get to know their favourite player away from the tennis court. The official web site, which remains a secret until the grand opening at the Rama Gardens Hotel on April 4, will feature pictures of Paradorn, his playing techniques, personal pictures, his itinerary as well as products under his brand name.

One of the innovative items will be Paradorn's mobile phone ringtone, which fans can hear in English, and some of his more fanatical fans will be willing to pay their hard-earned cash for it. "It's more like for my 'real fans'. I have them everywhere and they would love to get it. And the charge is very cheap," Paradorn said. - The Nation.