The August 6 match at The Mall Ngarmwongwan's MCC Hall between local badminton players and DJs promises to be very challenging. It should also be another tough test for the players, who want to prove they can beat their rivals no matter what difficulties they face.

Apart from Boonsak, his younger sister Salakjit will also have something to think about in her match against Sunisa Sukboonsang. She has to cover the whole court in the encounter against Sunisa, who will be given the chance to play using only half the court. One of the eye-catching matches should be the mixed doubles encounter where Saralee Thungthoungkham will have one hand tied to her partner Sudket Praphakamol. - The Nation.

Mana denies setting a trend

Local media had a group interview with 2006 Dakar Rally champion Luc Alphand at a Starbucks coffee shop last Friday, along with Mitsubishi team representatives, including Mana Pornsiricherd, the only Thai driver in the Lisboa-Dakar rally, and his navigator Jean Brucy.

One member of the press teased Mana, whose nickname is Nueng, about his new skinhead hairstyle, saying it looked very neat. But he refused to admit that his hair was setting a new trend and revealed he just left the monkhood early that morning before coming to the interview. "My cousin told me that he wanted to be ordained for 15 days in Phetchaburi and I was also available at that time," he said. "I just left the monkhood about 5am, then I rushed back home to change and came here." - The Nation.

Paradorn still a winner in the US

Even though Thailand's top tennis player Paradorn Srichaphan has seen his world ranking drop recently to No 41, it seems he still appeals to many girls, especially Americans. After arriving at the airport in Los Angeles to compete in the Countrywide Classic tournament, Paradorn found something surprising in his gift bag - a girl's pink tank top with the word "Perky In Pink" on it.

It is thought that a female fans must have slipped it in the bag. But there is some doubt that "Miss Perky" is attracted to his tennis skills. Perhaps she likes his athletic body? We only hope her actions might motivate Paradorn to win his first trophy of this year. - The Nation.