Thais remind us why Bangkok is the hotspot for Asian action sport 2001 ASIAN XTOUR BANGKOK PRESENTED BY TOYOTA


24 June 2001 Bangkok: With 345 totally stoked athletes, roaring, cheering crowds and a bunch of fun stuff going on off-course, the 2001 Asian Xtour Bangkok presented by Toyota was one big party. But the athletes, at least, were there for more than a good time: they were out to win the right to represent Thailand at the regional event to be held next year in Malaysia.


The Bangkok Xtour presented by Toyota was the second Tour of the 2001 season, and the fourth time that ESPN’s X Games competition has been held in Thailand.

Inline Thailand’s leading action athletes have been busy mixing it up at international competitions this year, but they all made sure they were back home and in the running for the Tour. Jeerasak Tassorn (5th 2000 X Games) and fellow pro-skater Sanpakorn Euthammarak led a competitive field in the aggressive inline finals. But at the end of the day, a blistering run by Jeerasak, including a 900 and a full cab alley oop sayale put him in the winner’s seat. Surawat Bomrungkij was in a league of his own in the Juniors. “He’s got it all,” said Head Judge Jess Dryenforth. “The speed, big spins, technical grinds and he puts a line together like a pro.” Also competiting in the Juniors, possibly the youngest X athlete ever; three-and-a-half-year-old Khunthep Pragranrat.

Skateboarding With 219 skateboarders registered to compete, day one was all about the boards. Day 2 saw the field narrowed down to 20, so it was an achievement in itself just to make it into the final, which was won by Kiattipong Sriwikun. Parthompath Sripeasadja won the Junior event.

Head Judge, Steve Ruge of World Cup Skateboarding says it’s just a matter of time before Thaie skateboarders dominate the international scene: “to get to the top you have to develop your own signature style. There were a couple of guys thinking outside the box today.”

Bicycle Stunt Wild and crazy summed up the action on the bicycle stunt course. In a near-repeat of last year’s 1-2 placing at Phuket, Kritsade Prathumma and Anan Padna took out the gold and silver in the Flatland. Surapun Suntonpanitchakit won the Junior event. For the second year running, Somsak Senglee won the park event. Nuttapol Suwannatat won the Juniors.

The top three finishers in each event have qualified to compete at the regional competition to be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia next January. First and second place-getters in the Senior events and first place-getters in the Junior events will receive an expense-paid trip to Kuala Lumpur.

The Bangkok event is the only opportunity for Thai athletes to enter the Asian X Games Qualifier presented by Toyota, which will take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in January 2002. The Thai athletes qualifying for this regional event will compete for a share of US$100,000 prize money. Top finishers will also receive a medal and an invitation to compete in ESPN’s X Games in the USA.

Highlights from the 2001 Asian Xtour Bangkok presented by Toyota will be broadcast on the ESPN International networks. Please check the website www.asianxtour.com or www.espnstar.com for broadcast times in your country.

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