Surprise winners

CEBU, Philippines - Before Ernie Els raised the claret jug and kissed the British Open trophy in what is deemed by many as a surprise win, there was also one golfer, who found himself being called up to the stage to receive a trophy.

But, since he knew he did not deserve it as he was playing in another class, whose tee mound was nearer to the green, he gave it up in an act that makes us feel that the game of golf is indeed for gentlemen.

I take my hat off of Alex Chiongbian, who immediately told the committee that he could not win as he teed off from the white tees which were for the seniors’ division and not for the men’s division.

He said that his conscience would not allow him to take what is not supposed to be his.

I surely hope we have many more golfers like Alex, who once again made me believe that there is hope for the Filipino people.

* * *

I was half asleep when the British Open was winding up and then I had to make sure I was awake when I saw South African Ernie Els as the winner and not Australian Adam Scott.

How could Scott lose the title?

Well he did and he probably has a very hard time sleeping these days after losing a Major title that way.

Els, although, we was a few strokes behind going to the final round, was not even regarded as a title contender. The stories put Tiger, who was five strokes behind, as somebody who could give Scott the challenge, but he fizzled out after a triple-bogey on the 6th where he had to blast twice before getting out of a bunker.

His second blast looked like a demonstration of a trick shot as he had to sit on the grass as there was no room for a stance.

I’m sad that Tiger did not win, but happy to see Els win again after a long time.

I saw Els in the Johnnie Walker Classic in 1995 at The Orchard Golf and Country Club in Dasmariñas, Cavite. He did not win that win and in fact barely made the cut.

This could be the start of his career revival.

* * *

Something exciting happened for my favorite baseball team – the New York Yankees.

The Yankees have acquired Japanese star outfielder Ichiro Suzuki from the Seattle Mariners. Suzuki is a ten-time all-star and also a ten-time Golden Glove winner.

In his first game as a Yankee, he helped his new team beat his old one, 4-1, at the Safeco Field in Seattle, where he was given a 45-second standing ovation during his first at bat.

From the worst to the best team in Major League Baseball, Ichiro might soon see himself playing in the World Series instead of taking an early vacation.

* * *

MILESTONES: Belated birthday greetings to those who turned a year older last Monday like Nonoy Espeleta, Anna Conejero, Marie Chalimar Alfar-Evardone, Micth Lorenzana, Darlene Durano-Salas, and Reno Bacolod.

The same goes to those who celebrated yesterday like Cecilia Oloroso, Janine Mesina, Ella de Leon-Scudder, May Ann Maningo, and Amor Pepito Sarmiento.

Today’s greetings go to Christianne ‘Tata’ Sebastian-Guanzon, PMA Cebu Squad ASL Col. Ezra James ‘Iking’ Enriquez, football coach Francis Ramirez, Barber Rabor, and Councilor Margot V. Osmeña.

More power to all of you! - THE FREEMAN