Japan’s biggest golfing star Ryo Ishikawa wishes he could fly home to see his family and find ways to help a country devastated by an earthquake and tsunami, that now faces concerns over a nuclear meltdown.
The 19-year-old realizes there is little he can do but try to play his best golf.
Ishikawa is in the middle of a three-tournament stretch at the Transitions Championship and will be in the US through the Masters.
He grew up northwest of Tokyo, about 480km from Miyagi Prefecture, which was hardest hit by the calamity. His family is safe and he speaks to them every day, but his heart is hurting.
“It almost pains me that I am out there and the people of Japan are going through the worst crisis,” Ishikawa said on Tuesday. “I never for once felt lucky that I am here, meaning that my heart and soul are with the people of Japan. Even though I am physically here, my mind is there. Thousands are struggling over there as I speak here today.”
Ishikawa learned quickly of the destruction on Friday last week, then finished off his best round on US soil with a 65 at Doral. The rest of the week was a struggle, however, and he closed with a 78 to tie for 42nd.
The teen sensation attributed that more to the Blue Monster at Doral than the distraction of what is happening at home. And he is determined not to let it bother him on the Copperhead Course at Innisbrook this week.
“I wish I could go over there and assist with the search-and-rescue teams,” he said. “In reality, even if I were to go back, there is very little that I could actually do. I couldn’t bring them a whole lot of food or go back into the areas that were hit. We’re not allowed in there right now. The only thing I can do is train hard, play hard, play great golf and provide some good news for the people of Japan.”
He will play the Arnold Palmer Invitational next week at Bay Hill, then go to Augusta National to prepare for the Masters, which is to be played from April 7 through April 10. Ishikawa said he will go home right after the Masters and he still plans to play the Japan Golf Tour’s opening tournament that following week.
Ishikawa has not been able to bring his extraordinary success in Japan over to US soil, a priority for him. If there were ever a time for him to break though, he could not think of a better one.
“I would love to win for the people of Japan, but that is a thought I always carry when I play overseas,” he said. “Given this crisis, my motivation is at the highest it has ever been. There is no negative pressure. I just feel very focused and zoned in. And if I could produce such a brilliant result ... and if the bright news could be a source of encouragement for the people of Japan, I would be at my happiest.”
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
Taiwan’s Lee Jhe-huei and Yang Po-hsuan on Saturday won the men’s doubles bronze medal at the Badminton Asia Championships in Ningbo, China, after they were bested by the hosts in their semi-final. The Taiwanese shuttlers lost to China’s Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang, who advanced to yesterday’s final against Malaysia’s Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzudin. The Chinese pair outplayed Lee and Yang in straight games. Although the Taiwanese got off to a slow start in the first game, they eventually tied it 14-14, before Liang and Wang went on to blow past them to win 21-17. In the second game, Lee and