GA_googleAddSlot("ca-pub-1197233282945943", "Star_Sports_Skyscraper");

Sports

Thursday June 18, 2009

Garcia out to add his name to Spain’s success

FARMINGDALE: Sergio Garcia, who has come agonisingly close to capturing golf majors in the past, hopes to add his name to the recent honour roll of Spanish sporting success with a win in this week’s US Open.

Barcelona won European soccer’s Champions League, Alberto Contador has completed the Triple Crown of cycling with victories in the Tour de France, Tour of Italy and Tour of Spain and Rafael Nadal has ascended to world No. 1 in tennis.

Garcia, who announced himself with an exhilarating runner-up finish to Tiger Woods at the 1999 PGA Championship as a 19-year-old, is still looking for his maiden major.

He was edged by Padraig Harrington in the 2007 British Open and 2008 PGA Championship.

“There has been some good work done around Spain, around sportsmen, and obviously (Pau) Gasol winning the ring a couple nights ago,” Garcia told reporters on Tuesday, referring to the forward who just won an NBA crown with the Los Angeles Lakers.

“So it’s great. It’s great to see all these things happening.”

Garcia said the recent run of success did not put added pressure on him.

“I’m just proud to be a Spaniard and I try my best, and the better things I can do for my country, the prouder I feel.”

The 29-year-old has some cause for optimism as he finished fourth at the 2002 Open at Bethpage despite being heckled and jeered by galleries put off by his fidgeting, repetitive, re-gripping pre-shot routine of those days.

“I think we know that New York and New Yorkers are very passionate,” said Garcia, who has never been shy about displaying his own emotions on the course.

“I love New York. I love the people around here,” added the Spaniard, who twice won the Buick Classic at the region’s Westchester Country Club. “And I’m just looking forward to seeing where I can go this week.” — Reuters

  • E-mail this story
  • Print this story

Sports Poll