IS IT REALLY OVER?

Guess not. He’s only 23 and injuries do happen.

The most alarming story of this year’s Australian Open is Rafael Nadal’s vanishing indestructibility. For the past few years, Rafa Nadal seemed to be so unconquerable. His ability, built and strong left- hand spin were truly remarkable. Too bad, it now turned the other way. His bulkier muscles and robust figure now can’t let him grab another title. His potency now can’t manage his opponents’ strength. And all because of these- everybody’s illusion of seeing the rivalry between him and Roger Federer was now shattered.

This is always the issue- his injuries. Last year he was brought down by significant knee and abdominal injuries. He had withdrawn his Wimbledon match for the same reason. And now it's the right knee again, forcing him to quit in his quarterfinal match against Andy Murray. Unfortunately, he has not grabbed a Grand Slam title since his victory at the Australian Open last year. And sorry to say, he was also forced to leave the tennis world for four weeks for the treatment of his right knee.

As a tennis fan, I’m really alarmed on what’s happening with Nadal right now. Call me cruel, but being his self-proclaimed no. 1 fan, I’m really worried that he may fail to gain his lost power and fall short to bring brilliant and breathtaking moments.

As his story goes, he was forced to retire in his matches because of his stomach injury. He wasn’t able to defend his Wimbledon title because of his knees. After several months of rest, he looks so conditioned as if he were ready to face a destructive storm. Unluckily, this was only an assumption, it didn’t come into reality. His first major this year which is the Australian is now again on hold because of his stupid injury.

Because of this problem, I am really troubled,if he’s body will ever be the same.

I’ve been trying to analyze what Rafa must do to get back in action. It’s difficult, but it is so possible. I could probably use Kim Clijsters comeback experience after one year but astonishingly captured the US Open championships. I’m not saying that he must rest for one year but rather take it as an inspiration. It’s absolutely different because Kim got pregnant while he got an injury. But still, I knew him as man of will and determination. He must try to gain back his mental strength. His heart and dedication. His high spirit. His willingness to conquer all the pain and sufferings. His faith. His eagerness. His hunger. His passion. Making the most out of all he could possibly offer.

Again, I’m still praying for Rafa. He is a great champion with talent and heart and must not let his stupid injuries tear him down. In Fact, he has proven to melt the greatest man in tennis. He must have to push his dedications to become the best of all time. And once more, it ain’t over till it’s over. 
By: Zhella Jean A. Hulleza

GOLF WITHOUT WOODS

A player bigger than the game; this is how media pundits describe Tiger Woods. But in the midst of his “indefinite break” from the golf course, the absence of the tiger effect might affect the game itself.

Woods has been the sports no. 1-ranked golfer for the past 235 weeks. With 14 major titles and 607.85 points in the standing, Woods still has a big lead over second-ranked Phil Mickelson to retain the no. 1 slot in the official World Golf Ranking.

Indeed Woods held a bigger gap over his competition in terms of winning streaks, but that’s not the only advantage he has. He’s endorsements earned him $100.2 million in career prize money while bagging another $10.5 million in earnings last year which made him the leader of all US Professional Golfers Association Tour player.

But when the scandals came out which pointed Wood’s infidelity and womanizing, several companies have distanced themselves from Woods. Accenture Plc., the Dublin, Ireland-based consulting company that built its marketing around Woods, ended a six-year agreement with him. Procter & Gamble Co., said it will phase Woods out of its Gillette print and TV ads.

Pepsi dropped Tiger's Gatorade drink. Even though the company insists those plans were long in the works, the move doesn't reflect well on Tiger's post-transgression brand. Swiss watchmaker Tag Heuer has ordered its stores in Australia to remove advertising posters featuring Woods.

Woods isn’t the only one who is going to take a financial problem for his indiscretion. The game itself is also affected. The no. 3-ranked Steve Stricker said in an interview that they (golfers) need Woods for “sponsorships and just the awareness in the tour in general.” He also said that the game will still be poorer without Woods.

This might also affect the game’s television ratings. Although hard-core fans may not turn away from watching the game just because Woods isn’t playing, the casual fans might which will equate to fewer advertising dollars.

The world’s top golf tour has seen prize money triple to $275 million since Wood’s first full season in 1997. Golf has also landed a spot in the 2016 Olympics, thanks in part to Woods support.

Woods will definitely be missed by golf fans. And just like what most sports enthusiasts said, Tiger Woods is the best thing that happened to the golf tour. His absence will surely be felt.

by: Sheila M. Pelaez