TROON // It is the image by which Costantino Rocca will be forever remembered by a sport dripping with countless memories. The Italian player, fighting to earn a play-off with John Daly at the 1995 Open championship at St Andrews, dropped to his knees, shook his putter and pumped his fists against the ground after canning a 60-foot putt from the "Valley of Sin" at the final hole.
Rocca, 51, failed to overcome Daly for the Claret Jug, but that moment remains vivid more than a decade later.
Rocca is on another Scottish course, Royal Troon, this week.
He cuts the same excitable, and stocky figure that he did in his smiling days of the 1990s, when he participated in three Ryder Cups.
While his putt at St Andrews is his trademark moment, Rocca's duels with the aspiring Tiger Woods were also memorable.
He partnered a young Woods in the final round of the 1997 US Masters, and finished fifth as Woods won his first major at the age of 21. He also defeated Woods 4&2 in the singles in the Ryder Cup at Valderrama months after that Masters win.
Woods's success at the US Open last month leaves him only four short of Jack Nicklaus's haul of 18 majors victories: although it came at a cost, with a knee injury forcing him to miss the rest of the year.
After an opening 73 at Troon yesterday, Rocca confessed that he did not understand why Woods decided to play in the US Open.
"If Tiger plays he is the best in the world, and even when he doesn't play he is the best in the world," he said.
"But I don't understand why he played the US Open when his knee was not in good shape.
"He probably thought it was in good condition, but it is very difficult when you are putting the amount of pressure on it that he is, and trying to hit the ball hard."
Woods does not have an enviable record in the Ryder Cup, being part of a solitary US win over Europe in 1999 in his five appearances.
But Rocca thinks the US will be damaged by the absence of Woods at Valhalla in September.
"He is putting his body under so much pressure. I would just like to wish him good luck," he said.
"As far as the Ryder Cup goes, it is one point lost for the Americans and it is better for us that he is not there."
Colin Montgomerie could also miss the Ryder Cup, as the Scottish player toils for form and an automatic place in Nick Faldo's side.
Rocca was Montgomerie's teammate in the 1993 loss to the States, as well as the European wins in 1995 and 1997.
Despite being one of the most successful players in the competition's history, Rocca felt Montgomerie has to improve to merit a wildcard.
"He's a great player for the team, but if you are not playing really good then why would you go?," he said.
"If Monty is playing good in the next few weeks, then why not? But he must be playing well to be in the team."
And although Rocca is fondly rememberd for his 1995 near-miss, he does not well on it.
"It's a nice memory, but it is better to forget it and try to make a good score now," he added.
With rain tipped to darken a sunny Troon, one can only hope Rocca is not brought to his knees again this weekend.
@Email:dkane@thenational.ae
TV: ShowSports 2, today 7pm, tomorrow 5pm
A State of Passion
Directors: Carol Mansour and Muna Khalidi
Stars: Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah
Rating: 4/5
Pupils in Abu Dhabi are learning the importance of being active, eating well and leading a healthy lifestyle now and throughout adulthood, thanks to a newly launched programme 'Healthy Lifestyle'.
As part of the Healthy Lifestyle programme, specially trained coaches from City Football Schools, along with Healthpoint physicians have visited schools throughout Abu Dhabi to give fun and interactive lessons on working out regularly, making the right food choices, getting enough sleep and staying hydrated, just like their favourite footballers.
Organised by Manchester City FC and Healthpoint, Manchester City FC’s regional healthcare partner and part of Mubadala’s healthcare network, the ‘Healthy Lifestyle’ programme will visit 15 schools, meeting around 1,000 youngsters over the next five months.
Designed to give pupils all the information they need to improve their diet and fitness habits at home, at school and as they grow up, coaches from City Football Schools will work alongside teachers to lead the youngsters through a series of fun, creative and educational classes as well as activities, including playing football and other games.
Dr Mai Ahmed Al Jaber, head of public health at Healthpoint, said: “The programme has different aspects - diet, exercise, sleep and mental well-being. By having a focus on each of those and delivering information in a way that children can absorb easily it can help to address childhood obesity."
Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi
Director: Kangana Ranaut, Krish Jagarlamudi
Producer: Zee Studios, Kamal Jain
Cast: Kangana Ranaut, Ankita Lokhande, Danny Denzongpa, Atul Kulkarni
Rating: 2.5/5
The schedule
December 5 - 23: Shooting competition, Al Dhafra Shooting Club
December 9 - 24: Handicrafts competition, from 4pm until 10pm, Heritage Souq
December 11 - 20: Dates competition, from 4pm
December 12 - 20: Sour milk competition
December 13: Falcon beauty competition
December 14 and 20: Saluki races
December 15: Arabian horse races, from 4pm
December 16 - 19: Falconry competition
December 18: Camel milk competition, from 7.30 - 9.30 am
December 20 and 21: Sheep beauty competition, from 10am
December 22: The best herd of 30 camels
If you go
The flights
The closest international airport for those travelling from the UAE is Denver, Colorado. British Airways (www.ba.com) flies from the UAE via London from Dh3,700 return, including taxes. From there, transfers can be arranged to the ranch or it’s a seven-hour drive. Alternatively, take an internal flight to the counties of Cody, Casper, or Billings
The stay
Red Reflet offers a series of packages, with prices varying depending on season. All meals and activities are included, with prices starting from US$2,218 (Dh7,150) per person for a minimum stay of three nights, including taxes. For more information, visit red-reflet-ranch.net.
RESULTS
Lightweight (female)
Sara El Bakkali bt Anisha Kadka
Bantamweight
Mohammed Adil Al Debi bt Moaz Abdelgawad
Welterweight
Amir Boureslan bt Mahmoud Zanouny
Featherweight
Mohammed Al Katheeri bt Abrorbek Madaminbekov
Super featherweight
Ibrahem Bilal bt Emad Arafa
Middleweight
Ahmed Abdolaziz bt Imad Essassi
Bantamweight (female)
Ilham Bourakkadi bt Milena Martinou
Welterweight
Mohamed Mardi bt Noureddine El Agouti
Middleweight
Nabil Ouach bt Ymad Atrous
Welterweight
Nouredine Samir bt Marlon Ribeiro
Super welterweight
Brad Stanton bt Mohamed El Boukhari
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((Disclaimer))
The Liechtensteinische Landesbank AG (“Bank”) assumes no liability or guarantee for the accuracy, balance, or completeness of the information in this publication. The content may change at any time due to given circumstances, and the Liechtensteinische Landesbank AG is under no obligation to update information once it has been published. This publication is intended for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer, a recommendation or an invitation by, or on behalf of, Liechtensteinische Landesbank (DIFC Branch), Liechtensteinische Landesbank AG, or any of its group affiliates to make any investments or obtain services. This publication has not been reviewed, disapproved or approved by the United Arab Emirates (“UAE”) Central Bank, Dubai Financial Services Authority (“DFSA”) or any other relevant licensing authorities in the UAE. It may not be relied upon by or distributed to retail clients. Liechtensteinische Landesbank (DIFC Branch) is regulated by the DFSA and this advertorial is intended for Professional Clients (as defined by the DFSA) who have sufficient financial experience and understanding of financial markets, products or transactions and any associated risks.
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The BIO
Favourite piece of music: Verdi’s Requiem. It’s awe-inspiring.
Biggest inspiration: My father, as I grew up in a house where music was constantly played on a wind-up gramophone. I had amazing music teachers in primary and secondary school who inspired me to take my music further. They encouraged me to take up music as a profession and I follow in their footsteps, encouraging others to do the same.
Favourite book: Ian McEwan’s Atonement – the ending alone knocked me for six.
Favourite holiday destination: Italy - music and opera is so much part of the life there. I love it.
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FIXTURES
All times UAE ( 4 GMT)
Saturday
Fiorentina v Torino (8pm)
Hellas Verona v Roma (10.45pm)
Sunday
Parma v Napoli (2.30pm)
Genoa v Crotone (5pm)
Sassuolo v Cagliari (8pm)
Juventus v Sampdoria (10.45pm)
Monday
AC Milan v Bologna (10.45om)
Playing September 30
Benevento v Inter Milan (8pm)
Udinese v Spezia (8pm)
Lazio v Atalanta (10.45pm)
If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
