Andy Murray’s annihilation of Roger Federer in the last two sets of the Qatar Open semifinals last week was very revealing.

Never has Federer been so badly beaten by anyone—and it happened when he wasn’t playing badly.

Federer was overpowered, 6-7, 6-2, 6-2, by Murray who was far different from the player the former world No. 1 beat in last year’s US Open finals at Flushing Meadows. In that match, Federer gave the Scotsman a virtual clinic.

Their match in Doha showed that Murray has worked hard on his physical conditioning. He looked like one pumped up with muscle.

Murray now has a big first serve, which he never toted in the past.

Despite the added bulk that has given him much strength, he has not lost his long strides and speed—as swift as a gazelle.

Murray has always been a good baseline player, and with his newfound strength, he can meet the ball much earlier and go on the offensive more often.

In the past two weeks, he has humbled the top two players in the world— the Spaniard Rafael Nadal in an exhibition and Federer twice.

Murray’s victory over Nadal in the semifinals of the US Open last year proved that his baseline game is at par with the best, if not better.

Because of his higher level of play so early in the season, Murray definitely is a favorite to win the Australian Open and end Britain’s 73-year drought in Grand Slam events.

* * *

Valley Golf and Country Club has spoken: expulsion for club member Delfin de la Paz, lifetime bans for the Pangandaman children, and a two-year suspension for Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser Pangandaman.

Members of the exclusive golf club’s board issued their verdict recently in the aftermath of the fairway brawl that took place a day after Christmas between the De la Pazes and the Pangandamans.

Based on the findings of the board, I feel that the attitude and arrogance displayed by Mr. De la Paz set the tone for the behavior of his children, who are still minors.

On the other hand, Pangandaman’s children are fully liable for their conduct. Both are of legal age and one of them holds public office.

Looking at the facts, the passing through of Pangandaman’s guests without giving proper notice to the De la Paz group showed a lack of courtesy.

When the De la Pazes hit their shots while the Pangandaman group was still within reach, the line of safety was crossed, a definite no-no in golf.

The poking of the umbrella by Mr. De La Paz was uncalled for, though I think that the retaliatory act by the Pangandamans was clearly an “overkill.”

Lifetime expulsions sent the message that no one is above the law—at least in Valley Golf.

* * *

The best-of-three quarterfinal series between sister teams San Miguel Beer and Barangay Ginebra provided basketball fans a New Year’s gift.

San Miguel Beer won the series 2-1, with all three games going down the wire and players from both squads giving fans a thrill by playing at their best.

San Miguel’s comeback from 21 points down in the third quarter of the deciding game was a remarkable feat, thanks in large part to Dondon Hontiveros.

Left out of the national team pool, Hontiveros played like a man possessed. His style of play fits the offensive pattern against the zone defense which the majority of international teams use.

Hontiveros reset a career-high 35 points in Game 2, where the Beermen almost erased an 18-point deficit, and then followed this up with 34 markers to highlight San Miguel’s glorious comeback in the decider.

Given this performance, perhaps the national coaching staff can reconsider and make room for Hontiveros who truly deserves a slot in the RP team.

Send comments to tommymanotoc@yahoo.com