Upsets

How many times have you heard the cliché, "The ball is round?"

Stunners give the minnows a chance at sporting glory and early yesterday, although Italy is not exactly a pushover, it scored a shocker against favorite Germany in the semifinals of Euro 2012 played in Warsaw, Poland.

Germany, which coasted to the last four by winning all its assignments starting from the elimination round, was an odds-on favorite against Italy.

The Italians, however, seem to be the nemesis of Germany in international football and the result yesterday was proof that the run continues.

The final match set Monday (Philippine time) pitting Italy against holders Spain should be very interesting.

Spain pulled through only after a penalty shootout against Portugal and although is still the favorite to win the title, could face the upset axe against Italy.

I'll be up very early again on Monday to catch the championship game live on Solar Sports, which is channel 40 on SkyCable TV Cebu.

I hope to be smiling when I get back to bed around 6 a.m. as I was after Spain's semifinal win against Portugal.

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Another major upset in sports was the second round loss of Rafael Nadal to Lukas Rosol in the Wimbledon.

Many of the women's seeds have also fallen including Caroline Wozniacki and more upsets are coming our way in what I believe is the world's foremost tennis event.

With nothing to lose, the higher-ranked players have so much to gain with these big wins.

It is not only an improved ranking, but also hopefully fame.

While it is hard to make it to the top, it is much harder to stay there.

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Congratulations to the winners of the 4th Cebu Korean Association President's Cup, which was played Wednesday at Alta Vista Golf and Country Club.

Gabriel Yap was the overall champion of the tournament. I still have to get the official scores of the event as what were given seem a little cryptic even for a veteran golf writer like this deadline beater.

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The inter-club tournament we wrote about the other day was internal for Mactan Island Golf Club members.

This is a tournament where members form teams and battle for top honors.

The event is an interesting twist to the individual tournaments as team play fosters even closer ties among the players.

Good luck to all participants!

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MILESTONES: Happy birthday greetings to Atty. Lourdes Barcenas, Ray Calo, Christine Pereña-Abalo, Aledel Gonzalez-Cuizon, Guy Gabison III, and Allan Abelgas, who are all turning a year older today.

Advance greetings to my mistah and compadre Lt. Col. Michael Santos, Dr. Laberto Garcia, Jr., Imme Kua, Tsha Straud-Lloren, Therese Amodia, Prof. Rene Paquibut, and Stephen Villamor, who are turning a year older tomorrow.

More power to all of you!