Barrientos just too happy with netters’ victory

Felix Barrientos, the country’s biggest tennis hero in the Southeast Asian Games, was happy to be around as the Filipino netters regained some measure of pride in the biennial games yesterday.

Barrientos found time in his busy schedule as a banker to cheer for the Philippines in its finals match with defending champion Thailand in the men’s team event.

Like the other Filipino tennis enthusiasts and simple spectators, he went home proud as the Pinoy netters ended up winning the coveted gold medals.

"I’m so proud that this is my sport. I’m so happy for the Philippines," Barrientos was quoted as saying by a Philippine tennis official before leaving the venue.

Barrientos stood out for the Philippines in its most shining performance in the Games when it was last held in the country in 1991. He played all four events and won all but one as he was among those who emerged top contenders for the Most Outstanding Male Athlete honors. — Nelson Beltran