A Cut Above: A thought for Japan's tsunami victims

I wanted to write about things happening somewhere else, but the events of Friday has forced me to talk about something else. The deadly earthquake in Japan, followed by the tsunami, reduced several parts of the country to rubble, and even though there were no indications of the number of people dead at the time of writing the column, the horrifying pictures are enough to give us an idea of the loss of lives and property.

As most of you are aware, Japan is a country that is extremely close to my heart. I have played on the Japan Golf Tour for several years and I have greatly enjoyed the love and respect of the fans there as a multiple winner on that Tour. I have several very close friends there and I am hoping and praying that they are all safe and sound.

Having said that, I am also sure that if there is one country which will be back on its leg the fastest after a devastation of this scale, it is Japan. History has proved that they have come back stronger from every adversity, and this will be no different. Behind the politeness and their gentle ways of life, almost every Japanese has steely determination, outstanding work ethics and a never-say-die attitude.

Apart from personal assistance, I am surely hoping to play a major role in any activities being planned by the various Tours and organisations to raise charity for the victims. And at this hour of grave need, I request all my fans to be magnanimous in their support to the people of Japan. Mentioning anything else in this column would seem so trivial, but there is a fascinating golf tournament being played this week — the WGC-Cadillac Championship at Doral's famous Blue Monster course.

All the top players in the world are participating in the tournament, and as has been the case in the last few weeks, there is a possibility of a new world No 1 being crowned again today. However, given the form Martin Kaymer has shown recently, I will be surprised if he lets go of his newfound status easily. I am reaching the end of a three-week break from the main Tours, but I did play in an Indian Tour event last week in my hometown of Chandigarh. I wanted to win badly, but a poor opening round killed my chances. Thereafter, I played well enough to finish inside the top five. The tournament was won by Gaganjeet Bhullar, who is one of the most exciting young prospects to emerge from India.

Jeev Milkha Singh is a three-time champion on the European Tour.