Staff Reporter.
Christiaan Bezuidenhout and Erik van Rooyen tee off representing South Africa at the 2024 Paris Olympics on Thursday, both proud at being able to be part of the team at Le National.
Bezuidenhout, the world No46, is competing in his second Olympics, having finished tied 16th in Tokyo, where gold was won by American Xander Schauffele. The latter is one of the favourites this week, having come into the event on the back of two Majors in 2024 so far.
Both Bezuidenhout and Van Rooyen know that driving and putting well will be key this week to scoring well.
“It’s always special to represent one’s country at any level. Outside the Majors, this is one of the biggest stages to play. It’s a great honour to have the chance to make South Africa proud both on and off the course.
“I last played the course in 2016, which is a long time ago. It’s a good course from tee to green, and it’s. set up tough. You must stay on the fairways and find the greens. The greens are big, so you need to attack the flag and set up a lot of chances to putt for birdies.”
Van Rooyen is more familiar with the layout. “I played the French Open here a few times, it’s a brilliant layout. There’s lots of trouble if you don’t drive well, and there’s a lot of water. It’s a typical ball-striking course, with lots of scoring opportunities.”
Both players watched Tatjana Smith win gold in the women’s 100m breaststroke and they’ve also seen a bit of gymnastics. They aren’t staying in the Olympic athletes village, but have been to Team SA headquarters. The village left a lasting impression on them and Van Rooyen even took the opportunity to use the gym. “It is a little crowded though, not that easy to find a spot. Then again, there are nearly 10,000 athletes staying in the village” he laughed.
Bezuidenhout is first off at 9.33am and Van Rooyen tees off at 11.17am.
Meanwhile an eerie silence greeted the match between South Africa and Spain as a weather warning had led to all spectators being evacuated from the facility. This meant the two teams would have no crowd support for this crucial game.
The game continued in a patient manner, with no further goal-scoring opportunities for either side in the first half. As the halftime hooter sounded, the score remained 1-0 to Spain.
In the second half, South Africa created two half-chances for Dayaan Cassiem, both well-defended by Spain. The African side eventually thought they had equalized with a brilliant counterattacking goal, only for it to be disallowed on referral for a back stick. Adding insult to injury, Spain then scored after a missed stick check, making it 2-0.
Dayaan Cassiem managed a shot in the crowded circle that went inches wide, and Tevin Kok saw his shot saved, with the rebound smashed high and wide by Ntuli. Spain won their first penalty corner with one minute left in the third quarter, but South Africa defended it well. The score remained 2-0 to Spain at the end of the third quarter, diminishing South Africa’s chances of reaching the quarter-finals.
South Africa threatened on the counter in the fourth quarter, but Spain quickly extinguished any sparks. Spain’s Marc Reyne delivered the final blow, scoring past Gowan Jones after a quick free hit, making it 3-0.
South Africa was awarded a penalty stroke, but Mustapha Cassiem’s effort was saved by Luis Calzado. Despite their relentless effort, the African champions won a late penalty corner but failed to execute it effectively. The match ended with Spain winning 3-0, eliminating South Africa from the Paris Olympics.
Compiled by Lehlohonolo Lehana.