Associated Press, 28/1/2006
NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) - Cypriot tennis player Marcos Baghdatis will be warmly
welcomed when he returns to his tiny Mediterranean island home, whether he
wins or loses the Australian Open final.
Baghdatis' triumphant streak in the tournament has sparked a wave of
celebrations in soccer-obsessed Cyprus and filled Greek Cypriots with pride.
"Marcos, pluck his feathers," read a large newspaper advertisement placed by
the owners of a chicken farm, referring to top-ranked Roger Federer of
Switzerland, Baghdatis' opponent in Sunday's final.
Other ads urged Marcos to "take the game into his hands."
The 20-year-old's picture has been splashed on the front pages of
newspapers, while his success has forced politics - usually the leading
issue in Cyprus - into the background.
His home town, Limassol, is already preparing a massive welcome for him. The
port city's council has announced it will name a street after him and
establish a Marcos Baghdatis prize for athletes who excel.
His brother, Petros, left for Australia on Friday to be at his side, bearing
gifts from friends and relatives, including a gold cross from Limassol
Bishop Athanasios.
Baghdatis' parents will not attend the final, despite the state offering an
all-expenses-paid trip.
They said they did not want to put an extra burden on their son.
Baghdatis' mother said they will be there in spirit - along with 700,000
Greek Cypriots watching the match on TV or jumbo screens.
