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In defeat a graceful golfer reinforces an ancient lesson: No excuses

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Who's the champion? Matt Fitzpatrick, right, might have finished second at the Players Championship, but his response to winner Cameron Young is a classy grin.

Who's the champion? Matt Fitzpatrick (right) may have finished second at the Players Championship, but his response to winner Cameron Young is a classy grin.

PHOTO: EPA

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This is a short tale about the shine of grace and the sidestepping of excuse. It’s a tale about a golfer, Matt Fitzpatrick, boos from a partisan crowd and his dignity amid narrow defeat. And it’s a tale about how to lose in sport.

Every loss has an underlying reason and a contributing factor. It’s the injured knee, an inadequate coach and the flu. It’s the long match from yesterday, the death of a relative and equipment malfunction. It’s a goalpost hit thrice, over-slick greens and a forehand that’s abruptly hiccuping.

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