A Bright Star is on the Horizon

If anyone who was present last Sunday in Plaza Monumental de Tijuana, wasn't convinced that if Fernando Ochoa continues to torear as he has this season, he is destined to be, not only Mexico's Número Uno matador, but one of the true stars of Mexican bullfight history, then they weren't watching the same corrida that this reporter saw.

Fernando Ochoa turned it on, last Sunday, effectively delivering the message that he is the Mexican torero of the immediate future.

Throughout the entire season, Ochoa has provided ample notice that he is a bright star on the horizon. And, last Sunday, he confirmed that reality in terms that nobody could miss. His brief visit to Spain, combined with the influence of his new manager, Joselito Huerta, have resulted in a genuine, joyful serendipity and the birth of a great future star.

Ochoa alternated with Enrique Garza and César Castañeda, facing a disgraceful herd of novillos from the Begoña (Mimiahuapan) ranch. Did I say "novillos"? Indeed, I did. For, if any of the herd was older than three years, it would be a big surprise to this observer. Not only were they novillos, but only one, the first of the day, offered any possibility of triumph. The others presented a variety of serious problems than effectively delivered the message that they were far from a front-line herd of bulls.

Enrique Garza received the first, "Al Fin", with a Puerta Gayola in the center of the ring, then followed up with a nice series of Veronicas. After the pic'ing, Garza placed banderillas well, but without emotion. His faena was very good, with long muletazos, mostly to the right. Yet, they were accomplished without genuine depth; he just went through the motions. He tried on the left, found nothing to his liking, and didn't press the issue. Garza's sword placement was very good, and an ear was awarded.

With his second torito, Garza began the third act with an ancient suerte, seated on a chair, in the center of the ring, as he attempted to accomplish a seated péndulo. But, the animal would have none of it. It hit Garza and his chair and tossed both into the air. In obvious discomfort and a bloodied face, the matador from Monterrey continued, delivering a border-style performance which was boo'ed by a large portion of the crowd. It was still another indication that the Tijuana crowd is maturing, even if the judging is not. At the end, Garza killed, was granted still another ear, and retired to the infirmary, where surgeons repaired a 25-centimeter wound in his left buttocks.

The second bull, a pretty castaño was terribly far-sighted. Up close, it could see practically nothing. Ochoa delivered a nice set of Veronicas. But the animal was not impressive against the horse. The matador delivered a correct lídia of horn-to-horn work, placed a good sword, and was warmly applauded by a crowd that responded property to his excellent, technical details.

Ochoa's second bull was a bastard, a manso that lacked all of the qualities that one would anticipate in an animal of brave blood and heritage. But, Ochoa was determined to extract something from the very dangerous animal. It became a duel between him and the bull. The crowd didn't matter; any potential rewards didn't matter; nothing mattered, except to demonstrate to the bull that Ochoa was calling all of the shots, and that the matador was in complete charge.

Time after time, Ochoa demanded attacks from the animal. Time after time, the bull offered a half-charge, while it searched for flesh. And, time after time, Fernando Ochoa held his ground and demanded that the bull would attack. Time seemed to stand still, as Ochoa delivered the most honest performance of the year. It was exhausting! Very few matadors would have performed with such naked integrity. At the end, he placed a low sword, which brought a pair of ears, which the matador discarded. After all, the bull had not deserved surrendering its ears. That which Ochoa had accomplished was a statement of integrity and honesty, which nothing as mundane as ears could ever reward.

Years from now, the fans will still remember that entire moment of truth performance that marked the maturation of a career that is destined for glory.

Prelude to Disaster. Matador Enrique Garza received a goring in the buttocks, las Sunday in Plaza Monumental De Tijuana, when he attempted to pass his bull behind his back, while sitting in a chair.

On the heels of Ochoa's remarkable work, there was little that César Castañeda could do. With his first, the Tijuanense performed very good Veronicas, placed the banderillas with stylish ease, and offered a decent performance with the muleta. But, his sword failed him, denying an ear.

It was a similar story with the last bull of the day, a berrendo that reflected the general lack of quality of the herd. César offered some fine muletazos, but nobody seemed to notice, so overwhelmed was the crowd by Ochoa's performances.

Fernando Ochoa. Torero!

*****

There will be no Oreja de Oro corrida, this season. In view of light attendance, this season, The Asociación of Matadores has decided against the annual tradition.

Instead, this coming Sunday will bring the 1998 season to a close. Spaniards Rafael de Paula, Curro Vásquez, and Joaquin Bernadó will alternate with Mexicans Joselito Huerta, Jaime Rangel, and Pepe López Hurtado in a charity event, benefitting Spanish Matador "El Soro." The bulls will be from the Hernando Limón ranch in the 4 p.m. affair.

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