No sibling rivalry here

Published 11:19 am Friday, April 9, 2010

If Isabel Chien qualifies for the 4A state tournament as a freshman, she’ll be making things easier for her whole family.

That’s because her brother, Kevin, has already qualified for the state tournament. If Isabel qualifies, the Chien’s could be due for a little more family time.

“It’d make it easier for the family,” Kevin said. “Usually someone has to stay home – it’d be nice to go as a whole family for once.”

Kevin, who started playing golf when he was 12, doesn’t give too much advice to his younger sister. He just stays out of the way.

“I try to leave her alone,” he said. “She does what she does really well and I try to not tinker with that.”

There isn’t too much competition, the siblings stay. At least not for Isabel.

“I try not to let her beat me,” Kevin said.

“I don’t really care,” Isabel added.

The Chien’s could be the first brother/sister duo to earn a state berth ever for Newport in golf.

“It’s a neat situation there,” said Newport coach Frank Nimmo. “I would love to see it happen. If Isabel just shoots her game, she should make it.”