U.S. Open champion Cabrera runs out of puff

HONOLULU (Reuters) - Argentina's Angel Cabrera endeared himself to golf fans all over the world by winning last year's U.S. Open at Oakmont while repeatedly puffing on cigarettes to stay calm.

Much has changed for the likeable South American since his breakthrough victory in a major championship, among them an end to his smoking habit.

"It's been five months since I last had a cigarette," Cabrera told Reuters after firing a level-par 70 in the Sony Open first round on Thursday. "I just felt like not smoking any more.

"But I still don't have a sports psychologist," the Cordoba native added with a smile.

Shortly after his one-shot victory at Oakmont last June, Cabrera memorably told a news conference: "Some players have psychologists, sportologists. I smoke."

The big-hitting Argentinean, who splits his playing schedule between the PGA Tour and European Tour, has dealt with a plethora of media requests since his U.S. Open triumph.

"I wasn't used to being questioned all the time and relating to the press so this is something new for me," said Cabrera, speaking through a Spanish interpreter.

Asked whether he found the glare of the media spotlight difficult to handle, he replied: "It just comes with success. We have to take it.

"My personal life hasn't really changed much since Oakmont but professionally, yes, I have changed. I have become much more confident."

ESPECIALLY ELATED

Cabrera, who held off Tiger Woods and Jim Furyk to become the second South American to win a major title, was especially elated after being voted the 2007 Argentinean Sportsperson of the Year.

"It's a great honor to be recognized by the sports press," he said, referring to the Golden Olympia Award which he received after balloting by Argentina's Sports Journalists Circle.

Cabrera held off the challenge of tennis player David Nalbandian, footballer Lionel Messi and World Cup rugby player Juan Martin Hernandez to land the prestigious honor.

He became the fourth golfer to receive the award, following Roberto de Vicenzo (1967), Eduardo Romero (1989) and Jose Coceres (2001).

"This is one of the most important things I have ever achieved," the 38-year-old added.

"But last year was not only a great year for myself but for Argentine golf.

"Ariel Canete, Andres Romero and Daniel Vancsik won on the European Tour and Miguel Carballo won on the Nationwide Tour. They all contributed to a great year for Argentine golf."

Cabrera plans to take a month's break from the PGA Tour after this week before returning for the Northern Trust Open at Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles from February 14-17.

"I am feeling very comfortable and confident at the moment but I need some rest," he said.

"I will take these next few weeks off and try to get back with a lot of energy. From Los Angeles on, I will try to play pretty much here in the U.S. until the Masters in April."

(Editing by John O'Brien)