CHRIS Patten leaned over the net on the centre court at Victoria Park, shook hands with Sir David Ford and said: ''That's why you're the Chief Secretary and I'm the Governor.'' Mr Patten partnered Indian tennis star Vijay Armitraj to beat Sir David and American Roscoe Tanner in an exhibition match at the Marlboro Championships.

A healthy diet and early morning practice sessions paid off for Mr Patten, who hustled his slimline frame around the court.

Sir David seemed to take his cue from the Chinese, firing several shots directly at his boss. One struck Mr Patten on his backside causing the Chief Secretary to break out in hysterical laughter.