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SCMP Reporter

Michael Chang's fans, waiting to catch a glimpse of the American-Chinese tennis star, saw little wrong with the two pieces of promotional material they were offered outside a sports shop at the World Trade Centre.

 The first pamphlet was an invitation to join the 26-year-old's fan club; the second was a combination of professional profile and biblical literature.

 'With Jesus in his heart, this diminutive tennis player stands much larger than any worldly champion ever could,' the latter reads.

 Although, at 1.75 metres and 68 kilograms, Chang is taller and heavier than new world number one Marcelo Rios of Chile, he is dwarfed by the likes of fellow American and former number one Pete Sampras (1.85m, 77kg) and big-serving Briton Greg Rusedski (1.90m, 86kg).

 The 'diminutive' champion's religious pitch continues by offering four steps to 'trust Jesus as your saviour'.

 Trying to convert his fans to Christianity might not sit well with a few of his followers. But others see nothing wrong with it.

 'It doesn't really make a difference to me. I just happen to be Christian too, but that's just a small detail,' says Janice Wong, a 21-year-old clerk waiting to get Chang's autograph and picture.

 Holding strong Christian values and being Chinese are important parts in Chang's makeup. But fans are more interested in the nitty-gritty of his career.

 Currently ranked 11th, Chang made his name by becoming the youngest Grand Slam champion in history, winning the 1989 French Open three months after his 17th birthday. He has since captured 31 career titles.

 Chang is now in Hong Kong to defend his Salem Open title, for what would be his fourth overall title. But even with players like Sweden's Thomas Enqvist and Sampras withdrawing due to injury, Chang does not expect winning to come easily.

 'There are still a lot of dangerous floaters,' Chang, dressed in white shorts, a navy-and-white striped shirt, and sport socks bearing his name in capital letters, tells a Causeway Bay crowd. His modesty is another of his trademarks.

 Chang's involvement in this tobacco-sponsored sporting event has caused controversy. Critics see it as contradictory to the well-publicised values of a player who upholds the image of a devout Christian and prides himself on being a good role model.

 But Chang is quick to defend himself.

 'My main goal is to come out here and play the best tennis I can. I think it would be different if I actually endorsed smoking or if I actually smoked, but the people I work with know I don't endorse anything I don't believe in.'  Chang argues he would not be able to play in places like Hong Kong if there was no sponsorship, although the future of tobacco-sponsored local tournaments are hanging in doubt.

 A ban on tobacco advertising taking effect at the end of the year means tobacco companies can still sponsor sporting events like the Salem Open, but will not receive the publicity for it.

  Playing at the event does not mean he is endorsing smoking, he says - he is merely taking part in a tobacco-sponsored event.

 'I've never even held a cigarette in my hand before. I understand where people are coming from in trying to get kids off smoking, but attacking and accusing me is a bit unfair and unjust.'  Chang arrived in Hong Kong last week with his usual entourage, a tight clique of family members. His brother Carl is his coach, his father Joe manages the finances, his mother Betty accompanies him abroad, and his sister-in-law Diane and a cousin, Jerry, manage his fan club.

 His parents emigrated to New Jersey after fleeing the mainland in 1948 and living in Taiwan for 20 years.

 Now they make their home on Mercer Island, in Washington state. Before every match he says a prayer with his family, and celebrates - or commiserates - with them afterwards over dinner.

 But aren't those leaflets a bit over the top? Not to Chang. He says he is not imposing his values on others by distributing the biblical literature to fans.

 Instead, it should be interpreted as an invitation for others to find love and peace through the Lord the same way he has.

 'Most of the response to my religious beliefs has been very positive. During times when I'm down, most people know I put my faith in the Lord. That they're supporting me, encouraging me and praying for me, that people are helping me get back on my feet . . . that's pretty comforting for me to know, regardless of where I am in the world.'  Chang is among a group of celebrities who have let their religious values be known to the public despite the scrutiny it brings. He admits to using his role as a public figure as a platform for his religious beliefs, and taking advantage of the publicity he gets.

 'I feel I'm blessed to play to this level because it's a global sport and it gets a lot of media coverage. So in that [respect], I feel it's a wonderful opportunity to touch people's lives.

 'They might forget a good forehand or a great backhand during a match, but when you impact them as far as their life is concerned, it's going to last them their lifetime, and maybe even beyond that.'  In Hong Kong, he is credited with touching the lives of many children by being one of the most prominent Asians in the sporting world, and by bringing an Asian face to tennis itself.

 He is still actively involved in Stars of the Future, a local grassroots tennis programme he originally helped fund, and he also takes part in programmes organised by his sponsor, Reebok, such as a children's fitness challenge at the World Trade Centre on Monday.

 As to how he reconciles his wealth - his career prize-money is more than US$12 million (about HK$93 million), only a fraction of money he gets for promotional work - with his religious values, Chang says he has established a foundation in his own name in the United States, which contributes to children's charities.

 He takes his position as a public role model seriously, which he believes is important in an age where children can easily be tempted to take a wrong turn.

 Chang says he always looks forward to playing in Hong Kong, despite the fact that he does not speak Cantonese. He can manage only a bit of Putonghua.

 When he plays before a Chinese audience, as opposed to an American one, he says he feels a greater amount of support and energy, especially if he does not meet the audience's expectations.

 'There is a certain kind of closeness with the crowd and more of an identification. The adrenalin comes earlier and the atmosphere is nice.

 'It's good to know that as long as I'm persevering, people will stay behind me.'  That includes people like Emma, a 19-year-old university student who refuses to give too much away about herself for two reasons: she will miss a handful of classes this week to attend the tournament, and she does not want her friends to know she is obsessed with Chang.

 'Even before he came to Hong Kong I liked him because he is Chinese but with an excellent career that makes him known internationally. I think he presents an image that Chinese are capable and he is a good role model for children,' she says.

 She pulls a photograph out of her bag, taken with Chang at his hotel during last year's tournament. Win or lose, Chang will touch her heart again.



A defender of the faith - and the title