THERE can be no nicer person at the top echelons of sport than Stefan Edberg, whom we met at a charity function yesterday in the Regal Hong Kong.
The meeting provided a chance to link up with the London-based Swede and recall an incident a while back when, in a previous incarnation as a feature writer on a national newspaper in Britain, your columnist first met Edberg.
It was at the crusty Queen's Club in London - which prides itself as being the most prestigious tennis club in the world - where Edberg (then the World No 1 and reigning Wimbledon champion) having showered and changed after coming off the practice courtshad joined me for a drink in the Members' Bar prior to going on to lunch.
As we talked, Edberg remarked that his hectic playing schedule sometimes left him wondering which country he was in. At which point an official from the club sauntered towards us and ordered the track-suited Swede out of the bar because he was not wearing a jacket and tie.
Looking flabbergasted, the normally cool Edberg stormed out - with yours truly in his wake - muttering: ''This would never have happened in Sweden.'' At least at that point in time he knew for sure he was in Britain!