KUALA LUMPUR: Lawn Tennis Association of Malaysia (LTAM) president Datuk Abdul Razak Latiff is known by many for his hands-on approach in developing the sport.

Razak, 57, who is also the group managing director of ARL Global Sdn Bhd, will now be out to show that he is equally gifted on court.

He will be among the participants of the CEO-Celebrity Charity Tennis 2008 at the National Tennis Centre (NTC) here on Dec 14.

"The event is a perfect tool to generate interest among high-ranking people. They are decision-makers and with their help, tennis will bloom.

"They can help in terms of building more courts and facilities and also organising tournaments," said Razak, who was elected LTAM president in 2005.
Razak has brought changes to the sport by organising more tournaments and also giving a corporate structure to LTAM. On his initiative, several international tournaments were held this year.

Razak said he would prepare for the event by sparring with national coach Rahizam Rahin to get into shape.

"As LTAM president, I will need to make an impression. I will be thankful if I can go far in this event.

"I have not picked up a racquet for almost two years as I was more into riding horses and golf.

"But that does not mean that I am not good. I played a lot in my younger days," he said.

He picked up tennis at the age of 23 when he was studying at Universiti Malaya in 1974.

The CEO-Celebrity Charity Tennis 2008 is being held in conjunction with the ECM Libra Foundation and LTAM Junior Tennis Team Championship 2008 from Dec 13 to 20.

The junior tournament is funded by ECM Libra Foundation, while AirAsia and Tune Hotel are among the main sponsors.

The New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd and Media Prima are the official media partners.

The celebrity event will be played on a one-set format, where a player will rotate with different partners and compete in eight rounds.

The player with the highest accumulated points will be declared the winner, with prizes also for players who finish second and third.

The event is organised to raise money for the NSTP Charity Fund.