Angelene makes her tournament debut

2009/11/20

TELEVISION talk show host Angelene Chong, who pretends she is Serena Williams whenever she plays tennis, is poised to make her debut in the CEO and Celebrity Charity Tennis. Angelene's love for the sport blossomed after she left secondary school and hired a professional coach to teach her the basics. The tennis junkie also loves swimming, rock climbing and running the marathon.

"My idol when I was growing up was Stefan Edberg of Sweden, but currently it's Roger Federer because of his all-round play and charisma. But on the court I'm Serena William," said the 31-year-old TV2 talk show host. "I just love watching hard-hitting tennis players who can hold their own on court."

Being her first tournament, Angelene admits to having a case of the jitters but stresses that playing for fun is nothing compared to a tournament.

"I really want to see how far I can go in this tournament. It's really intimidating for me but it's all for a good cause, all the feel good factors are there," she added.

Incidentally, Angelene's Head Crossbow racquet was stolen from her car in Ampang last week. Although disappointed, all is not lost as she has an older racquet to rely on.

TV2 talk show host Angelene Chong. — Pic: S. SUGUMARAN

"For a tennis player a racquet is very personal. It's an extension of one's arm. Now I have to adjust my game and use more power in my strokes."

The last edition saw 43 celebrities pitting their skills for charity, but this year the organisers expect at least 64. The event will be held at the National Tennis Centre in Kuala Lumpur in conjunction with the ECM Libra Foundation and Lawn Tennis Association of Malaysia (LTAM) Junior Tennis Championships on Dec 13. It is jointly organised by NSTP and Bursa Malaysia.