Chang to appear in Honolulu

Advertiser Staff

"Holding Serve ... an evening with Michael Chang" will bring the 1989 French Open champion to First Chinese Church of Christ July 2. Chang will speak at 7:30 p.m.

Hawai'i will help the recently retired Chang ease into his post-tennis life. He is coming here, along with singer Steve Green, for the Chang Family Foundation's Friends and Family Cruise.

Chang's testimony at First Chinese Church (1054 S. King St.) will be free. Refreshments and child care will be provided and he will sign his book, "Holding Serve: Persevering On and Off the Court."

In 1989, at age 17, Chang became the youngest French Open champion. He defeated top-seeded Ivan Lendl in the Round of 16 in one of the game's most memorable matches. The five-setter ended after more than 4 hours with Chang fighting through cramps and serving under-handed.

He went on to beat Stefan Edberg in the final to become the first American man to win the French Open since Tony Trabert in 1955.

Chang founded the Chang Family Foundation in 1999 "to introduce the Good News of Jesus Christ to the World through local and international programs; and to grow and nurture people in their personal relationship with God."

In other tennis news:

The annual Hawai'i Interline Tennis benefit tournament returns to Turtle Bay Resort, Sept. 22 to 25. The American Cancer Society is this year's beneficiary.

Entry deadline is Sept. 1. Minimum age is 16.

Mixed doubles will be played Sept. 22 only, with men's and women's singles and doubles the following days. There are open, 4.5, 4.0, 3.5 and 3.0 divisions.

Entry fee is $85 per person for up to three events, including banquet, $65 for one event, with banquet, and $50 for one event without banquet.

For more information, email cybersonny@aol.com.