TENNIS is his passion and T. Paul Thomas would love to finish among the top five in the CEO and Celebrity Charity Tennis but the competition will not be the crucial factor when he participates for the third time at National Tennis Centre (NTC) in Jalan Duta on Dec 12.

Thomas, the managing director of Manproserv Consulting Sdn Bhd, said this is the only tennis event that focuses solely on raising funds for charity and this was enough to lure him to compete.

Thomas was unable to play in the inaugural event in 2008 due to other commitments at the eleventh hour but made his contribution to charity but competed last year where he finished in the top 20 bracket.

Thomas, 51, had played in the Malaysian inter-varsity tennis when he was studying at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and still plays in national veteran events (51-54 age group).

He said the format of the CEO and Celebrity Tennis makes it tough yet enjoyable.

The doubles event will see a player being paired off with different partners and must complete six matches and the player with the highest points will be declared champion.

"I love tennis and like to compete but CEO and Celebrity Tennis is a rare event where charity is the theme. The funds go to a noble cause and there is no better way to do it while enjoying some fun tennis," said Thomas.

"It's the only charity tennis event in the country and you don't often get the opportunity to play with celebrities. I was unable to play in the first event but enjoyed myself last year although the result wasn't that good.

"I was short by three points of making it into the top 10 and hopefully I can achieve that this time but that's not the main concern."

Thomas will also be playing in the PD Open beginning today as part of his preparations.

The main objective of the event is to raise funds for the NSTP Charity Fund to help young Malaysians with serious medical problems and also generate interest among children to pick up the sport.

NSTP and Bursa Malaysia are joint organisers of the third edition of the CEO and Celebrity Tennis.

Read more: Tennis: Thomas eyes top five spot http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/43muruged/Article#ixzz151rY4c67