China's very own Roger Federer or Justine Henin could emerge from an inaugural international tennis tournament staged for elite under-14 players in Beijing last week.

Funded by benevolent businessman Li Hansheng, the Chinese International Youth Open (CIYO) attracted 64 players from more than 20 countries and regions - 32 of the young stars from across China.

Emulating a French prototype that is as much about cultivating a good grip on the racket as it is on life, the CIYO was won by French boy M. Julien Musy and Romanian girl Radu Ingrid.

Although they emerged victorious at China Tennis Association's headquarters last Saturday, scores of new friendships and mind-opening experiences far from home made winners of all entries.

Since the French Youth Open was founded in 1991 by Jacques Laurent, a technical director of famous Parisian sports club Stade Francais, the tournament has evolved into a miniature five-week European circuit that blends competition with educational workshops for youngsters from 60 countries.

Each year 5,000 French kids vie for a few positions in the circuit hosted by France, the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium.

"At 15 the better players have got agents, but 14 is a good age because they're moving on from their families and after that we could not do education because it's all about tennis," the fit-looking Laurent said.

"Some of them are going to get to the top but others are going to live another life and be big businessmen and we want them to be good people."

【体坛英语资讯：Big net cast for Chinese tennis champs】相关文章：

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Brangelina ready for another kid

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Charlie Sheen also Ashley Dupres client

★ 体坛英语资讯：Seeded players raise US Open heat

★ 体坛资讯：Spanoulis insists his Rockets days over

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Hollywood actors union, studios extend contract talks to avoid strike

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Britney Spears wins more time with sons

★ 体坛英语资讯：Liu leads Chinese Osaka charge

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Movie star becomes Olympic reporter

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Jet Li, Siqin Gaowa crowned at HK Film Awards

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Celebrity link! Obama related to Clinton?