Tennis ace Federer plays cricket with kids

Cuddalore, Dec 23 (UNI) Tennis ace Roger Federer today swapped the racquet for a cricket bat and entertained children of the families which were hit by the devastating tsunami two years ago.

Federer, the UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador who has visited some of the villages severely damaged by the 2004 26 tsunami in Cuddalore district and Pondicherry, played cricket with the children of Chnnurpudupettai village.

Federer, the world number one tennis player, batted for sometime after being given a red carpet welcome as about 20 children bowled to him with a rubber ball.

The Swiss tennis ace, accompanied by his girl friend, also watched a peformance of folk arts, including a puppet show by a popular troupe.

However, his visit ended on a sour note with the organisers being forced to cancel a press conference as the local scribes 'boycotted' it in protest against they being barred from covering his programmes here yesterday.

Federer later left for Pondicherry before winding up his visit.

UNI VV AY KN1623