On the Road in China: Trading Roddick for rice 

Source: ONE Sport

One day, decades from now, I will be able to say that I almost saw Andy Roddick play live in China.

But for a bowl of rice and some garlic chicken.

But hey, I can see the American superstar anytime - right? Right?

The Shanghai Masters 1000 is an unbelievable event for a tennis-mad journalist. Eight of the world's top ten players live and in the flesh represent an opportunity that is just impossible in New Zealand. I was determined to make the most of it.

It is a fine balancing act though, with a lot of matches happening simultaneously as well as constant press conferences which can occur at any time.

And of course during the long days and nights there is always the need to refuel.

The dining area at Qizhong park offered a wide selection of Chinese dishes and closes at 9pm each night.

A Russian journalist and I were about to tuck in to another bowl of Shanghai's best when we noticed Roddick's second round match get underway. It had been a long held ambition to see the flashy American play, especially after missing him at the Beijing Olympics last year.

Alex and I smugly decided to finish our meals and then watch the latter half of the match.

"The second set is always better", we agreed.

Roddick and his Swiss opponent Stainslas Wawrinka were going game for game when the 27-year-old American, who had been complaining of the strenuous season all week, twisted his knee awkwardly when reaching for a backhand.

After some brief treatment he left the court deciding the risk of playing on was too great.

He handed Wawrinka a ticket to the third round and left two buffoons masquerading as professional journalists with egg (foo yong) on their faces.

tvnz.co.nz's Michael Burgess is in China courtesy of the Asia New Zealand foundation and travelled there with Air New Zealand. He is aiming to investigate the impact and legacy of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and will be writing about the sights and sounds of China along the way.