SHANGHAI (AFP) — Australian golf legend Greg Norman and former tennis champion Chris Evert are soon to wed and they looked very much the love-struck couple at the BMW Asian Open here on Thursday.
Evert, an 18-time Grand Slam singles champion, was clearly Norman's biggest fan as the "Great White Shark" shot a one-under 71 during the first round of the 2.3-million-dollar event.
The couple, who announced their engagement in December last year, flew into Shanghai on Norman's private jet and Evert watched her fiance play every hole on Thursday.
Evert, 52, clapped and cheered his three birdies, gave him many supportive pats on the back throughout the round and the pair briefly walked some fairways holding hands.
Norman, 53, occasionally turned to her and smiled after a good shot, and ensured she did not get thirsty in the warm weather by digging into the players' drink stores and passing her a bottle of water.
American Evert looked every inch the celebrity in a tight black singlet and black tracksuit pants, while carrying a designer handbag and watching Norman through dark sunglasses.
Norman also added a touch of flair to proceedings, wearing a cap with "Great White Shark" written in Chinese on the back of it.
Norman and his first wife, Laura, announced in June last year they had reached an agreement on dividing an estimated 500-million-dollar fortune amassed by the former world number one during his golf and business career.
Evert has been married twice, to tennis player John Lloyd and skier Andy Mill. Norman and Evert intend to get married this year.
Norman, who won two British Opens, plays rarely on the professional tour nowadays, and said he decided to come to China for a mixture of sporting and business pursuits.
His business interests range from golf course design to selling turf, wine, real estate and clothing, and he said Asia offered many opportunities.
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