Patrick Rafter delighted a sellout centre court crowd with a fine display of the talent which has made him one of the stars of world tennis -- all to say thanks to the people of Bermuda.

The Australian, who has lived on the Island since 1994, beat American Richey Reneberg 6-3 in a one-set exhibition played inbetween Saturday's two Bermuda Open singles semi-finals at Coral Beach.

And afterwards it became clear that the 26-year-old world number six had charged no fee and the exhibition had been his own idea.

Rafter took a microphone and told the crowd: "I have been here five years and it's always been a very special place to me.

"This is the least I could do for the community of Bermuda and it really doesn't feel like I've done very much.

"I've just bought another place so that means I'm going to be staying here and you guys have made me feel very comfortable here.'' Brian O'Hara, president of tournament sponsors XL Capital, presented Rafter with a cheque for $5,000 made payable to Cherish the Children, a charity founded by the player.

The match itself was a treat for the fans who have come to see the Queenslander as the Island's adopted son.

Rafter seemed determined to show off his aggressive and spectacular serve-and-volley game and succeeded to such an extent that at times it seemed he could have been playing on grass instead of clay.

The first point was typical. Rafter followed up a powerful serve with two acrobatic volleys at the net to leave his opponent stranded.

With plenty of light-hearted banter between the two players, the match was played in a fun spirit, but for Reneberg to have won in front of Rafter's adoring fans would have been like a humble courtier daring to beat King Henry VIII at chess.

With Rafter leading 3-2, the pair engineered a lengthy rally, exchanging back-spinning backhands from the baseline. It ended in broad smiles when Rafter finally put one out.

Reneberg, 33, once ranked 20 in the world, is a wily player, but he never had a chance as time and again the lithe Rafter pounced at the net to volley like a big cat making its kill.

Rafter sealed victory after 22 minutes of fine entertainment with yet another lunging volley.

Later in the day, as if to reaffirm his commitment to the Island, he and doubles partner Paul Kilderry strolled out on court for their semi-final in tradional local attire, Bermuda shorts with knee high socks, collar and tie and blazer.

The spectators were delighted, but when play started with the pair back in their tennis gear, it was Argentines Lucas Arnold and Mariano Hood who took the initiative, winning the first set 7-6 on a tiebreaker.

The Australians bounced back to take the second set 6-0 and the third 6-4 to earn their passage to the final.

Photos by Tony Cordeiro Star attraction: Two-time US Open winner Pat Rafter thrilled Saturday's crowd with his exhibition victory over Richey Reneberg.