Johnson's father used to ask people to light a candle for him as a good-luck charm.

BBC: Championship chargers

He made the most of his good looks, charm and intelligence and cashed in on his popularity.

CNN: ASIANOW - TIME Asia

The sunny appeal of his style may be due to his having postponed serious practice until he was in his 40s, getting by in his early years on a mixture of good looks, charm and remarkable talent.

ECONOMIST: The keys of the kingdom | The