(02.12.2015) The women’s and men's bottom half of the first round of Cathay Pacific Sun Hung Kai Financial Hong Kong Squash Open 2015 continued today at Hong Kong Squash Centre. Local favourites, Yip Tsz Fung survived from a tough seesaw match and became the only local player along with other seeded players to get through the second round.
Coming as a qualifier, Yip Tsz Fung played against the world ranked No. 23 Tom Richards from England. With the support from the home crowds, Yip started the game well to lead at two-one up. However he was a bit impatient and missed out four match balls in the fourth, he returned in the fifth and maintain his advantage to create the biggest win of the day. Yip Tsz Fung was the first home grown male player to march in the last sixteen of the Hong Kong Open. “I did not think of winning or losing, I just hit and run so I am ecstatic to come through the second round. I will try my best for tomorrow’s match.” Yip commented after his victory. Yip Tsz Fung will face Tarek Momen at 7:30pm tomorrow for the quarter finals position.
The current Men’s World Champion, Gregory Gaultier defeated another local hope, Leo Au at a tense four games to confirm his position in the round two.
For the women’s event, local top player and the 7th seed Annie Au was halted by Joelle King in four games at 6-11,7-11,11-6 and 6-11. The ninth times Champion, Nicol David had a good start at her title defense, Meeting the wild card player, Liu Tsz Ling, Nicol did not have much pressure until the third set that Liu once lead at 10-5, however Nicol still managed to keep her pace and save eight match balls to take the victory at a straight 11-3, 11-7 and 16-14.
The second round of the competition will kick off tomorrow at 1:30pm at Hong Kong Squash Centre. In addition to Nicol David, the seed number 1 Raneem El Welily will also be on court meeting Malaysian Delia Arnold and Low Wee Wern respectively. For the men’s event, the first seed Mohamed Elshoragy will meet Saurav Ghosal at 4:30pm.
Come and support the local players! Please visit the updated draw and results for the detail schedule.
