Chan Sin Yuk Simmi will challenge the top seed and No.1 in the Round 3 tomorrow

Organized by the Squash Association of Hong Kong, China and titled-sponsored by TTI Milwaukee, the PSA World Tour Platinum event "2023 TTI Milwaukee Hong Kong Squash Open" continues underway at the Hong Kong Squash Centre. Local favorite Chan Sin Yuk Simmi defeated the 17/32 seed, Jasmine Hutton from England and firstly advanced to the third round, while the local Men’s player, Lau Tsz Kwan Alex stopped his steps by losing to the 9/16 seed, Victor Crouin from France in the second round today.

The 21-year-old Chan Sin Yuk Simmi, who is currently studying in the United States, has taken special leave from school to take part in the Hong Kong Squash Open main draw event for the first time. Simmi eliminated her compatriot, 17/32 seed Ho Tze Lok Tomato in the first round yesterday, and she played against another 17/32 seed, Jasmine Hutton from England today. With lots of squash fans coming to the centre to support her this afternoon, Simmi narrowly lost 9-11 in the opening game, and she started to fight back in the second game. Simmi eventually took three games in a row and won the match by 3-1 (9-11, 11-9, 11-9, 12-10) to make her way into the third round.

Regarding her first time reaching the third round, Simmi expressed her joy and thanked the home crowd for their support. "I know many fans will come to watch the matches, and everyone hopes that local players can win. I am very happy to have the opportunity to attend this event. The support from the home crowd helps me to stay focused. Without everyone's support, I might have had to play a fifth game today!" she said.

Simmi will challenge the top seed and currently world No.1, Nour ElSherbini from Egypt tomorrow, who knocked out Malaysia's Aira Azman in straight sets (12-10, 11-7, 11-4) in just 25 minutes in Round 2 today.

Another home favorite, Lau Tsz Kwan Alex challenged the 9/16 seed French player, Victor Crouin in the evening session however eventually lost by 0-3 (6-11, 8-11, 6-11) to end his journey this year. In addition, the Men’s top seed and world No.1, Egypt's Ali Farag, and defending champion, the third seed, Mostafa Asal also from Egypt both won their opponents by 3-0, and the 2022 Women’s Champion and second seed, Egyptian Hania El Hammamy also won 3-1 to advance.

The only top-eight seed of both draws to fall was the Women’s fifth seed, Olivia Weaver from USA. The top half of Round 3 will start tomorrow at the Exhibition Court of Hong Kong Squash Centre.