(26.08.2014) Both women’s and men’s top half of the first round of Cathay Pacific Sun Hung Kai Financial Hong Kong Squash Open 2014 commenced today at Hong Kong Squash Centre. Local hope, Joey Chan Ho-ling proceeded into the second round.
Being the first local player appeared in the main draw event today, local heroine Joey Chan dispatched the Dutch qualifier, Millou ven der Heijden straight 11-3, 11-6 and 11-4. “I am happy my game plan worked out well today, which allowed me to go through to the second round,” said Joey after the match. Joey will face the Egyptian Omneya Abdel Kawy in the next round. “Most Egyptian players are powerful and they like going for shots. I would stay patient and focus on my pace. I will do my best and hope that there will be a breakthrough on my world ranking.”
Women’s defending champion, Nicol David took down the victory in straight games 11-6, 11-5, and 11-5 against her compatriot Delia Arnold. She will play Emma Beddoes in the second round at 1:30pm on Thursday.
Home favourites Max Lee encountered the world number 7 Daryl Selby in front of the home crowd tonight. Though Max pushed very hard and played few winning shots, experienced Selby made a better execution at crucial points and sent Max off in three close sets 11-9, 11-9 and 11-6. "The game became very physical and I lost concentration. But it's great to play at home court and I greatly appreciate the support from the home crowd," said Max.
The Englishman Selby marches on while his compatriot, James Willstrop had to stop. The biggest upset of today was the loss of the third seed James Willstrop to the Egyptian Tarek Momen in straight games. It was a close match. Willstrop lost the first two sets narrowly at 9-11 and 10-12, and he could not take the control back in the third set either and let Momen to clinch a 3-0 win.
The other sixteen matches from the bottom half of the Men's and Women's event of the first round will be held tomorrow. Laura Massaro, the world no. 2 and the current World Champion will be on court meeting Kanzy Emad El-Defrawy from Egypt at 6:30pm. Hong Kong trio, Annie Au, Tong Tsz Wing and Yip Tsz Fung will also play against Heba El Torky, Low Wee Wern and Chris Simpson at 1:30pm, 2:30pm and 8:30pm respectively.
Please click here for the updated results and schedule!