“Cathay Pacific Sun Hung Kai Financial Hong Kong Squash Open 2016” will kick off in less than a month, two local rising stars Yip Tsz Fung and Ho Tze Lok shined in the star studded tournament last year as being the qualifiers to successfully reach the main event. This year, the two young athletes will return to the men’s and women’s main event via the wild card, both of them aim at playing a great squash in front of the home crowds.
The only 22 years old Yip Tsz Fung, made his name famous in last year’s Hong Kong Squash Open. Not only passing through to the main draw from the qualifying rounds, but he also became the first local men player to reach the second round after defeating the England’s Tom Richards in the round one. His face is getting familiar in the tour since then.
When the newly Hong Kong Champion looked back to the greatest victory he claimed so far in his career last December, Yip believes that he got tremendous improvements in the past nine months, “I found the most difference is how my mentality changed, I used to be panic and impetuous when I was on court, and my emotion would always be affected by the referee judgment, but now I could be more relaxed and confident on court.” Yip said.
Meanwhile, Ho Tze Lok also surprised us with her outstanding performance of coming through from the qualifying rounds to the main draw as an amateur player last year. The 20 years old girl, who just turned to professional early this year, will return to the annual extravaganza this year. “I have been working more on the weight training over the half year, my physical fitness is getting stronger, at the same time I am being more mature.” Tze Lok commented. Her hard work has been paid off as we could see from the great leap of her world ranking which is raised rapidly from No. 245 to No.80 in just nine months.
“Yip Tsz” will enter the main draw direct via the wildcard this year to take on the challenge from the world No.5 Miguel Angel Rodriguez from Colombia in the round one. As the young athlete, Yip thought he has less burden playing against the top players but to gain some precious experiences, “It is more relaxed for me to meet the higher ranked player as I have nothing to lose.” On the other hand, “Ho Lok” is looking forward to facing Jenny Duncalf, the former world No.2 British player in the first round. “I grew up watching her play in the tour and now I can compete with her, I hope I can learn some skills and tactics from her.”
The battle is around the corner; the two promising stars aim at playing the best squash in every single match. For “Yip Tsz”, that is a sense of playing either bad or good, “I could know whether I am focus on my game or I play my standard once I finished the match.” Beyond the sense, “Ho Lok” also wishes to show the great squash to pump up the supportive crowds, “other than playing a close game with Jenny, I hope the fans could give a round of applause for my performance.” The two young players already put the victory aside; they just want to be pleased with their performance when they step out the court.
Main Draw Schedule of Hong Kong Players
23 Aug（TUE）
|
Men’s Event |
Women’s Event |
|
Leo Au VS Cameron Pilley（AUS） *Yip Tsz Fung VS Miguel Angel Rodriguez (COL) (4) |
Annie Au VS Qualifier Joey Chan VS Amanda Sobhy (USA) (7) |
24 Aug（WED）
|
Men’s Event |
Women’s Event |
|
Max Lee VS Qualifier |
*Ho Tze Lok VS Jenny Duncalf (ENG) |
( ) Seedings *wildcard
The men’s and women’s qualifying rounds of “Cathay Pacific Sun Hung Kai Financial Hong Kong Squash Open 2016” will be held on 21 and 22 August at Hong Kong Football Club. The early stages of main draw will be started from 23 to 25 August before moving to the portable clear-view glass court erected inside Hong Kong Park Sports Centre for the quarter finals, semis and finals on 26 August, 27 August and 28 August.
Tickets are now available at Hong Kong Squash office. Please call 2523 2225 for more details. Free Admission for the qualifying rounds on August 21 and 22. For more tournament information, please contact Hong Kong Squash at 2869 1592 or visit the Hong Kong Squash Open official website.
