(17.08.2016) Cathay Pacific Sun Hung Kai Financial Hong Kong Squash Open 2016 is around the corner. All the top-class players around the world will once again gather in this hustle and bustle city striving to stand out in this annual sporting and to eventually champion at the four sided clear view glass court. They are looking forward to kicking off the first stop of the World Series Event with a splendid performance and to celebrate the 55th anniversary of Hong Kong Squash!
Mohamed Elshorbagy aims at the third title in a row
In the men’s event, Egyptian players dominate the main draw again with total 10 out of 32 players which do not even include the qualifiers will participate in the main draw. Four among the ten players are the seeded players and the focus goes to the first seed, Mohamed Elshorbagy who is returning to the scene for retaining his third successive title. The world No. 1 starts his defense against Chris Simpson from England in the top half round one whereas His compatriot and third seed, Omar Mosaad along with the second seed Gregory Gaultier from France will appear in the bottom half meeting the qualifiers in the round one.
For the Hong Kong players, Max Lee, the local top men’s player will compete against the qualifier in the round one while his fellow, Leo Au will challenge the Aussie Cameron Pilley, the “black horse” of last year who sailed through the final by upsetting the seeded players. Moreover, another home favourite Yip Tsz Fung enter the main draw via the wildcard. Yip became the first home grown men player to make the history by reaching the round two as a qualifier last year, we would see whether he will give us another surprise this year.
Nicol David under challenge on her 11 years of ruling
After becoming the youngest player ever to win the world champion in April, Nour El Sherbini would definitely be the spotlight in the women’s event. The new women’s world No. 1 tops the draw to meet her fellow Heba El Torky in the round one. Another Egyptian player, the third seed Raneem El Welily also begins her journey in the top half against the Aussie veteran, Rachael Grinham. In the bottom half, Laura Massaro from England, the 2015 first runner up is seeded to play against the qualifier while the Malaysia star, Nicol David eyes on defending her 11 years of reign as a fourth seed to face the qualifier in the round one as well.
For the Hong Kong team, Annie Au who returned to the would Top 10 this month, will be most likely to take on Nour El Sherbini in the tough round two match if she passes through the qualifier in the opening round whereas Joey Chan will meet the seed No.7 Amanda Sobhy, a strong opponent from United States who is currently the world No. 8. Meanwhile, the young local player, Ho Tze Lok advanced to the main event through the qualifying round last year, will enter the main draw direct with a wildcard. She will make her first appearance in the major event meeting Jenny Duncalf in thr round one after turning professional player early this year.
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.
