5:57 am
13 Dec 2024

Chan & Lau Cause Day One Hong Kong Open Upsets

27 Nov 2023

World No.57 Chan Sin Yuk shocked Hong Kong No.1 Tomato Ho on the opening day of the TTI Milwaukee Hong Kong Open with a 3/0 victory over her fellow countrywoman in the PSA World Tour Platinum event at the Hong Kong Squash Centre.

Chan, who is 31 places lower in the PSA World Rankings than her compatriot Ho, got off to a perfect start after taking the first game in six minutes, with Chan's shot selection playing a pivotal role in her doubling her advantage shortly after.

The victory against Hong Kong's top player was sewn up in just 22 minutes as Chan chalked up an impressive straight games win.

"I'm really happy to be through to the second round," said Chan post-match.

"I flew all the way from America to here and I didn't expect to play against my teammate, but I'm really happy to be through and to play in the second round in front of the home crowd so I'm really excited.

"I've played against her in the last three tournaments: the Asian Championships, the Asian Games and now here. I think both of us have experience on how to handle the nerves against a teammate. I'm happy I handled the nerves well and played well.

"It's really exciting [to play in front of a home crowd]. I haven't played in front of a home crowd for a few months, but it's exciting!"

In the men's draw, fellow home favourite Lau Tsz Kwan also pulled off a surprise result as he marked his 200th match on the PSA World Tour with a 3/2 triumph over Abdulla Altamimi.

World No.40 Lau defeated the Qatari world No.21 in a 65-minute battle to round off the opening day's play.