Tong Fights Back To End Home Hopes At Australian Open

Tsz-Wing Tong was forced into a desperate rearguard by Australia's Jess van der Walt as the Hong Kong world No.49 edged past the world No.73 in a see-saw five-game fight on day one of the Easy Times Brewing Co Squash Australian Open.

On the beautiful all-glass show court at South Bank Piazza in Brisbane, Tong took the opener 11-8 before being pegged back 9-11 and then stunned 1-11 as Queensland local van der Walt drew upon the home crowd's energy.

Unfortunately for Brisbane crowd, Tong regained her footing, dragging herself into a fifth game with an 11-4 win and then edging the nervy decider 11-8 as van der Walt joined the rest of the five-strong Australian contingent in exiting in the first round.

Speaking after the match, Tong paid tribute to her opponent and the tournament hosts, with the start of the event rapidly reorganised due to the impact of ex-tropical cyclone Alfred.

"It's always tough playing Jess," Tong said.

"I think it's always special to play at home, but there's also pressure on the home player. On the glass, you always feel motivated and excited and I was trying to imagine that they are my crowd too. But the crowd is fair and they clapped on my good shots as well.

"It's amazing how quickly Squash Australia and the PSA responded [to cyclone Alfred]. They did amazing work trying to accommodate the players. I had a last-minute draw change and I got to play on the glass at this amazing venue!"

Among the players joining Tong and the seeded players in round two are her compatriot Henry Leung, who played out a five-game thriller with Abhay Singh, and Canadian world No.52 Nicole Bunyan, who came from behind to upset Malaysian world No.29 Aira Azman at Sandgate Squash Club.