【Hong Kong Badminton Open】Chau Hoi Wah/Lee Chun Hei, their last waltz on the home court

After 6 year’s of partnership, 32-year-old Cathy Chau Hoi Wah and 24-year-old Reginald Lee Chun Hei will move on and find themselves new partners. The Hong Kong Open will be the two’s last waltz.

Just three days before the Hong Kong Open, Cathy and Reginald were sitting at the main court of the Hong Kong Coliseum and talking about their last tournament to play together. Different athletes have different career paths, some might be smooth and steady; and some might be full of obstacles or even stuck at some point. Everyone has their own way to overcome setbacks and difficulties. Chau thought their separation is a process of growing and it is a good thing. Lee wishes to play a good game with Chau one last time and that will leave no regrets.

Cathy took a long vacation for the first time in 12 years after the Asian Games when her coach asked if she will continue her career. She said, ‘I didn’t play for 2, 3 weeks. I want to clear my mind before I consider it. During the vacation, I asked myself if I still have passion about badminton. If I am going to play, I will take it seriously.’ Of course, Cathy’s answer was positive. No matter who she will pair up with, she will keep playing the game in her passionate way.

In 2018, Cathy and Reginald’s result were not pretty. Their best one was a silver in Macau Open which they lost to their teammate Tse Ying Suet/ Tang Chun Man. Cathy used to set foot on the international tournament’s podium with Yohan Hadikusumo Wiratama and Wong Wai Hong. However, her greatest moment was with Reginald capturing the gold of Asian Championships 2014, Australian Open 2015 and the bronze of BWF World Tour Finals 2015.

Cathy seemed not to be missing her old partner. She said, ‘I don’t miss it as it’s a good thing. I saw a young boy grew into a man over the 6 years. He’s now more mature and confident.’ Reginald said, ‘I want to reach world top 4 or higher. That’s the reason I try to look for a new partner.’

When the two started playing together, it was like a big sister leading a young brother. Reginald thought it was not about who is taking the lead. ‘It’s cooperation. We played as a team and that’s doubles.’ He said. Recently, Reginald read a post from the Facebook indicated life is full regrets and pities. However, he wanted to play one last time with Cathy which has no regrets in Hong Kong Open and concluded their partnership in a fulfilled ending. It is rare to find a partner who can play closely on the court. However, all good things must come to an end. The longtime partners finally have to say goodbye and go separate way.

After the Hong Kong Open, Cathy will play with Mak Hee Chun and Reginald will pair up with Ng Tsz Yau in the Korean Open early next month. He Yiming, head coach of Hong Kong Team said the two will try out different partners until the Olympic pointing cycle starts in May next year. “YONEX-SUNRISE Hong Kong Open 2018” will be held from 13th to 18th November at Hong Kong Coliseum. Get tickets to see Cathy and Reginald’s last time playing as a mixed doubles team!

#HongKongBadmintionOpen #HKBO #MixedDoubles #ChauHoiWah #LeeChunHei