World Class Players Gather in Hong Kong for “Hong Kong Badminton Open” Angus Ng Treasures Every Opportunity to Play against Lin Dan

Sanctioned by Badminton World Federation and awarded as an “M” Mark event, “YONEX-SUNRISE Hong Kong Open 2018” will be held from 13th to 18th November at Hong Kong Coliseum. The Organizing Committee announced the event details at the press conference yesterday in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong. Angus Ng Ka Long, Hong Kong’s Men Singles No. 1 player wishes to play against Lin Dan and Mixed Doubles representative Tse Ying Suet and Tang Chun Man seek for revenge of their lost in Asian Games and China Open over the Chinese pair Huang Yaqiong, Zheng Siwei.

As part of the BWF World Tour Super 500 sponsored by HSBC, Hong Kong Open is the second last stop for players to earn points to enter the December Guangzhou World Tour Finals. The event includes Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles. Participating stars include all world No.1 of five events, namely Men’s Singles Kento Momota of Japan, Women’s Singles Tai Tzu Ying of Chinese Taipei, Men’s Doubles Kevin Sukamuljo/Marcus Gideon of Indonesia, Women’s Doubles Yuki Fukushima/Sayaka Hirota of Japan and Mixed Doubles Zheng Siwei/Huang Yaqiong of China. A total of 22 players from Hong Kong will take part in this tournament. It includes Hong Kong’s Men Singles No. 1 player Angus Ng and Mixed Doubles pair Tse Ying Suet/Tang Chun Man.

Mr. Tong Wai Lun, Chairman of HKBA said, ‘Hong Kong Open has been held for 29 years and the tournament has been improving and growing ever since. I believe Hong Kong audience will enjoy the event as much as last year.’ He also said that the date of the event is favorable for world-class players to prepare for the World Tour Finals. ‘Hong Kong is the second last stop of the World Tour. Many players will try to earn points to enter the Finals. Some seed players would also like to maintain their ranking. We can expect some exciting matches.’ Tong indicated that Hong Kong Open plays a decisive role in promoting popularization, elitism of sports events and also the development of Hong Kong badminton.

Mr. Harinder Garga, Regional Director – Banking & Administration, Sunrise and Co. (Pte) Ltd said, ‘Hong Kong Open is very professional. I am looking forward to seeing the world-class players compete in Hong Kong.’ He is impressed by Hong Kong’s audience’s knowledge and understanding of badminton. They support not only the hometown heroes but also players from other countries. He said, ‘I think Hong Kong badminton will have a very good future. Many outstanding athletes have already made a name for Hong Kong on the world stage. More young people are participating in the sport.” Stuart Woollford, Regional Head of Brand & Marketing Strategy, Asia Pacific, Retail Banking and Wealth Management, HSBC said, ‘Hong Kong Open is one of the spectacular event in world badminton. It is constantly improving.’

Angus Ng, 2016 Hong Kong Open Champion said, ‘It’s a rare opportunity to play Lin Dan. As he is growing older, there is fewer chance to play against him. I wish I can play more games with him before his retirement.’ Angus is currently ranked 15th in the World Tour Finals’ standing. He need to pay extra effort to secure one of the eighth places of the World Tour Finals. He is looking forward to play in front of his home crowd. Unlike last year affected by the pressure of defending his Men’s Singles’ title, Angus will enjoy his games and put on a good show to his fans at home.

Mixed Doubles pair Tse Ying Suet/Tang Chun Man is leaving for Denmark this week. The defending champion of Denmark Open would like to take revenge on Huang Yaqiong, Zheng Siwei at home after their loss in the final of Asian Games and semi-finals of China Open. Tang said, ‘We began to familiarize their style of play. Even if we couldn’t win, we’d at least want to catch up with them on the score. After the China Open, I think the gap between the two sides has narrowed, and it would be better if we can beat them at home.’ Tse pointed out that the Chinese pair is great in explosive power. She said, ‘When you finally adapted to their style of play, you will have bee fallen behind too much. We must improve our receiving in order to beat them.’

Tickets of “YONEX-SUNRISE Hong Kong Open 2018” will be available for sale from 16th October 2018 at URBTIX. Entry ticks to qualifying rounds and round of 32 of Mixed Doubles on 13th November is free for distribution. Interested parties can send self-address envelope with stamp $2 to HKBA office, four tickets are distributed for each person while tickets are available.