HK Open Qualifiers at HKFC
The 29th and 30th of November saw the HK Football club host the HK open qualifiers for the first time. A total of 61 players had to get through two rounds of qualifying to secure one of 8 men’s and 8 women’s places in the main draw of the HK squash open which is one of the world’s largest squash events. The players travelled from all over the world to get their chance to go through the qualifying rounds into the main draw with players from as far afield as France, Australia, Ukraine, Egypt, USA and India playing at the football club which is a true reflection of the global nature of the modern squash game.
Top quality squash was played throughout the two days with huge support from the HKFC members and public. In the ladies section of the final qualifying round Megan Craig of New Zealand had a very close encounter to win in 5 games against Egyptian Nouran El Torky and South Africa’s Siyoli Waters came back from 2 games down to beat Chloe Mesric of France in 5 games. In the men’s half of the draw the stand out games of the final qualifying round were Englishman Declan James’ marathon 100 minute match to beat Ivan Yuen of Malaysia and Finland’s Olli Tuominen’s tight win against Eddie Charlton of England.
The feedback from players and officials was very positive about the hosting of the event at the football club with the excellent viewing facilities and world class courts that are on offer. Thanks go to the Club and its staff for providing the top class facilities which were clearly enjoyed by many of the professional players and officials during this event as well as to the high levels of service in support of this event.
Once the main draw commenced at the HK squash centre it was some of the usual suspects who made it through to the final which was reported on by HKFC’s very own Andrew Wood. (See other stories on News page)