Coleman Wong Chak-lam made history at the US Open when he became the first Hongkonger to win a Boys’ Doubles Grand Slam tournament.
The unseeded duo, 17-year-old Wong paired with Max Westphal (18), beat Viacheslav Bielinskyi and Petr Nesterov after a tie-breaker 6-3, 5-7, 10-1.
updated:19:38, 12 September – added video highlights of the final
images: US Open
Tennis legend Venus Williams will be the star attraction at the Hong Kong Tennis Open at Victoria Park in October.
The last time Venus Williams played in Hong Kong was in 2011. The former world number one and winner seven singles Grand Slam titles, including five at Wimbledon, she has also won 13 Grand Slam titles in women’s doubles with sister Serena and two in mixed doubles to total a staggering 22 titles in major events. Among active players, Venus’ Grand Slam haul is second only to her sister’s, as is her 46 WTA singles titles. Williams has also won four Olympic Gold medals – one in singles and three in doubles.
“Venus is a tennis icon and one of the biggest names in the sport. Her grace and professionalism both on and off the court has inspired a generation of players and her explosive game thrills tennis fans worldwide. Venus really enjoys Hong Kong and is excited to return to Victoria Park Stadium, where she has had considerable success in the past,” said Chris Lai, Tournament Director and Hong Kong Tennis Association Chief Executive
HK Tennis Open 2015
Date: 10-18 October, 2015
Venue: Victoria Park
Tickets: $880-Free from Cityline
Sabine Lisicki rallied from 1-5 in the first set of the Hong Kong Tennis Open final against Karolina Pliskova to win 7 games on the bounce. The number 1 seed and wild card entry Lisicki was being played off the court by Pliskova who broke twice to serve for the first set. Only for the Czech lady’s serve to fall apart – she served 7 double faults in two games to lose the first set. While Lisicki finally adjusted to the heat and pounded out some wonderful ground stroke winners.
The second set was one way traffic, and for the enthusiastic crowd it was a little sad – Pliskova played some wonderful tennis throughout the week to reach the final. However she only showed glimpses of that play during the final and Lisicki ran out a 7-5, 6-3 winner, to secure her first WTA title in three years.
Karolina Pliskova teamed up with her twin sister Kristyna to win the doubles title 6-2, 2-6, 12-10 in a thrilling match against Arina Rodionova and Patricia Mayr-Achleitner.
The rain has played havoc with the match schedule, for updated times and schedule – see the tournament website www.hongkongtennisopen.com
The rain might stop the tennis but it doesn’t stop you eating or drinking, and there’s lots of gourmet dishes on offer at Savour HK – see our feature here: www.bcmagazine.net/2014/09/09/savour-hong-kong-a-bite-sized-gourmet-delight
Tiffany Wu Ho Ching ranked 828 in the world started slow, losing the first three games against former world number 25 Jarmila Gajdosova in her attempt to qualify for the main tournament. Wu rallied strongly to draw even at 4-4 in the first set. The Australian – who showed her frustration at how hard Wu fought – though had too much for Hong Kong’s no1 running out a straight sets winner 6-4, 6-2.
The Hong Kong Tennis Open runs until the 14 September at Victoria Park – tickets available on the door or at www.hongkongtennisopen.com
The Australian Association of Hong Kong host’s its 7th annual Charity Tennis Doubles Competition at the Chinese Recreation Club on Tuesday 26th November, 2013.
A cross between the Australian Open and Carnival, the event is a fundraiser for the Australian Association’s selected local charity The Society for the Relief of Disabled Children at the Duchess of Kent Children’s Hospital, Sandy Bay and consists of a doubles competition for the seriously-minded player, as well as a competition for “best-dressed” for those who prefer tennis to be a bit ‘whacky’ rather than just whacking a ball!
What: Australian Association Charity Tennis Doubles Competition
When: 26 November 2013
Where: Chinese Recreation Club
Registration: [email protected]
Website: www.ozhongkong.com
BNP Paribas Showdown – 4 March 2013
Li Na, Asia’s first Grand Slam champion, will take on two-time year-end world No. 1 and Grand Slam finalist Caroline Wozniacki while eight-time Grand Slam champion Ivan Lendl will renew his rivalry with John McEnroe, a seven-time Grand Slam champion at the Asiaworld Arena.
BNP Paribas Showdown
AsiaWorld Expo Arena, 4 March 2013, 7:45pm, $2,250, $1,350, $800, $585, $400, Tel: 31 288 288.
