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Hong Kong quartet aim to stay ahead of Asian rivals

They arrived as the fastest team from Asia and want to return home the same way. Hong Kong's 4x100 metres relay quartet - Tsui Chi-ho, Lai Chun-ho, Tang Yik-chun and Ng Ka-fung - are the first team from the city to appear at a Games since the international federation imposed qualification for the event after Sydney 2000.

'They've been in great form this year to reach the Olympics,' said Hong Kong Amateur Athletics Association senior vice-chairman Simon Yeung Sai-mo. 'But the real test comes [today] when they race in front of 80,000 fans. The atmosphere has been exceptional in athletics and hopefully it can help them achieve a good result.'

The team clocked a Hong Kong record of 38.47 seconds -the fastest time from Asia - in Taiwan two months ago, putting powerhouses such as Japan and China in the shade.

'Japan and China have also made it to the Games,' Yeung said. 'We know it will be difficult to beat the powerful Europeans but if we can become the best team from Asia, it will also be a big honour.

'Of course our target will also be on making it to the final. The top three teams in the two heats plus two other fastest times will be in the final [tomorrow night]. We have to challenge ourselves.

'We need some smooth baton exchanges. We have been working on this since our arrival in London.'

The association has offered a HK$300,000 incentive if the team, who also include reserve runner Ho Man-lok, reach the final and are the fastest team from Asia.

Tsui, 22, the Hong Kong record holder who runs the last leg, said he had been soaking up the Games experience. 'This is my first Olympics and everything is new,' he said. 'The atmosphere is great not only in athletics but also other sports.'

38.47

The time in seconds run by Hong Kong's 4x100m squad, helping them to qualify for the Olympics as the fastest team from Asia

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