Hong Kong won three matches in both competitions, which Chan said was not a bad result, considering his youthful side were lacking much-needed experience.

'We still need to improve on our attitude, which will come with more experience.

'Although my players gave it their best shot, they still have much to learn.

'They were almost as fit as the other teams, but were lacking in some areas.

'In five or six matches, the Hong Kong players were actually leading but they couldn't finish off their games.

'It shows they were lacking in experience. The team's general fitness has improved though,' Chan said.

'It was very difficult for them at the start, because we didn't get an ideal draw.

'We were hoping to play either Holland or England in either competition, but it didn't come. We had a bad draw from the beginning,' he said.

Chan said he was particularly pleased with men's player Liu Kwok-wam, whose singles victory over reigning world champion Peter Rasmussen of Denmark was the best match of Hong Kong's campaign.

'It was a tremendous morale booster for Liu.

'Good for him. That will definitely help him because it will break down any psychological barriers he might have had.

'He should be playing with more confidence now.'