One of Hong Kong's most famous soccer players yesterday jumped to his death following an argument with his wife at their home in Tin Shui Wai.
Cheung Sai-ho, 35, was once the city's most valuable player and was the holder of a world record. At the age of 18, Cheung scored for the Hong Kong youth team 2.8 seconds after the start of a match in the Portsmouth Cup in Britain in 1993.
News of his death was announced on the website of Happy Valley Athletic Association Football Club, which Cheung joined from 1996 to 2008 as midfielder and skipper.
In the afternoon, players and spectators observed a minute's silence and gave Cheung a final salute at Yuen Long Stadium before the match between South China and TSW Pegasus kicked off.
Tributes have poured in from sportsmen. 'He was always the leader of the team,' said Pegasus assistant coach Yeung Ching-kwong, who met Cheung 23 years ago. 'I was also there when Cheung scored that quick goal. It was just amazing.'
Former Hong Kong coach Tsang Wai-chung said Cheung was skilful. 'He played an attacking midfield role for the Hong Kong team and always scored,' said Tsang, who coached Cheung from the late 90s to 2006. 'He had good vision with good reading powers of the game. He could have been a good coach. His death is a loss to the soccer community.'