SAR make flying start

The Hong Kong women's team got off to a winning start at the 14th Asian Championships with a straightforward win over Uzbekhistan.

Old hand Chan Tan-lui, who is heading the campaign in the absence of her partner Chai Po-wa, led the charge of the Group D favourites in the women's competition, which began yesterday in Osaka, with an accomplished 21-8, 21-5 win over Manzura Inavatova.

Wong Ching and Song Ah-sim then completed the rout with similar straight games victories. Wong defeated Nilufar Sotvoldieva 21-7, 21-11, while Song overcame Saida Burkhankhodjaeva 21-5, 21-11.

A place in the knockout quarter-finals is all but certain with Hong Kong's remaining group opponents being neighbours Macau.

Macau struggled to beat the Uzbeks 3-2.

The women's competition features 21 countries, who are split into eight groups, with the winners of each preliminary round advancing to the next stage.

Hong Kong also got off to a rousing start in the men's competition, defeating Cambodia 3-0.

Leung Chu-yan set the perfect foundation for the SAR with a 21-15, 21-12 win over Tan Sopheak. Yung To-long beat Sok Polin 21-11, 21-17 to make it 2-0 before Tang Kwok-kei sealed the tie with a 21-7, 21-7 win over Ung Bunkheang.