'Inspirational' Max Lee closing gap on world stars
Automatic entry into main draw at Hong Kong Open seen as a breakthrough for local star
Max Lee Ho-yin claimed a breakthrough by gaining direct entry to the main draw for next month's Hong Kong Open - now he aims for another by winning his first-round match.
Having reached a career-high 25th in the world rankings, Lee became the first local Chinese men's player to qualify automatically for the Cathay Pacific Sun Hung Kai Financial-sponsored tournament (August 24 to 31).
I can be more focused preparing for my first battle and have less pressure. A first-round appearance at this major competition will help me bag at least 190 ranking points
"I'm delighted my efforts have paid off," he said. "I can be more focused preparing for my first battle and have less pressure. A first-round appearance at this major competition will help me bag at least 190 ranking points," said Lee, who has qualified for the main draw four times, once as a wild card.
"In 2007 I entered the main draw [ through the qualifier] with a ranking outside 300 in the world. I saw that as a breakthrough and here comes another this year," Lee said.
David Mui Ying-yuen, chairman of Hong Kong Squash, described Lee's success as "a breakthrough for both Max and also men's squash in Hong Kong".
"Max's achievement means our home-grown players are competent enough to challenge the top professionals in the world," said Mui. "He will certainly inspire the up-and-coming junior players."
Lee said his victory over former world number one Karim Darwish at the Canary Wharf Classic in March was a turning point.