After a disappointing start, Hong Kong players finally opened their account at the World Men's Junior Squash Championships in Egypt by beating Italy.
Seeded 16th out of 29 countries, the Hong Kong men's team made up for their previous losses to Germany and Argentina by beating the Italians 2-1 in their final pool match.
Hong Kong were set to play either Finland or Wales for a chance to reach the last 16. The team finished 15th at the last World Championships in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Hong Kong started off poorly against Germany. Stefan Oppolzer thrashed Hong Kong's Adrian Fong in ruthless fashion, Vincent Cheung was beaten by Sandro Deeg, and Wong Wai-chung lost to Rene Bartel.
Hong Kong were then defeated by 12th-seeded Argentina, winning their only rubber through Vincent Cheung who overcame Diego De Bella 10-9, 9-2, 5-9, 9-3.
Wong had earlier lost to Jorge Keen who won 1-9, 9-1, 9-2, 9-6 while Yan Ka-ho was crushed by Joaivin Barilari 9-1, 9-5, 9-0.