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Hong Kong's competitive environment has inspired a badminton player from the mainland to two title wins.

  Derek Ng Wei, a Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) scholarship athlete, won the men's singles at the Australian Open Badminton Championships and also the junior crown at the New Zealand Open Badminton Championships.

  These outstanding performances helped the 16-year-old secure September's Adidas/ HKSI Junior Star of the Month Award.

  Ng, who grew up in Jiangsu, came to Hong Kong with his parents three years ago.

  He said his badminton had improved greatly while he had been living in the territory.

  'No matter how hard your coach or the people around you push you, the key lies in your own effort and struggle,' Ng said.

  He said there were better back-up facilities and bigger incentives to practise in the SAR.

  The promising teenager said the introduction of the award would inspire junior athletes to reach greater heights.

  'The award is a kind of recognition of the achievements of all local juniors,' Ng said. He said winning the award would encourage him to strive even harder for better performances.

  Ng's ambition is to be as successful as former world badminton champion Zhao Jianhua, who also hailed from Jiangsu. But first he wants to finish in the top three at next year's junior world titles.

  Ng paid tribute to his coach, Chan Chi-choi, for his guidance both on and off the badminton court.

  He called Chan a dedicated coach who fully understood his charges' strengths and weaknesses.

  'On court, he is very serious but he is also a good friend after training,' Ng said.

  The prize was awarded by the HKSI and Adidas Hong Kong, with support from the Hong Kong Sports Press Association.

  Other nominees for the September award included swimmer Choi Hiu-wai, triathlete James Endicott, windsurfer Ho Chi-ho, fencer Kong Chi-chung and gymnast Yip Kwok-yan.

 Ng won a cash incentive of $2,500, Adidas coupons worth $2,500, and a trophy.



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