Tony Choi Yuk-kwan is urging Hong Kong's promising squash players to learn a more 'professional attitude' from Rodney Eyles during their three-week coaching clinic with the Australian star.
Eyles, who is in town preparing for next week's Cathay Pacific Squash Open, got down to the serious business of training with Hong Kong's Asian Games hopefuls at the Sports Institute yesterday.
The experienced squash ace is renowned for his high levels of fitness and self-discipline - and Hong Kong assistant head coach Choi admitted those were the qualities he wanted to see rub off on the SAR's team.
'Rod is a true professional and he works hard at all aspects of his game. I think Hong Kong players can learn a professional attitude from him and that is something I hope they pick up,' Choi said.
'There is a lot of work to be done between now and the Asian Games and the next three weeks are very important,' Choi added. Eyles has been brought in to help provide expert advice on training routines for the Hong Kong players between now and the start of the Asian Games in December.
Hong Kong Squash officials believe the SAR have a strong chance of getting amongst the medals at the Asian Games and Eyles' recruitment reflects the body's burning ambition to make a mark in Thailand, where squash will be a medal sport for the first time.