Veteran Chan Tan-lui led her young side into the semi-finals of the women's team table tennis tournament last night, guaranteeing the SAR of at least a bronze medal regardless of how they perform in the last four.
Chan, who with former doubles partner Chai Po-wa formed the spine of so many Hong Kong teams in the past, has quickly adapted to life after Chai and is relishing the challenge in what will almost certainly be her last Asian Games.
Last night, Hong Kong's women disposed of Vietnam with a minimum of fuss at the Thammasat table tennis venue and, with China beating Japan also in Group A, Hong Kong and China will be playing for top spot in the group when the two teams meet in the final pool game this morning.
Hong Kong warmed up for today's game in style with their emphatic 3-0 victory against the Vietnamese. Chan led the way, winning her opening game against Ngo Thu-tuy in whirlwind fashion 21-8, 21-15.
The ease with which she saw off her opponent inspired Wong Ching in the next game, with the Hong Kong girl comfortably outclassing Nguyen Mai-thy 21-4, 21-12.
Song Ah-sim ended the contest in the third rubber, winning 21-12, 21-13 against Nguyen Ngoc-uyen.
The performances of Chan's teammates have left the old stager cautiously optimistic about the SAR's chances in the remainder of the competition.