Tight play and clever tactics helped Hong Kong's secondary students beat Guangdong and claim the boys' inter-port basketball title at Western Park Indoor Games Hall.
Guangdong clinched the secondary girls' crown, while Fujian took the primary boys' trophy at Shek Kip Mei Indoor Games Hall. Girls do not compete at primary level.
Guangdong, Fujian and Macau join Hong Kong teams in a competition which is held every two years. The event, organised by the Hong Kong Schools Sports Federation (HKSSF), pits the best student talent from the four regions.
The SAR's senior squad had to contend with exceptionally tall and skilful players from Guangdong to earn their win. Hong Kong deserved their victory after solid preparation and disciplined execution of tactics, said centre Tam Wai-yeung. 'We won it by co-operating well and listening to the coach,' he said.
With the competition only coming around every two years, Wai-yeung said he was relieved he was in the team this time. 'I missed it because of exams in 2000,' said the 19-year-old Chong Gene Hang College student.
Stephen Lee of the HKSSF explained the reason behind the absence of a primary girls' section. 'Primary girls' basketball ability is not at the level required for inter-port competition,' he said. Most of them preferred to focus on table tennis and badminton, he added.