FACING THE FUTURE: Malaysian ace Ong Beng Hee is the centre of attention after taking time off from his Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Open campaign to give a clinic for youngsters. More than 100 screaming kids - all members of Hong Kong Squash's vibrant development programme - joined in the fun as Ong found a new fan base in his 'second home'.
'I'm very surprised at the number that turned up. There were even parents here. This is a most promising sign for Hong Kong. I did not know that squash was so popular here,' said world number eight Ong after an exhaustive and highly entertaining clinic that included a mini-match against leading youngster Dick Lau.
'It is a nice feeling to come outside your country and be greeted like a star. It feels great. Hopefully my new-found fans will inspire me to play better in this tournament.'
Ong, Asia's top-ranked player on the world circuit, safely overcame a tricky first-round encounter late on Tuesday night, beating England's Del Harris 3-1. The 33-year-old Harris pulled back a game, winning the third, and seemed on the verge of taking the match to a deciding fifth game when he led 12-10. But Ong rediscovered his touch to reel off the next five points and emerge a relieved winner.
'The fourth game was crucial,' admitted Ong. 'I was down 12-10 but he made a couple of mistakes, allowing me back in. If it had gone to a fifth, anything could have happened. the first match of a tournament is always a tricky one.'
The 22-year-old will meet Pakistan's Mansoor Zaman today in a tantalising second-round match that is being billed as the battle of the Asian giants. Ong is looking forward to it - and says it is hardly a journey into the unknown. 'I have played Zaman since we were little kids and both of us know each other's game well. Winning here is crucial as it will give me an advantage going into next month's Asian Games in Korea.'
