FORMER Hong Kong number one Patricia Hy will fulfil a lifelong ambition in September when the territory makes its long-awaited return to the women's professional circuit.
Hy, who emigrated to Canada four years ago, will take part in the inaugural US$100,000 Digital Hong Kong Open from September 11-19 at Victoria Park.
The 28-year-old spent 17 years in Hong Kong where she developed into a world-class player, representing the territory at the 1987 Federation Cup.
Although she flew the Hong Kong colours at the highest level, she was never given the opportunity to take part in a locally-staged international tournament.
The last women's event in Hong Kong was in 1982 when Hy was not yet ready for international competition.
Hy, winner of the recent Canadian national championships, said: ''I'm thrilled to be returning to Hong Kong. When I was growing up in the territory there were only men's events.