Wong Wai-hang and Rebecca Chiu Wing-yin both reinforced their status as Hong Kong's No 1 men's and women's squash players after scoring comfortable victories in an important warm-up for the forthcoming Asian Championships in Malaysia. They took on surprise opponents in the finals of the Hong Kong Closed Championships at Hong Kong Squash Centre over the weekend. Chiu defeated up-and-coming 23-year-old Elise Ng 3-0, while Wong came back from two sets down to beat Vincent Cheung Cheuk-yin, 24, 3-2. Chiu, who is ranked in the world top 20, praised Ng's performance. 'It was a good final and we both played well,' said Chiu, 25. 'Elise is still young and needs more experience. The past few years I have always played Christina Mak [Wai-ying] in the final, so Elise did very well to beat her in the semi-finals. It was a great achievement for her.' Wong defended the crown he won for the first time last year. 'I feel very happy to be the champion again,' said the 27-year-old. 'It was a very close final. Vincent has improved a lot and was tough to beat. He was a very good opponent for me,' Wong said. 'He beat [former local No 1] Faheem Khan in the semi-finals which just shows that the level between the top four or five players is very close now.' Wong proved he is a comeback king, having eased past Dick Lau Siu-wai in similar fashion in the semi-finals on Friday. Lau also went two sets ahead, but Wong turned on the power and surged into the title match. 'I just try to keep my concentration and stay focused,' he said. The top-ranked local said he felt good about the Hong Kong team's prospects at the Asian Championships which start on Sunday in Malaysia. 'I feel fit and prepared, and after winning this title, I feel very confident. I hope we can get a good result for Hong Kong. Everyone on the team is in good form.' The Hong Kong men's team comprises Wong, Cheung, Roger Ngan Lun-cheung, and veteran Khan. Lau will play in the individual category, but Hong Kong men's best chance of a medal is in the team competition. Chiu is equally positive about medal chances in the women's event. 'Last time we were third in the team event after losing to India in the semi-finals,' she said. 'This time I think we can get to the final.'
