Hong Kong pair Ko Lai-chak and Li Ching will go for gold today in the final of the men's table tennis doubles at the Athens Olympics. The second seeds guaranteed themselves at least a silver medal after winning yesterday's semi-final and will meet Chinese top seeds, Chen Qi and Ma Lin, in today's final.
'We want to win the gold medal. China are the favourites, but we will try our best,' Ko said. It will be Hong Kong's second medal at an Olympic Games after Lee Lai-shan's historic gold at Atlanta in 1996.
'This is a proud moment for Hong Kong sport,' said Timothy Fok Tsun-ting, president of the Hong Kong Olympic Committee. 'Now we have got something in the pocket, hopefully they will be more relaxed and play harder. We are all proud of them.'
His deputy and chef de mission of the Hong Kong delegation, Victor Hui Chun-fui, was in tears as he watched Li lift Ko off the floor of the arena.
'I can't help crying now we have won our second medal. We are going for gold. China are strong but we will try,' said Mr Hui, wiping his eyes.
Hong Kong coach Chan Kong-wah added: 'We're very happy. It's the first time for Hong Kong table tennis and the first medal for Hong Kong since three Olympic Games ago. They showed a very strong mentality in such an important match and in their first Olympics.