Shoppers at the Plaza Hollywood mall in Diamond Hill got more than they bargained for yesterday - a top-drawer sporting event with plenty of drama and action as the world's top professional men and women battled for a place in today's final of the Cathay Pacific Swiss Privilege Hong Kong Open.
'I came to buy a toy for my son and was surprised to see a squash tournament taking place here,' said Francis Cheung, one of the hundreds of spectators who watched for free the action unfolding in the all-glass court set up inside the mall's atrium.
'This is the first time I have watched a squash match, and it is very exciting. The players must be tired. I can't believe how long a rally lasts. I don't think I will be taking up this sport although I will encourage my son to do so,' added Cheung, a Diamond Hill resident.
The large crowd watched an acrobatic Amr Shabana, the world number one from Egypt, pull off a nail-biting 3-2 win (9-11, 11-8, 9-11, 11-6, 11-9) over England's James Willstrop in the first semi-final in the men's event. Shabana will meet emerging star and compatriot Ramy Ashour in the final. Two-time world junior champion Ashour defeated Australian David Palmer 7-11, 11-8, 11-8, 11-3.
World number one and reigning world champion Nicol David of Malaysia was the crowd favourite in the women's event. And David kept her fans happy as she edged out Australian Rachael Grinham 3-2 (9-2, 6-9, 9-6, 5-9, 9-1) to book her final berth. David will meet England's Tania Bailey, who defeated compatriot Vicky Botwright 9-1, 9-7, 9-7 in the other semi-final.
As if the bevy of world stars were not enough, organisers dished out two local beauties too - the reigning Miss Hong Kong Aimee Chan and second runner-up Janet Chow Ki-wai, in a celebrity line-up aimed at raising the profile of the game.
But sadly the crowd couldn't see them in action. 'I have never played the game. I'm more into aerobics and the sport I most love watching is ice hockey. But this is an interesting concept, taking the court to the public,' said Chan.