Beijing success points to a bright future for Hong Kong tennis

From half-court, he made his way up to the net, hitting cross-court volleys that were easily returnable by his hitting partner. But when one landed out of reach, Kevin Wong Chun-hun put the tip of his racquet to the court, leaned on it and asked for an ice-cream.

Leo Liu Jinjian, his coach, either didn't hear the 11-year-old or he ignored him. But soon, the request was repeated and Wong, along with his classmate and doubles partner, 12-year-old Brian Yeung Pak-long, left for a quick break. And an ice-cream.

As the summer holidays wind down - the pair suddenly remember they are due back at Diocesan Boys' School - the highlight of the month was Wong's win in the boys' 12 and under division at the Beijing stop of the Nike Junior Tour Grand Masters, and Wong and Yeung's doubles victory in the same age-group category.

Their win at one of China's biggest junior tournaments is important for Hong Kong tennis. To reach that tournament, the pair had to earn ranking points in one of the six earlier legs of the China tour. Only the top 32 players made it to the Beijing event, which took place from August 7-13.

Liu said the competition level was high, especially because many of the Chinese players trained at levels similar to those who make tennis a full-time job.

He said both Wong and Yeung had the potential to one day represent Hong Kong at a professional level, be it at ITF tournaments or as Davis Cup players.