Russia win a boost for Hong Kong pair

Hong Kong's Li Ching and Ko Lai-chak gained some much-needed momentum towards qualifying for the Olympic Games after they won the doubles event at the Russian Open in St Petersburg. The top-seeded duo clinched the gold medal at the expense of second-seeded mainland pair Chen Qi and Qiu Yike. The Hong Kong duo held their nerve to win 11-6, 11-8, 10-12, 8-11, 11-6, 9-11, 11-5. 'We are working hard to make it into the Olympic Games next year and any victory will help our players,' said Hong Kong coach Chan Kong-wah.