https://www.scmp.com/rss/511421/feed Australian journalist Matt Eaton has been based in Hong Kong since 2007 covering sports, business and technology. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Age is just a number, right? For most of us that rings true, but in the world of competitive sport, the older you get, the harder it usually is to win. Years of wear and tear, while pushing your body to the outer limits of human potential, eventually takes its toll. But there are exceptions to the rule. Innovations in sports science, treatment, training and diet have seen professional athletes push themselves harder and for longer than ever before. The issue of age has garnered some attention... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3205106/lebron-james-vows-defy-age-7-sporting-stars-who-still-shone-their-40s?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3205106/lebron-james-vows-defy-age-7-sporting-stars-who-still-shone-their-40s?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 31 Dec 2022 00:15:08 +0000 An extra 1,600 tickets for this weekend’s Hong Kong International Tennis Challenge went up for grabs on Wednesday, with officials confident they would sell out fast. It has been 20 years since Hong Kong hosted a top-level men’s tennis tournament and demand for tickets has been strong to say the least. While the first round of tickets for the three-day event sold out in 24 hours, Tuesday’s announcement that the 85 per cent capacity cap on crowds would be relaxed by the government amid further... https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3204151/hong-kong-international-tennis-challenge-puts-extra-tickets-sale-cap-crowds-relaxed?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3204151/hong-kong-international-tennis-challenge-puts-extra-tickets-sale-cap-crowds-relaxed?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 21 Dec 2022 11:37:54 +0000 It’s been three more than years in the making, but the Hong Kong Football Club’s 10s rugby tournament will return in March as a curtain-raiser for the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, with a new women’s tournament taking centre stage. First played in 1986, the event will spring back to life over two days from March 29 to 30 at the Hong Kong Football Club, with a new title sponsor and expanded format. Paul Christopher, chairman of the Tradition HKFC 10s, said the inclusion of a women’s... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3203313/hong-kong-sevens-curtain-raiser-hkfc-10s-return-march-all-systems-go?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3203313/hong-kong-sevens-curtain-raiser-hkfc-10s-return-march-all-systems-go?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 15 Dec 2022 00:45:07 +0000 Hong Kong tennis chief Philip Mok has welcomed moves by the government to scrap its amber health code ahead of the city’s first top-ranked men’s tennis tournament in 20 years. Speaking at the tournament draw for the Hong Kong International Tennis Challenge, which runs from December 23 to 25 at Victoria Park Tennis Stadium, Mok said the timing was ideal for the three-day event, which has attracted the likes of world No 9 Taylor Fritz, world No 10 Hubert Hurkacz, and US Open semi-finalist Frances... https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3203188/hong-kong-tennis-chief-welcomes-lifting-travel-restrictions-hopes-government-will-scrap-crowd-limits?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3203188/hong-kong-tennis-chief-welcomes-lifting-travel-restrictions-hopes-government-will-scrap-crowd-limits?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 14 Dec 2022 01:15:08 +0000 The Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon will increase the total enrolments for next year’s race to 37,000 runners as the city’s annual showpiece slowly returns to pre-pandemic levels. In October, organisers announced the February 12 race would go ahead with a “tentative” 25,000 quota, up from last year’s total of 18,500. That number has now increased and plans for a broader, international line-up of runners are on track. Kwan Kee, chairman of the Hong Kong Association of Athletics Affiliates... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3202946/standard-chartered-hong-kong-marathon-increases-quota-37000-runners-path-normality-continues?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3202946/standard-chartered-hong-kong-marathon-increases-quota-37000-runners-path-normality-continues?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 12 Dec 2022 04:30:14 +0000 The Hong Kong women’s rugby squad will look to use their strength and speed to overcome a formidable Kazakhstan side when they meet on Saturday for the first of two games in a test series. Head coach Royce Chan has named 39 players for the series, which gets under way at Siu Sai Wan Sports Ground, with the second game at Hong Kong Football Club on December 17. A total of 23 players will be named for each match with the side to be led by co-captains Lee Ka-shun, Hong Kong’s most experienced... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3202599/womens-rugby-hong-kong-hungry-and-eager-lead-kazakhstan-clash?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3202599/womens-rugby-hong-kong-hungry-and-eager-lead-kazakhstan-clash?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 09 Dec 2022 00:45:08 +0000 Nouran Gohar secured her place in the semi-finals of the Hong Kong Squash Open on Friday with a clinical, straight sets win over Japan’s Satomi Watanabe, although it was not all smooth sailing for the world No 1. Gohar, the 2016 Hong Kong Open champion, set a cracking pace early in their quarter final showdown, but needed to draw on her years of experience to disrupt Watanabe, who was initially able to slow her pace and assert control. Watanabe, the first Japanese player to reach a PSA World... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3201880/hong-kong-squash-open-terminator-nouran-gohar-sees-japans-satomi-watanabe-reach-semi-finals?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3201880/hong-kong-squash-open-terminator-nouran-gohar-sees-japans-satomi-watanabe-reach-semi-finals?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 02 Dec 2022 11:13:09 +0000 Hong Kong dominated the Asia Triathlon Youth Championships on Sunday, winning five of the six medals up for grabs in the main races at the first international event held in the city since 2018. There was a clean sweep of the podium in the elite boys’ race, with Matthew Chan Yui-fung leading from start to finish to win in a time of 31 minutes and 17 seconds, ahead of Philip Chu Yan-ho (31:25) and Gary Wong Ka-ho (31:44). But the real drama of the day was in the girls’ event, where it took the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3201165/asia-triathlon-youth-championships-hong-kong-sweep-podium-boys-race-while-girls-gold-decided-photo?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3201165/asia-triathlon-youth-championships-hong-kong-sweep-podium-boys-race-while-girls-gold-decided-photo?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 27 Nov 2022 09:47:14 +0000 A year later than planned, the women’s T20 FairBreak Invitational will take place in Hong Kong next April and organisers are hoping the city can cement its place at the heart of the boom in women’s cricket. With a Women’s Indian Premier League also expected to start in March, the tournament, which is co-sanctioned by the International Cricket Council and Cricket Hong Kong (CHK), will bring together some of the world’s top female players for two weeks of matches between six teams. Originally set... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3200575/fairbreak-invitational-organisers-hope-hong-kong-tournament-can-help-boost-sport-and-tourism-revival?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3200575/fairbreak-invitational-organisers-hope-hong-kong-tournament-can-help-boost-sport-and-tourism-revival?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 23 Nov 2022 00:00:28 +0000 A 1,000-strong group of brave competitors faced muscle cramps, body aches, stitches and a whole lot of sweat on Saturday for the inaugural Hyrox Fitness Race. Held as part of the Hong Kong Fitness + Wellness Expo taking place at AsiaWorld-Expo, Hyrox is a new style of competition that incorporates running, jumping, sledge pushing, burpees and throwing medicine balls. It’s not for the faint-hearted. “I have no idea why I joined, I was regretting it the whole way,” said 30-year-old recruitment... https://www.scmp.com/sport/outdoor/extreme-sports/article/3200254/hyrox-fitness-race-breaks-new-ground-hong-kong-organisers-set-sights-asia-expansion-just-stepping?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/outdoor/extreme-sports/article/3200254/hyrox-fitness-race-breaks-new-ground-hong-kong-organisers-set-sights-asia-expansion-just-stepping?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 19 Nov 2022 12:45:49 +0000 It’s been a long time coming, but 3X3 basketball is finally making its way to Hong Kong and organisers are hoping to eventually replicate the success and spectacle of the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens. Flagged as one of three pillar sports by the city’s leader John Lee Ka-chiu during his recent policy address, the Hong Kong Masters 3X3 basketball will run for two days from November 26-27 with the support of the International Basketball Federation (Fiba), the Hong Kong Tourism Board and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3199342/fiba-locks-hong-kong-3x3-basketball-world-tour-one-eye-olympics?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3199342/fiba-locks-hong-kong-3x3-basketball-world-tour-one-eye-olympics?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 11 Nov 2022 11:16:15 +0000 Hong Kong Tennis Association has secured a handful of emerging ATP stars for its first men’s exhibition tournament in some 20 years, with organisers promising more major tournaments in 2023 and beyond. The Hong Kong International Tennis Challenge 2022 will see the likes of world No 9 Taylor Fritz, world No 11 Hubert Hurkacz, and US Open semi-finalist Frances Tiafoe compete at the Victoria Park Tennis Stadium over three days from December 23 to 25. The big draw, however, will be local star and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3199149/coleman-wong-joins-field-top-level-tennis-stars-hong-kong-international-tennis-challenge-2022?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3199149/coleman-wong-joins-field-top-level-tennis-stars-hong-kong-international-tennis-challenge-2022?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 10 Nov 2022 10:00:57 +0000 Fans have overwhelmingly applauded the return of the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, with many saying this weekend’s event will be remembered as one of the most unique in Sevens history – and an important milestone for the city as it returns to normality. Yesterday’s event peaked at just under 21,000 attendees, but you could be forgiven for thinking otherwise. The stadium was at times deafening, with roars from enthusiastic fans echoing across Hong Kong Stadium. Claire, a Hong Kong... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3198652/hong-kong-sevens-2022-fans-applaud-return-sport-showpiece-city-gets-back-its-feet?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3198652/hong-kong-sevens-2022-fans-applaud-return-sport-showpiece-city-gets-back-its-feet?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 07 Nov 2022 00:00:21 +0000 Officials hailed the return of the rugby Sevens as “a resounding success” on Sunday, as the city’s leader joined tens of thousands of fans at a packed Hong Kong Stadium to watch Australia’s thrilling last-gasp win. After more than three years away, the tournament lived up to its reputation as Hong Kong’s landmark sporting event, and the tears on the faces of the Australian players spoke volumes about what it meant to them. Calling it “one of the most popular sporting events in Asia”, Chief... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3198650/hong-kong-officials-hail-return-rugby-sevens-resounding-success-australia-defy-odds-secure-last-gasp?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3198650/hong-kong-officials-hail-return-rugby-sevens-resounding-success-australia-defy-odds-secure-last-gasp?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 06 Nov 2022 15:35:56 +0000 Fiji continued their perfect start to the 2022 Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens on Saturday, locking down two big wins to keep their unbeaten streak alive, and head coach Ben Gollings said the team is firing on all cylinders as they head into Sunday’s quarter-finals. The world champions, who are chasing a record-extending sixth straight title at Hong Kong Stadium, stormed out of the gate on Saturday with five tries in a 35-21 victory over Spain, but they did not have it all their own... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3198582/hong-kong-sevens-2022-fiji-keep-unbeaten-streak-alive-they-look-capture-sixth-tournament-win?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3198582/hong-kong-sevens-2022-fiji-keep-unbeaten-streak-alive-they-look-capture-sixth-tournament-win?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 05 Nov 2022 13:30:08 +0000 After being made to wait on Friday, Sam Walsh finally made his Hong Kong Sevens debut on Saturday with his parents proudly looking on from the stands. The 23-year-old played his part in a hectic 35-22 win over Japan, as a young Eagles Sevens side made it two wins from two in pool C. Despite not getting off the bench for the opening win over Spain, Walsh – born in the US, but raised and educated in Hong Kong – said it was still a special moment, and a significant one. “I went to the Hong Kong... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3198545/hong-kong-sevens-2022-surreal-moment-sam-walsh-returns-city-team-usa-debut?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3198545/hong-kong-sevens-2022-surreal-moment-sam-walsh-returns-city-team-usa-debut?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 05 Nov 2022 02:59:07 +0000 All Blacks legend DJ Forbes is back in Hong Kong doing what he loves most – giving the next generation of rugby stars a helping hand, in a sport that now takes him around the world as an ambassador. On Thursday night Forbes was in his element as he put more than 100 youngsters through their paces during a rugby clinic organised by Valley RFC with the support of the New Zealand consulate. The retired star said he was happy to return to a city he described as the “home of the Sevens”. “It’s been a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3198339/all-blacks-legend-dj-forbes-hails-return-hong-kong-sevens-its-awesome-be-back?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3198339/all-blacks-legend-dj-forbes-hails-return-hong-kong-sevens-its-awesome-be-back?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 03 Nov 2022 13:24:26 +0000 United States coach Mike Friday is under no illusions as to the size of the task that awaits his young squad when they get their Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens campaign under way against Spain tomorrow. “It’s a baptism by fire,” Friday said. “Look, we won’t hide from the fact that this tournament is probably a month too early for us, but it is what it is.” The USA squad arrived in Hong Kong with barely a month to recover from the end of last season and there is plenty of wear and tear to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3198225/hong-kong-sevens-2022-injury-plagued-usa-face-baptism-fire-says-head-coach-mike-friday?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3198225/hong-kong-sevens-2022-injury-plagued-usa-face-baptism-fire-says-head-coach-mike-friday?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 03 Nov 2022 04:15:11 +0000 The Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens has typically meant big business for the bars that light up Lockhart Road and Lan Kwai Fong. But publicans are keeping their expectations for a post-Covid boom to a bare minimum – even with Thursday’s relaxation on opening hours. Pre-pandemic, it wasn’t unusual to see thousands of weary Sevens revellers crammed between a handful of bars in the Central nightlife district, or reclaiming roads in Wan Chai, and cleaning out 7 Eleven fridges of beer. But 2022... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3198187/wan-chai-bar-owners-optimistic-hong-kong-sevens-business-bump-not-boom-year-unlike-any-other?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3198187/wan-chai-bar-owners-optimistic-hong-kong-sevens-business-bump-not-boom-year-unlike-any-other?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 03 Nov 2022 01:15:12 +0000 After a week of flawless blue skies, Hong Kong could be staring down the wrath of Tropical Storm Nalgae when the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens kicks off next Friday. The Observatory is set to issue No 1 warning typhoon signal on Sunday or Monday and expects Nalgae to be closest to the city by next Thursday. The storm, which has wreaked havoc in the Philippines killing at least 45 people, was forecast to enter the central part of the South China Sea on Sunday. While Nalgae could present... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3197724/hong-kong-sevens-food-move-gives-ticket-sales-boost-could-tropical-storm-nalgae-wreck-unions-plans?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3197724/hong-kong-sevens-food-move-gives-ticket-sales-boost-could-tropical-storm-nalgae-wreck-unions-plans?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 29 Oct 2022 12:30:08 +0000 Hong Kong held their nerve and fought back against a hugely improved Japanese side to win the third match of the Women’s East Asia Cup in Kaizuka, Japan and clinch the series with one game still to play. Opening batter Natasha Miles set the tone for the city’s T20 side, hitting an unbeaten 86 runs from 70 balls to leave Japan with a hefty chase of 142. A vastly-improved host side came out looking to better their first two matches, which Hong Kong won in convincing fashion, and their big-hitting... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3197704/hong-kong-fight-back-renewed-japan-t20-side-win-womens-east-asia-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3197704/hong-kong-fight-back-renewed-japan-t20-side-win-womens-east-asia-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 29 Oct 2022 05:51:05 +0000 Hong Kong are just one game away from locking up the Women’s East Asia Cup in Kaizuka, Japan, but skipper Kary Chan isn’t getting too far ahead of herself just yet. The city’s side cruised to another easy victory on Friday, needing just 13 overs to chase down Japan’s 91 runs, with opening batters Natasha Miles and Mariko Hill doing significant damage to Japan’s bowlers. Kary Chan was forced to sit out the second game after popping her shoulder in Thursday’s opening match, with Yasmin Daswani... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3197658/hong-kong-hand-japan-another-thumping-they-look-wrap-womens-east-asia-cup-unchallenged?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3197658/hong-kong-hand-japan-another-thumping-they-look-wrap-womens-east-asia-cup-unchallenged?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 28 Oct 2022 11:58:25 +0000 Max Woodward will lead a team of experienced and new players into the first Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens since 2019, and said the make-up of his squad represents a “changing of the guard” for the city’s team. The 13-man squad includes five new players, with Alessandro Nardoni, Harry Sayers, Pierce Mackinlay-West, Liam Doherty and Mak Kwai-Chung primed for their Sevens debut. There will be no shortage of experience either, with the likes of Woodward, Alex McQueen, Seb Brien and Russ Webb,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3197624/hong-kong-sevens-max-woodward-welcomes-changing-guard-5-handed-debuts-first-home-event-2019?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3197624/hong-kong-sevens-max-woodward-welcomes-changing-guard-5-handed-debuts-first-home-event-2019?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 28 Oct 2022 09:48:34 +0000 Hong Kong women’s T20 cricket squad kicked off their East Asia Cup campaign with a comfortable, eight-wicket win over Japan on Thursday, setting a dominant tone for the remaining three matches. The Japanese were restricted to 90 for seven from their 20 overs and Hong Kong had little trouble chasing down the target in just 14 overs. After winning the toss, Hong Kong captain Kary Chan sent the hosts into bat and immediately took control of the game with some sharp bowling and aggressive field... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3197506/mariko-hill-stars-hong-kong-women-cruise-victory-east-asia-cup-opener?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3197506/mariko-hill-stars-hong-kong-women-cruise-victory-east-asia-cup-opener?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 27 Oct 2022 14:02:44 +0000 On March 28, 1976, some 3,000 curious fans turned up to watch a modest, one-day event that would go on to reshape rugby in Asia, and arguably the world. Entrance was free and 12 teams took part: the Wallaroos, Fiji, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Tonga, South Korea, Singapore, Cantabrians, Japan, Indonesia and Thailand. Hong Kong Sevens is born The then Hong Kong Rugby Union chairman and Sevens co-founder Arthur Donnison Cooley “Tokkie” Smith would prove farsighted about the impact it could... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3197348/hong-kong-sevens-firsts-45-years-landmarks-birth-waisale-serevi-covid?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3197348/hong-kong-sevens-firsts-45-years-landmarks-birth-waisale-serevi-covid?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 26 Oct 2022 12:57:32 +0000 Hong Kong squash chief Duncan Chiu has said the return of its flagship from a three-year absence will cement the tournament’s status as a permanent fixture on the calendar. Speaking at the official launch of the Everbright Securities Hong Kong Squash Open in Happy Valley on Tuesday, Chiu said governing body the World Squash Federation sees the city as an important stop on its annual schedule, and its return to the fold was a welcomed move. “We definitely will be a permanent fixture,” Chiu said.... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3197234/hong-kong-squash-open-will-put-city-back-map-says-sports-chairman-duncan-chiu?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3197234/hong-kong-squash-open-will-put-city-back-map-says-sports-chairman-duncan-chiu?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 26 Oct 2022 00:15:09 +0000 Ratchanon “TK” Chantananuwat’s preparation for this week’s Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in Thailand has been anything but normal. The 15-year-old has been juggling a gruelling schedule of training, fitness work, and physiotherapy – in addition to a hefty school load that has included three science tests, an English test and exams in economics and physics. On top of this are hours of extra tutoring to make up for the time he’s lost at school while playing golf with some of the best in the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3197208/liv-golf-boss-greg-norman-hails-thai-teen-star-ratchanon-tk-chantananuwat-trust-me-kid-has-got-it?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3197208/liv-golf-boss-greg-norman-hails-thai-teen-star-ratchanon-tk-chantananuwat-trust-me-kid-has-got-it?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 25 Oct 2022 10:52:35 +0000 The Bay Area Dragons moved to the top of the Philippine Basketball Association’s Commissioner’s Cup over the weekend and look well set for a run deep into the play-offs. A loss by former league leaders Magnolia, in combination with the Dragons’ 54-point drubbing of Terrafirma, sent the newly formed Chinese franchise, who are based in Hong Kong, to the top as the season reached its halfway mark. Launched in December last year, the Dragons joined the Commissioner’s Cup as a guest team in October... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3197045/bay-area-dragons-rocket-top-philippine-basketball-associations-commissioners-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3197045/bay-area-dragons-rocket-top-philippine-basketball-associations-commissioners-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 24 Oct 2022 09:02:45 +0000 Georgina Bradley, a 16-year-old Island School pupil, will make her international debut for Hong Kong this week, when the city’s women head to Japan for the East Asia Cup. Bradley is part of the 14-player squad competing in the fourth edition of the T20 international league, which takes place in Kaizuka from October 26 to 31. It’s a rapid rise for the teenager, who took up cricket before the age of 10 and has risen through the ranks of Cricket Hong Kong’s pathway programme to serve as... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3196961/hong-kong-skipper-kary-chan-scores-century-ahead-east-asia-cup-teen-rookie-bradley-readies-debut?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3196961/hong-kong-skipper-kary-chan-scores-century-ahead-east-asia-cup-teen-rookie-bradley-readies-debut?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 24 Oct 2022 01:00:12 +0000 Freestyle skier Eileen Gu admits she never really thought she would leave the Beijing Winter Olympics with three medals to her name and says her performance was still difficult to wrap her head around. The 19-year old, who won gold in big air and half-pipe, plus a silver in slopestyle, capped an amazing year by being crowned Female Athlete of Beijing 2022 at the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) Awards in Seoul. Gu, who competed for China in Beijing, became the first freestyle... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3196813/eileen-gu-named-best-performing-female-athlete-beijing-winter-olympics-says-winning-3-medals-was?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3196813/eileen-gu-named-best-performing-female-athlete-beijing-winter-olympics-says-winning-3-medals-was?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 21 Oct 2022 10:40:22 +0000 Next month a new style of fitness race that incorporates running, jumping, sledge pushing, burpees and throwing medicine balls against a wall makes its debut in Hong Kong, and organisers have set their sights on expanding the brand right across Asia. Hyrox pitches itself as a “race for every body”, catering to all levels of fitness and experience. A typical race is broken down into eight functional workouts “zones” with a 1km run between each of the eight zones. There’s no time limit and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3196282/hyrox-set-hong-kong-debut-fitness-and-health-expo-organisers-look?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3196282/hyrox-set-hong-kong-debut-fitness-and-health-expo-organisers-look?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 17 Oct 2022 13:30:10 +0000 It wasn’t long ago that players on the Asian Tour golf circuit were on the brink of quitting the sport entirely. Almost two years without competition had left many without work and questioning their future on the Tour. Fast forward to today and things could not be more different. At last week’s LIV Golf Invitational in Bangkok a very different picture of golf in Asia was on full display at the pristine surroundings of Stonehill. Greg Norman and Asian Tour eye Hong Kong for new events in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3195475/golfs-future-lies-asia-not-america-says-liv-boss-greg-norman-calls?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3195475/golfs-future-lies-asia-not-america-says-liv-boss-greg-norman-calls?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 10 Oct 2022 23:30:08 +0000 Spanish rookie Eugenio Chacarra secured the biggest payday of his young career, bagging US$4 million in the LIV Golf Invitational in Bangkok on Sunday. Chacarra, who only turned professional in June, had not finished inside the top 20 previously at a LIV event but landed a monster cheque after carding a final round three-under 69 to hold off former US Masters champion Patrick Reed by three strokes at Stonehill golf club. The 22-year-old followed up his opening two rounds of 65 and 63 to finish... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3195377/eugenio-chacarra-lifts-livs-lively-debut-maiden-tour-win-bangkok-takes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3195377/eugenio-chacarra-lifts-livs-lively-debut-maiden-tour-win-bangkok-takes?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 10 Oct 2022 00:30:15 +0000 After almost three years without a major professional golf tournament, Hong Kong could host two in 2023, as LIV Golf and the Asian Tour eye regional expansion. While the Tour has been discussing the possibility of reviving the Hong Kong Open, LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman said he had the city and mainland China firmly in his sights when it came to growing his invitational events and working with the Tour on expanding its International Series. Norman is no stranger to the city, having won the Open... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3195239/greg-norman-and-asian-tour-eye-hong-kong-new-events-citys-open-expected?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3195239/greg-norman-and-asian-tour-eye-hong-kong-new-events-citys-open-expected?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 07 Oct 2022 23:30:09 +0000 Greg Norman said the decision to exclude LIV players from official world rankings would ultimately hurt the major championships, after the governing body responsible for overseeing them said it would not rule immediately on the new outfit’s strategic partnership with the Mena Tour. The LIV Golf CEO said what should have been a straightforward process to include LIV events on the Tour’s schedule, there by allowing his players to gain ranking points, had become unnecessarily complicated and mired... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3195219/greg-norman-says-decision-exclude-liv-players-world-golf-rankings-hurts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3195219/greg-norman-says-decision-exclude-liv-players-world-golf-rankings-hurts?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 07 Oct 2022 10:41:30 +0000 LIV Golf has struck a strategic alliance with the Dubai-based Mena Tour in the hopes of securing Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points for its players, just days ahead of its debut event in Thailand. If approved by the OWGR, the deal, announced early on Thursday by Mena, would mean stars including Open Championship winner Cameron Smith, the No 3 player in the world, and LIV Golf Invitational Boston winner Dustin Johnson, could earn world ranking points for competing in LIV events. But in a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3195005/liv-golf-secures-world-ranking-points-under-strategic-alliance-dubai?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3195005/liv-golf-secures-world-ranking-points-under-strategic-alliance-dubai?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 06 Oct 2022 04:37:58 +0000 For two surging golf stars in Asia, this weekend’s LIV Golf Invitational in Bangkok is a chance to introduce a new generation of fans to a style of golf unlike anything they’ve experienced. Phachara “PK” Khongwatmai and Sadom Kaewkanjana, two promising players from Thailand, said LIV’s idea to embrace a newer style of tournament, one that incorporates music, entertainment, a more casual dress code and a team format, would resonate with younger audiences across the region. The hefty prize money... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3194941/music-shorts-and-tuk-tuks-players-embrace-liv-golfs-revamped-tournament?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3194941/music-shorts-and-tuk-tuks-players-embrace-liv-golfs-revamped-tournament?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Oct 2022 23:30:18 +0000 Coleman Wong Chak-lam this week closed out his junior tennis career on a high point. The latest ITF Junior Ranking placed the Hong Kong star at world No 12, his best yet. But for the man himself, it didn’t mean all that much. “I think it’s a career high or something,” Wong told the Post. “Yeah I’m happy, but to be honest I don’t really focus on junior rankings. Junior rankings are more like a stepping stone to the pro tour.” And that is exactly what awaits the 18-year-old as he leaves behind a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3192372/davis-cup-coleman-wong-joins-mens-tour-and-admits-pros-dont-give?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3192372/davis-cup-coleman-wong-joins-mens-tour-and-admits-pros-dont-give?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 13 Sep 2022 23:15:20 +0000 Hong Kong star Krystie Edwards said “we know we can win” after the side showed lots of fight in their 62-51 group stage loss to undefeated Sri Lanka at the Asian Netball Championships in Singapore on Thursday night. The defending champions and five-time winners of the event took an early lead and looked unstoppable as they forced a less experienced Hong Kong into a lopsided chase. Hong Kong, however, did show signs of brilliance, particularly in the second half where they mounted a comeback to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3191847/asian-netball-championships-hong-kong-know-we-can-win-after-showing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3191847/asian-netball-championships-hong-kong-know-we-can-win-after-showing?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 08 Sep 2022 11:48:55 +0000 Coleman Wong Chak-lam stormed into the quarter-finals of the US Open junior singles tournament early Thursday, after a grinding win over No 7 seed Gonzalo Bueno. The 18-year-old, who became the first Hong Kong player to appear in the quarter-finals of the boys singles at Wimbledon last month, downed Peru’s Bueno 7-6, 6-2 in just under two hours. Seeded No 9 in this year’s tournament, Wong has now defeated Spainiard Martin Landaluce and Peter Benjamin Privara of Slovakia and will face No 3 seed... https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3191749/us-open-coleman-wong-face-no-3-seed-kilian-feldbausch-historic-quarter?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3191749/us-open-coleman-wong-face-no-3-seed-kilian-feldbausch-historic-quarter?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 08 Sep 2022 02:28:25 +0000 Hong Kong’s trail running scene has been dealt another blow after organisers of the 2022 TransLantau ultra marathon were left with “no other choice” but to abandon plans for the November event. Last month, organisers flagged concerns about hosting the 100km and 140km events in Hong Kong, with Covid-19 restrictions preventing participants consuming food under current restrictions. A proposal to stage the event over two days has now been abandoned completely, in favour of a “virtual” event that... https://www.scmp.com/sport/outdoor/trail-running/article/3191507/translantau-ultra-marathon-cancelled-organisers-citing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/outdoor/trail-running/article/3191507/translantau-ultra-marathon-cancelled-organisers-citing?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 Sep 2022 06:27:55 +0000 Coleman Wong’s hopes of defending his US Open junior doubles title have been dashed in the opening round, after a razor thin loss to American pair Aidan Kim and Learner Tien in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Wong and doubles partner Edas Butvilas were narrowly edged out 7-6, 6-4, 8-10, by the Americans in just over one hour, bringing an early end to their campaign in New York. The Hongkonger managed some small measure of revenge however, beating 53rd-ranked Kim 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, to reach the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3191473/open-mixed-day-coleman-wong-doubles-title-defence-ends-first-hurdle?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3191473/open-mixed-day-coleman-wong-doubles-title-defence-ends-first-hurdle?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 Sep 2022 02:28:59 +0000 They’re unashamedly large, and fitness might not always be at the top of their agenda, but Hong Kong’s Pot Bellied Pigs are serious when it comes to raising money for underprivileged children. This weekend, the rugby club’s annual fundraising powerhouse, the Fat Boy 10s Tournament, returns to King’s Park for a second year, with 32 teams going head to head for bragging rights in what is now one of the bigger social rugby tournaments on the calendar, and surely the most colourful. Saturday marks a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3191386/hong-kong-rugbys-pot-bellied-pigs-giving-underprivileged-kids-sense?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3191386/hong-kong-rugbys-pot-bellied-pigs-giving-underprivileged-kids-sense?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 Sep 2022 00:30:24 +0000 Former NBA star and Beijing Ducks forward Jeremy Lin has signed a deal with Guangzhou Loong Lions for the 2022-23 Chinese Basketball Association season. The surprise move comes 1o years after Lin made waves in the NBA and kick-started the legendary run of “Linsanity” after his 38-point bonanza against the Los Angeles Lakers. “Still feel like a kid getting to live out my basketball dreams,” said Lin, who will wear the No 7 jersey for Guangzhou. In a lengthy post on Weibo, Lin admitted he has... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3191413/jeremy-lin-write-new-chapter-guangzhou-loong-lions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3191413/jeremy-lin-write-new-chapter-guangzhou-loong-lions?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 05 Sep 2022 09:48:15 +0000 For the past 12 weeks, Elizabeth Margerison and Josh Stone have been slugging it out on the mats of Hybrid Fitness in Central preparing for the return of the city’s annual charity event, Club Fight Night. First launched in 2017, Club Fight Night was set to make its return after a two-year hiatus on September 16, until news came through last week that the event had been pushed to November 18, thanks to the latest round of Covid-19 restrictions. For both Margerison and Stone, it was almost a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/boxing/article/3191234/club-fight-night-brutal-training-and-covid-delay-hong-kong-rugby-duo?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/boxing/article/3191234/club-fight-night-brutal-training-and-covid-delay-hong-kong-rugby-duo?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 04 Sep 2022 00:15:18 +0000 Serena Williams has been knocked out of the US Open by Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic, signalling the end of a glittering career which includes 23 grand slam titles. Arguably the most decorated player in history, Williams forced Tomljanovic to go the distance over an epic three-hour slugfest, but her efforts were not enough. Tomljanovic took the game 7-5, 6-7 (4/7), 6-1. Speaking after the match, a tearful Williams said will not reconsider her decision to retire from tennis, but left fans... https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3191217/us-open-serena-williams-falls-ajla-tomljanovic-says-she-wont?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3191217/us-open-serena-williams-falls-ajla-tomljanovic-says-she-wont?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 03 Sep 2022 03:10:18 +0000 Wu Yibing will face world No 1 Daniil Medvedev in the third round of the US Open after a historic win over Portugal’s Nuno Borges in New York early Thursday morning. Wu, winner of the US Open junior crown in 2017, recovered from two sets to one to beat Borges and set up a clash with the defending champion. By doing so, he becomes the first man from China to reach the third round of any grand slam tournament since 1946. “It was great for myself that I could maintain my level until the fifth set,”... https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3190950/us-open-chinas-wu-yibing-makes-more-history-after-reaching-third-round?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3190950/us-open-chinas-wu-yibing-makes-more-history-after-reaching-third-round?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 01 Sep 2022 06:15:33 +0000 World No 2 Cameron Smith will tee off in this week’s LIV Golf event in Boston, becoming the highest-ranked player to defect to the Saudi-backed series. Speculation over Smith’s exit from the PGA Tour has been swirling since the Australian golfer won the 2022 Open Champion at St Andrews last month. During a post-tournament press conference, Smith deflected questions about LIV, but refused to rule out a move, a deal believed to be worth more than US$100 million. In a statement, LIV confirmed the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3190839/cameron-smith-confirmed-latest-star-sign-saudi-backed-liv-golf-series?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3190839/cameron-smith-confirmed-latest-star-sign-saudi-backed-liv-golf-series?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 31 Aug 2022 09:06:57 +0000 Chinese driver Zhou Guanyu will start Sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix from the back of the grid, after penalties hampered what would have otherwise been a solid restart to his Formula One season. Zhou will join Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, Esteban Ocon, Lando Norris and Mick Schumacher at the back of the grid after they all received penalties for changing a raft of components on their power units and gearboxes during the qualification laps. As a result, Red Bull driver Sergio Perez will start a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-1/article/3190459/formula-1-zhou-guanyu-joins-6-drivers-handed-tough-grid-penalties?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-1/article/3190459/formula-1-zhou-guanyu-joins-6-drivers-handed-tough-grid-penalties?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 28 Aug 2022 07:18:16 +0000 Eastern have announced Hong Kong international Yue Tze-nam will join Chinese Super League side Meizhou Hakka on a 3.5 year contract. The 24-year-old Yue has spent 12 years with Eastern, appearing in both the Asian Cup qualifiers and EAFF Championship for Hong Kong. Meizhou Hakka, currently ranked fourth on the CSL ladder, have been on a tear this season, with their only loss being to Tianjin Jinmen Tiger in June. Yue follows in the footsteps of fellow Eastern players Tan Chun-lok, Leung... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3189674/hong-kong-international-yue-tze-nam-signs-chinese-super-league-side?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3189674/hong-kong-international-yue-tze-nam-signs-chinese-super-league-side?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 21 Aug 2022 14:30:28 +0000