https://www.scmp.com/rss/524738/feed Stephy Zhang joined the Post in 2025 after working for China Daily Hong Kong, covering news related to Hong Kong-mainland affairs as both a writer and video journalist. She holds a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Hong Kong and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Indiana University Bloomington. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Li Yize, a core member of China’s under-18 basketball team, is facing allegations of age and identity fraud, reigniting long-standing public distrust in the domestic sports system. The controversy erupted following China’s 73-59 exhibition win over New Zealand on Friday, when Li recorded 20 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Despite his stand-out performance, fans online pointed out a striking resemblance between Li, whose listed birth date is March 27, 2008, and a player named Zhang... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3349795/fans-outraged-china-u18-basketball-player-faces-allegations-age-identity-fraud?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3349795/fans-outraged-china-u18-basketball-player-faces-allegations-age-identity-fraud?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Apr 2026 09:30:31 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Fan Zhendong has opted out of China’s defence of its World Team Table Tennis Championships title, sparking fears among fans that this could be the year the men finally lose. The reigning National Games singles champion, Fan qualified automatically for the tournament, which runs from April 28 to May 10 in London, but reportedly gave up his spot for “personal reasons”. At the previous championships in South Korea two years ago, Fan was instrumental in securing China’s 11th consecutive title,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3349512/china-defend-world-team-championships-title-without-table-tennis-star-fan-zhendong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3349512/china-defend-world-team-championships-title-without-table-tennis-star-fan-zhendong?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:00:08 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Chinese table tennis star Wang Chuqin admitted in a recent interview that he is trying to emulate the stability provided by legends Ma Long and Fan Zhendong in his new role leading the men’s national team. After Ma and Fan withdrew from the world rankings in late 2024 after the Paris Olympics, Wang was thrust into the spotlight for the Chinese men’s team. Wang was interviewed by a mainland sports magazine before the ITTF World Cup event in Macau for an article published online on... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3349368/chinese-star-wang-chuqin-admits-he-trying-emulate-stability-ma-long-fan-zhendong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3349368/chinese-star-wang-chuqin-admits-he-trying-emulate-stability-ma-long-fan-zhendong?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 08 Apr 2026 09:30:14 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Wang Chuqin and Zhao Xintong have more in common than being champions in their respective sports; the pair are close friends and are eyeing a potential reunion in London after clinching major titles on the same day. The International Table Tennis Federation World Cup in Macau and the snooker Tour Championship in Manchester both finished on Sunday, with Wang and Zhao securing the men’s singles titles in each. Zhao, who beat world No 1 Judd Trump, revealed the pair had been messaging throughout... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3349275/close-friends-wang-and-zhao-eye-london-reunion-after-both-win-titles-same-day?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3349275/close-friends-wang-and-zhao-eye-london-reunion-after-both-win-titles-same-day?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 07 Apr 2026 14:00:07 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang China topped the medal table at the 2026 Artistic Gymnastics Apparatus World Cup in Cairo, with a team of rising stars and Olympic champions securing three gold, two silver and three bronze medals. Competition concluded on Monday with China claiming gold in the men’s parallel bars, horizontal bar and the women’s floor exercise. Ke Qinqin won gold in the women’s floor exercise with a score of 12.966 after a fluid and stable routine. The 15-year-old also took home silver on the balance beam with... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3349236/china-finish-top-medal-table-2026-artistic-gymnastics-apparatus-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3349236/china-finish-top-medal-table-2026-artistic-gymnastics-apparatus-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 07 Apr 2026 11:00:08 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Zhao Xintong has said he hopes to maintain his winning form for the defence of his World Snooker Championship title – a feat no first-time winner has been able to achieve at the Crucible. The Chinese snooker star made history last weekend when he won the Tour Championship to become the first player to win all three Players Series events in a single season, but the 29-year-old has a new challenge awaiting him in two weeks. Zhao’s sixth career ranking title came on Sunday after he defeated world... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3349188/chinese-star-zhao-xintong-hopes-continue-winning-run-world-snooker-championship?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3349188/chinese-star-zhao-xintong-hopes-continue-winning-run-world-snooker-championship?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Apr 2026 13:00:55 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Chinese basketball star Guo Ailun has reportedly been scammed of almost 10 million yuan (US$1.45 million) by an acquaintance, with his family reporting the incident to police. A mainland sports media outlet reported on Sunday night that Guo and his family were allegedly victims of a large-scale fraud perpetrated by a close friend, and there was currently no clear word on whether the missing funds could be recovered. The “friend” reportedly induced Guo to transfer almost 10 million yuan under the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3349157/china-basketball-star-guo-ailun-reportedly-loses-almost-10-million-yuan-investing-scam?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3349157/china-basketball-star-guo-ailun-reportedly-loses-almost-10-million-yuan-investing-scam?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Apr 2026 09:30:08 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang The city’s youth teams battled torrential rain as well as some strong opposition on their way to securing five titles and one third-place finish at the Hong Kong Lacrosse Junior Open on Sunday. Despite multiple suspensions because of thunderstorm warnings and a yellow rain signal during the afternoon finals in Aberdeen and Wong Chuk Hang, the young athletes appeared even more excited. Hong Kong claimed championships in the under-8 and under-10 mixed competitions, the under-12 girls and both... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3349094/hong-kongs-youth-teams-sweep-junior-lacrosse-titles-event-eyes-2028-olympics?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3349094/hong-kongs-youth-teams-sweep-junior-lacrosse-titles-event-eyes-2028-olympics?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 05 Apr 2026 23:00:11 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Hong Kong is moving away from the solitary pursuit of physical perfection towards a more social approach to health, according to one industry veteran, who believes the “looking good” era is being replaced by a need to “feel good”. With more than a decade of industry experience, Charlz Ng Cheuk-ho, the former co-owner of House of Fitness gym, has spent much of his career building the city’s wellness infrastructure. As the former managing director of Hybrid Group, he helped bring the Spartan Race... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3348993/feel-good-factor-now-driving-fitness-trends-looking-good-era-fading-away?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3348993/feel-good-factor-now-driving-fitness-trends-looking-good-era-fading-away?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 04 Apr 2026 02:00:17 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3349486/olympic-diver-quan-hongchan-opens-cyberbullying?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3349486/olympic-diver-quan-hongchan-opens-cyberbullying?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang China’s under-16 women’s team moved into second place at the Montaigu Football World Cup after a 2-1 victory over hosts France on Wednesday, their second consecutive win in the six-team tournament. Zhou Jintong and He Fengqingyang both scored as the visitors triumphed at the Stade Maxime Bossis. China took the lead in the 15th minute when Zhou curled a free kick into the top corner. They doubled their advantage in the 45th minute after He controlled a long pass in the box and scored with a shot... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3348833/china-under-16-womens-team-beat-hosts-france-second-win-invitational-event?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3348833/china-under-16-womens-team-beat-hosts-france-second-win-invitational-event?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 Apr 2026 14:00:09 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Snooker world No 1 Bai Yulu said on Tuesday that she hopes her journey inspires more people to appreciate the sport’s charm, and encourages more girls to pick up a cue. In a 37-minute interview with state media, the 22-year-old discussed her career path and described herself as still being in a “growth phase”. The defending women’s world snooker champion defined herself as a “clumsy bird flying early”, attributing her success to a lot of practice rather than being a “genius”. “I think talent... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3348797/chinese-world-no-1-snooker-player-bai-yulu-hoping-more-girls-will-emulate-her-journey?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3348797/chinese-world-no-1-snooker-player-bai-yulu-hoping-more-girls-will-emulate-her-journey?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 Apr 2026 12:00:08 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Hong Kong’s top women’s player Doo Hoi-kem was eliminated from the ITTF World Cup in Macau on Wednesday, after losing a group-stage match 3-1 to China’s Wang Yidi. Doo’s exit follows that of teammate Lam Siu-hang the previous night, ending Hong Kong’s participation in the tournament. Lam, like Doo, also finished second in his group. Doo fell 8-11, 11-8, 11-8, 11-4 to her friendly rival, finishing the group stage with one win and one loss to place second and missing the 16-strong knockout... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3348688/ittf-world-cup-hong-kongs-doo-hoi-kem-ousted-chinas-wang-yidi-wonderful-match?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3348688/ittf-world-cup-hong-kongs-doo-hoi-kem-ousted-chinas-wang-yidi-wonderful-match?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Apr 2026 12:00:17 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Hong Kong’s Doo Hoi-kem kept her ITTF World Cup campaign alive with a narrow 3-2 victory over Poland’s Natalia Bajor on Tuesday to set up a high-stakes clash with world No 8 Wang Yidi. The local No 1 woman became the only remaining hope in the tournament after teammate Lam Siu-hang saw his journey end in the group stage. Hong Kong fielded just one male and one female representative at the week-long tournament, which opened on Monday in Macau. World No 35 Doo held off the Polish player, ranked 23... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3348557/ittf-world-cup-hong-kongs-doo-hoi-kem-edges-polish-rival-key-clash-world-no-8?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3348557/ittf-world-cup-hong-kongs-doo-hoi-kem-edges-polish-rival-key-clash-world-no-8?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:56:17 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Despite the absence of snow and ice, former world No 4 ice climber Janet Kung Tsz-shan holds high hopes for the technical sport in Hong Kong and wants to see it debut at the 2030 Winter Olympics. Living in a subtropical city where November temperatures can reach 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit) and snow has not fallen in 50 years, Kung’s rise up the rankings remains an anomaly. In order to showcase the sport locally, and as one of ice climbing’s disciplines does not require ice, Kung has... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3348520/hong-kong-ice-climber-aiming-raise-awareness-technical-sport-subtropical-city?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3348520/hong-kong-ice-climber-aiming-raise-awareness-technical-sport-subtropical-city?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 31 Mar 2026 09:30:07 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Olympic champion diver Quan Hongchan has revealed she is a victim of cyberbullying over her physique, stating it has made her feel “resistance and dissatisfaction” towards her body and she yearns to be her former cheerful self. In an interview published on Monday, the diving star discussed the pressure and confusion of entering adulthood. Quan, who turned 19 in March, noted that weight has been her primary struggle as an adult. “People keep saying my weight is very heavy,” she said. “I am... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3348424/olympic-champion-diving-star-quan-hongchan-says-she-victim-cyberbullying-over-her-body?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3348424/olympic-champion-diving-star-quan-hongchan-says-she-victim-cyberbullying-over-her-body?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Mar 2026 15:00:09 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Ceci Lee Sze-wing showed her “physical and mental strength” at the Asian Track Cycling Championships, her coach said, reaching the podium in every event she entered to finish with two gold, one silver and two bronze medals on Monday. The Hong Kong cycling star concluded her personal campaign on the sixth day of the seven-day meet in Tagaytay, Philippines, by capturing her second gold in the 10km scratch race. A year after claiming her first Asian title in the same event, the 24-year-old showed... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3348439/hong-kong-star-ceci-lee-defends-10km-scratch-title-asian-event-teammates-show-promise?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3348439/hong-kong-star-ceci-lee-defends-10km-scratch-title-asian-event-teammates-show-promise?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Mar 2026 13:39:29 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Su Yiming secured his second Crystal Globe trophy of the season on Saturday, concluding a dominant 2025-26 campaign that saw him reach the podium in every international event he entered in slopestyle and big air. Following the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS)’s decision to cancel Sunday’s men’s slopestyle event at the Park & Pipe World Cup Finals, the Chinese snowboarding star finished top of the standings with 140 points. Persistent bad weather in Silvaplana, Switzerland, and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3348252/chinese-snowboarding-star-su-yiming-claims-second-crystal-globe-trophy-season?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3348252/chinese-snowboarding-star-su-yiming-claims-second-crystal-globe-trophy-season?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Mar 2026 15:00:09 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Hong Kong’s Lam Siu-hang will replace injured Chinese world No 5 Lin Shidong in the field for the ITTF World Cup in Macau, less than a week before the event starts next Monday. The 20-year-old withdrew because of recurrent tendinitis and a partial tear in his rotator cuff. Medical and coaching staff cited the player being in persistent pain and having restricted shoulder movement caused by accumulated fatigue from a dense tournament schedule. The coaching team made the decision to protect the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3348198/ittf-world-cup-hong-kongs-lam-siu-hang-take-injured-lin-shidongs-spot-macau?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3348198/ittf-world-cup-hong-kongs-lam-siu-hang-take-injured-lin-shidongs-spot-macau?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Mar 2026 14:00:19 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Olympic diving champion Zhang Jiaqi has hit back at critics who have labelled her career shift to live streaming as “the fall of a genius”, asserting that financial independence is the ultimate freedom for women. The 21-year-old retired in November after finishing 10th in the National Games 10m platform final, marking the end of a 15-year career and the start of a new life chapter. Her live stream e-commerce debut a week later sparked an online backlash, with internet trolls accusing her of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3347758/olympic-diving-champion-zhang-jiaqi-defends-career-switch-says-she-has-find-new-job?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3347758/olympic-diving-champion-zhang-jiaqi-defends-career-switch-says-she-has-find-new-job?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Mar 2026 00:00:08 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Former nurse Zhang Shuihua secured her first title as a full-time marathon runner – and in a record time – at the 2026 Lishui Marathon, three months after announcing her resignation from her “iron rice bowl” position. Once known as China’s “fastest female nurse”, Zhang sparked widespread debate last year after winning the Harbin Marathon as an amateur, after which she tearfully pleaded for her “leaders to support her time-off requests to run marathons”. Six months later, and after resigning from... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3347620/former-fastest-female-nurse-wins-first-marathon-professional-earning-40000-yuan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3347620/former-fastest-female-nurse-wins-first-marathon-professional-earning-40000-yuan?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Mar 2026 14:00:10 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Cheung Ka-long hit back at his online critics after he claimed bronze from the Foil Grand Prix in Peru on Monday. Currently down at world No 9 after a fallow period following his 2024 Olympic gold, Cheung has now claimed consecutive podium finishes following his third place at last month’s grand prix in Italy. He won an all-Hong Kong battle with Ryan Choi Chun-yin in his Lima quarter-final, before going down 15-3 to Kirill Borodachev in the last four. After recently incurring the wrath of some... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3347623/hong-kongs-cheung-ka-long-dismisses-online-critics-after-claiming-bronze-peru?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3347623/hong-kongs-cheung-ka-long-dismisses-online-critics-after-claiming-bronze-peru?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Mar 2026 12:45:09 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Spanish partnerships claimed both major titles from the FIP Bronze tournament in Hong Kong on Sunday, before they tipped their Asian rivals to start challenging them on the European padel circuit. Patricia Araus Lopez secured her second success in the city, joining debutant Cristina Carrascosa Cazorla to claim the women’s crown at Go Park Sai Sha. In the men’s division, Pablo Reina Ambel and Hector Vazquez Lopez shared their first success together. Intense sun and gusty winds added a layer of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3347498/spanish-stars-dominate-hong-kong-padel-finals-eyeing-olympic-games-inclusion?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3347498/spanish-stars-dominate-hong-kong-padel-finals-eyeing-olympic-games-inclusion?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Mar 2026 04:00:13 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Olympic gold medallist Wang Shun had to settle for silver in the 200 metres individual medley on his 2026 season debut, while the 13-year-old sensation Yu Zidi staged a stunning comeback for her third triumph of the China Open Swimming Championships on Sunday. The only athlete born in the 1990s who competed in his final, the 32-year-old Wang qualified fastest in his group from the morning heats. He began the final strongly but faded towards the end and was overtaken by the talented 21-year-old... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3347501/yu-zidi-completes-golden-hat-trick-china-open-swimming-championships?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3347501/yu-zidi-completes-golden-hat-trick-china-open-swimming-championships?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Mar 2026 14:04:49 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Siobhan Haughey won women’s 100m freestyle gold by the narrowest of margins, Tang Qianting shattered her own Asian record twice in a matter of hours and there was more glory for teen sensation Yu Zidi on the opening day of the China Open Swimming Championships. Returning to the site of her National Games glory in Shenzhen, Haughey led from start to finish to beat Australia’s Mollie O’Callaghan by a hundredth of a second on Thursday, touching the wall at Longgang Universiade Centre Natatorium in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3347155/tang-breaks-own-womens-50m-breaststroke-asian-record-haughey-chasing-100m-freestyle-gold?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3347155/tang-breaks-own-womens-50m-breaststroke-asian-record-haughey-chasing-100m-freestyle-gold?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Mar 2026 09:10:07 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Hong Kong’s padel players have more to fight for than ranking points at the FIP Bronze tournament in the city this week, they are also battling for Asian Games recognition. The sport was awarded medal status for the competition in Japan later this year, and the city’s athletes have some catching up to do if they want to be part of the occasion. Not that September’s Games are the main focus for players or the newly formed Hong Kong China Padel Association (HKCPA), which is hoping to become the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3347074/hong-kong-padel-players-eye-asian-games-selection-fip-bronze-event-gets-under-way?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3347074/hong-kong-padel-players-eye-asian-games-selection-fip-bronze-event-gets-under-way?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Mar 2026 14:13:49 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang The winner of the 2026 Chongqing Wanzhou Marathon was stopped and diverted just before the finish line, an incident organisers blamed on an official’s rain-soaked glasses. Yunnan runner Sheng Xueli was leading by a fair distance on Sunday, but when he approached the finish line, a confused official mistook him for a half-marathon participant and blocked his path. Sheng was then directed into the half-marathon finishers’ chute. Following the confusion, officials eventually guided him back to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3346866/chinese-race-official-handed-1-year-ban-after-mistakenly-pushing-winner-course?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3346866/chinese-race-official-handed-1-year-ban-after-mistakenly-pushing-winner-course?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Mar 2026 09:30:09 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang China’s women had already reached this year’s Fiba Basketball World Cup by the time they came up against the Czech Republic on Sunday, but there was no chance of their going easy. Gong Luming’s side powered to an 84-74 victory, sealing their third win of the play-in tournament in some style, and putting the finishing touches to a qualification secured by Brazil’s 76-73 win over Mali hours earlier at Wuhan Sports Centre Gymnasium. The win took China to second in the standings before they face the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3346747/womens-basketball-world-cup-china-get-through-qualifiers-want-be-better-team?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3346747/womens-basketball-world-cup-china-get-through-qualifiers-want-be-better-team?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Mar 2026 13:00:08 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang The Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens celebrates its 50th birthday next month, although there appears to be little excitement in the city as the tournament approaches. Rather than being ready to mark the special occasion, fans and businesses the South China Morning Post spoke to were more inclined to treat it as “just an ordinary week”, while bemoaning the rise in ticket prices. A first rise in prices since 2018 has taken the cost of a three-day ticket to HK$2,250 for adults and HK$1,100 for children... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3346719/hong-kong-sevens-hits-50-fans-more-focused-ticket-prices-just-ordinary-week?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3346719/hong-kong-sevens-hits-50-fans-more-focused-ticket-prices-just-ordinary-week?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Mar 2026 09:30:09 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Hong Kong will field their strongest squad at the 2026 UCI Track World Cup at home next month, in an event head coach Herve Dagorne has billed the “hardest of the season”. Before that event, which takes place at the Hong Kong Velodrome in Tseung Kwan O from April 17 to 19, the team are targeting 10 medals at the Asian Track Cycling Championships later this month as they build up to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. “We really need to be at our best,” Dagorne said. “We need to perform.” Dagorne said... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3346606/hong-kong-field-strongest-team-hardest-season-uci-track-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3346606/hong-kong-field-strongest-team-hardest-season-uci-track-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Mar 2026 13:00:08 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang China’s Wang Zhiyi said her resilience had been key to beating world No 1 An Se-young to secure her first All England Open Badminton Championships title, ending a 10-match losing streak against her South Korean rival. Wang won 21-15, 21-19 on Sunday to claim her 12th BWF World Tour singles title. The victory marks the first time in seven years a Chinese player has won the women’s singles crown in Birmingham. “I am super excited. I feel like a dream comes true,” Wang said. “Honestly, I still... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3345972/chinas-wang-says-resilience-key-stunning-win-over-world-no-1-all-england-final?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3345972/chinas-wang-says-resilience-key-stunning-win-over-world-no-1-all-england-final?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Mar 2026 11:00:09 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Chinese swimming star Li Bingjie has rejected the notion she was ever a prodigy, and rather considered herself to be a “shark” who swam her way back to the top through years of hardship and who now had her sights set on the Los Angeles Olympics. Li rose to fame at age 15, breaking the Asian record when she won silver at the 2017 World Aquatics Championships in Budapest, and claiming four gold medals at the National Games that year. However, there was an eight-year gap before she achieved another... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3345884/chinese-swimmer-li-bingjie-reveals-secret-her-return-la-olympic-track-cold-buns?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3345884/chinese-swimmer-li-bingjie-reveals-secret-her-return-la-olympic-track-cold-buns?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Mar 2026 02:00:22 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Hong Kong mixed doubles pair Jordan Tang Chun-man and Tse Ying-suet did something no other city badminton team had managed before this weekend – they won bronze at the All England Open. Tang and Tse, currently ranked seventh in the world, faced Chinese Taipei’s Ye Hong-wei and Nicole Gonzales Chan, who are ranked 15th, in Saturday’s semi-finals in Birmingham. After a tough three-game match, the Hong Kong team lost 21-16, 15-21, 13-21, which left them third. The All England Open, as part of the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3345890/all-england-open-hong-kong-badminton-pair-jordan-tang-tse-ying-suet-win-historic-bronze?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3345890/all-england-open-hong-kong-badminton-pair-jordan-tang-tse-ying-suet-win-historic-bronze?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 08 Mar 2026 12:30:10 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Hong Kong’s rising triathlon stars are preparing to compete at the final Youth Olympics qualifying event on home soil next weekend, as they look to end a years-long absence from the Games. The CCB International Asia Triathlon Junior and Under-23 Championships will be the last opportunity for the region’s hopefuls to earn qualifying points for this year’s Olympics in Dakar before the window closes at the end of March. Traditionally, Hong Kong has sent one male and one female triathlete to the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3345759/hong-kong-triathletes-out-make-home-advantage-count-race-reach-youth-olympics?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3345759/hong-kong-triathletes-out-make-home-advantage-count-race-reach-youth-olympics?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Mar 2026 03:00:53 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Wang Liqin, president of the Chinese Table Tennis Association (CTTA), has said that efforts to rectify toxic fan culture in the sport are seeing progress as the national team balances Olympic preparations with youth development. The former world and Olympic champion is in Beijing for the annual “two sessions” meeting as a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), joined by other sports figures including former CTTA president Liu... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3345618/table-tennis-head-wang-liqin-says-progress-being-made-fix-toxic-fan-culture?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3345618/table-tennis-head-wang-liqin-says-progress-being-made-fix-toxic-fan-culture?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Mar 2026 14:02:42 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang China tennis star Zheng Qinwen has named former world No 8 Marcos Baghdatis as her new coach and dismissed talk of a split with former trainer Pere Riba, saying the Spaniard was just taking a break. Zheng had sparked rumours of a split with Riba after unfollowing her long-time coach on social media and posting the Nietzsche quote, “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how”, on a revamped profile. But speaking on Wednesday ahead of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, she said the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3345533/zheng-qinwen-adds-marcos-baghdatis-coaching-line-dismisses-talk-riba-split?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3345533/zheng-qinwen-adds-marcos-baghdatis-coaching-line-dismisses-talk-riba-split?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Mar 2026 07:30:08 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Freestyle skiing star Eileen Gu said representing China had allowed her to fulfil her mission of popularising winter sport and dismantling gender barriers, but acknowledged it was something “a lot of people won’t understand or believe”. The 22-year-old, who brought her career total to six medals at last month’s Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, wrote on social media on Tuesday that her decision had turned her dreams into reality and maximised her global impact, encouraging young girls especially... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3345392/eileen-gu-says-people-wont-understand-or-believe-why-she-decided-compete-china?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3345392/eileen-gu-says-people-wont-understand-or-believe-why-she-decided-compete-china?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Mar 2026 09:30:08 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Hong Kong’s women have withdrawn from the football Pink Ladies Cup in Dubai and will return home as soon as possible, as the conflict in the Middle East continues to escalate. The team, who arrived in the United Arab Emirates last week and lost 4-0 to Ghana on Saturday, had been expected to play Tanzania on Wednesday before wrapping up the four-team tournament against Russia two days later. On Tuesday, the Football Association of Hong Kong, China (HKFA) said it had formally notified tournament... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3345239/hong-kongs-women-withdraw-dubai-football-event-will-head-home-soon-possible?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3345239/hong-kongs-women-withdraw-dubai-football-event-will-head-home-soon-possible?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Mar 2026 06:24:45 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang China dominating a diving competition is not really news, but the emergence of two teenagers has made fans sit up and take notice of the weekend’s World Cup stop in Montreal. In an event where the country’s athletes won nine gold and four silver medals, it was those secured by Jiang Linjing, 15, and Cui Jiaxi, 13, that got tongues wagging. Jiang, who rose to prominence by finishing third behind Olympic champions Chen Yuxi and Quan Hongchan at the 2023 National Diving Championships, took the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3345096/chinese-diving-pipeline-spills-out-two-teens-already-being-hailed-future-champs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3345096/chinese-diving-pipeline-spills-out-two-teens-already-being-hailed-future-champs?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Mar 2026 05:59:44 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Hong Kong racing welcomed in Lunar New Year with the biggest attendance since 2019, booming visitor numbers and officials hailing “a fantastic start” to the Year of the Horse. A bumper crowd of more than 92,000 descended on Sha Tin Racecourse on Thursday, and the Hong Kong Jockey Club said almost 100,000 spectators had watched the day’s action across the city’s two venues. And with the city welcoming 1 million tourist arrivals from the mainland and elsewhere for the holiday, some 20,395 of those... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3344000/bumper-crowds-pack-sha-tin-racecourse-hoping-trainer-tings-good-fortune-rubs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3344000/bumper-crowds-pack-sha-tin-racecourse-hoping-trainer-tings-good-fortune-rubs?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Feb 2026 08:14:53 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Hong Kong pickleball has started the year on a high, with the city’s top player Ryan Lam Chun-hei becoming No 1 in the World Pickleball Championship’s first combined rankings for 2026. Second in the men’s singles category behind Hungary’s Bako Balint Gergo, the 29-year-old is third in the men’s doubles and second in the mixed men’s categories. Lam, who topped the combined list in the men’s 19-plus category in January with 51,100 points, called his achievement “just the beginning”. “Pickleball... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3343340/shot-arm-hong-kong-pickleball-city-player-ryan-lam-tops-global-rankings?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3343340/shot-arm-hong-kong-pickleball-city-player-ryan-lam-tops-global-rankings?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Feb 2026 00:00:29 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Eileen Gu is looking to defend her big air crown at the Winter Olympics this Sunday, but she will once again have to outdo the Swiss skier who denied her a gold medal for the second consecutive Games earlier this week. The Chinese freestyle skiing star finished second to Mathilde Gremaud of Switzerland in the women’s slopestyle, a repeat of the result at the last Games. But both athletes were very positive after the event. “That was definitely the best slopestyle run I’ve ever done,” Gu... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3343211/eileen-gu-has-winter-olympics-gold-sight-rival-mathilde-gremaud-stands-her-way?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3343211/eileen-gu-has-winter-olympics-gold-sight-rival-mathilde-gremaud-stands-her-way?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Feb 2026 02:00:56 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang In the cycle of the Chinese zodiac, the “Ben Ming Nian” – a year that corresponds to the same zodiac animal as your birth year – is often met with caution and respect. Some see it as a curse with potential obstacles, while others consider it a chance for personal growth aligned with their sign. For Hong Kong jockeys Vincent Ho Chak-yiu, Karis Teetan and Matthew Chadwick – all born in the Year of the Horse 36 years ago – this cycle carries special meaning as their daily lives are closely linked... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3342927/born-race-3-hong-kong-jockeys-ben-ming-nian-what-year-horse-means-them?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3342927/born-race-3-hong-kong-jockeys-ben-ming-nian-what-year-horse-means-them?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 Feb 2026 00:00:09 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Sun Yingsha won her first Asian Cup women’s singles title on Sunday, while her compatriot Wang Chuqin successfully defended his crown. The five-day 35th ITTF-ATTU Asian Cup concluded in Haikou with the Chinese table tennis team taking both the men’s and women’s singles titles. The women’s team completed a clean sweep of medals, winning gold, silver and bronze. In the women’s singles final, the 25-year-old Sun beat Wang Manyu 4-3. The world No 1 started strong, winning the opening game 11-2. In... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3342913/sun-yingsha-wins-first-asian-cup-singles-title-while-wang-chuqin-successfully-defends-crown?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3342913/sun-yingsha-wins-first-asian-cup-singles-title-while-wang-chuqin-successfully-defends-crown?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Feb 2026 08:30:51 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Hong Kong swimming star Siobhan Haughey has made a record-breaking start to the Asian Games year, with gold medal wins in both the women’s 50m and 200m freestyle at the three-day Dubai Swimming Championships, which ended on Sunday. The 28-year-old won the 50m freestyle final in 24.67 seconds just on Friday, breaking the meet record. Haughey then competed in her strongest event, the women’s 200m freestyle, finishing first in 1:54.85. She was more than three seconds ahead of the runner-up, with... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3342838/hong-kong-swimming-star-siobhan-haughey-makes-record-breaking-start-asian-games-year?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3342838/hong-kong-swimming-star-siobhan-haughey-makes-record-breaking-start-asian-games-year?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 08 Feb 2026 23:00:30 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang In the early hours of Sunday, China’s snowboarder Su Yiming won bronze in the men’s big air, securing the country’s first medal at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. Even though Su won bronze, some Chinese netizens raised concerns about the scores awarded by the Japanese judge – one of six from different countries scoring the contest. On Su’s first jump, he scored 88.75, with the Japanese judge giving the lowest mark of 87, which was not added to the tally. On his second jump, he was awarded... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3342834/su-yiming-defends-judging-after-winning-big-air-bronze-eileen-gu-admits-feeling-pressure?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3342834/su-yiming-defends-judging-after-winning-big-air-bronze-eileen-gu-admits-feeling-pressure?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 08 Feb 2026 13:00:09 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Chinese table tennis superstars Wang Chuqin laid into unruly fans at the 35th ITTF-ATTU Asian Cup, after they repeatedly disrupted his opponent during a singles match on Wednesday. Despite world No 1s Wang and compatriot Sun Yingsha picking up straight-game victories to start the new season in Haikou, both expressed unhappiness with supporters who used flashes when taking pictures and screamed while points were being played. In the first round of the men’s group stage, Wang eased past world No... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3342488/china-table-tennis-superstar-wang-blasts-unruly-fans-asian-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3342488/china-table-tennis-superstar-wang-blasts-unruly-fans-asian-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Feb 2026 08:01:38 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Lin Xiaojun, the former South Korean speed skater now competing for China, has expressed gratitude to the Chinese team as he gets set to make his first and possibly last Olympic appearance for his new country, eight years after switching nationalities. The Olympic gold medallist was banned from training with his native national team before being signed by the Chinese Skating Association, but missed the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics because of IOC rules. Appearing on a recent state media TV... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3342401/olympic-champion-lin-xiaojun-grateful-new-country-china-chance-keep-skating?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3342401/olympic-champion-lin-xiaojun-grateful-new-country-china-chance-keep-skating?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Feb 2026 23:01:40 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Former Houston Rockets star Yao Ming believes Chinese players trying to make it in the NBA often lack the “survival instinct” needed to succeed compared with their rivals. The former head of the Chinese Basketball Association, who is one of his country’s most famous sporting exports, questioned whether players approached their time among the game’s elite with the right mindset. Speaking during the season premiere of the famous mainland television programme Thirteen Talks, Yao told host Xu... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3342112/chinese-players-often-lack-survival-instinct-needed-thrive-nba-yao-ming-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3342112/chinese-players-often-lack-survival-instinct-needed-thrive-nba-yao-ming-says?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Feb 2026 10:00:11 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Among the performers during the three-day Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show were eight retired equines who now move to music rather than racing around a track. Graduates of a Hong Kong Jockey Club programme designed to give these elite animals a new lease of life, the group included multiple race winners such as Prawn BaBa and Bo Duke. Aimed at retraining them after their racing days are over, Natasha Rose, the club’s executive manager of equestrian affairs projects, said the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3341999/racing-moving-music-jockey-club-gives-retired-racehorses-new-lease-life?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3341999/racing-moving-music-jockey-club-gives-retired-racehorses-new-lease-life?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 01 Feb 2026 10:37:34 +0000