Former Hong Kong resident Christina McHale hoping for perfect homecoming
American, who spent her early years in the city, is seeded fourth at this week's tournament
It has already been a sweet homecoming for Christina McHale, but the fourth seed at the Prudential Hong Kong Open, which gets under way today at Victoria Park, is hoping it will be even sweeter by Sunday as she aims for victory in the inaugural tournament.
World number 44 McHale learned her basic tennis in the city where she lived from the age of three to eight and attended Hong Kong International School. Now she is back as a fully fledged professional and wants to crown her first visit in 14 years with a march to the title.
It is great to be back, I have a lot of good memories of Hong Kong and although most of my friends have left, I can still identify with this city
"It is great to be back, I have a lot of good memories of Hong Kong and although most of my friends have left, I can still identify with this city," said the 22-year-old American who is accompanied by her mum, Margarita.
"When I heard that Hong Kong was having a WTA tournament, I told my agent to make sure my schedule was clear and my mum was delighted. She made sure she would also be free to accompany me.
"She still has friends living here and I'm sure there will be plenty of reunions. Only yesterday we went and visited where we used to live and the school I used to go to. It is wonderful and it will be great playing in front of the Hong Kong people."
When she was three, her dad John, who is in the finance industry was transferred to Hong Kong. The family - she has an elder sister Lauren - lived in Tai Tam and it was at the Red Hill residence that McHale picked up a racquet for the first time.