Hong Kong squash stars Annie Au and Max Lee aim for medals at Asian Championships
Number one seed hopes to live up to his top billing, while Annie Au defends her title in the women's section
Hong Kong's men have been conspicuous by their absence from the podium at the Asian Individual Championships for nearly two decades, but there is renewed hope the situation is about to change.
Faheem Khan was the last Hong Kong player to mount the rostrum when he won silver in 1996, having claimed gold in the same event in 1992.
In previous years I was an underdog. Now I become a target for others
The city's current best male player, Max Lee Ho-yin, ranked 17th in the world, is the team's medal hope when the championships take place in Kuwait next month, as he is seeded No 1.
"This is my first time to be top seed," said Lee, who's best result at the championships came last year when he reached the quarter-finals.
"In previous years I was an underdog. Now I become a target for others," said Lee, who won a men's singles bronze medal at last year's Incheon Asian Games.
"I know there is added pressure this time around and I hope I can make the necessary mental adjustments in the upcoming matches. I want to play with the heart of a challenger, like I did in the past."
Lee will be joined by another core player, Leo Au Chun-ming, as well as debutants Yip Tsz-fung and Wong Chi-him.
In the women's competition, star Annie Au Wing-chi will campaign as the defending champion. Her road to the top is likely to be very tough as eight-time Asian champion Nicol David, who missed the last edition of the championships, will be back again.
Au, the world No 12, said she would also be under pressure, but believed her good form could help her claim a medal.
"In a recent competition, I showed I had improved my fitness and was able to execute the game plan in a stable and calm way. This gives me confidence to play well in the Asian Championships," said Au.
"Facing Nicol on court will be tough. I must stay focused for every point as she will take advantage of any lapses in concentration. I have faced her before and have even led against her, but she turned the tables when I relaxed my guard."
Au's teammate Joey Chan Ho-ling, who won a bronze last year, is aiming to at least reach the semi-finals again. Liu Tsz-ling and first-timer Vanessa Chu are also in the draw.
Squash head coach Tony Choi Yuk-kwan said he was satisfied with the team's preparation.
"I have confidence that my players can win medals," said Choi: "The men's competition will be wide open. The top eight players are very close. Apart from Leo, Asian Games medallist Abdullah al-Mezayen [the third seed] from Kuwait could be a dark horse with home advantage. Saurav Ghosal and Nasir Iqbal are also strong contenders."
