Yip Tsz-fung is city's sole surviving hope at Hong Kong Squash Open
Local stars stumble in the opening round, while 22-year-old youngster becomes first Hongkonger to reach second round of world-class tournament in 30 years
Only one Hong Kong player Yip Tsz-fung reached the second round of the Cathay Pacific Sun Hung Kai Financial Hong Kong Open yesterday.
The 22-year-old Yip, who is ranked 59 also became the first homegrown player to reach the men's second round in the 30-year history of the world-class tournament.
Yip, who defeated 23rd-ranked Englishman Tom Richard 3-2, was delighted with the upset, saying this was his biggest win in his brief career after becoming full time two years ago.
Of course, the support of the home fans played an important role
"I lost the fourth game, but was able to hang in there and stay focused in the decider," he said.
"Of course, the support of the home fans played an important role."
Yip will take on seventh seed Tarek Momen of Egypt today.
Hong Kong's rising squash star Leo Au Chun-ming put up a strong fight, but could not overcome world champion Gregory Gaultier. The Frenchman and world number one was too strong for Au, who is ranked 31 in the world, beating him 3-1 at the Squash Centre in Admiralty.