Broken string snaps hopes of Hong Kong youngster Yip Tsz-fung
The 22-year-old blames bad luck when he lost to Egyptian seventh seed Tarek Momen in the second round
Bad luck robbed Yip Tsz-fung of becoming the first home player to reach the quarter-finals of the Cathay Pacific Sun Hung Kai Financial Hong Kong Open after losing 3-1 to Tarek Momen of Egypt yesterday.
After a convincing 11-4 win in the opening game against the seventh seed at the centre in Admiralty, Yip then lost the next two games 9-11, 7-11.
It was a bit frustrating to lose that point that way as I was coming back into the game
In the fourth game, he was 7-9 then clawed back to 8-9, but before Yip could level the score a string broke on his racket giving Momen the match point.
The Egyptian then won 11-9.
“It was a bit frustrating to lose that point that way as I was coming back into the game,” said the 22-year-old.
“But overall it has been a great experience to reach the second round and the opportunity of playing against a top 10 player.
READ MORE: Yip Tsz-fung is city’s sole surviving hope at Hong Kong Squash Open
“No doubt I have learned a lot at this level and, hopefully, it can boost my confidence when I start in the world team championship next week.”
Yip was the last Hong Kong player to fall as the tournament continues on Friday.
In the women’s second round, Nicol David of Malaysia had a routine day at the office, easily overcoming compatriot Delia Arnold.
The defending champion needed only 20 minutes to brush aside the opponent 11-1, 11-4, 11-3 to reach the quarter-finals.
“It’s always difficult against teammates and Arnold has had some great matches this year, including at the British Open,” said David.
“But perhaps she had a tough match in the previous round and also has not played on centre court. I took full advantage of this and it was an easy game.”
Meanwhile, Hong Kong have been promoted to third seed in the World Men’s Team Championship after a series of withdrawals and will now face South Africa, Switzerland and Colombia in pool C of the tournament.
England, the defending champions, France, Germany, the United States and Canada have pulled out of the event to be held in Cairo on December 12-18 due to security concerns, leaving 18 teams in contention.
