‘High expectations’ for hosts ahead of Hong Kong Lacrosse Open, says association chief
The three-day men’s and women’s tournament begins on Friday at Stanley Ho Sports Centre, with a total of 15 teams in action
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Hong Kong’s men and women are under “high expectations” to perform at this week’s Hong Kong Lacrosse Open, according to association chief executive officer Raymond Fong Kun-sheng as the region’s second biggest tournament begins at Stanley Ho Sports Centre on Friday.
The Hong Kong Open features 10 men’s teams and five women’s teams competing over three days.
Hong Kong’s men have been drawn in group B alongside Beijing Sports University, Australian visitors Bayswater Rock as well as the national teams from South Korea and Singapore over the first two days.
The women, meanwhile, will face China, Singapore, Hong Kong’s Women’s Youth Academy as well as Team Fun from Japan in the round-robin group stage on Friday and Saturday as the hosts look to earn a place in Sunday’s final.
“This is the second biggest tournament in the region with different clubs and teams as well as the Hong Kong men’s and women’s team and we have high expectations that they are both going to win, although some of the other teams are good, so it is going to be a challenge, but doable,” said Hong Kong Lacrosse Association chief executive officer Fong.
“Not just the national teams, but some of the club teams like Team JJ from Hong Kong and Bayswater Rock from Australia are strong as well as the other teams from the region including Korea.”
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Hong Kong’s women are preparing for July’s World Cup, with both men’s and women’s teams will also compete in June’s Asia Pacific Championships in South Korea.
“This is a stepping stone for the women ahead of the World Cup in the United Kingdom in July this year, while the men’s World Cup is not until 2018 in Manchester, England. We expect to do well there as the men’s team is competitive in the region,” added Fong.
“We also have regional tournament for both men and women in June, it will also be very competitive, but we will look to retain a high position.”
In the men’s competition, group A is made up of Hong Kong Men’s Youth Academy, Team Siam from Thailand, Hong Kong’s Team JJ, Shanghai Expats and the Taiwan national team.
