Lee Cheuk-yiu’s giant-killing run at the Hong Kong Open ends in the semi-finals
- Hong Kong youngster beaten in straight games by Japan’s Kenta Nishimoto as he fails to match Angus Ng’s exploits of 2016
Lee Cheuk-yiu’s hopes of emulating Angus Ng Ka-long’s badminton exploits at the Yonex-Sunrise Hong Kong Open ended in failure when he lost to Japan’s Kenta Nishimoto 21-18, 21-12 in the men’s singles semi-finals on Saturday night.
Up-and-coming Lee was hoping to become only the second Hong Kong player to reach the final of the home tournament – Ng won the singles event in 2016 – but despite showing signs of promise in the first game, the 22-year-old was unable to put up a stern challenge and was beaten in 47 minutes at the Coliseum.
Lee was pleased he had reached the last four at the Hong Kong Open – his best result to date – but was disappointed he didn’t give it a better game of it.
“I had a bit luck in this tournament but today I discovered there was a big gap between the top players and myself,” said the world number 47, who played in the qualifiers before losing to the Asian Games bronze medallist from Japan.
“Thanks to the huge support from the fans. Many came to cheer for Hong Kong. I let them down.”