Badminton: Lee Cheuk-yiu hoping for repeat of Hong Kong Open glory as tournament finally returns
- Men’s singles star looking to defend title he won in 2019 and boost his chances of qualifying for Paris Olympics
- The Super 500 tournament will be back at the Hong Kong Coliseum in Hung Hom in September after a four-year hiatus
Defending champion Lee Cheuk-yiu is hopeful of repeating his success in September’s badminton Hong Kong Open so he can boost his Olympic ranking – and qualify for next year’s Paris Games.
The Badminton World Federation’s Super 500 tournament is making a return to the city after four years away because of the anti-government protests in 2019 and the coronavirus pandemic.
The 26-year-old became the second men’s singles player to capture the home title when he beat Anthony Ginting of Indonesia in the final, after compatriot Ng Ka-long won the 2016 edition.
“It has been almost four years after the victory at Hong Kong Coliseum but the memories were still vivid,” Lee said. “Of course I am so happy we can finally return to our home venue to play again in front of a crowd.
“This year, the Hong Kong tournament is also part of the Olympic qualifiers and I would love to win it again to boost my ranking to make it to the 2024 Paris Games.”