Typhoon closure forces spectators to miss out on Hong Kong fencers at world championships
City’s fencers in men’s épée and women’s sabre bow out before the round of 16 behind closed doors of AsiaWorld-Expo
The typhoon that battered the city forced spectators to miss the morning action at the Kerry Fencing World Championships on Sunday, and by the time fans were allowed into AsiaWorld-Expo, all Hong Kong’s fencers, in men’s épée and women’s sabre, had been eliminated, and all before the round of 16.
In the empty arena in the morning, Cedric Ho Wai-hang faced world No 5 Gergely Siklosi in the opening round of the men’s épée, falling behind 1-7 before closing the gap to 4-9 by the end of the second period.
However, Ho failed to narrow the margin in the final period, ultimately losing 5-15.
Speaking after his match, Ho expressed regret that family and supporters could not attend in the morning and his failure to advance meant they could not watch him in the afternoon.
“Knowing that [typhoon] signal No 8 was up today and many fans and family members might not be able to come, I told myself I could win even against one of the world’s best,” Ho said.
“I wanted to hang on to reach the round of 16 or quarter-finals so spectators could come support me once the signal was lowered, but unfortunately I couldn’t make it. I hope to perform better in the upcoming team event and the Asian Games,” the 29-year-old said.