OpinionLeft Field: Tobacco sponsor ban has hurt sports over the years
Legislation banning tobacco advertising was full of merit but it is sports, tennis in particular, that has paid the price
It was 32 years ago that Ivan Lendl's star began rising. And one of the first titles in his career - he won 147 including eight grand slams - was in Hong Kong where he defeated American Brian Teacher 5-7, 7-6 (7-2), 6-3 in the final of a US$75,000 tournament at Victoria Park.
That was in the pre-ATP era. Lendl has fond memories, and harked back to that victory this week in a teleconference held by organisers of the BNP Paribas Showdown, which will come to Hong Kong next March. Lendl was quick to put his finger on the pulse by reminding us what makes Hong Kong tick.
Asked if he thought it was a pity that Hong Kong was not part of the ATP circuit any more, Lendl said: "It's a very complicated subject and you can look at it from two directions. If Hong Kong is on the ATP, then players will like it and enjoy it because Hong Kong is a fantastic city from what I remember. However, if you don't get the top-tier tournaments, then you are not going to get the top players."
The Czech-American, who will play John McEnroe in a pro-set exhibition match at the Hong Kong showdown on March 4 (the main highlight will be a three-set contest between Li Na and Caroline Wozniacki), was quick to boost the official line and said that until such time a proper tournament was held, Hong Kong would have to rely on "special events" to get its fix of stars.
It's sad that Hong Kong is reduced to this professional tennis penury. Lendl's victory in 1980 was a prelude to a golden era for the game in Hong Kong, not so much in its own accomplishments, but rather in hosting a top-class tournament annually. In 1990, the ATP first organised its worldwide tour for men and Hong Kong was soon part of it with the Salem Open coming on board.
We were guaranteed some of the best players of the time would turn up. The players loved coming here, as Lendl said. We watched everyone from McEnroe to Jimmy Connors, Pete Sampras to Andre Agassi, Michael Chang to Stefan Edberg. The fans were spoilt for choice, but sadly no more.