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Hong Kong Tennis Open postponed as protest disruption claims another sporting event
- City’s blue riband tennis tournament falls victim to the ongoing protests in Hong Kong
- Organisers attempting to identify an alternative slot on the WTA schedule to hold the event
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The 2019 Hong Kong Tennis Open (HKTO) has been postponed after organisers claimed they were unable to guarantee “a smooth running of the tournament” at this time.
The city’s blue riband tennis tournament, which was set to go ahead between October 5-13, is the second high-profile sporting event to be called off this month due to ongoing civil unrest in Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong ASTC Sprint Triathlon Asian Cup and the Asian Aquathlon Championships were cancelled on September 3 with organisers citing safety concerns relating to the anti-government protest that have gripped Hong Kong since July.
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A brief statement from the HKTO read that “in light of the current situation” and after discussions with “key stakeholders” the decision was taken to call off the tournament. The statement made no mention of the ongoing protests.
“We strive to maintain a high standard of the event for all participants, players and the fans in particular,” read the statement.
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“However, after extensive discussions ... we conclude that a smooth running of the tournament can be better assured at a later time.”
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