Hong Kong’s Coleman Wong backs Davis Cup surprise pick to ‘do some damage’

Shock Hong Kong Davis Cup pick Nicholas Cheng Siu-chi will go into the biggest match of his young life on Saturday with a glowing endorsement from star teammate Coleman Wong Chak-lam ringing in his ears.

It had been expected that Kai Thompson, the quarter-finalist in last month’s Australian Open Junior Championships, would play singles in this weekend’s Victoria Park Tennis Stadium World Group I play-off clash with Finland.

But city team captain Yu Hiu-tung sprang a surprise at Friday’s draw ceremony, revealing that he had plumped for Cheng because “looking at the opponents, strategy-wise, we think Nicholas has the better chance”.

The 17-year-old Cheng, who said he was “a bit shocked” to learn of his selection on Thursday night, will open the tie against world No 116 Otto Virtanen on Saturday afternoon.

“Seeing my name going on the board [at the draw ceremony] felt great. I hope I can give the team a good start,” Cheng said.

“Kai did well at the Australian Open and I thought he was going to be picked, but it’s a good chance for me to play at home and I’ll do my best.”