The HK$30 billion Kai Tak Sports Park is built on reclaimed land on the site of the former Kai Tak Airport, overlooking Kowloon Bay. - China Daily/ANN
HONG KONG: Red-faced Hong Kong officials apologised on Wednesday (March 5) after dozens of fans at the city's brand-new sports complex were kicked out mid-match at a World Snooker event.
World champion Kyren Wilson beat Matthew Selt 4-3 in a late-night World Grand Prix match on Tuesday at Kai Tak Arena, which opened last week as part of a sprawling HK$30 billion (US$3.86 billion) sports complex.
But about 100 spectators were told to leave before the action ended because public transport in the area would stop at midnight.
"Literally, fans HAVE to leave, due to policies. You can't make it up!" Wilson's management team wrote on social media platform X.
"This situation is obviously not ideal," culture, sports and tourism minister Rosanna Law told reporters on Wednesday.
"We definitely need to take into account the experience seriously and identify remedial measures."
Organisers said ticket-holders will be able to watch matches to the end for the rest of the tournament, which runs until Sunday, and that more transport options have been arranged.
This year's World Grand Prix is the first to be held outside the United Kingdom and is among the "mega-events" highlighted by Hong Kong officials to bolster the city's international reputation.
Snooker stars Ronnie O'Sullivan and Judd Trump last year announced that they had obtained Hong Kong residency via a government policy to attract talent.
O'Sullivan dropped out of this year's World Grand Prix event for medical reasons. - AFP
