Piano-playing democrat beats pro-Beijing heavyweight in HK poll

Pan-democratic newcomer Cary Lo, 37, poses for a picture after he unseated high-profile and controversial pro-Beijing legislator Junius Ho in a major upset to the establishment camp in Hong Kong's district council elections, in Tuen Mun, Hong Kong, China, November 25, 2019. REUTERS/Leah Millis

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Political newcomer Cary Lo, 37, expressed himself surprised but delighted after defeating pro-Beijing incumbent Junius Ho in the first and most high-profile upset for pro-democracy candidates in Hong Kong's district council election on Sunday.

Bolstered by six months of anti-government protests, democrats went on to score a historic victory in the poll as a record number of residents voted amid a rare lull in violence.