PETALING JAYA: Hosts Hong Kong will be relying on Malaysian expertise, spearheaded by Wong Choong Hann and his team, as they aim to deliver success in the Hong Kong Open beginning today.
Among the pairs to watch are Hong Kong’s top mixed doubles duo, Tang Chun Man-Tse Ying Suet, who could be making their final appearance in the tournament after announcing plans to retire next year.
Currently ranked world No. 5, Chun Man-Ying Suet are under the guidance of Jeremy Gan and are hoping to replicate their podium finish from 2023.
That year, they stunned fourth seeds Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie en route to the final, before eventually settling for runners-up spot after losing to China’s Guo Xinwa-Wei Yaxin.
“Of course the goal this year is to get on the podium. It’s rare to have another opportunity to compete in the Hong Kong Open this year. I hope to play a few more days and reach the final,” said Ying Suet.
Interestingly, Jeremy’s stint with Japan previously saw him guide Yuta Watanabe-Arisa Higashino to back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2019.
His arrival in Hong Kong last December could now prove timely for Chun Man-Ying Suet, who are chasing their dream of lifting the crown.
No Hong Kong mixed doubles pair has ever won the tournament since its inception in 1982.
With this set to be their last Hong Kong Open, Chun Man-Ying Suet are also hoping for strong home support, not just for themselves but for the entire Hong Kong squad competing at the Hong Kong Coliseum in Kowloon.
Seeded fifth, they will open their campaign against Malaysia’s Wong Tien Ci-Lim Chiew Sien in the first round.
Apart from Choong Hann and Jeremy, Hong Kong have also brought in Malaysians Loh Wei Sheng and Tan Bin Shen to strengthen their coaching set-up.
