All throughout the week, in true HKFC fashion, we had plenty of events for both the players and members to accompany the high quality of squash on display. We started with an opening ceremony to welcome the players to the club and to kick off the event. We also had a couple of squash clinics for the juniors who have plenty to learn from some of the world’s best players. We also took this opportunity to show the players what Hong Kong is like with a tram party around the island, the hallmark of Hong Kong’s transportation.

As for the squash, it was smooth sailing for the Top 3 seeds into the semi-finals. The forth seed Nicolas Mueller lost to compatriot Dimitri Steinmann in the second round, with Steinmann cruising into the semi-finals. In the semi-finals, the top seed Marwan ElShorbagy faced fellow countryman Youssef Soliman in a tug-of-war battle, with ElShorbagy scraping through a tough 3-2. In the other semi-finals, the second seed Mazen Hesham made much lighter work on his opponent, despatching Steinmann 3-0 to set up a thrilling final. The final was full of entertainment in front of a packed gallery as both players tried to impose their game. ElShorbagy started the better of both players to take the lead 1-0, but Hesham fought back hard in the second to level things at one game apiece. The third was a rather scrappy affair with ElShorbagy squeezing ahead only to then close off the match to claim his maiden HKFC Open title. It was also ElShorbagy’s first title of the season. 

It capped off a wonderful two weeks of squash in Hong Kong to close the squash calendar for 2022. A final note, we would like to thank all the Patrons of HKFC Squash Section and our generous sponsors at Snow Kiwi and Blue Pool Capital for their continuous support in making this event a success and we look forward to a bigger and better event in 2023.

Mark Low