Squash chief confident that world No 1 Ali Farag’s withdrawal will not affect Hong Kong Open ticket sales
- Egypt’s Farag, a two-time Hong Kong runner-up, has not recovered from a knee injury sustained at the US Open in October
- More than 80 per cent of final-day seats are sold out before the major event begins on Monday, according to Emily Mak
Squash chief Emily Mak believes world No 1 Ali Farag’s withdrawal will have no effect on ticket sales for the upcoming Hong Kong Open, with more than 80 per cent of final-day seats sold out before the major event begins on Monday.
The Professional Squash Association (PSA) announced on Friday that Egypt’s Farag, a two-time Hong Kong runner-up, has not recovered from a knee injury sustained at the US Open in October, which forced him to withdraw from the Everbright Securities Hong Kong Squash Open, which has a total prize purse of US$340,000.
The “M” mark event, which runs from Monday to December 4, is returning to Hong Kong after a four-year absence, with the government granting an exemption that allows overseas players to enter the Squash Centre for practice immediately upon arrival.
According to Mak, around 80 overseas players had arrived by Saturday, with all PCR tests coming back negative, and around 20 more will arrive by Sunday.
“We have asked the government for an exemption from November 25-27, so all of the international players must be here for these three days,” Mak said.
A PCR test station has been set up at the Hong Kong Squash Centre, which has seen the budget for the tournament swell to around HK$7 million.
“It’s unfortunate that Ali is unable to join us this time. We hope he recovers quickly and we look forward to seeing him next year,” Mak said.
There will be 240 seats at the Hong Kong Squash Centre’s Centre Court, with 590 seats available at the Hong Kong Park Sports Centre, where the action will take place from the quarter-finals onwards.
“Previously, we had 30 per cent of overseas spectators [primarily from Asia] flying to Hong Kong for this event,” Mak said. “This year, we still had some inquiries from Thailand and Korea, but when they realised we still had the ‘0+3’ rule, many had no feedback after inquiring.”
Overseas players must still adhere to the three days of medical surveillance, and are subject to Amber Code restrictions, which means they are not permitted to enter most entertainment venues, including restaurants, and must also take a PCR tests.
World No 3 and four-time Hong Kong Open champion Mohamed Elshorbagy said he is “fine” with the city’s pandemic restrictions.
“When we started playing tournaments again in September 2020, everywhere was very strict with the coronavirus,” Elshorbagy, who allegiance to play for England this year, said.
“Like when we played in the UK two years ago, we were only allowed to go from the hotel room to the venue. We could not go out.
“The situation in Hong Kong doesn’t compare to that. We can walk down the street here, buy food to take away, talk to people, get out of the room. After the Amber code, we can do whatever we want, completely free. There is nothing that can stop us.
“I think we’re fortunate we can still come to Hong Kong for this big event. The Hong Kong Open has a long history. I personally want the Hong Kong Open to return to the calendar, because I know Hong Kong has supported squash for a long time. I’m really happy and excited to be back here again.”
