Local stars shine at HK Open with opening round wins

Ng Ka Long cruises to victory; Lee Cheuk Yiu survives scare

Hong Kong's top shuttlers made a winning start to the Hong Kong Open on Wednesday, with Ng Ka Long and Lee Cheuk Yiu securing victories in their respective first-round matches.

Ng, the world number 12, was in impressive form as he dispatched Japan's Kenta Nishimoto 21-12, 21-14 in just 36 minutes. The 27-year-old dominated the match from the start, controlling the pace and dictating the terms of the play.

Lee, the world number 13, had a tougher time in his match against China's Zhao Junpeng. The Hong Kong star dropped the first set 21-15 but rallied back to win the next two 21-18, 21-17.

The 24-year-old Lee showed great resilience in the face of adversity, digging deep to find a way to win. He will now face compatriot Angus Ng Ka Long in the second round.

In other matches involving Hong Kong players, Yeung Ming Nok beat Indonesia's Putri Kusuma Wardani 21-16, 21-13; Fan Ka Yan lost to China's He Bingjiao 21-13, 21-10; and Tang Chun Man fell to Japan's Kodai Naraoka 21-16, 21-19.

The Hong Kong Open is one of the most prestigious badminton tournaments in the world. It is part of the Badminton World Federation's World Tour Super 500 series, and attracts some of the best players in the world.

The tournament will continue on Thursday with the second round of matches. Ng Ka Long will be looking to continue his good form when he takes on Angus Ng Ka Long, while Lee Cheuk Yiu will be hoping to avenge his defeat to Zhao Junpeng last year.