Hong Kong hosted two leading events this past week that simultaneously demonstrated its strong potential for establishing itself as an international sports hub, and shined a spotlight on the work that needs to be done if it hopes to succeed.
At one, record crowds thronged the 135-year-old Hong Kong Golf Club to watch Sergio Garcia win the LIV Golf individual title and lead Fireballs to team victory. It will be all the more impressive should the tournament be made an annual event.
Rosanna Law Shuk-pui, the secretary for culture, sports and tourism, revealed the city was negotiating with LIV Golf to secure an agreement to host the event each year, saying the “intention of both sides to clinch a deal is strong”. It would be a welcome turn of events.
The other competition, which offered world class play but also serious lessons to be learned, played out in six days of professional snooker, which wrapped up on Sunday at the new Kai Tak Sports Park.
On the opening day of the World Grand Prix, more than 100 fans were turfed out of Kai Tak Arena in the middle of a first-round match.
As they watched reigning world champion Kyren Wilson battle Matthew Selt, spectators were ordered by organisers to leave around 11.15pm due to a curfew imposed by park officials, apparently over concerns about noise while people left the venue late at night.
