A collection of short items from in and around the Milwaukee Hong Kong Squash Open …
Junior Clinic 2024
This year’s Junior Clinic was another superbly attended event, with almost 400 juniors treated to demonstrations from and the opportunity to play with the Professional Players.
Hosted by Max Lee, who reached the HK semifinals in 2016, this year’s stars were Rowan Elaraby and Mazen Hesham.
After the demonstrations and the traditional group photo, all the attendees were treated to a free Mr Whippy ice cream !
Lots more photos in the Finals Day Gallery
Top Seeds with Speedy and Bouncy
Tournament Mascots Speedy and Bouncy (see below) were taken to see the lit-up Observation Wheel (also see below) by none other than top seeds Nour El Sherbini and Ali Farag !!
“Rally in the Heart of Asia”
Not just a slogan for the tournament, prominently displayed around the glass court, but also what the first few lucky spectators need to say to tournament staff carrying the two mascots “Speedy” and “Bouncy” to be given one of the specially-produced – and potentially signed – Player Cards.
On the first night at Edinburgh Place they were very much in demand !!
Praise to the Refs
Often referred to as the unsung heroes of the tournament (not sure by who, but someone must have said it!) the Referees are always well looked after in Hong Kong.
After the first night of play on the Glass Court they were all awarded mementos of the tournament before being taken out for a slap up Dinner.
We’re not sure whether Mostafa Asal went along for the dinner, but he certainly enjoyed joining in with the refs !
Up on the Wheel … or not
The Glass Court in Edinburgh Place is very close to Hong Kong’s Observation Wheel – think of the London Eye and you’ll get the idea.
So, a trip to see the sights from above was organised, but as it turned out 12.00 on the third day of play at HKSC wasn’t an ideal time, with none of the players left able to take the opportunity.
Some of the HK Squash staff still went though – some for the first time ! – so we’re looking to dig out some more photos from that trip …
