BENG HEE'S MANY FANS
Beng Hee took time off to hold a coaching clinic for more than 100 youngsters aged 9-14, mostly members of Hong Kong Squash's lively development programme. They quickly took the former world junior champion to heart in this, his "home from home".
"I'm very surprised at the number that turned up. There were even parents here. This is a most promising sign for Hong Kong. I did not know that squash was so popular here," world number eight Ong told Alvin Sallay of the SCMP after an exhausting and entertaining clinic that included a mini-match against leading youngster Dick Lau.
"It is a nice feeling to come outside your country and be greeted like a star. It feels great. Hopefully my new-found fans will inspire me to play better in this tournament."
Beng Hee's next match is against Pakistan's Mansoor Zaman - a repeat of the Asian Championships final, and a match which many see as a forerunner of the Asian Games final in October.
"I have played Zaman since we were little kids and both of us know each other's game well. Winning here is crucial as it will give me an advantage going into next month's Asian Games in Korea," said Ong.
Naturally, most of Beng Hee's new-found fans will be supporting him tomorrow - "It is nice to get this kind of support. I feel like Hong Kong is my second home now."
click for a larger view
Also see:
Asian Champion
faces tough test
