HONG KONG: The 2019 edition of the Everbright Sun Hung Kai Hong Kong Squash Open, scheduled to take place from 2-8 December, has been cancelled because of ongoing protests triggered by an extradition bill first introduced on 31 March.
The bill has now been withdrawn but protests have continued and have grown to reflect wider demands for democratic reform.
Last month organisers of the 2019 Hong Kong Tennis Open, scheduled to take place between 5-13 October, had similarly announced that the WTA tournament, which attracts “thousands of local fans and overseas travellers” every year, was being postponed indefinitely.
Media statement in full:
“Due to the current situation in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Squash has decided, after careful consideration and extensive discussions with the key stakeholders involved, to postpone the 2019 Everbright Sun Hung Kai Hong Kong Squash Open.
“The event was due to be played on 2-8 December 2019 at the Hong Kong Squash Centre (2-6 Dec) and the West Kowloon Cultural District (7-8 Dec), but will now be postponed to next year.
“The Professional Squash Association and Hong Kong Squash are in active discussions on identifying the best timing to schedule the event in 2020. A further announcement will be made on the event official website (www.hksquashopen.com) in due course.
“Hong Kong Squash has sincerely apologized for any inconvenience caused to the players, fans, partners and supporters. They are looking forward to welcoming everyone back to the Hong Kong Squash Open in 2020.
“Mohamed ElShorbagy and Joelle King had lifted the titles in Hong Kong in 2018, with the Kiwi winning the first PSA World Tour Platinum event of her career.
“Meanwhile, the World No.2 took the fourth Hong Kong Open title of his career, having previously won the event in 2014, 2015 and 2017 prior to last year’s tournament.”
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