Hong Kong witnessed two significant sporting events over the weekend, reflecting its growing prominence on the athletic calendar and showcasing both local and international talent. The Hong Kong Tennis Open crowned its new champion, Frenchman Alexandre Muller, who lifted his first ATP Tour title after defeating Japan’s Kei Nishikori. Meanwhile, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Half Marathon drew over 8,000 participants, including about 1,600 from abroad, and celebrated the achievements of numerous athletes.
Alexandre Muller, 27, made waves at the tennis tournament by overcoming early setbacks to secure the title. After losing the first set to Nishikori, the 35-year-old veteran, Muller staged a remarkable comeback, winning 2-6, 6-1, 6-3. His victory not only awarded him the title but also marked his ascent up the ATP rankings. "I'm very happy to get a title here in Hong Kong," he said after the match. "It's been a long and tough week for me, losing the first set in all the matches – so I'm just very happy about my first title." Muller now looks forward to competing at the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand, with his spirits high.
Nishikori, who was playing his first final since 2018, expressed disappointment at his performance after leading early but credited his overall week positively. "Very disappointed in how I played in the second and third," he said, but added he sees prospects for success at the upcoming Australian Open starting January 12. "I think there are more chances to win a few matches in Australia, but I am still on the way." He acknowledged the need for improvement but remains optimistic about his future matches.
Later on the same day, Hong Kong hosted the much-anticipated half marathon, which commenced bright and early at 7:15 am, gathering enthusiastic runners who started warming up as early as 6:00 am. The event was officially launched by dignitaries including the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Rosanna Law Shuk-pui, and the Director of Immigration, Benson Kwok Joon-fung. Ethiopian runner Milkesa Mengesha Tolosa emerged as the men's winner, with Kenyan runner Grace Loibach Nawowuna taking the honors for the women’s challenge.
Local athletes also shone with Chong See-yeung finishing as the fastest male local runner at 1 hour, 9 minutes, and 44 seconds, and Virginia Lo Ying-chiu leading the local female runners with her time of 1 hour, 16 minutes, and 45 seconds. Simon Yeung Sai-mo, chairman of the organizing committee, noted the event attracted 93% participation, emphasizing its success and potential to become a regular feature on the sports calendar.
Despite the celebratory atmosphere, the half marathon was not without incidents, as some 19 participants reported injuries or health issues during the race. Three runners required hospitalization, experiencing symptoms including cramps and dizziness. Thankfully, all reported cases were conscious upon transport. Yeung reassured the public about the organization of the event and shared aspirations for future improvements, especially after receiving feedback about the narrow starting point of the course, which had to factor emergency access along the bridge route.
The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Half Marathon, recognized as an 'M' Mark event and upgraded recently to receive the prestigious World Athletics Gold Label status, highlighted the city's ambition to attract international runners and raise its profile as a vibrant global sporting destination. "We hope to make this event permanent on the sports calendar to promote Hong Kong internationally," Yeung remarked.
With the conclusion of these two events, the message is clear: Hong Kong is embracing its identity as a hub for sport, fostering both local and international talent, and enhancing its global standing. These achievements not only create pride among local communities but also provide thrilling narratives leading up to future competitions.