The final 2022 event on the PSA World Tour kicks off tomorrow at Hong Kong Football Club with the strongest-ever field set to contest the PSA Bronze event for a lion’s share of the $55,000 prize fund.
Most of the competitors are staying on in Hong Kong after the Hong Kong Open, the only exception being fifth seed Mohamed Abouelghar – whose ranking has slipped to #846 after an extended injury layoff – making a welcome return to action.
Above Abouelghar, the top four seeds comprise three Egyptians – Marwan ElShorbagy, Mazen Hesham and Youssef Soliman – and Switzerland’s Nicolas Mueller. All will be looking to add themselves to the HKFC hall of fame, but 5/8 seeds Iker Pajares, Eain Yow Ng and defending champion (from 2019) Greg Lobban will also have their eyes on the prize.
Five Hong Kong players will compete in the first round, including three-time champion Max Lee – playing his final PSA event – and Alex Lau who delighted fans with his exploits at the Hong Kong Open.
Tonight’s opening function saw the players mingle with organisers and sponsors in the Lockhart Room on the second floor of the hugely impressive club, with a welcome address from Nick Hunsworth, the president of the club.
The serious stuff starts tomorrow, but for now here’s a few photos from the opening function (more in the gallery)
