This article provides a comprehensive day-by-day summary of the 2024 Hong Kong Open, capturing the highlights, key matches, and standout performances.
Day 1, September 10
Unseeded Chinese Pair Stuns Top Seeds
In a thrilling upset at the 2024 Hong Kong Open, the unseeded Chinese men’s doubles pair, Huang Di and Zhou Haodong, delivered a stunning performance to defeat the top-seeded Danish duo, Kim Astrup and Anders Skaarup Rasmussen. The match, which lasted a brisk 43 minutes, saw the Chinese pair dominate from the outset, winning in straight games with a scoreline of 15-21, 23-25.
The Danish pair, known for their aggressive play and powerful smashes, seemed to be caught off guard by the Chinese duo’s relentless attack and exceptional court coverage. Huang and Zhou displayed remarkable chemistry and tactical awareness, consistently outmaneuvering their higher-ranked opponents.
The first game set the tone for the match, with the Chinese pair racing to an early lead and maintaining their momentum throughout. Astrup and Rasmussen struggled to find their rhythm, making uncharacteristic errors and failing to capitalize on their opportunities.
The second game was a closer affair, with both pairs trading points and showcasing their skills. However, Huang and Zhou held their nerve in the crucial moments, clinching the game and the match with a series of well-executed shots.
This unexpected victory for the Chinese pair marks a significant upset in the tournament and highlights the depth of talent in men’s doubles badminton. For Astrup and Rasmussen, this early exit will be a disappointment, but they will undoubtedly be looking to bounce back in future tournaments.
Meanwhile, Huang and Zhou will be riding high on confidence as they progress further in the Hong Kong Open. Their performance today has certainly made them a pair to watch out for in the remainder of the tournament.
Day 2, September 11
Home Crowd Cheers as Gunawan Advances, Loh Kean Yew Exits Early, Malaysian Pair Upset
The Hong Kong Coliseum was abuzz with excitement on the second day of the 2024 Hong Kong Open as local favorite Jason Gunawan secured a convincing victory against Japan’s Kenta Nishimoto. Gunawan displayed exceptional skill and control, winning in straight games with a score of 21-13, 21-18. The home crowd erupted in cheers as Gunawan sealed his spot in the second round where he will face a challenging encounter against France’s Christo Popov.
In a surprising turn of events, the eighth seed and 2021 World Champion from Singapore, Loh Kean Yew, suffered an unexpected early exit. South Korean shuttler Jeon Hyeok-jin delivered a powerful performance, defeating Loh in straight games with a score of 21-17, 21-17.
The mixed doubles category also witnessed an upset as the seventh-seeded Malaysian pair, Tan Kian Meng and Lai Pei Jing, were knocked out by the Chinese duo Cheng Xing and Zhang Chi. Despite winning the first game 21-18, the Malaysians couldn’t maintain their momentum, losing the subsequent games 14-21, 11-21.
The Hong Kong Open 2024 has kicked off with a series of thrilling matches and unexpected results, setting the stage for an exciting tournament ahead. With Gunawan carrying the hopes of the home crowd and several top seeds already eliminated, badminton fans can anticipate plenty more drama and surprises in the coming days.
