Players, audience hails atmosphere at World Snooker Grand Prix in Kai Tak Sports Park

The highly anticipated World Grand Prix 2025 snooker tournament kicked off on Tuesday at the brand-new Kai Tak Arena, making the first major sporting event since the Kai Tak Sports Park opened earlier this month.

The six-day tournament features the world’s top 32 players, including world number one Judd Trump, who recently became a Hong Kong resident through the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, as well as top mainland player Ding Junhui.

However, seven-time world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan, also recently became a Hong Kong resident, withdrew from the tournament earlier, citing health reasons.

The matches, which began at 1pm daily, have already seen some closely contested affairs. In the first two matches of the last 32 phase, England's Jack Lisowski defeated China's Zhang Anda, while Stuart Bingham overcame world number five Mark Williams.

"The result was within my expectations, but it is such a pity that I could only play one match here in Hong Kong," said Williams, "The Kai Tak Arena is beautiful, and the design is excellent."

Lisowski expressed his positive experience competing in Hong Kong, especially as it is a significant event in the snooker calendar. "I hope we can continue to host the tournament in Hong Kong," he said.

Zhang noted that the atmosphere at the venue was great, and kept a reasonable distance between the crowd and players as compared to other overseas venues, which reduces the impact of spectator movement on the players.

Although being a weekday afternoon, the atmosphere in the venue was still lively, with spectators putting their hands together for good shots played by the players. Some specially took leave from work to support their favorite players. 

One local fan who has been following snooker for over 20 years, expressed his excitement for the tournament's return to Hong Kong after a 36-year hiatus, calling it a significant event for the city's sports development.

"The experience is 'once in a lifetime,'" he said. "I hope the government will continue to promote and bid for more events."

The tournament will continue over the next five days, culminating in the final on Sunday, March 9.

(Ayra Wang)