Feng Huanhuan, CEO of F-Sports Promotions Limited, the organizer of the World Grand Prix snooker tournament at Kai Tak Sports Park, said they have made it clear to the park that the matches would go beyond the 11pm mark and even offered to pay an overtime fee, but received no definitive response.
Her comments came after spectators were forced to leave the Kai Tak Arena before the conclusion of a match during the tournament, sparking outrage among fans.
Read more: Govt 'highly unsatisfied' after World Grand Prix spectators forced to leave mid-match
Feng told a TV program aired on Monday that the organizers were informed by the park just over ten days before the tournament that the matches could only run until 11pm, a rule that they “strongly opposed which did not align with the nature of the game”.
She said that on the day the incident occurred, organizers had told venue management that the matches would definitely run past 12.30am on the next day, but were informed that the spectators had to leave by midnight, with the matches to be continued behind closed doors.
No “overtime offer” from Kai Tak Sports Park
Commenting on reports suggesting the organizers had hesitated when asked by the park to pay an overtime fee, Feng denied such claims, saying they have never heard of the offer.
She said, however, that the sports park will remain her first choice for hosting such tournaments in the future.
