Snooker thrills mark Kai Tak Arena debut

Ayra Wang and Jamie Liu

The highly anticipated World Grand Prix 2025 snooker tournament kicked off yesterday at the brand-new Kai Tak Arena, marking the first major sporting event since the sports park opened this month.

The six-day tournament features the world's top 32 players, led by world No 1 Judd Trump, who recently became a Hong Kong resident through the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, as well as top mainland player Ding Junhui.

Trump easily cruised past the first round of the tournament after beating world No 15 Gary Wilson 4-2.

In the second round Trump will play British player Jack Lisowski, who beat Chinese player Zhang Anda 4-2.

The matches, which begin at 1pm daily, also saw Stuart Bingham overcome world No 5 Mark Williams.

"It is such a pity that I could only play one match here in Hong Kong," said Williams. "Kai Tak Arena is beautiful - 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 inside the venue was great as the crowd was kept from a reasonable distance - which reduces the impact of spectator movement on the players.

Some in the crowd said they 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.

Meanwhile, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui said the government is "working hard" to facilitate a visit by overseas football teams this summer.

"I am a football fan too so I am working very hard to make that happen," she said.

The Urban Renewal Authority also plans to build an 11-a-side football pitch with artificial turf inside the planned Kai Tak Metro Park. Construction will begin in 2025-26.