The 15th National Games Men's Singles Champion Wu Yibing started the year from where he left off with an impressive 6-4, 6-2 win over Fabian Marozsan in the first round of the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open (‘BOCHKTO’) 2026.
Wu Yibing outlasted Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan, 6-4, 6-2. (Photo by Mike Frey / HKCTA)
The 26-year-old, who is back on tour after a serious foot injury, was in full control throughout the contest against last year's quarter finalist. Wu will now meet Andrey Rublev, the tournament's no. 3 seed and champion two years ago.
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Wu Yibing outlasted Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan, 6-4, 6-2. (Photo by Mike Frey / HKCTA)
Coleman Wong Chak-lam marked his first win at his home ATP 250 tournament the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open with a doubles victory with partner Gabriel Diallo over Argentine duo Tomas Martin Etcheverry and Francisco Comesana. (Photo by {photog} / HKCTA)
Local up and coming junior KaiThompson hits a backhand return during his first round doubles match with China’s Yi Zhou against Theo Arribage and Albano Olivetti of France. (Photo by Lampson Yip / HKCTA)
Marin Cilic breezed past fellow 37-year-old Adrian Mannarino 6-3,6-2 in the first round of the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open 2026. (Photo by Mike Frey / HKCTA)
Wu said: "Fabian is a great player, with a big serve, and heavy balls from the baseline. I did well overall, I was able to control my emotions, and took my chances when they came, so I am happy to have got the win. I can't remember the last time I was able to start my season in the first week of January. I made it this year and managed to get the win today. Both my team and I are very happy. Let's see how the year goes. I am looking forward to my first hard court match against Andrey (Rublev). He is one of the best ball strikers on tour, so let's see."
Coleman Wong Chak-lam marked his first win at his home ATP 250 tournament the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open with a doubles victory with partner Gabriel Diallo over Argentine duo Tomas Martin Etcheverry and Francisco Comesana. (Photo by {photog} / HKCTA)
Local star Coleman Wong Chak-lam warmed up nicely for his first round singles against world no. 75 Mariano Navone tomorrow with a hard fought 7-6(3), 3-6, 10-6 first round doubles victory with Canada's Gabriel Diallo over Argentine duo Tomas Martin Etcheverry and Francisco Comesana.
On his first win at BOCHKTO in singles or doubles, the 21-year-old Hongkonger commented:
"I rarely play doubles on the tour, so I am happy with the win. Diallo is very tall and has a phenomenal serve. He and I have great chemistry, we have complementary skills, and we have great fun playing doubles together. This is my first time playing outside of Centre Court at this tournament, but there were still a lot of people, and it was great to see so much support for me."
Local up and coming junior KaiThompson hits a backhand return during his first round doubles match with China’s Yi Zhou against Theo Arribage and Albano Olivetti of France. (Photo by Lampson Yip / HKCTA)
Kai Thompson was back on court today in doubles action with Zhou Yi. Showing promise once again, the 17-year-old displayed maturity beyond his years, but was unlucky to lose in three tight sets after holding a match point in the final set Champions' tie-break to Theo Arribage and Albano Olivetti of France. Thompson had lost in qualifying yesterday to 88-ranked American Emilio Nava.
Thompson commented: "The match was an amazing experience. We were playing two top 50 doubles players, while we were a pair of wildcards. Zhou Yi is great, he has more experience than me, even though he is just 20. We took a lot of chances, there is a lot we can learn from this match. We had a lot of fun playing together."
Marin Cilic breezed past fellow 37-year-old Adrian Mannarino 6-3,6-2 in the first round of the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open 2026. (Photo by Mike Frey / HKCTA)
Croat Marin Cilic breezed past fellow 37-year-old Adrian Mannarino 6-3,6-2 in an hour and 24 minutes to claim his first win of 2026.
The 2014 US Open men's Singles Champion said: “Overall, it was good, a really clean and solid match. Adrian and I know each other well, he is playing fantastic. The playing conditions are great, I took my chances and was able to play an efficient match. I spent Christmas at home, recharged and got here to Hong Kong. It is not super hot, so it is very nice. It is great being in this city. We can see our hotel from here, and you can walk to the courts. You get the buzz of the city on the one side, and then serenity on this side of the park."
In round two, Cilic will take on no. 8 seed Nuno Borges of Portugal who enjoyed a routine straight sets win over Damir Dzumhur, 6-4, 6-3.
LIV Golf today announced the dates for HSBC LIV Golf Hong Kong 2027, which will return for its fourth edition from 18-21 February 2027, continuing its long-term commitment to the region and reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as one of Asia’s premier destinations for global sport and entertainment.
Captain Sergio Garcia of Fireballs GC hits his shot from the first tee during the final round of LIV Golf Hong Kong at Hong Kong Golf Club Fanling on Sunday, March 09,2025 in Fanling, Hong Kong.(Photo by Charles Laberge/LIV Golf)
The announcement was made during a press conference at Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling by LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil, HSBC Managing Director, Global Head of Brand Partnerships Andrea de Vincentiis, and Hong Kong Golf Club Captain Andy Kwok.
The 2027 dates align the tournament within Hong Kong’s vibrant calendar of major international events and reinforce a sustained multi-year partnership between LIV Golf, HSBC, the Hong Kong SAR Government and Hong Kong Golf Club.
HSBC LIV Golf Hong Kong will proudly continue to be an “M” Mark event in 2027, helping promote Hong Kong as a centre for international sports events. The “M” Mark status, awarded by the Major Sports Events Committee, symbolises intense, spectacular and signature events in the territory’s sports calendar.
Ticket holders for this week’s event, which takes place Thursday 5 March through Sunday 8 March, will have exclusive early access to specially priced 2027 tickets beginning this Sunday at LIVGolf.com. Organizers thanked the Hong Kong Tourism Board for the continued event support, including planning and promotion.
The announcement was made during a press conference at Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling by LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil (middle), HSBC Managing Director, Global Head of Brand Partnerships Andrea de Vincentiis (left), and Hong Kong Golf Club Captain Andy Kwok (right). Photo source: LIV Golf Hong Kong
Scott O’Neil, LIV Golf CEO, said: “Hong Kong is a cornerstone of our international calendar and an important gateway for golf’s continued growth in Asia. As the world’s golf league, LIV Golf is committed to investing in dynamic markets like Hong Kong where sport, entertainment and culture are celebrated and recognized on a global scale.
“Announcing our 2027 event a year in advance is a testament to the local support and momentum building in Hong Kong. I want to thank our partners at HSBC, the HKSAR Government, and Hong Kong Golf Club who all share in our vision to grow the game and continue delivering a world-class event that connects with fans of all ages and brings significant economic impact to the region.”
Andrea de Vincentiis, HSBC Managing Director, Global Head of Brand Partnerships said: “HSBC has supported golf globally for more than 20 years, and our partnership with LIV Golf represents a natural evolution of that legacy. It reflects both our international network and our long-standing commitment to Hong Kong.
“HSBC LIV Golf Hong Kong showcases the city to a global audience while contributing to the growth of the game across Asia. We are proud to continue our support to an event that aligns with our ambitions internationally and within this great community.”
Andy Kwok, Captain, Hong Kong Golf Club, said: “Established in 1889, Hong Kong Golf Club has a proud history of hosting world-class tournaments. We understand the responsibility that comes with staging global competition at this level. LIV Golf has brought new energy and new audiences to Fanling, while respecting the traditions of the game. We are proud to continue welcoming the league and its players to one of Asia’s most historic venues.”
From left to right: Andrea de Vincentiis, Scott O’Neil, Andy Kwok, Photo source: LIV Golf Hong Kong
Since its debut in Hong Kong in 2024, the tournament has produced memorable moments and showcased elite competition at one of Asia’s most respected championship venues. Across its 14-event global schedule, LIV Golf events have generated more than $1 billion in economic impact for host cities worldwide, supporting tourism, hospitality and local communities while delivering international broadcast reach of more than 900 million.
The 2026 edition takes place this week at Hong Kong Golf Club, featuring a 57-player international field competing across four days, alongside premium hospitality, live entertainment and a festival atmosphere featuring a concert by GRAMMY award-nominated DJ Dom Dolla on Saturday 7 March.
Tickets for HSBC LIV Golf Hong Kong 2026 are available to purchase at LIVGolf.com. Premium Hospitality packages, corporate experiences and group ticket options are also available. Children aged 12 and under receive complimentary Grounds Pass admission (one per paying adult). Full details on access, transportation and event information can be found at LIVGolf.com.
Local Performers on the first tee during the final round of LIV Golf Hong Kong at Hong Kong Golf Club Fanling on Sunday, March 09, 2025 in Fanling, Hong Kong. (Photo by Mike Stobe/LIV Golf)
