1 week Ago By SCMP Editorial
Prestigious tennis and snooker tournaments have been among the many elite sports events hosted by Hong Kong in recent months. Snooker’s World Grand Prix, at the new Kai Tak Sports Park, attracted the world’s leading players. Tennis fans, meanwhile, enjoyed the Hong Kong Open men’s tournament in January, one of three international competitions hosted by the city each year.
But the two sports were facing demotion from their Tier A status, which would have led to a devastating cut in government funding and disruption to the development of local players. Thankfully, such a move has been avoided. A relaxation of the qualifying criteria ensured tennis and snooker were given a reprieve.
This is a sensible decision, introducing more flexibility and taking into account the specific circumstances of each sport. Previously, Tier A status required participation in three of the last four and next two Olympics and Asian Games. Snooker is not an Olympic sport and was dropped from the Asian Games in 2010, not returning until 2030.
The ability of tennis players to secure elite status was impaired by the lack of a world championships for the sport. Now, the criteria has been broadened to include other tournaments. These changes will ensure the two sports continue to receive the funding they need.
The amendments are consistent with the city’s aspirations to improve its performance in elite sports generally, building on a successful summer Olympics in Paris..
