Ultimate Tennis Showdown: Wong falls short in clash with Rublev, but ‘loves every minute’
Hongkonger goes down 3-1 to world No 15 Andrey Rublev as quick-fire version of sport comes to Kai Tak Arena
Coleman Wong Chak-lam came up short again in his US Open rematch with Andrey Rublev, losing 3-1 in their Ultimate Tennis Showdown quarter-final on Tuesday.
The Hongkonger had battled back to 1-1 in the quick-fire version of the sport, but was unable to get the better of the world No 15 in front of his home crowd at Kai Tak Arena.
Spotted in the stands at Kai Tak Stadium ahead of Hong Kong’s Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh, “The Chosen Wong” eventually lost the points-based match 13-12, 11-13, 15-11, 17-11.
“I always support Hong Kong football, and watch when I can,” said Wong, who had to leave before the game started. “A few players on the team are my good friends, they all play hard and enjoy being members of the team.
“We always support each other. I am happy that my friends were playing next door tonight; it felt special.”
After splitting the first two quarters with Wong, Rublev edged in front again. The fourth quarter was tightly contested, just as it had been all night long, but as it had been in New York, it was Rublev who prevailed.