The Hong Kong Open golf tournament, which was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/golf-hong-kong-open-postponed-due-to-protest-violence-organizers-263401">postponed last month</a> amid violence from escalating anti-government protests, will go ahead in January but without sanctioning by the European Tour, organisers said on Friday.

The former British colony has been racked by six months of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-gives-protesters-green-light-for-big-march-on-sunday-266462">pro-democracy protests</a>, sparked by a now-withdrawn China extradition bill, but which widened into calls for greater democratic freedoms.

The tournament, which had been scheduled to be played from November&nbsp;28 to December&nbsp;1, would now be held at Hong Kong Golf Club from January&nbsp;9 -&nbsp;January&nbsp;12.

"While we are unable to sanction this edition of the Hong Kong Open due to other tournament commitments, we are delighted to retain an integral role in staging one of Hong Kong's best-loved sporting events," European Tour Chief Executive Keith Pelley said in a statement.

"We very much look forward to returning next November when the 62nd Hong Kong Open will kick off our 2021 European Tour season."

The 120-player field event will be sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Hong Kong Golf Association.

"We are pleased to announce the 61st Hong Kong Open will now be the curtain raiser for our 2020 season," Cho&nbsp;Minn&nbsp;Thant, the chief executive of the Asian Tour, said.

"As our season opening event, there will be an undoubtedly strong Asian Tour field with players eager to get their seasons off to a fast start."

Several other sporting events, including the Hong Kong Tennis Open and the Hong Kong Open squash championships, were cancelled due to the civil unrest in the region.

The Hong Kong Open golf tournament, which was postponed last month amid violence from escalating anti-government protests, will go ahead in January but without sanctioning by the European Tour, organisers said on Friday.

The Hong Kong Open golf tournament, which was postponed last month amid violence from escalating anti-government protests, will go ahead in January but without sanctioning by the European Tour, organisers said on Friday. The former British colony has been racked by six months of pro-democracy protests, sparked by a now-withdrawn China extradition bill, but which widened into calls for greater democratic freedoms. The tournament, which had been scheduled to be played from November 28 to December 1, would now be held at Hong Kong Golf Club from January 9 - January 12. "While we are unable to sanction this edition of the Hong Kong Open due to other tournament commitments, we are delighted to retain an integral role in staging one of Hong Kong's best-loved sporting events," European Tour Chief Executive Keith Pelley said in a statement. "We very much look forward to returning next November when the 62nd Hong Kong Open will kick off our 2021 European Tour season." The 120-player field event will be sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Hong Kong Golf Association. "We are pleased to announce the 61st Hong Kong Open will now be the curtain raiser for our 2020 season," Cho Minn Thant, the chief executive of the Asian Tour, said. "As our season opening event, there will be an undoubtedly strong Asian Tour field with players eager to get their seasons off to a fast start." Several other sporting events, including the Hong Kong Tennis Open and the Hong Kong Open squash championships, were cancelled due to the civil unrest in the region.

Golf: Postponed Hong Kong Open to be held next month - Organisers

Saina Nehwal on Wednesday was knocked out of the ongoing Hong Kong Open&nbsp;after facing a defeat in the first round. Nehwal was defeated by China's Cai Yan Yan.

The Chinese made an aggressive start to the match and she did not allow Nehwal to get into her groove. After losing the first game, Nehwal tried to make a comeback in the second game, but the Chinese was up to the task and she wrapped up the match quite comprehensively.

The world number nine Nehwal has had a troubled run in this year as she has now faced exits from a tournament in the first round five times.

Earlier this year, Cai Yan Yan&nbsp;had knocked out Nehwal in the first round of the China Open.

Later in the day, BWF World Championships gold medalist PV Sindhu would be in action as she would face South Korea's Kim Ga Eun.

Saina Nehwal on Wednesday was knocked out of the ongoing Hong Kong Open after facing a defeat in the first round. Nehwal was defeated by China's Cai Yan Yan. The Chinese made an aggressive start to the match and she did not allow Nehwal to get into her groove.

Saina Nehwal on Wednesday was knocked out of the ongoing Hong Kong Open after facing a defeat in the first round. Nehwal was defeated by China's Cai Yan Yan. The Chinese made an aggressive start to the match and she did not allow Nehwal to get into her groove. After losing the first game, Nehwal tried to make a comeback in the second game, but the Chinese was up to the task and she wrapped up the match quite comprehensively. The world number nine Nehwal has had a troubled run in this year as she has now faced exits from a tournament in the first round five times. Earlier this year, Cai Yan Yan had knocked out Nehwal in the first round of the China Open. Later in the day, BWF World Championships gold medalist PV Sindhu would be in action as she would face South Korea's Kim Ga Eun.

Saina Nehwal makes first round exit from Hong Kong Open

Japan's Nozomi Okuhara said her triumph over a determined Ratchanok Intanon in Sunday's Hong Kong Open final is a massive confidence boost ahead of the Tokyo Olympics.

Both players were hungry for the win, drawing level 13 times in the second game before the sixth-ranked Okuhara beat the Thai, a former world champion, 21-19, 24-22 in 64 minutes.

"This match is very important for me," she said afterwards.

Okuhara went on to say that she would spend the next year working to secure her place at next year's Olympics alongside world number two Akane Yamaguchi, who Intanon beat in three games in the quarter-finals.

"I and Akane will get a gold medal," she said.&nbsp;

"Of course."&nbsp;

Sunday was Okuhara's last game of the tournament before next month's World Tour finals in China.

Intanon had won four of their previous five match-ups and the respect between the players were palpable, with both sharing a long embrace in her opponent's court at the end of play.

"I feel like my performance at the moment is quite good," Intanon told reporters.

"It was a tough game for me. It's not easy to beat her but I tried my best.

"She is a strong woman, she always plays long rallies and I tried to hold her and fight to the end."&nbsp;

In the women's doubles, top-ranked Yuki Fukushima and Sayaka Hirota beat Korean challengers Lee So-hee and Shin Seung-chan 21-18, 21-17.

Lee and Shin both fell on the court to save a long second-game rally to level at 15-all before conceding the next five points.

The Japanese duo are now 2-0 against Lee and Shin after their two-game victory in the Asian Games quarter-finals.&nbsp;

Japan's Nozomi Okuhara said her triumph over a determined Ratchanok Intanon in Sunday's Hong Kong Open final is a massive confidence boost ahead of the Tokyo Olympics.

Japan's Nozomi Okuhara said her triumph over a determined Ratchanok Intanon in Sunday's Hong Kong Open final is a massive confidence boost ahead of the Tokyo Olympics. Both players were hungry for the win, drawing level 13 times in the second game before the sixth-ranked Okuhara beat the Thai, a former world champion, 21-19, 24-22 in 64 minutes. "This match is very important for me," she said afterwards. Okuhara went on to say that she would spend the next year working to secure her place at next year's Olympics alongside world number two Akane Yamaguchi, who Intanon beat in three games in the quarter-finals. "I and Akane will get a gold medal," she said. "Of course." Sunday was Okuhara's last game of the tournament before next month's World Tour finals in China. Intanon had won four of their previous five match-ups and the respect between the players were palpable, with both sharing a long embrace in her opponent's court at the end of play. "I feel like my performance at the moment is quite good," Intanon told reporters. "It was a tough game for me. It's not easy to beat her but I tried my best. "She is a strong woman, she always plays long rallies and I tried to hold her and fight to the end." In the women's doubles, top-ranked Yuki Fukushima and Sayaka Hirota beat Korean challengers Lee So-hee and Shin Seung-chan 21-18, 21-17. Lee and Shin both fell on the court to save a long second-game rally to level at 15-all before conceding the next five points. The Japanese duo are now 2-0 against Lee and Shin after their two-game victory in the Asian Games quarter-finals.

Japan's Nozomi Okuhara defeats Intanon to win maiden Hong Kong Open title

India's star shuttler PV Sindhu crashed out of the Hong Kong Open after losing 24-26, 20-22 to South Korea's Sung Ji Hyun women's singles second round on Thursday.

The 23-year-old Hyderabadi shuttler lost to Sung for the sixth time in her career. However, she still leads the head-to-head record by 8-6.

Sindhu, yesterday, had defeated Thailand's Nitchaon Jindapol to enter the pre-quarterfinals.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, shuttler Kidambi Srikanth defeated his compatriot HS Prannoy in men's singles clash to enter the quarter-final of the tournament.

Srikanth, who had claimed a silver medal at this year's Commonwealth Games, outwitted fellow Indian H S Prannoy 18-21 30-29 21-18 in a thrilling match, clocking an hour and seven minutes.

Srikanth will face either Japan's Kenta Nishimoto or Thailand's Kantaphon Wangcharoen.

India's star shuttler PV Sindhu crashed out of the Hong Kong Open after losing 24-26, 20-22 to South Korea's Sung Ji Hyun women's singles second round on Thursday.

India's star shuttler PV Sindhu crashed out of the Hong Kong Open after losing 24-26, 20-22 to South Korea's Sung Ji Hyun women's singles second round on Thursday. The 23-year-old Hyderabadi shuttler lost to Sung for the sixth time in her career. However, she still leads the head-to-head record by 8-6. Sindhu, yesterday, had defeated Thailand's Nitchaon Jindapol to enter the pre-quarterfinals. Earlier in the day, shuttler Kidambi Srikanth defeated his compatriot HS Prannoy in men's singles clash to enter the quarter-final of the tournament. Srikanth, who had claimed a silver medal at this year's Commonwealth Games, outwitted fellow Indian H S Prannoy 18-21 30-29 21-18 in a thrilling match, clocking an hour and seven minutes. Srikanth will face either Japan's Kenta Nishimoto or Thailand's Kantaphon Wangcharoen.

Hong Kong Open: Sindhu crashes out after losing to South Korea's Sung

Indian shuttlers Kidambi Srikanth and Sameer Verma advanced to the quarterfinals of the Hong Kong Open World Tour Super 500 tournament here Thursday.

Fourth-seeded Srikanth, who had claimed a silver medal at this year's Commonwealth Games, had to dig deep in his reservoir to outwit fellow Indian H S Prannoy 18-21 30-29 21-18 in a thrilling match, clocking an hour and seven minutes.

Srikanth will face either Japan's Kenta Nishimoto or Thailand's Kantaphon Wangcharoen.

Sameer, however, qualified for the quarterfinals after his formidable opponent, Olympic champion Lin Dan pulled out of the competition due to injury. He will face either Denmark's Hans-Kristian Solberg Vittinghus or local hope Lee Cheuk Yiu on Friday.&nbsp;

However, mixed doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Ashwini Ponnappa lost 17-21 11-21 to Chinese Taipei's Lee Yang and Hsu Ya Ching to bow out of the tournament.

The match between the two trainees of the Pulella Gopichand academy turned out to be a pulsating contest as former world no 1 Srikanth did the catch up act with Prannoy enjoying the early spoils.&nbsp;

Prannoy, who had defeated Srikanth at the Senior National final last year, moved neck-and-neck till 9-9 before the former jumped to a 14-10 lead.&nbsp;

Srikanth clawed back at 15-15 before Prannoy again moved ahead to secure the opening game.

The second game was a cliffhanger as the duo played out of their skin, giving nothing away. After a close-battle, Srikanth grabbed a slender 11-10 lead at the break, which evaporated soon as Prannoy took a 15-12 lead.

Srikanth again drew parity at 16-16 and moved to 19-17. However, Prannoy took two points to make it 19-19.&nbsp;

After that there was nothing to separate the two as both kept taking points alternatively before Srikanth managed to grab the upper limit of 30 points first to pocket the game and roar back into the contest.

In the decider, Srikanth continued his momentum surging to outwitted 11-4 lead at the interval. Prannoy caught up at 16-16 before Srikanth again moved ahead to seal the contest.&nbsp;

Indian shuttlers Kidambi Srikanth and Sameer Verma advanced to the quarterfinals of the Hong Kong Open World Tour Super 500 tournament here Thursday. Fourth-seeded Srikanth, who had claimed a silver medal at this year's Commonwealth Games, had to dig deep in his reservoir to outwit fellow Indian H S Prannoy 18-21 30-29 21-18 in a thrilling match, clocking an hour and seven minutes.

Indian shuttlers Kidambi Srikanth and Sameer Verma advanced to the quarterfinals of the Hong Kong Open World Tour Super 500 tournament here Thursday. Fourth-seeded Srikanth, who had claimed a silver medal at this year's Commonwealth Games, had to dig deep in his reservoir to outwit fellow Indian H S Prannoy 18-21 30-29 21-18 in a thrilling match, clocking an hour and seven minutes. Srikanth will face either Japan's Kenta Nishimoto or Thailand's Kantaphon Wangcharoen. Sameer, however, qualified for the quarterfinals after his formidable opponent, Olympic champion Lin Dan pulled out of the competition due to injury. He will face either Denmark's Hans-Kristian Solberg Vittinghus or local hope Lee Cheuk Yiu on Friday. However, mixed doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Ashwini Ponnappa lost 17-21 11-21 to Chinese Taipei's Lee Yang and Hsu Ya Ching to bow out of the tournament. The match between the two trainees of the Pulella Gopichand academy turned out to be a pulsating contest as former world no 1 Srikanth did the catch up act with Prannoy enjoying the early spoils. Prannoy, who had defeated Srikanth at the Senior National final last year, moved neck-and-neck till 9-9 before the former jumped to a 14-10 lead. Srikanth clawed back at 15-15 before Prannoy again moved ahead to secure the opening game. The second game was a cliffhanger as the duo played out of their skin, giving nothing away. After a close-battle, Srikanth grabbed a slender 11-10 lead at the break, which evaporated soon as Prannoy took a 15-12 lead. Srikanth again drew parity at 16-16 and moved to 19-17. However, Prannoy took two points to make it 19-19. After that there was nothing to separate the two as both kept taking points alternatively before Srikanth managed to grab the upper limit of 30 points first to pocket the game and roar back into the contest. In the decider, Srikanth continued his momentum surging to outwitted 11-4 lead at the interval. Prannoy caught up at 16-16 before Srikanth again moved ahead to seal the contest.

Hong Kong Open: Srikanth, Sameer enter quarterfinals

India's star shuttler PV Sindhu defeated&nbsp;Thailand's Nitchaon Jindapol by registering 21-15, 13-21, 21-17 win in a contest that lasted less than an hour to advance into the second round.&nbsp;

The 23-year-old shuttler lost the second game but showed her character to win the third and deciding round to set up a clash with Sung Ji Hyun of Korea.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Saina Nehwal, who claimed a second Commonwealth Games gold and a bronze at the Asian Games this season, was outclassed by formidable Akane Yamaguchi 21-10, 10-21, 19-21.&nbsp;

In a tightly fought contest, Saina won the first game comprehensively but the second-seeded Japanese came back strongly to win the second game and take the match for the decider.&nbsp;

The duo challenged each other in the final game but Saina lost it by a margin of two points to bow out of the tournament.

Sindhu will now be carrying India's challenge in the Women's Singles. If she managed to beat her opponent in the second round then she is likely to face China's He Bingjiao in the quarterfinals, an opponent who has defeated her three times in 2018.

India's star shuttler PV Sindhu defeated Thailand's Nitchaon Jindapol by registering 21-15, 13-21, 21-17 win in a contest that lasted less than an hour to advance into the second round.

India's star shuttler PV Sindhu defeated Thailand's Nitchaon Jindapol by registering 21-15, 13-21, 21-17 win in a contest that lasted less than an hour to advance into the second round. The 23-year-old shuttler lost the second game but showed her character to win the third and deciding round to set up a clash with Sung Ji Hyun of Korea. Meanwhile, Saina Nehwal, who claimed a second Commonwealth Games gold and a bronze at the Asian Games this season, was outclassed by formidable Akane Yamaguchi 21-10, 10-21, 19-21. In a tightly fought contest, Saina won the first game comprehensively but the second-seeded Japanese came back strongly to win the second game and take the match for the decider. The duo challenged each other in the final game but Saina lost it by a margin of two points to bow out of the tournament. Sindhu will now be carrying India's challenge in the Women's Singles. If she managed to beat her opponent in the second round then she is likely to face China's He Bingjiao in the quarterfinals, an opponent who has defeated her three times in 2018.

Hong Kong Open: Sindhu outclasses Thai's Jindapol; Nehwal makes first-round exit

Indian badminton star PV&nbsp;Sindhu set her sights on reaching world number one after she shook off opening-match nerves to reach the last 16 at the Hong Kong Open on Wednesday.

Last year's runner-up and current world number three needed a mid-match pep talk from her coaches before beating Thailand's Nitchaon Jindapol 21-15, 13-21, 21-17.

Afterwards, Sindhu, who has become one of the world's highest-paid female athletes since winning Olympic silver in 2016, told AFP she had her eye on the number one spot.

"It's not going to be easy because there are some players who are coming up. But definitely one day I will be world number one, that's what I feel," said Sindhu, who was briefly ranked second last month.

"The top 10 to 15 players of the world are in the same standard, so it's just on the day who plays well and gives their best is the number one."

Sindhu, 23, narrowly lost the 2017 Hong Kong final to Taiwan's world number one Tai Tzu-ying, who has dominated the rankings over the past two seasons.

The Indian player has had a string of disappointments since, losing five straight finals including at the Asian Games against Tai.

Sindhu's last victory against Tai was at the Rio Olympics, en route to the silver medal which brought a flood of endorsements. In August, Forbes magazine rated her as the world's seventh highest paid sportswoman.

- 'Not up to the mark' -

She said her elevation and high profile had inspired other players in India, and had also raised expectations about her performances.

"A lot of them have been taking me for inspiration, and there are also a lot of expectations now after this year especially. So to meet their expectations I need to be there and I need to keep working hard," she said.

"Definitely I think Indian badminton as a sport is growing up and you see a lot of people are picking up badminton so it's a good sign for Indian badminton I can say, because in a couple of years you will definitely see a lot more players coming up."

Sindhu looked set to make quick work of her opening match Wednesday, breaking away from Nitchaon in the first game.

But she began to falter soon afterwards as Nitchaon's powerful smashes battered her into submission in the second game.

However, a pep talk in the last interval saw Sindhu claw back the decider after the Thai fired long on several crucial points.

"I think I was not up to the mark," Sindhu said.

"I was very nervous. In the second set I gave a lot of lead and started playing negative, and in the third set, it was like I was leading and then she came back closer.

"I could have just played freely... Overall it was very tactical and we had to be very focused and keep the shuttle in the court."

Meanwhile, fourth seed Chen Yufei crashed out of the tournament 21-14, 10-21, 20-22 after surrendering her early advantage against 24th-ranked Pornpawee Chochuwong.

Chen's first loss to the Thai in six encounters was overshadowed by a vocal match on the next court, where men's double sixth seeds Kim Astrup and Anders Rasmussen fought off a spirited challenge from Lu Ching Yao and Yang Po Han.

The energetic Taiwanese duo earned the crowd's favour against the Danes, who recovered from a drawn-out first game loss to triumph 28-30, 21-19, 21-16 in 76 minutes.

Indian badminton star PV Sindhu set her sights on reaching world number one after she shook off opening-match nerves to reach the last 16 at the Hong Kong Open on Wednesday.

Indian badminton star PV Sindhu set her sights on reaching world number one after she shook off opening-match nerves to reach the last 16 at the Hong Kong Open on Wednesday. Last year's runner-up and current world number three needed a mid-match pep talk from her coaches before beating Thailand's Nitchaon Jindapol 21-15, 13-21, 21-17. Afterwards, Sindhu, who has become one of the world's highest-paid female athletes since winning Olympic silver in 2016, told AFP she had her eye on the number one spot. "It's not going to be easy because there are some players who are coming up. But definitely one day I will be world number one, that's what I feel," said Sindhu, who was briefly ranked second last month. "The top 10 to 15 players of the world are in the same standard, so it's just on the day who plays well and gives their best is the number one." Sindhu, 23, narrowly lost the 2017 Hong Kong final to Taiwan's world number one Tai Tzu-ying, who has dominated the rankings over the past two seasons. The Indian player has had a string of disappointments since, losing five straight finals including at the Asian Games against Tai. Sindhu's last victory against Tai was at the Rio Olympics, en route to the silver medal which brought a flood of endorsements. In August, Forbes magazine rated her as the world's seventh highest paid sportswoman. - 'Not up to the mark' - She said her elevation and high profile had inspired other players in India, and had also raised expectations about her performances. "A lot of them have been taking me for inspiration, and there are also a lot of expectations now after this year especially. So to meet their expectations I need to be there and I need to keep working hard," she said. "Definitely I think Indian badminton as a sport is growing up and you see a lot of people are picking up badminton so it's a good sign for Indian badminton I can say, because in a couple of years you will definitely see a lot more players coming up." Sindhu looked set to make quick work of her opening match Wednesday, breaking away from Nitchaon in the first game. But she began to falter soon afterwards as Nitchaon's powerful smashes battered her into submission in the second game. However, a pep talk in the last interval saw Sindhu claw back the decider after the Thai fired long on several crucial points. "I think I was not up to the mark," Sindhu said. "I was very nervous. In the second set I gave a lot of lead and started playing negative, and in the third set, it was like I was leading and then she came back closer. "I could have just played freely... Overall it was very tactical and we had to be very focused and keep the shuttle in the court." Meanwhile, fourth seed Chen Yufei crashed out of the tournament 21-14, 10-21, 20-22 after surrendering her early advantage against 24th-ranked Pornpawee Chochuwong. Chen's first loss to the Thai in six encounters was overshadowed by a vocal match on the next court, where men's double sixth seeds Kim Astrup and Anders Rasmussen fought off a spirited challenge from Lu Ching Yao and Yang Po Han. The energetic Taiwanese duo earned the crowd's favour against the Danes, who recovered from a drawn-out first game loss to triumph 28-30, 21-19, 21-16 in 76 minutes.

Sindhu, badminton's big earner, sets sights on number one

Croatia's Borna Coric produced a masterful display of power-hitting to stun holder Roger Federer&nbsp;6-4, 6-4 in the Shanghai Masters on Saturday&nbsp;and book a final against Novak Djokovic.

Coric was quick out of the blocks at the Qi Zhong Stadium as he broke in the opening game against the top seed in China and only lost five points on serve to clinch the first set in 34 minutes.

Federer, competing in his first ATP tournament since a shock last-16 exit at the US&nbsp;Open, struggled for control against Coric's bludgeoning returns as the 13th seeded Croat clinched another early break to reach his first ATP Masters final.

The 21-year-old got his second straight win over&nbsp;Federer, having beaten the Swiss to lift the Halle title in June.

Coric, world-ranked 19th, will face one of his toughest tests of the season against Djokovic in Sunday's showpiece.

Three-time Shanghai Open winner Djokovic stormed past German Alexander Zverev 6-2, 6-1 in Saturday's earlier semi and claimed the world number two ranking from&nbsp;Federer.

Djokovic did not face a break point en route to a 59-minute victory as he extended his winning streak to 17 ATP matches.

Second seed Djokovic, who has returned to his brutal best this season with Grand Slam wins at Wimbledon and the US Open will surpass&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;as world number two when the next edition of the ATP rankings are released on Monday.

Croatia's Borna Coric produced a masterful display of power-hitting to stun holder Roger Federer 6-4, 6-4 in the Shanghai Masters on Saturday and book a final against Novak Djokovic.

Croatia's Borna Coric produced a masterful display of power-hitting to stun holder Roger Federer 6-4, 6-4 in the Shanghai Masters on Saturday and book a final against Novak Djokovic. Coric was quick out of the blocks at the Qi Zhong Stadium as he broke in the opening game against the top seed in China and only lost five points on serve to clinch the first set in 34 minutes. Federer, competing in his first ATP tournament since a shock last-16 exit at the US Open, struggled for control against Coric's bludgeoning returns as the 13th seeded Croat clinched another early break to reach his first ATP Masters final. The 21-year-old got his second straight win over Federer, having beaten the Swiss to lift the Halle title in June. Coric, world-ranked 19th, will face one of his toughest tests of the season against Djokovic in Sunday's showpiece. Three-time Shanghai Open winner Djokovic stormed past German Alexander Zverev 6-2, 6-1 in Saturday's earlier semi and claimed the world number two ranking from Federer. Djokovic did not face a break point en route to a 59-minute victory as he extended his winning streak to 17 ATP matches. Second seed Djokovic, who has returned to his brutal best this season with Grand Slam wins at Wimbledon and the US Open will surpass Federer as world number two when the next edition of the ATP rankings are released on Monday.

Borna Coric stuns Federer in Shanghai, faces Djokovic in final

Chinese number one Wang Qiang wrapped up the biggest win of her season Saturday, after an overnight rain delay forced her to wait to claim victory over world number five Elina Svitolina at the Hong Kong Open.

She needed just 10 minutes on court to end the Ukrainian's resistance, sealing the 6-2, 6-4 quarterfinal win with an ace.

The 26-year-old was serving for the match at 5-2 in the second set when the heavens opened Friday evening.

Svitolina, the tournament's top seed, was Wang's highest-ranked top 10 scalp this year.

She was unable to capitalise on her stay of execution despite breaking Wang to go 3-5 and then holding her own serve.

The Rome champion, who had been hoping to sew up qualification in Hong Kong for the WTA Finals, said Saturday that she was "fighter" and had come back on court believing he still had a chance.

"But in the end (Wang) had the advantage, she had the confidence definitely," Svitolina said.

"Yesterday she was playing really great tennis -- I was missing a lot, my game was really off."

She added: "It was a really bad performance from me so I was very disappointed that I couldn't play even 20 percent of the game that I can play."

Wang, the world number 24, grabbed headlines at the French Open with her straight-sets demolition of Venus Williams, offering a hint of what was to come, and later overcame Karolina Pliskova in both Beijing and Wuhan.

She also beat Caroline Wozniacki in 2013 aged just 21 when the Dane was ranked number 10.

The Hong Kong quarter-final was a repeat of August's US Open third round contest, which the Ukrainian won in straight sets, but here the tables were turned with Svitolina receiving a tennis masterclass from her opponent.

Both players came to the tournament in hot form, with Svitolina winning two WTA titles in just four months. She is battling four other players, including Pliskova, for the final three places at the WTA Finals in Singapore later this month.

Svitolina, who is now looking for a tournament wild card to boost her Singapore chances, is also in the hunt for a new fitness and main coach for next season.

Wang leapfrogged Zhang Shuai to become China's number one women's singles player after winning the Guangzhou Open in September.

It was her second career title after beating compatriot Zheng Saisai at the Jiangxi Open in July.

She has said she is aiming to break into the top 20 in the new year.

Wang, a semi-finalist in Hong Kong last year, faces former world number one Garbine Muguruza later Saturday for place in the final.

Chinese number one Wang Qiang wrapped up the biggest win of her season Saturday, after an overnight rain delay forced her to wait to claim victory over world number five Elina Svitolina at the Hong Kong Open.

Chinese number one Wang Qiang wrapped up the biggest win of her season Saturday, after an overnight rain delay forced her to wait to claim victory over world number five Elina Svitolina at the Hong Kong Open. She needed just 10 minutes on court to end the Ukrainian's resistance, sealing the 6-2, 6-4 quarterfinal win with an ace. The 26-year-old was serving for the match at 5-2 in the second set when the heavens opened Friday evening. Svitolina, the tournament's top seed, was Wang's highest-ranked top 10 scalp this year. She was unable to capitalise on her stay of execution despite breaking Wang to go 3-5 and then holding her own serve. The Rome champion, who had been hoping to sew up qualification in Hong Kong for the WTA Finals, said Saturday that she was "fighter" and had come back on court believing he still had a chance. "But in the end (Wang) had the advantage, she had the confidence definitely," Svitolina said. "Yesterday she was playing really great tennis -- I was missing a lot, my game was really off." She added: "It was a really bad performance from me so I was very disappointed that I couldn't play even 20 percent of the game that I can play." Wang, the world number 24, grabbed headlines at the French Open with her straight-sets demolition of Venus Williams, offering a hint of what was to come, and later overcame Karolina Pliskova in both Beijing and Wuhan. She also beat Caroline Wozniacki in 2013 aged just 21 when the Dane was ranked number 10. The Hong Kong quarter-final was a repeat of August's US Open third round contest, which the Ukrainian won in straight sets, but here the tables were turned with Svitolina receiving a tennis masterclass from her opponent. Both players came to the tournament in hot form, with Svitolina winning two WTA titles in just four months. She is battling four other players, including Pliskova, for the final three places at the WTA Finals in Singapore later this month. Svitolina, who is now looking for a tournament wild card to boost her Singapore chances, is also in the hunt for a new fitness and main coach for next season. Wang leapfrogged Zhang Shuai to become China's number one women's singles player after winning the Guangzhou Open in September. It was her second career title after beating compatriot Zheng Saisai at the Jiangxi Open in July. She has said she is aiming to break into the top 20 in the new year. Wang, a semi-finalist in Hong Kong last year, faces former world number one Garbine Muguruza later Saturday for place in the final.

Wang Qiang downs Svitolina for biggest win of the year

Former world number one Garbine Muguruza booked a semi-final place at the Hong Kong Open Friday, fighting off a late comeback by Thailand's Luksika Kumkhum to win 6-2, 7-5.

Muguruza, the 2016 French Open and 2017 Wimbledon champion, is keen to finish what has been by her standards a disappointing season on a high.

She has slumped to a world ranking of 13, while her best Grand Slam performance was a semi-final at Roland Garros.

The Spaniard was relieved to keep the hard-fought match to just two sets with a semi-final against world number five Elina Svitolina or China's leading player Wang Qiang looming Saturday.

"It was very competitive," the 25-year-old.

Kumkhum broke her as she served for the match, levelling the scores at 5-5, before Muguruza finally overcame her opponent, who is ranked 105.&nbsp;

"I feel in the second set she was playing so much better -- it was a full battle. I think the difference was a couple of points."

Earlier, China's Zhang Shuai looked in ominous form as she swatted aside last year's runner-up Daria Gavrilova in straight sets.

The world number 39 overwhelmed her Australian opponent -- who is ranked five places above her -- with the power and precision of her ground strokes and ran away with a comfortable 6-1, 6-3 victory after little more than an hour on court.

Zhang, China's number two, will make her debut in the Hong Kong semis Saturday when she takes on Ukrainian teenager Dayana Yastremska.

"The first and second rounds gave me a lot of confidence -- that's why today I played really well," Zhang, 29, said.

Last year's Hong Kong quarter-finalist added she was happy soaking up the atmosphere on Centre Court.

"I'm really happy so many fans have come to Hong Kong. I'll try my best tomorrow!"&nbsp;

Gavrilova, 24, said she was tired after two three-set matches in the earlier rounds and said she suffered a painful knee during the pre-game warm-up which required heavy strapping.&nbsp;

But she said that was not why she lost. "I felt like she had her A-game today," Gavrilova said.&nbsp;

"I was dropping the ball too short and not finding the corners, I was getting myself into too much trouble by hitting the ball in the middle of the court really."&nbsp;

"I was feeling it and my legs were a bit tired but I'm kind of used to it and this wasn't the reason I lost."&nbsp;

Zhang, who has won two career WTA singles titles, will be favourite to win against 18-year-old Yastremska, currently ranked 102.&nbsp;

The 2016 Wimbledon girls singles finalist fought back from an early setback to win only her second WTA quarter-final earlier Friday.&nbsp;

The 18-year-old quickly went down 4-0 to outsider Kristina Kucova -- the world number 317 who knocked out Jelena Ostapenko in the first round -- before recovering to win 7-6 (8/6), 6-2.&nbsp;

"The crowds were supporting me so I felt that energy and I was very motivated to come back," she said.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, the big-serving teenager became the first player born this millennium to break into the WTA top 100 rankings.&nbsp;

Former world number one Garbine Muguruza booked a semi-final place at the Hong Kong Open Friday, fighting off a late comeback by Thailand's Luksika Kumkhum to win 6-2, 7-5.

Former world number one Garbine Muguruza booked a semi-final place at the Hong Kong Open Friday, fighting off a late comeback by Thailand's Luksika Kumkhum to win 6-2, 7-5. Muguruza, the 2016 French Open and 2017 Wimbledon champion, is keen to finish what has been by her standards a disappointing season on a high. She has slumped to a world ranking of 13, while her best Grand Slam performance was a semi-final at Roland Garros. The Spaniard was relieved to keep the hard-fought match to just two sets with a semi-final against world number five Elina Svitolina or China's leading player Wang Qiang looming Saturday. "It was very competitive," the 25-year-old. Kumkhum broke her as she served for the match, levelling the scores at 5-5, before Muguruza finally overcame her opponent, who is ranked 105. "I feel in the second set she was playing so much better -- it was a full battle. I think the difference was a couple of points." Earlier, China's Zhang Shuai looked in ominous form as she swatted aside last year's runner-up Daria Gavrilova in straight sets. The world number 39 overwhelmed her Australian opponent -- who is ranked five places above her -- with the power and precision of her ground strokes and ran away with a comfortable 6-1, 6-3 victory after little more than an hour on court. Zhang, China's number two, will make her debut in the Hong Kong semis Saturday when she takes on Ukrainian teenager Dayana Yastremska. "The first and second rounds gave me a lot of confidence -- that's why today I played really well," Zhang, 29, said. Last year's Hong Kong quarter-finalist added she was happy soaking up the atmosphere on Centre Court. "I'm really happy so many fans have come to Hong Kong. I'll try my best tomorrow!" Gavrilova, 24, said she was tired after two three-set matches in the earlier rounds and said she suffered a painful knee during the pre-game warm-up which required heavy strapping. But she said that was not why she lost. "I felt like she had her A-game today," Gavrilova said. "I was dropping the ball too short and not finding the corners, I was getting myself into too much trouble by hitting the ball in the middle of the court really." "I was feeling it and my legs were a bit tired but I'm kind of used to it and this wasn't the reason I lost." Zhang, who has won two career WTA singles titles, will be favourite to win against 18-year-old Yastremska, currently ranked 102. The 2016 Wimbledon girls singles finalist fought back from an early setback to win only her second WTA quarter-final earlier Friday. The 18-year-old quickly went down 4-0 to outsider Kristina Kucova -- the world number 317 who knocked out Jelena Ostapenko in the first round -- before recovering to win 7-6 (8/6), 6-2. "The crowds were supporting me so I felt that energy and I was very motivated to come back," she said. Earlier this year, the big-serving teenager became the first player born this millennium to break into the WTA top 100 rankings.

Relieved Muguruza through to Hong Kong semis in straight set

US Open champion Naomi Osaka has pulled out of this week's Hong Kong Open to prevent aggravating a slight back injury, organisers said on Sunday.

The Japanese star required treatment to her lower back during her semi-final defeat to unseeded Anastasija Sevastova at the China Open in Beijing on Saturday.

Afterward, Osaka, who turns 21 on October 16, said it was more a case of fatigue than anything more serious, but suggested that she may not make the WTA Hong Kong Open, which starts on Monday.

"Unfortunately, I have been playing through pain in my back this whole week," the world number six said in a subsequent statement released by organisers.

"The doctors have advised me that I need to rest to ensure the injury is not further aggravated and become more serious."

One player who does appear set to play in Hong Kong is China's Wang Qiang, who is in the form of her life.

Wang was well beaten by world number two Caroline Wozniacki in the China Open semi-finals, going down 6-1, 6-3, and has been carrying a thigh injury.

"I'll try my best because I will definitely face the same situation in the future," the 28th-ranked Wang said, asked if she would compete in Hong Kong.

"I cannot give up easily."

US Open champion Naomi Osaka has pulled out of this week's Hong Kong Open to prevent aggravating a slight back injury, organisers said on Sunday. The Japanese star required treatment to her lower back during her semi-final defeat to unseeded Anastasija Sevastova at the China Open in Beijing on Saturday.

US Open champion Naomi Osaka has pulled out of this week's Hong Kong Open to prevent aggravating a slight back injury, organisers said on Sunday. The Japanese star required treatment to her lower back during her semi-final defeat to unseeded Anastasija Sevastova at the China Open in Beijing on Saturday. Afterward, Osaka, who turns 21 on October 16, said it was more a case of fatigue than anything more serious, but suggested that she may not make the WTA Hong Kong Open, which starts on Monday. "Unfortunately, I have been playing through pain in my back this whole week," the world number six said in a subsequent statement released by organisers. "The doctors have advised me that I need to rest to ensure the injury is not further aggravated and become more serious." One player who does appear set to play in Hong Kong is China's Wang Qiang, who is in the form of her life. Wang was well beaten by world number two Caroline Wozniacki in the China Open semi-finals, going down 6-1, 6-3, and has been carrying a thigh injury. "I'll try my best because I will definitely face the same situation in the future," the 28th-ranked Wang said, asked if she would compete in Hong Kong. "I cannot give up easily."

Naomi Osaka pulls out of Hong Kong Open with back injury

Olympic silver medallist PV Sindhu produced a comfortable straight-game win over 2013 World Champion Ratchanok Intanon at the USD 400,000 Hong Kong Super Series to seal a second successive final spot here today.

Last year&#39;s finalist, Sindhu moved well and seemed always ready for the shuttle. She dominated the front court, defended well and maintained her attack to outclass the world no&nbsp;6 Thai 21-17 21-17 in a 43-minute women&#39;s singles match.

It was their sixth meeting and Sindhu was lagging 1-4 in the head-to-head count. The only time the Indian had beaten Intanon was at the 2015 Korea Open when the match went to the decider.

Sindhu, a silver medallist at World Championship, will next face top seed and world no. 1 Tai Tzu Ying, hoping to emulate Saina Nehwal and Prakash Padukone, who had clinched this title in 2010 and 1982.

Locking horns with Intanon after 18 months, Sindhu showed her prowess as she countered the deceptive strokes of her rival with her better defence, which included superb backhand returns and attacking game plan.

In the opening game, Sindhu jumped to a 6-2 lead early on and continued her march ahead, despite some good-looking strokes from the Thai player.

A cross court smash from the Indian left her opponent stranded and allowed Sindhu to grab a 11-7 lead after seven minutes of play. The Thai player went long a few times as Sindhu lead 17-9.

Intanon produced a superb cross court dribble to break the rhythm but she again found the net.

The Thai constructed another post with an angled shot to draw Sindhu near the court and then produced a winner on her backhand. But the Indian once again came up with a quick straight return from the front court to move to game point.

The Thai girl produced sensational disguise return to bamboozle Sindhu twice and then the Indian found the net as Intanon grabbed three points.

She again set up Sindhu with her angled return to take another point but the Indian grabbed the opening game when Intanon&#39;s backhand return went to the net.

In the second game, Intanon had a 3-1 lead before Sindhu drew parity. An onrushing smash helped Sindhu take a 5-4 lead.

However, two unforced errors again gave the lead back to Intanon. The Thai shuttle then sent a backhand return wide and it was 6-6.

Intanon continued to commit errors, finding it difficult to get the bird away. Sindhu produced another instinctive reactionary stroke to put the shuttle across to move to 10-6 lead with Intanon again going wide.

It was Sindhu who had a healthy advantage at the mid-game breather.

A brilliant forehand defensive return after the break left a stretched Intanon. The Thai player produced a body line smash and returned on Sindhu backhand to grab two points. But the Indian then unleashed a smash to move to 13-9.

Intanon continued to snap at her heels, making it 12-13 with her immaculate placements. A body smash and a controlled deep return from Sindhu helped her to extend the lead to 16- 13.

A magnificent on the line smash was followed by two miscued strokes as Sindhu led 18-14. The Indian faltered with a net return and then Intanon produced a straight smash to make it 16-18.

However, the Thai sent the shuttle out again to give another point to Sindhu.

Intanon grabbed another point with a precise return before she went wide to give match point opportunity to Sindhu, who grabbed it after winning a referral following another wide shot from the Thai shuttler.

The badminton ace dominated the front court, defended well and maintained her attack to outclass the world no?6 Thai Ratchanok Intanon 21-17 21-17 in a 43-minute women's singles match

Olympic silver medallist PV Sindhu produced a comfortable straight-game win over 2013 World Champion Ratchanok Intanon at the USD 400,000 Hong Kong Super Series to seal a second successive final spot here today. Last year's finalist, Sindhu moved well and seemed always ready for the shuttle. She dominated the front court, defended well and maintained her attack to outclass the world no 6 Thai 21-17 21-17 in a 43-minute women's singles match. It was their sixth meeting and Sindhu was lagging 1-4 in the head-to-head count. The only time the Indian had beaten Intanon was at the 2015 Korea Open when the match went to the decider. Sindhu, a silver medallist at World Championship, will next face top seed and world no. 1 Tai Tzu Ying, hoping to emulate Saina Nehwal and Prakash Padukone, who had clinched this title in 2010 and 1982. Locking horns with Intanon after 18 months, Sindhu showed her prowess as she countered the deceptive strokes of her rival with her better defence, which included superb backhand returns and attacking game plan. In the opening game, Sindhu jumped to a 6-2 lead early on and continued her march ahead, despite some good-looking strokes from the Thai player. A cross court smash from the Indian left her opponent stranded and allowed Sindhu to grab a 11-7 lead after seven minutes of play. The Thai player went long a few times as Sindhu lead 17-9. Intanon produced a superb cross court dribble to break the rhythm but she again found the net. The Thai constructed another post with an angled shot to draw Sindhu near the court and then produced a winner on her backhand. But the Indian once again came up with a quick straight return from the front court to move to game point. The Thai girl produced sensational disguise return to bamboozle Sindhu twice and then the Indian found the net as Intanon grabbed three points. She again set up Sindhu with her angled return to take another point but the Indian grabbed the opening game when Intanon's backhand return went to the net. In the second game, Intanon had a 3-1 lead before Sindhu drew parity. An onrushing smash helped Sindhu take a 5-4 lead. However, two unforced errors again gave the lead back to Intanon. The Thai shuttle then sent a backhand return wide and it was 6-6. Intanon continued to commit errors, finding it difficult to get the bird away. Sindhu produced another instinctive reactionary stroke to put the shuttle across to move to 10-6 lead with Intanon again going wide. It was Sindhu who had a healthy advantage at the mid-game breather. A brilliant forehand defensive return after the break left a stretched Intanon. The Thai player produced a body line smash and returned on Sindhu backhand to grab two points. But the Indian then unleashed a smash to move to 13-9. Intanon continued to snap at her heels, making it 12-13 with her immaculate placements. A body smash and a controlled deep return from Sindhu helped her to extend the lead to 16- 13. A magnificent on the line smash was followed by two miscued strokes as Sindhu led 18-14. The Indian faltered with a net return and then Intanon produced a straight smash to make it 16-18. However, the Thai sent the shuttle out again to give another point to Sindhu. Intanon grabbed another point with a precise return before she went wide to give match point opportunity to Sindhu, who grabbed it after winning a referral following another wide shot from the Thai shuttler.

PV Sindhu sails into Hong Kong Open final

Second seed PV Sindhu sailed into the women&#39;s singles quarterfinals with a comfortable win while compatriot Saina Nehwal crashed out of the Hong Kong Open Superseries here today. 
 
PV Sindhu, who slipped a place to be number three in the world rankings released today, defeated Japan&#39;s Aya Ohori 21- 14, 21-17 in a second round match lasting 39 minutes. 
 
It was Sindhu&#39;s third win over the Japanese in as many meetings. The Indian faces another Japanese, fifth seed Akane Yamaguchi, in the quarterfinals tomorrow. 
 
Tenth-ranked Nehwal, however, ran out of steam to lose to China&#39;s Chen Yufei and eighth seed 21-18, 19-21, 10-21 in a second round match lasting an hour. The players met for the first time. 
 
It was also curtains for India in the men&#39;s singles after 10th-ranked HS Prannoy went down fighting to Japan&#39;s Kazumasa Sakai 21-11, 10-21, 15-21 in a 54-minute battle. The 23-ranked Japanese got the better of Prannoy for the third time in as many matches. 
 
Parupalli Kashyap and Sourabh Verma had lost in the opening round yesterday.

PV Sindhu defeated Japan's Aya Ohori 21- 14, 21-17

Second seed PV Sindhu sailed into the women's singles quarterfinals with a comfortable win while compatriot Saina Nehwal crashed out of the Hong Kong Open Superseries here today. PV Sindhu, who slipped a place to be number three in the world rankings released today, defeated Japan's Aya Ohori 21- 14, 21-17 in a second round match lasting 39 minutes. It was Sindhu's third win over the Japanese in as many meetings. The Indian faces another Japanese, fifth seed Akane Yamaguchi, in the quarterfinals tomorrow. Tenth-ranked Nehwal, however, ran out of steam to lose to China's Chen Yufei and eighth seed 21-18, 19-21, 10-21 in a second round match lasting an hour. The players met for the first time. It was also curtains for India in the men's singles after 10th-ranked HS Prannoy went down fighting to Japan's Kazumasa Sakai 21-11, 10-21, 15-21 in a 54-minute battle. The 23-ranked Japanese got the better of Prannoy for the third time in as many matches. Parupalli Kashyap and Sourabh Verma had lost in the opening round yesterday.

PV Sindhu sails into Hong Kong Open quarters, Saina Nehwal crashes out

National champion Sameer Verma stunned World No&nbsp;3 Jan O Jorgensen of Denmark to reach his maiden Super Series final while Olympic silver medallist P V Sindhu made it to her second successive summit clash in women&#39;s singles at the Hong Kong Open, here today. 
 
It was double bonanza for India at the Hong Kong Open, the last Super Series tournament of the season, as Sameer and Sindhu dished out some superb performances to make it a super Sunday for badminton fans tomorrow. 
 
The 22-year-old Sameer, who is the younger brother of Sourabh Verma, showed tremendous athleticism and accuracy in his strokes to notch up a hard-fought 21-19 24-22 win over Denmark&#39;s Jorgensen, who had clinched the prestigious China Super Series Premier last week. 
 
Sameer, who came into the tournament as a qualifier, will fight for the title against local favourite Ng Ka Long Angus. 
 
Newly-crowned China Open champion, Sindhu, meanwhile, continued her rampaging run and disposed local shuttler Cheung Ngan Yi 21-14 21-16 in a 46-minute match to set up a clash with Chinese Taipei&#39;s Tai Tzu Ying, seeded fourth, to lay claim for her second super series title. 
 
It is a rare occasion when two Indians have reached the finals of the men&#39;s and women&#39;s singles competition of any particular tournament. For records, Saina Nehwal and K Srikanth had made the finals at 2014 China Open and 2015 India Open and both had emerged victorious. 
 
The highlight of the day was Sameer&#39;s stunning win over Jorgensen, who reached the finals at China Open 
 
Super Series Premier, Japan Open (Runner-up) and Indonesia Open Super Series Premier (Runner-up) this year. 
 
More than 40 ranking points separated World No. 43 Sameer from Jorgensen but all that didn&#39;t matter today as the Indian retrieved everything thrown at him by the Dane in the 46-minute fast-paced battle. 
 
In one of the finest wins of his career, Sameer punched way above his weight as he opened up a massive 12-7 lead early on in the opening game. However, Jorgensen ensured he was not far behind as he clawed back to reduce the margin to 10-11 at the interval. 
 
Jorgensen made Sameer run across the court but the young Indian was up for it most times and matched the Dane stroke for stroke to be 17-17. 
 
Sameer marched ahead after that and grabbed three game points when the Dane hit the net. 
 
A gruelling rally ensued with Jorgensen relying on his wristy returns and soft net play to save two points. Sameer finally pocketed the first game after winning a video referral when Jorgensen hit long. 
 
In the second game, Jorgensen started on an aggressive note, opening up a healthy 11-5 lead at the interval. But a gritty Sameer fought back to draw level at 12-12 and then took a slender 13-12 lead. 
 
(PTI)

Sameer and Sindhu dished out some superb performances to make it a super Sunday for badminton fans tomorrow

National champion Sameer Verma stunned World No 3 Jan O Jorgensen of Denmark to reach his maiden Super Series final while Olympic silver medallist P V Sindhu made it to her second successive summit clash in women's singles at the Hong Kong Open, here today. It was double bonanza for India at the Hong Kong Open, the last Super Series tournament of the season, as Sameer and Sindhu dished out some superb performances to make it a super Sunday for badminton fans tomorrow. The 22-year-old Sameer, who is the younger brother of Sourabh Verma, showed tremendous athleticism and accuracy in his strokes to notch up a hard-fought 21-19 24-22 win over Denmark's Jorgensen, who had clinched the prestigious China Super Series Premier last week. Sameer, who came into the tournament as a qualifier, will fight for the title against local favourite Ng Ka Long Angus. Newly-crowned China Open champion, Sindhu, meanwhile, continued her rampaging run and disposed local shuttler Cheung Ngan Yi 21-14 21-16 in a 46-minute match to set up a clash with Chinese Taipei's Tai Tzu Ying, seeded fourth, to lay claim for her second super series title. It is a rare occasion when two Indians have reached the finals of the men's and women's singles competition of any particular tournament. For records, Saina Nehwal and K Srikanth had made the finals at 2014 China Open and 2015 India Open and both had emerged victorious. The highlight of the day was Sameer's stunning win over Jorgensen, who reached the finals at China Open Super Series Premier, Japan Open (Runner-up) and Indonesia Open Super Series Premier (Runner-up) this year. More than 40 ranking points separated World No. 43 Sameer from Jorgensen but all that didn't matter today as the Indian retrieved everything thrown at him by the Dane in the 46-minute fast-paced battle. In one of the finest wins of his career, Sameer punched way above his weight as he opened up a massive 12-7 lead early on in the opening game. However, Jorgensen ensured he was not far behind as he clawed back to reduce the margin to 10-11 at the interval. Jorgensen made Sameer run across the court but the young Indian was up for it most times and matched the Dane stroke for stroke to be 17-17. Sameer marched ahead after that and grabbed three game points when the Dane hit the net. A gruelling rally ensued with Jorgensen relying on his wristy returns and soft net play to save two points. Sameer finally pocketed the first game after winning a video referral when Jorgensen hit long. In the second game, Jorgensen started on an aggressive note, opening up a healthy 11-5 lead at the interval. But a gritty Sameer fought back to draw level at 12-12 and then took a slender 13-12 lead. (PTI)

India's Sameer Verma, PV Sindhu storm into Hong Kong Open finals

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