First place in his group in both the Men’s Singles and Under 21 Men’s Singles events, Hong Kong’s Lam Siu Hang was very much the player to impress on the second day of action, Thursday 4^th June, at the GAC Group 2015 ITTF World Tour Australia Open in Tweed Heads.

In his opening contest on the first day of play, in the Under 21 Men’s Singles event, he overcame Japan’s Masato Kakitsuka by the very narrowest of five game margins (7-11, 11-4, 11-8, 10-12, 14-12). There is the adage that reads win a close match, confidence blossoms. The theory would most certainly seem to apply to Lam Siu Hang.

Never Again Troubled

At no stage was he again troubled; in his second match in the Under 21 Men’s Singles event, he beat the host nation’s Benjamin Houghton in three straight games (11-4, 11-6, 11-9), before turning his attentions to the Men’s Singles event where he made a most impressive start.

He accounted for his second Japanese adversary of the day; he overcame Kosei Hirano (11-3, 12-10, 8-11, 11-4, 13-11),

Same Again

Three matches played, it was three wins; on the second day of play, it was just the same. He completed his Under 21 Men’s Singles schedule by overcoming Australia’s Anthony Zhao (11-7, 11-6, 11-3), before in the Men’s Singles qualification stage, once again beating Benjamin Houghton (11-1, 11-7, 11-2, 11-6), having earlier in the day caused the host nation even greater pain.

Impressively, he accounted for David Powell, for several years now Australia’s number two player behind William Henzell. Lam Siu Hang won in four straight games (11-8, 11-6, 11-9, 11-1).

Became Accustomed to Service

“I was not receiving the serve well, I was down 1-5 in the first game”, said Lam Siu Hang “I had to get used to his serve, I came back to win the game; my tactic was to attack first with my forehand to control the match and I established a rhythm to my play; I think David is a good player but he did not play too well today, he missed a few shots.”

A place in the first round secured, the initial goal has been achieved.

“I was quite excited about this tournament as there are many highly ranked player”, explained Lam Siu Hang. “I competed in the Australian Open last year; this year is better; my ambition towards this tournament is to win a medal.”

Mission to Maintain Level

He has taken the first step; the task for Lam Siu Hang is to believe.

On some occasions he has recorded impressive results in the early stages but then suffered defeat; the mission is to maintain the form of the first two days.

“I practise six hours each day, I just finished my university entrance exams and therefore now I will be more dedicated towards table tennis”, explained Lam Siu Hang. “I have been playing for 12 years, I am the only player wear glasses but soon I do not need to wear since I will have contact lenses.”

Opening Round

Play in the first stage of proceedings over, in the opening round of the Men’s Singles event, Lam Siu Hang meets Belgium’s Cédric Nuytinck; in the Under 21 Men’s Singles he confronts Japan’s Yuto Kizukuri.

Meanwhile, in the Men’s Doubles event, he is the no.4 seed; he partners Ho Kwan Kit.

Article by: ITTF - Ian Marshall

Photo by: Isaac Purcell