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Marwan heads back to Hong Kong
 We’ve
talked to two Hong Kong regulars in Amr Shabana and Nicol David
but not many of the players are as frequent a visitor, or as
successful in tournaments there, as the
“King and Queen” of HK.
Double World Junior Champion Marwan El Shorbagy is making
just his second trip to HK this year. |
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 “I’ve
only been to HK once, back in 2010 when I played my second PSA
tournament there.
"I was only 16 and I travelled all alone and managed to reach
the final,” recalls the Egyptian, already ranked inside the
world’s top thirty.
“I learned a lot from that trip and hopefully learn more next
week.”
What are you memories of Hong Kong from that first trip ?
“The people are really nice and helpful, the organisers really
looked after the players well, so. I really enjoyed my time
there.
“I love food - Roast Duck especially - and the night life in
Hong Kong, we went out pretty much every night, and we really
liked a place called Chocoholic.
“Walking was my favourite way of getting around, the traffic is
really busy, but I enjoy having conversations with the taxi
drivers as we don't understand each other but somehow we keep
the conversation going.
 “This
time I might plan to go to the Disneyland and see something
different, plus, I always like to come back and play in the
venues where I do well so I can't wait to go back next week!”
How has your preparation for HK been going?
“I was in Millfield for few days training with my coach Ian
Thomas, and then back in Egypt where I had my brother to train
with.. TWICE every day.
“I get bored of training with him sometimes", so hopefully I get
through qualification and play him in the first round and get my
revenge !!!! [for Macau, where they played each other for the
first time in a competitive match]
 What
are your hopes and aims for the tournament ?
“I’m playing qualifications so I’ll find out what my draw is on
the 24th, I think I am feeling ready and very excited to play
there again.
“I’m just going to try and enjoy my squash, enjoy being in one
of the coolest places in the world, - get a new experience from
the tournament, and hopefully try and get another good win over
a top player.”
The IOC will be in HK too, what difference will that make
?
“I am sure the tournament will be VERY well organised, and I
think this tournament could be a life changing one for our
sport.
 “I’m
sure the organisers will attract maximum amount of people to
come and watch the matches, also the top players will HAVE to
play their best squash in this tournament and make the game very
exciting for the crowd!
“Hopefully the IOC will be very impressed with what they see and
will regret not putting squash into the Olympics a long time
back!
"It’s a sport that really deserves to be in the Olympics, the
game has improved a lot from four years so I think we have a
strong chance this time to get in!
What's next ?
“Obviously I’ve never played on the harbour front, but its one
of the venues that I will look forward to play in one day in my
career. well maybe this year!
“After that it’s the world open, so I guess Hong Kong will be
everyone's preparation for the worlds, I will try and prepare
myself and get into the mood of the tournaments again!” |
 HK
in 3 words ?
“Exciting, crowded, beautiful.”
Thanks Marwan, and good luck in HK ...
Next: the top seeds talk about HK
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