Asia Sports Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 32 Week of 15 September 2025
(1) Mainland China stars dominate Hong Kong Open, Wang Zhiyi and Li Shifeng triumph
All five Hong Kong titles go to mainland as Wang and Li begin to atone for recent Badminton World Championships disappointments.
(2) Coleman Wong leads HK to World Group I Play-offs with Davis Cup victory over Uzbekistan
Hong Kong Sevens upgrades to World Rugby’s SVNS Championship in 2026, debuting at Kai Tak Stadium with 12 elite teams. Hong Kong’s national squad begins qualification in the Asian Sevens Series this month.
(3) NBA’s Brooklyn Nets sign Hongkonger David Muoka ahead of Macau pre-season games
Nets had already signed Zeng Fanbo, and could break new ground for Chinese basketball if Zeng and Muoka were to play together.
(4) NBL Finals | Hong Kong Player Ricky Yang Moved by Kai Tak Atmosphere: “This Is Why We Need a Home Court”
Hong Kong Bulls lost 87–88 in NBL finals at Kai Tak, where 2,865 fans created a vibrant atmosphere. Ricky Yang and coach Xie Libin praised the venue’s impact, aiming for Friday’s win.
(1) Mainland China stars dominate Hong Kong Open, Wang Zhiyi and Li Shifeng triumph
(Photo Credit: AFP)
Wang Zhiyi and Li Shifeng led China’s commanding performance at the Li-Ning Hong Kong Open, securing the women’s and men’s singles titles respectively to complete a historic clean sweep for their nation. Wang claimed a hard-fought 21-14, 24-22 victory over compatriot Han Yue, while Li dispatched India’s Lakshya Sen 21-15, 21-12 in the men’s final. The triumphs marked China’s first five-title haul at the tournament since 2012, with Olympic medalists Liang Weikeng/Wang Chang (men’s doubles), Zhang Shuxian/Jia Yifan (women’s doubles), and Feng Yanzhe/Huang Dongping (mixed doubles) completing the golden rout.
Both singles champions overcame recent disappointments to triumph in Hong Kong. Wang, who suffered early elimination at the World Championships, described her win as an “emotional release” after saving game point in a grueling 61-shot rally. Li, still recovering from his own first-round Paris exit, admitted competing with imperfect form but valued the tournament as crucial preparation. The victories earned each champion US$37,500, with Wang particularly relishing her maiden Hong Kong title before China’s team departed for the upcoming China Masters in Shenzhen.
China’s doubles specialists ensured no title slipped away, with Olympic silver medalists Liang/Wang surviving a three-set men’s doubles thriller against India’s Rankireddy/Shetty. Women’s doubles gold medalists Zhang/Jia needed just 43 minutes to dispatch Japan’s Iwanga/Nakanishi, while Feng/Huang controlled their all-Chinese mixed doubles final. The comprehensive performance underscored China’s badminton depth as players immediately shifted focus to the next challenge in Shenzhen.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3325489/wang-zhiyis-emotional-release-after-beating-fellow-chinese-han-yue-hong-open-title?share=D9t7ujAcJtRzM7HZKbIo3oJSwuGB06bhayOejG1xfOgAehs33LitPtoiKgBzMkdS3AHsNxdpQs%2B1xxIyi0s9oeqAeQffKduz9GjFjuhTVgIxzy66X0RgKIwq%2BwvOFtp%2Fui1B%2F2vQIYQ42bRU9s9jYQ%3D%3D&utm_campaign=social_share
(2) Coleman Wong leads HK to World Group I Play-offs with Davis Cup victory over Uzbekistan
(Photo Credit: The Standard)
The Hong Kong, China team led by emerging tennis star Coleman Wong has successfully advanced to the next round after wrapping up a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan in the Davis Cup World Group II on Sunday (Sep 14).
The competition was held at the Victoria Park Tennis Stadium starting Saturday (Sep 13), where Hong Kong and Uzbekistan tied at 1-1 after the singles matches played on the day. Pairing with Wong Chun-hun, Coleman Wong cruised past Uzbek players Sergey Fomin and Khumoyun Sultanov on Sunday in the doubles by winning 7-5, 7-6, extending Hong Kong’s lead to 2-1. Coleman Wong then outplayed Khumoyun Sultanov in the single by securing the match with 6-2, 6-2 on Sunday.
The Hong Kong team will be competing in the 2026 World Group I Play-offs after winning their ties, a 35-year hiatus after Hong Kong’s advancement to the World Group I Play-offs in Davis Cup.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/sports-news/article/311494/Coleman-Wong-leads-HK-to-World-Group-I-Play-offs-with-Davis-Cup-victory-over-Uzbekistan
(3) NBA’s Brooklyn Nets sign Hongkonger David Muoka ahead of Macau pre-season games
(Photo Credit: Handout)
Hong Kong basketball player David Muoka, a 6ft 10in defensive-oriented center, has signed a partially guaranteed standard NBA contract with the Brooklyn Nets on Monday (15 September 2025), US time, marking his second opportunity with the franchise. Previously, Muoka made history in October 2024 as the first Hongkonger to secure an NBA deal with the Portland Trail Blazers, only to be waived the same day. He then played the 2024-25 season for the Windy City Bulls, the Chicago Bulls’ G League affiliate. A partially guaranteed contract means the Nets can waive him without major repercussions beyond paying the guaranteed portion, providing Muoka a chance to compete for a roster spot.
The signing raises excitement for the Nets’ upcoming pre-season NBA China Games in Macau on October 10 and 12 against the Phoenix Suns, where Muoka could potentially play. The Nets have also agreed to include China’s Zeng Fanbo, a national team member, potentially creating the first instance of two Chinese players (Muoka, of Hong Kong, and Zeng) appearing in an NBA-level game for the same team. This duo could deliver a significant marketing boost for the event in the casino city, enhancing its appeal to regional fans.
Muoka’s prior experience with the Nets organization, including playing for their G League affiliate, the Long Island Nets, in the 2023-24 season, gives him familiarity with the team. Owned by Alibaba Group chairman Joe Tsai, the Nets now have 21 players—19 on standard deals and two on two-way contracts—requiring a reduction to 15 standard and three two-way contracts by next Tuesday for training camp. At 24 years old, Muoka faces a challenging path to the opening night roster as the NBA season begins on October 21, but his G League prowess could secure another stint with the Long Island Nets if needed.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3325667/nbas-brooklyn-nets-sign-hongkonger-david-muoka-ahead-macau-pre-season-games?module=top_story&pgtype=section
(4) NBL Finals | Hong Kong Player Ricky Yang Moved by Kai Tak Atmosphere: “This Is Why We Need a Home Court”
(Photo Credit: HK01)
The Hong Kong Bulls reached the NBL finals, hosting their first game on September 17, 2025, at Kai Tak Sports Park, where they narrowly lost 87–88 to Changsha Wantian Yongsheng, leveling the series. Despite the defeat, the electric atmosphere from 2,865 fans, who actively pressured opponents, left a strong impression. Hong Kong player Ricky Yang, though not playing, lauded the vibrant Kai Tak crowd, emphasizing the importance of home support for the team’s morale and performance.
Yang, the sole local player on the roster, remained optimistic despite not getting court time, recognizing the team’s strategic depth and his potential for future opportunities. He noted Kai Tak’s unique ambiance compared to other Hong Kong venues like Southorn, calling it one of the NBL’s finest arenas. Head coach Xie Libin acknowledged the team’s passive play but highlighted their late-game rally, expressing hope for a stronger showing in the next match on Friday, and described playing at Kai Tak as both an honor and a pressure-filled experience.
Michael Ertel II’s 36-point performance led the Bulls, and he praised the lively Kai Tak atmosphere, especially during their comeback attempt, urging the team to reward fans with better results. The shift to Kai Tak from Southorn underscores the venue’s prestige, with Xie humorously wishing to make it the Bulls’ permanent home. The game highlighted the team’s potential and the significant role of fan support in their finals campaign.
News Source: https://www.hk01.com/article/60277520?utm_source=01articlecopy&utm_medium=referral
