Hong Kong's youth men's tennis team clinched a historic bronze medal at the National Games on Tuesday, marking the city's first-ever podium finish in a tennis team event at the competition.

The team secured their place on the podium after a hard-fought semifinal against top seeds Jiangsu at Hengqin International Tennis Centre, which they ultimately lost 2-0.

As the tournament features no bronze medal match, both losing semifinalists are awarded a bronze, meaning Hong Kong will share the honour with Guangxi, who were defeated by Beijing.

The semifinal clash followed a best-of-three format, comprising two singles matches and a potential doubles decider.

Making history by reaching the semifinals for the first time, Hong Kong sent Jack Cheng into the first singles match against Jiangsu’s Chris Xu.

Cheng was defeated in straight sets, 1-6, 0-6, putting the SAR team at an early disadvantage.

In the second singles match, Nicholas Cheng faced a tough battle against Hu Jia.

After dropping the first set 3-6, Cheng mounted a comeback to level the match by taking the second set 6-3.

However, Hu prevailed in the decisive final set, winning 6-4 and sealing Jiangsu's spot in the final.

Speaking to reporters after their win, Cheng, who played in the second singles match, said he was satisfied with his performance.

"I'm very happy to have helped Hong Kong win a medal. Every time I represent Hong Kong, it feels powerful because the whole team is supporting you. Thank you to everyone who supports us," he said.

This bronze medal is the third for the Hong Kong delegation at this year's National Games, adding to the two gold medals already won in other competitive events.

The tennis competition continues with the men's and women's singles first rounds beginning on Thursday, followed by the doubles first rounds on Friday.