Hong Kong, China’s women’s squash team fell short of reclaiming gold at the Asian Games in Japan, losing 2-1 to reigning champions Malaysia in a repeat of the final in Hangzhou three years ago.

The SAR trailed the best-of-three tie after Ho Tze-lok lost the opening match 3-0 to Aifa Azman.

With match two a must-win, Simmi Chan got the better of singles gold medallist Sivasangari Subramaniam in a rematch of their singles semi-final.

The SAR's top player fought back from a 2-1 deficit to take the fourth and fifth games, clinching a 3-2 victory in 51 minutes.

In the decider, Aifa Azman's sister, Aira, proved too strong for Lee Ka-yi, powering to a 3-0 win to seal the top podium finish for Malaysia.

Hong Kong, China last claimed gold in the women's team event at the Jakarta Games in 2018.

Overall, the squash team wrapped up their Asian Games campaign this year with a gold, two silver and two bronze medals.


Edited by Edmond Fong