https://www.scmp.com/rss/95/feed All the latest sports news, fixtures, match reports, features and analysis. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Prominent Australian jockey Ethan Brown made a dream start to his short-term stint in Hong Kong when he guided Shooting To Top to victory at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. In his first meeting in the city, the 11-time Group One winner struck with his third ride when he lifted the heavily-backed Shooting To Top to a narrow win in the Class Four Geranium Handicap (1,650m). “It was great, it’s obviously something we all strive to do – to get the opportunity is one thing, but to get a winner... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3351052/ethan-brown-makes-dream-start-hong-kong-stint-happy-valley-win-shooting-top?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3351052/ethan-brown-makes-dream-start-hong-kong-stint-happy-valley-win-shooting-top?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:30:26 +0000 Ada Li Ada Li Chinese referee Ma Ning remained in Saudi Arabia despite claims on Tuesday that he had been removed from the AFC Champions League Elite tournament following a controversial quarter-final performance. Reports from Saudi Arabia media alleged that Ma was dropped and had left the country after Al-Ittihad’s 1-0 loss to Japanese team Machida Zelvia on Friday in Jeddah. Chinese media Beijing Youth Daily, however, rebutted the report the same day, stating that the Asian Football Confederation (AFC)... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3351033/chinese-referee-ma-ning-remains-jeddah-after-afc-champions-league-elite-controversy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3351033/chinese-referee-ma-ning-remains-jeddah-after-afc-champions-league-elite-controversy?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:00:13 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara After the loneliness and long hours of rehabilitation following knee surgery, three-time Olympian Camille Cheng Lily-mei savoured the “humbling” experience of returning to competition alongside a pair of 13-year-olds. Out of the pool since she competed in the 2024 Paris Games, Cheng endured a mentally challenging past 12 months as she recovered from the procedure to repair her right anterior cruciate ligament. “I’ve never had such a big injury and so much time out,” said Cheng, who made a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3351029/hong-kong-olympian-camille-cheng-enjoying-sport-again-after-injury-took-mental-toll?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3351029/hong-kong-olympian-camille-cheng-enjoying-sport-again-after-injury-took-mental-toll?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:00:15 +0000 Ada Li Ada Li Ice hockey player Randy Mak was named Hong Kong’s newest Olympic ambassador and said he plans to use his platform to promote the sport locally and become a role model for young players. Mak was appointed ambassador by the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC) at their annual dinner. The 19-year-old will represent Hong Kong at the 66th International Session for Young Olympic Ambassadors in Athens, Greece, in June, and he plans to share his experiences from the event... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3351018/hong-kongs-first-olympic-ambassador-winter-sports-aims-use-role-promote-ice-hockey?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3351018/hong-kongs-first-olympic-ambassador-winter-sports-aims-use-role-promote-ice-hockey?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:55:16 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Former Chinese world champion Fang Bo has registered to play for Kazakhstan in WTT events, while Zhang Yudong announced his competitive return on Tuesday. Additionally, in the build-up to the World Team Championships, legendary table tennis players Ma Long and Xu Xin arrived at the national training base in Chengdu to help the team as hitting partners. Fang was first spotted in the ITTF database as a Kazakhstan-registered player before he confirmed his return, clarifying that he retained his... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3350985/chinese-table-tennis-player-fang-registers-play-kazakhstan-zhang-announces-return?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3350985/chinese-table-tennis-player-fang-registers-play-kazakhstan-zhang-announces-return?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Apr 2026 06:55:21 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding British challengers Royal Champion and Docklands had their first canters at Sha Tin on Wednesday morning as they geared up towards their Group One targets, but there was a scare for Japan’s June Take just moments before. Royal Champion is one of the key contenders for the Group One QEII Cup (2,000m), a race where he will take on Hong Kong’s global champion Romantic Warrior and Japan’s top-class Masquerade Ball. The Karl Burke-trained galloper arrives in career-best form, winning the Group Two... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3350958/british-challengers-hit-ground-running-sha-tin-june-take-gives-connections-scare?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3350958/british-challengers-hit-ground-running-sha-tin-june-take-gives-connections-scare?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Apr 2026 04:30:52 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse Rugby Australia (RA) announced a record surplus Wednesday on the back of the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour, saying it would enable a sustainable future for the sport after years of losses. RA Chief Executive Phil Waugh said the “record operating surplus” of A$70 million (US$50 million) had injected fresh confidence into the 15-man game ahead of hosting next year’s men’s Rugby World Cup. “We are delivering on our promise to reset the game’s finances, restore pride and set a new strategic... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3350957/rugby-australia-eyes-brighter-future-british-irish-lions-tour-brings-cash-windfall?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3350957/rugby-australia-eyes-brighter-future-british-irish-lions-tour-brings-cash-windfall?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Apr 2026 04:30:51 +0000 Reuters Reuters Usain Bolt said Australian sprint sensation ⁠Gout Gout must ⁠surround himself with ⁠a strong support team to stay focused on his career and avoid the distractions that will come with track and field success. Gout has earned ‌comparisons with the Jamaican sprinting great and the 18-year-old is already being talked about in Australia as a potential gold medallist when Brisbane hosts the Olympics in 2032. He clocked 19.67 seconds to win the 200 metres title ⁠at the Australian Athletics... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3350895/usain-bolt-hopes-australian-sprint-sensation-gout-gout-has-strong-support-system-place?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3350895/usain-bolt-hopes-australian-sprint-sensation-gout-gout-has-strong-support-system-place?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:25 +0000 Ada Li Ada Li Zhao Xintong will face compatriot and former world No 1 Ding Junhui in the second round of the 2026 World Snooker Championship later this week. Zhao, who became the first player from Asia to win the world title last year, said the event feels a bit different this year. “The pressure of defending the title is different from before, and I hope I can play even better in the next round,” the 29-year-old said after his first round win over Liam Highfield. Ding, who is playing at the Crucible for the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3350908/zhao-xintong-sets-showdown-ding-junhui-snooker-world-championships?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3350908/zhao-xintong-sets-showdown-ding-junhui-snooker-world-championships?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Apr 2026 15:00:14 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan A senior Bayern Munich official believes their match against Aston Villa will be “the best” of the trio of games in Hong Kong this summer, and that the six-times European champions could “fill two stadiums” on a good day. The August 7 clash between Bayern, who on Sunday won their 35th Bundesliga title, and Premier League Villa will be the third high-profile fixture in seven days at the 50,000-seat Kai Tak Stadium. But Rouven Kasper, Bayern’s chief marketing officer, said he “does not worry at... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3350923/bayern-munich-pledging-deliver-best-summer-football-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3350923/bayern-munich-pledging-deliver-best-summer-football-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Apr 2026 14:02:01 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Jay Rooney VIGOR EYE - R4 (6) Went close last time out and will get a soft run on the speed from barrier two   Owen Goulding VIGOR EYE - R4 (6) Unlucky to be nabbed latest and can make good use of stall two and Zac Purton   Olivia O'Sullivan VIGOR EYE - R4 (6) Looks well placed to go one better than last start from a perfect draw   Phillip Woo LIVEANDLETLIVE - R8 (1) Racing well and looks the one to catch from gate three   Shannon (Vincent Wong) VERBIER - R2 (8) Back to Happy Valley looks ideal... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3350920/scmp-best-bets-beauty-show-can-be-gorgeous-bet-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3350920/scmp-best-bets-beauty-show-can-be-gorgeous-bet-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Apr 2026 13:42:07 +0000 Ada Li Ada Li Two-time Asian Games gold medallist Salom Yiu Kam-shing is aiming to unearth the next generation of local rugby sevens stars for Hong Kong. The 38-year-old, who retired after the 2024 Hong Kong Sevens, represented the city in the tournament for 14 years and made a city record 75 appearances in the shorter format. He is also Hong Kong’s all-time leading scorer in 15s rugby, with 20 tries from 49 appearances. After calling time on his career, Yiu joined Hong Kong China Rugby to aid local talent... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350902/hong-kong-rugby-legend-salom-yiu-hunting-next-generation-local-stars?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350902/hong-kong-rugby-legend-salom-yiu-hunting-next-generation-local-stars?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Apr 2026 11:15:50 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Alexis Badel is optimistic Bunta Baby can overcome a wide draw when he vies for a Happy Valley hat-trick before the Frenchman partners Beauty Waves in Sunday’s Group One Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1,200m). The Tony Cruz-trained Beauty Waves last won at Happy Valley two starts ago by a neck over Young Champion but has a tough task ahead in Sunday’s feature against Ka Ying Rising. “I think his form is a touch stronger at Happy Valley recently. So at this level at Sha Tin, hopefully he can save... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3350857/alexis-badel-seeks-another-valley-win-aboard-bunta-baby-group-one-ride-beauty-waves?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3350857/alexis-badel-seeks-another-valley-win-aboard-bunta-baby-group-one-ride-beauty-waves?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Apr 2026 11:00:09 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Six-time Group One winner Voyage Bubble and Sunlight Power must pass two veterinary inspections this week to be cleared to run in Sunday’s Group One Champions Mile at Sha Tin. The Jockey Club’s head of veterinary regulation, welfare and biosecurity policy, Dr Bronte Forbes, reported on Tuesday that routine pre-race inspections revealed Ricky Yiu Poon-fai’s gallopers both developed a capped elbow in one of their front legs. “Dr Forbes advised that both horses are currently subject to veterinary... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3350848/six-time-group-one-winner-voyage-bubble-and-sunlight-power-under-cloud-champions-mile?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3350848/six-time-group-one-winner-voyage-bubble-and-sunlight-power-under-cloud-champions-mile?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Apr 2026 07:27:38 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse Formula One chiefs unanimously agreed on Monday to make rule changes following severe criticism of new regulations introduced this season which led to doubts over Max Verstappen continuing in the sport. The new rules made cars a combination of combustion and electrical power, meaning drivers had to carefully manage their battery, effectively slowing down on a qualifying lap, while the cars had boost buttons to allow them to overtake. Four-time world champion Verstappen called the new style of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3350827/formula-one-chiefs-unanimously-agree-make-rule-changes-after-drivers-criticism?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3350827/formula-one-chiefs-unanimously-agree-make-rule-changes-after-drivers-criticism?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Apr 2026 06:00:14 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Comanche Brave will be giving it his best shot when he faces the mammoth task of tackling the world’s best sprinter Ka Ying Rising in the Group One Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1,200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. The Donnacha O’Brien-trained Irish galloper is yet to win in Group company, but he has been a consistent operator in the grade and heads to Hong Kong on the back of some career-best runs. A winner at Naas four starts ago, he then rattled through the line to finish third in the Group Two Solonaway... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3350828/ka-ying-rising-looks-unbeatable-comanche-brave-camp-optimistic-giving-him-race?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3350828/ka-ying-rising-looks-unbeatable-comanche-brave-camp-optimistic-giving-him-race?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Apr 2026 05:05:54 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Hong Kong is set to welcome two “blockbuster matches” and underline its status as “a global destination for world-class sport” when four major European football clubs play at Kai Tak Stadium in August. Organisers confirmed on Tuesday that the second Hong Kong Football Festival will feature Manchester City and fellow English club Chelsea, as well as the illustrious Italian pair of Juventus and Inter Milan. As first reported by the South China Morning Post, Premier League title challengers City... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3350807/manchester-city-and-chelsea-among-clubs-confirmed-hong-kong-football-festival?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3350807/manchester-city-and-chelsea-among-clubs-confirmed-hong-kong-football-festival?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Apr 2026 03:08:29 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Hong Kong could be invited to compete with the big guns in their own flagship Sevens within three years, but the city team have only sporting meritocracy to blame for their current lack of competitive opportunities, according to a senior World Rugby figure. Following a restructure for the current campaign, Hong Kong’s semi-final elimination from the third-tier HSBC SVNS 3 in January left them with a blank calendar until October’s Asian Games, save for their exhibition Melrose Claymores... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350770/get-better-or-stay-sevens-circuit-wilderness-rugby-chief-tells-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350770/get-better-or-stay-sevens-circuit-wilderness-rugby-chief-tells-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:11 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara After helping wash away the stain of the infamous Lionel Messi fiasco, the organisers of the returning Hong Kong Football Festival are aiming to establish the event as a permanent fixture on the city’s sporting calendar. Last year’s inaugural festival, staged 18 months after Argentine Messi skulked on the bench while his Inter Miami team played at Hong Kong Stadium, drew a pair of record crowds to Kai Tak Stadium. Ahead of Tuesday’s official launch of the 2026 edition, which will feature... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3350749/football-festival-boss-eyes-hong-kong-sevens-style-boom-dismisses-threat-rivals?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3350749/football-festival-boss-eyes-hong-kong-sevens-style-boom-dismisses-threat-rivals?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 20 Apr 2026 23:00:10 +0000 Agence France-Presse,Reuters Agence France-Presse,Reuters India has been elevated to a list of nations including Russia where there is an “extremely high” risk of doping, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) said on Monday. The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) joins the likes of Russia, Belarus, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and Ukraine in the AIU’s highest rating of Category A after being moved up from Category B. Category A means India’s athletes must now comply with more stringent anti-doping requirements, including minimum testing thresholds for... https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/3350758/indian-athletes-face-tougher-dope-testing-federation-banished-highest-risk-bracket?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/3350758/indian-athletes-face-tougher-dope-testing-federation-banished-highest-risk-bracket?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 20 Apr 2026 14:00:11 +0000 Agence France-Presse,Associated Press Agence France-Presse,Associated Press Reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander headlined the finalists announced on Sunday for this year’s award alongside San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama, a first-time candidate, and Denver’s three-time MVP Nikola Jokic. And for the eighth consecutive year, the MVP will be an international one. Gilgeous-Alexander, who beat out Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo in the voting last year and was also named NBA Finals MVP as the Thunder beat Indiana for the trophy, averaged more... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3350714/nba-mvp-wembanyama-named-first-time-finalist-past-winners-gilgeous-alexander-jokic?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3350714/nba-mvp-wembanyama-named-first-time-finalist-past-winners-gilgeous-alexander-jokic?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 20 Apr 2026 11:00:09 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney David Hayes has no concerns about the prospect of a rain-affected track for Ka Ying Rising as the champion sprinter bids for a record-extending 20th straight win in Sunday’s Group One Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1,200m) at Sha Tin. The Hong Kong Observatory has predicted showers and occasional thunderstorms on Thursday and Friday, with more showers forecast on Saturday. At this stage, the unstable weather is tipped to clear on Sunday. Ka Ying Rising, who currently sits atop the Longines World’s... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3350698/prospect-wet-track-no-concern-david-hayes-ka-ying-rising-bids-20th-straight-win?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3350698/prospect-wet-track-no-concern-david-hayes-ka-ying-rising-bids-20th-straight-win?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 20 Apr 2026 10:00:21 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Hong Kong women’s rugby sevens head coach Andy Vilk has said his team are reaping the benefits of a rivalry with Thailand ahead of this year’s Asian Games. While the city team ended their Melrose Claymores campaign at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens without a win, Vilk hailed the importance of having a rival so close by. Still, it was the first time in three years that Hong Kong’s women, who drew with eventual champions Denmark and lost to their Asian neighbours, had not made the final at their... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350695/hong-kong-womens-7s-team-coach-sees-benefits-thai-rivalry-despite-missing-out-final?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350695/hong-kong-womens-7s-team-coach-sees-benefits-thai-rivalry-despite-missing-out-final?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 20 Apr 2026 09:30:09 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Mark Newnham will be looking for a third straight Happy Valley victory with Ace War on Wednesday night before chasing Group One glory with My Wish and Invincible Ibis in Sunday’s Champions Mile at Sha Tin. My Wish has progressed well since his second place in the Group Two Chairman’s Trophy (1,600m) when beaten by a short head behind Lucky Sweynesse and is eyeing his first Group One victory in an open edition of the Champions Mile. “My Wish had a gallop on the course on Saturday morning, which... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3350686/mark-newnham-eyes-happy-valley-hat-trick-ace-war-ahead-dual-pronged-champions-mile-assault?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3350686/mark-newnham-eyes-happy-valley-hat-trick-ace-war-ahead-dual-pronged-champions-mile-assault?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 20 Apr 2026 06:09:11 +0000 Associated Press Associated Press Running the Boston Marathon is tough enough without having to jostle your way through some of the route’s famously narrow streets. So this year, organisers have turned to an expert in crowd science to help them manage the field of more than 32,000 as it travels the 26.2 miles (42.195 kilometres) through eight Massachusetts cities and towns. “There are certain things that we can’t change – that we don’t want to change – because they make the Boston Marathon,” said Marcel Altenburg, a senior... https://www.scmp.com/sport/outdoor/article/3350668/more-waves-moving-aid-stations-meet-crowd-scientist-changing-boston-marathon?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/outdoor/article/3350668/more-waves-moving-aid-stations-meet-crowd-scientist-changing-boston-marathon?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 20 Apr 2026 04:00:17 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara He has been involved in designing the USA’s space policy, and graduated from Harvard and Cambridge Universities, but it was only when he played in this week’s Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens that Ryan Santos achieved his “lifelong goal”. A back for the USA, Santos, 26, played mini-rugby in the tournament for Valley Fort during nearly four years living in Hong Kong from 2006. “We were in it about four times and, as long as I can remember, playing in Hong Kong was my dream, it’s motivated me... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350641/hong-kong-trained-rugby-player-achieves-lifelong-dream-playing-sevens-usa?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350641/hong-kong-trained-rugby-player-achieves-lifelong-dream-playing-sevens-usa?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:18 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara South Africa ended 29 years of hurt, brutally and ruthlessly wresting the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens crown from Argentina at a charged Kai Tak Stadium on Sunday. The king may be dead, but rugby sevens has anointed a new all-powerful monarch. On easy street from the ninth minute, when Ryan Oosthuizen crossed to open up a 12-point lead, South Africa ran riot. They added 16 points in the closing five minutes to win 35-7, claiming their first Hong Kong title and a fourth straight world series... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350648/south-africa-end-nearly-30-years-hurt-finally-grab-cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-crown?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350648/south-africa-end-nearly-30-years-hurt-finally-grab-cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-crown?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Apr 2026 22:00:28 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Sunday was “not a good day” for Hong Kong star Ceci Lee Sze-wing, whose UCI Track World Cup campaign ended with a crash, bruises and a failure to add to her success of the opening night. In fact, Lee’s silver in the elimination race at Hong Kong Velodrome on Friday turned out to be the city’s only medal of the three-day meet in Tseung Kwan O. Still, head coach Herve Dagorne struck a “very positive” tone when it came to the team’s “massive progress” and regional standing, and said preparations... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3350647/ceci-lee-crashes-out-contention-hong-kong-coach-strikes-positive-tone?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3350647/ceci-lee-crashes-out-contention-hong-kong-coach-strikes-positive-tone?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Apr 2026 15:00:10 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Hong Kong brought the curtain down on its 50th anniversary Sevens in front of another record crowd on Sunday, and with the head of World Rugby calling the city a “significant global player”. According to organisers, some 113,395 supporters passed through the gates over the three days of the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, the biggest official attendance since the tournament began in 1976. And while New Zealand’s women successfully defended their title, South Africa’s men won in Hong Kong... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350650/hong-kong-recognised-global-player-world-rugby-after-record-breaking-sevens-party?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350650/hong-kong-recognised-global-player-world-rugby-after-record-breaking-sevens-party?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Apr 2026 14:52:42 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan There was no stopping the New Zealand women’s team at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens as they dominated and beat Australia to keep their record in Hong Kong intact on Sunday. A 19-14 win at Kai Tak Stadium handed the Black Ferns their fourth Sevens title in the city in as many years, with star player Jorja Miller an integral part of that record. “It’s an amazing accomplishment by our team. To come out here and do it four years in a row is pretty amazing,” she said. “We love playing in an... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3350645/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-jorja-miller-four-new-zealand-keep-record-intact?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3350645/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-jorja-miller-four-new-zealand-keep-record-intact?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Apr 2026 14:30:08 +0000 Ada Li Ada Li Hong Kong’s Siobhan Haughey has broken the meet record in the women’s 200m freestyle at the Bergen Swim Festival in Norway. Haughey’s time of one minute, 54.31 seconds not only won gold but was also her fastest time in almost two years. The previous meet record of 1:54.77 was set by Haughey’s Swedish rival Sarah Sjostrom. Haughey’s swim also moved her to third-fastest in the world this season, and is just 0.39 seconds off her own Asian record of 1:53.92, which she set at the Tokyo Olympics in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3350637/hong-kongs-siobhan-haughey-clocks-best-200m-freestyle-time-almost-2-years-norway?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3350637/hong-kongs-siobhan-haughey-clocks-best-200m-freestyle-time-almost-2-years-norway?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Apr 2026 12:54:42 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Docklands and Royal Champion were the first of the internationals set for FWD Champions Day to arrive in Hong Kong on the weekend, but there were two absentees from the travelling party after the withdrawals of Andreas Vesalius and Native Approach. Docklands and Royal Champion arrived from Britain on Saturday night, with Japan’s six representatives following soon after in the early hours of Sunday morning. Group One winners Masquerade Ball, Jantar Mantar and Satono Reve headline the Land Of The... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3350636/champions-day-raiders-arrive-hong-kong-caspar-fownes-reclaims-championship-lead?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3350636/champions-day-raiders-arrive-hong-kong-caspar-fownes-reclaims-championship-lead?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Apr 2026 12:45:45 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Hong Kong’s men’s team lived up to their own vow to exact revenge over Japan at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens with a 19-15 win over their arch-rivals at Kai Tak Stadium on Sunday. The thrilling win, just one day after their seven-point loss in the round-robin stage on Saturday, handed the city’s men their third Melrose Claymores trophy in as many years. And after doing so despite being shown a yellow card in each half, co-captain James Christie heaped praise on the team effort. “We gave them... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3350633/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-citys-men-get-one-back-japan-win-3rd-melrose-claymores?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3350633/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-citys-men-get-one-back-japan-win-3rd-melrose-claymores?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Apr 2026 12:30:14 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding John Size unleashed a pair of boom four-year-olds in the form of Nautical Force and Sky Jewellery on the way to a memorable four-timer at Sha Tin on Sunday, moving to 40 winners in the process. Although he is adamant he is unlikely to challenge for another championship, despite moving to within nine of leader Caspar Fownes, it was a day to savour for the 13-time champion, who at the very least has a pair of excitement machines for the rest of the campaign. Both were impressive winners of their... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3350635/john-size-unleashes-smart-four-year-old-pair-he-slams-home-sha-tin-four-timer?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3350635/john-size-unleashes-smart-four-year-old-pair-he-slams-home-sha-tin-four-timer?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Apr 2026 12:19:42 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Zac Purton celebrated a century of wins for the 10th consecutive Hong Kong season when Gold Patch dug deep to win the Class Three Enabling Professionals To Flourish For Their Charge Handicap (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. The eight-time Hong Kong champion jockey and Australian Racing Hall of Famer secured the milestone for the 11th time courtesy of a double after also winning on Absolute Honour. Purton currently sits on 1,978 Hong Kong wins after breaking Douglas Whyte’s all-time record of 1,813... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3350631/zac-purton-scores-11th-century-thanks-gold-patch-and-absolute-honour-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3350631/zac-purton-scores-11th-century-thanks-gold-patch-and-absolute-honour-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Apr 2026 11:48:08 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Hong Kong will host another significant rugby tournament this year, with the game’s global governing body awarding the city the WXV Challenger in September. The two-week tournament, featuring some of the best women’s teams in the world, including Hong Kong, is expected to be held at Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground. Announcing the decision on Sunday on the sidelines of the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, World Rugby chairman Brett Robinson called the WXV a “very, very important competition” for his... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3350611/world-rugby-boss-robinson-hails-hong-kongs-global-influence-wxv-announcement?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3350611/world-rugby-boss-robinson-hails-hong-kongs-global-influence-wxv-announcement?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Apr 2026 06:09:38 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport It’s finals day in Hong Kong, and both of last year’s champions are still in with a shot of successfully defending their titles. For New Zealand, Canada stand in their way of yet another final appearance in the city, while Argentina’s men need to get past Spain. On the other side of the women’s draw, Australia have been steamrollering all before them, although France should provide tougher opposition than others. In the men’s, South Africa are somehow still alive, but now New Zealand are between... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3350603/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-australia-black-ferns-finals-collision-course?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3350603/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-australia-black-ferns-finals-collision-course?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Apr 2026 01:47:13 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Canadian duo Olivia Apps and Florence Symonds said they were ready to take on the heavyweights at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens after reaching the semi-finals on Saturday. A 19-7 win over the United States sent the Paris Olympic silver medallists to the last four for only the second time this season. They previously reached the final stages of a Sunday in Singapore in February. Charity Williams scored twice – the opening and closing tries – for Canada. Ariana Ramsey gave the USA some hope... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3350587/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-canada-ready-ultimate-test-against-big-guns-new-zealand?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3350587/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-canada-ready-ultimate-test-against-big-guns-new-zealand?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Apr 2026 00:00:20 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Hong Kong head coach Herve Dagorne praised the performance of the city’s riders despite finishing Saturday empty-handed at the UCI Track World Cup. Across four events at the Hong Kong Velodrome, Ceci Lee Sze-wing and Chloe Leung Wing-yee competed in the women’s Madison but failed to secure a second medal for the team. Meanwhile, To Cheuk-hei delivered a strong performance in the men’s Keirin, finishing fifth in the final to record a best-ever result for a Hong Kong rider in the event. Dagorne... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3350596/hong-kong-cycling-coach-lauds-teams-uci-track-world-cup-showing-despite-fruitless-day?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3350596/hong-kong-cycling-coach-lauds-teams-uci-track-world-cup-showing-despite-fruitless-day?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Apr 2026 22:00:14 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara A record crowd packed into Kai Tak Stadium on Saturday, drawn by the prospect of some thrilling Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens action on the pitch and a chance to party like it was 1999 off it. The 41,457 fans who passed through the gates made up the biggest single-day attendance figure for a Sevens in the city, and organisers expect the three-day total to set a new high as well. Those that made the trip watched the men’s and women’s defending champions, Argentina and New Zealand, reach the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350594/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-record-single-day-crowd-watch-gripping-mens-quarter-finals?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350594/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-record-single-day-crowd-watch-gripping-mens-quarter-finals?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Apr 2026 15:30:09 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Revenge was the word on the lips of the Hong Kong players after they paid the price for an untidy performance in their 14-7 loss to Japan at a partisan Kai Tak Stadium on Saturday. Unless China inflict a fairly heavy beating on Japan early on day three of the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, these two teams are poised for a speedy rematch in Sunday afternoon’s Melrose Claymores final. And the prospect of a quick-fire second shot at their arch-rivals swiftly erased the stench of defeat for the city... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350583/hong-kong-eye-revenge-after-japan-shock-partisan-kai-tak-stadium-crowd?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350583/hong-kong-eye-revenge-after-japan-shock-partisan-kai-tak-stadium-crowd?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Apr 2026 14:00:10 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Jay Rooney AEROVOLANIC - R9 (4) Progressive type who looks hard to beat again in pursuit of a hat-trick   Owen Goulding PATCH OF COSMO - R11 (4) Ran huge races in the Classic Series and can gain a deserved win   Olivia O'Sullivan WINNING WING - R11 (3) Group One placed last start, better suited here and should be flying home   Phillip Woo ARMOUR WAR EAGLE - R7 (1) Racing well and gets golden chance down in grade   Shannon (Vincent Wong) EVERYONE'S STAR - R9 (3) Had a good recent trial with Joao... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3350590/scmp-best-bets-winning-wing-can-fly-clear-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3350590/scmp-best-bets-winning-wing-can-fly-clear-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Apr 2026 13:55:08 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Haruka Uematsu said she felt as though she was in a dream standing on the pitch at Kai Tak Stadium after being called on in a 24-12 loss to Thailand during the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens on Saturday. There was double delight for debutant Uematsu, who scored late on in front of a raucous South Stand in her side’s Melrose Claymores defeat. “The moment I was called upon, I knew I had to clear my mind so that I could stay focused and listen only to my teammates’ voices in a very noisy stadium,”... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3350578/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-dreamlike-debut-haruka-uematsu-despite-thailand-loss?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3350578/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-dreamlike-debut-haruka-uematsu-despite-thailand-loss?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Apr 2026 13:00:09 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Matthew Poon Ming-fai is looking forward to partnering with a “more tough, more strong and more focused” Mapogo in the Class Four Promoting Health For All Handicap (1000m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. The promising Manfred Man Ka-leung-trained galloper jumped as the $1.8 favourite at his debut run last month and finished fourth, one and three-quarter lengths behind Run Run Sunrise. The three-year-old had shown plenty of ability in trials but his lack of experience was evident on race day when placed... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3350581/matthew-poon-looks-forward-partnering-tougher-stronger-mapogo-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3350581/matthew-poon-looks-forward-partnering-tougher-stronger-mapogo-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Apr 2026 11:39:14 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Perched on 98 wins for the season, Zac Purton hopes to reach his annual benchmark at Sha Tin on Sunday as he looks to build momentum ahead of FWD Champions Day next week. The eight-time champion Hong Kong jockey boasts a strong book of seven rides as he pursues the 100-win milestone for the 10th consecutive season and 11th overall in his glittering career. “To ride 100 winners in a season, you’ve had a great season so it will be good to get there again,” Purton said. “Then we’ve still got a few... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3350569/zac-purton-reunites-patch-cosmo-sha-tin-he-seeks-10th-straight-century?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3350569/zac-purton-reunites-patch-cosmo-sha-tin-he-seeks-10th-straight-century?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Apr 2026 08:09:59 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport In some ways, Saturday at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens is like hump day, the bit to be successfully navigated so you can get to the fun stuff - at least it is for the players. Pool matches this morning give way to quarter-finals this evening, and for those who make it through, the promise of better days tomorrow. That’s not the case in stands, where the second day of the city’s iconic sporting event is universally known among supporters as fancy dress day, party day and the day when the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3350548/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-blitzboks-seek-vital-win-australia-face-canada-challenge?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3350548/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-blitzboks-seek-vital-win-australia-face-canada-challenge?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Apr 2026 01:03:06 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Aden Ekanayake acknowledged careers were on the line at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, but challenged his Australia team “to stay on the winning train” and dispel any relegation fears. The bottom four finishers in the three-leg HSBC SVNS World Championship, which is beginning with the Hong Kong tournament, will be condemned to impoverished second-tier rugby next season. But the towering 21-year-old figure of Ekanayake said his team, who finished third in the regular season standings, should... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350534/australia-star-acknowledges-players-careers-line-cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350534/australia-star-acknowledges-players-careers-line-cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Apr 2026 00:00:19 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Rory Stewart-Cox said Hong Kong would aim to “lay down a marker” when they meet Asian Games hosts Japan at Kai Tak Stadium on Saturday. Earning his third cap, Stewart-Cox scored the pick of Hong Kong’s six tries on Friday as the city team began their Melrose Claymores campaign with a 36-14 demolition of overmatched China. Evading four challenges as he sprinted half the length of the pitch, Stewart-Cox touched down to banish the frustration of an injury-hit past six months. “It’s been an... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350536/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-hosts-aiming-put-down-asian-games-marker-against-japan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350536/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-hosts-aiming-put-down-asian-games-marker-against-japan?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Apr 2026 22:00:17 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Hong Kong welcomed back its iconic Sevens rugby tournament for a 50th year on Friday, with an opening ceremony featuring robots, K-pop and a light show almost as sparkling as some of the action on the pitch. Not even a hole in the roof of the HK$30 billion Kai Tak Stadium could put a dampener on proceedings, even if the rain that leaked in left some fans running for cover. Even so, the thunderstorms that hovered over the city for much of the afternoon did little to deter spectators generally,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3350541/hong-kong-sevens-heaven-dazzling-display-marks-start-50th-year?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3350541/hong-kong-sevens-heaven-dazzling-display-marks-start-50th-year?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Apr 2026 16:06:53 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Hong Kong head coach Andy Vilk said there were always positives to take away after the city’s women escaped with a draw against Denmark on Friday. Playing in the Melrose Claymores tournament at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, the reigning champions found themselves in a bit of a hole after the visitors jumped to a 14-0 lead through tries from Sofie Giessing and Mille Elmbak either side of half-time. Veteran Chong Ka-yan salvaged the day for the hosts with a pair of tries inside the final three... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3350533/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-hong-kong-coach-sees-positive-side-womens-close-escape?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3350533/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-hong-kong-coach-sees-positive-side-womens-close-escape?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:30:07 +0000