China table tennis fans flock to WTT Finals in Hong Kong, with unlimited budgets for some
But tight security at Hong Kong Coliseum, few attractions nearby and costly hotels proving to be drawbacks for others
Fans of Chinese table tennis superstars Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha have been a constant, visible presence at this week’s WTT Finals, packing into Hong Kong Coliseum in their sponsor-branded hoodies and T-shirts.
Outside the venue, the fan village has become a gathering point, with supporters posing for photos in front of backdrops featuring Chinese national team players, queuing at the organisers’ and sponsors’ souvenir booths, and exchanging home-made banners and support items.
Several mainland fans said they had “no budget limit” for this trip, happily buying merchandise they liked and noting they had followed events across China and overseas in places such as Singapore and Saudi Arabia, often spending more than 10,000 yuan (US$1,420) each time, even though many were university students.
Having already travelled to Macau for various WTT events, some fans were able to draw comparisons between the experiences in the two cities.
“Unlike the East Asian Games Dome and Galaxy Arena in Macau, the Hong Kong Coliseum allowed us to sit closer to the court, so even though the ticket price in Hong Kong is more expensive, it is acceptable,” said a Wang and Sun fan who would give her name only as “Little Q”.
Galaxy Arena, they noted, had more tourist attractions nearby, making it easier to sightsee during session breaks, while Hung Hom, where the Hong Kong Coliseum stood, offered fewer options and could feel dull in comparison.