Hong Kong team ends journey in Milwaukee Squash Open 2025

Hong Kong’s Simmi Chan Sin-yuk, 23, lost to Belgium’s Tinne Gilis at the single-elimination round of the Milwaukee Squash Open 2025 on Dec. 3, ending the team’s journey at the tournament.

As the tournament entered its third day, Chan was the only one among the six Hong Kong players to advance to the second round of the five-round competition.

Chan, who claimed the silver medal at the inaugural Under-23 World Squash Championships this April, found her match when faced against the world’s No. 8 squash player, Tinne Gilis, falling to a defeat with 9–11, 7–11, and 12–14 in the three rounds of the match, respectively, at the Hong Kong Squash Centre.

“I have given out everything I could to win the game, so I carry no regret regarding the defeat,” Chan said.

The tournament is divided into men’s and women’s main draws, each only featuring the top 30 players worldwide, and the local host was awarded two unrestricted qualifying spots in each draw, granting entry to local players with no restrictions on their world ranking.

“It will be a tough game for Chan since Gilis is a formidable opponent,” said Wong Tsz-hin, 30, Chan’s teammate, adding that he hopes Chan can enjoy the game before the match begins.

Gilis took the leading position in both the first and second rounds, at one point holding a five‑point advantage in an 11‑point game.

Despite reaching the match point at 10–9 in the third game, Chan missed several shots from the same spot on the right forecourt, allowing Gilis to reverse the momentum and win. 

“She was able to complete the defence when the situation was unfavourable for her,” Chan said, describing Gilis as a rival who combines physical strength with steady play in the post-game media conference.

Chan’s rival Gilis just won her third European championship in August, according to the Professional Squash Association.

Chan said this is a new chapter after her injury. 

“After this match, I realise that these top players will also make mistakes under high pressure, so it’s my goal to win from one round to one game. I hope that I can defeat the top 10 players and become one of them,” Chan said.

The Milwaukee Squash Open is a tournament under the Professional Squash Association World Series and has been held by the Squash Association of Hong Kong, China, since 1985.

Players can improve their world rankings to advance to the senior level and earn access to the World Champion tournament through this match.

In 2025, the Milwaukee Squash Open is scheduled from Dec. 1 to Dec. 7, with its quarterfinals, semifinals, and final matches to be hosted at a temporary outdoor court in the Ocean Park Entry Plaza from Thursday onwards.