Hong Kong Squash Open: Tomato Ho stuffed – then says her mindset left her ripe for it

Hong Kong’s top women’s player Tomato Ho Tze-lok revealed a “psychological problem” was behind her crushing straight-games loss in the opening round of the Hong Kong Squash Open on Monday.

The highest-ranked local player on the tour lost 11-4, 11-8, 11-4 in 22 minutes to compatriot Simmi Chan Sin-yuk, and Ho said afterwards that she did not “feel like playing” despite being injury-free.

Ho had last month lost to Chan in the semi-finals of the Asian Games in Hangzhou, taking the bronze medal while Chan earned silver. But Ho said that, rather than a tactical or technical difficulty posed by Chan, her issue was mental.

“It’s a psychological problem, I wasn’t in the mood to play the moment I stepped through the door,” world No 26 Ho said. “I felt tired after just one or two points.

Tomato Ho (left) looks on as Simmi Chan takes charge at the Hong Kong Squash Open. Photo: Jonathan Wong

“I wanted to lift myself up, with so many spectators watching from the stands, but I just couldn’t do it.”

Held on the centre court at the Hong Kong Squash Centre, the 1pm fixture between the Hongkongers saw about 60 per cent of the 280 or so seats filled.

Ho said she did not expect to play in front of so many spectators at that time and conceded she was off the pace from start to finish.

“I was already frustrated after the draw, probably because I lost in our last three encounters,” she said. “I had no idea [why], but this has usually happened when I had to play my teammates.

“It almost felt like practice and I somehow lacked the urgency to win. My form was alright after the previous two tournaments and I don’t feel tired physically.”

The 28-year-old added that she felt “confused and clueless” about the problem but needed to regroup and adjust ahead of the New Zealand Open, which takes place next week in Tauranga.

For Chan, the tournament will continue on Tuesday when she faces world No 23 Jasmine Hutton. A win over the English player would be expected to put her into a meeting with Nour El Sherbini, the world No 1.

“This is my first tournament after the Asian Games,” 21-year-old Chan said. “And it is a platinum event, so I am prepared to face some really strong opponents.

“I hope to play the Egyptian too, but let’s just take one step at a time.”