Hong Kong v India: boos ring out for Westwood ahead of crucial Asian Cup clash

South China Morning Post10-06-2025

Ashley Westwood has doubled down on his belief in Manuel Bleda, picking the newly naturalised striker to the lead the line in his side's Asian Cup qualifier against India on Tuesday.
The decision was met with a chorus of boos from the home fans, who called for the Englishman to be sacked after his side's 0-0 draw with Nepal last week.
Westwood, though, has turned to the Spanish-born 34-year-old as he looks to break Hong Kong's struggles in front of goal.
Also in the starting XI was Raphael Merkies, another player who has qualified through the residency rules that have so riled Westwood's counterpart Manolo Marquez.
The India boss is also looking for goals, after his side's first game against Singapore ended goalless. He has recalled Sunil Chhetri to the squad, but the veteran striker only starts on the bench.
Much will rely on the form of attacking midfielder Brandon Fernandes and forward Liston Colaco.

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Ronnie O'Sullivan ‘hasn't given up on Hong Kong', immigration chief says

South China Morning Post

8 hours ago

South China Morning Post

Ronnie O'Sullivan ‘hasn't given up on Hong Kong', immigration chief says

Snooker star Ronnie O'Sullivan, who obtained Hong Kong residency last year through a talent scheme, 'has not given up' on the city, the immigration chief has said, despite the newlywed seven-time world champion recently revealing plans to move to the Middle East. Asked about O'Sullivan's intentions after he confirmed two days ago that he had married actress Laila Rouass, Director of Immigration Benson Kwok Joon-fung said on Sunday that he had been in touch with him and had stressed that Hong Kong's door was still open to him. 'As far as I understand, a lot has been happening for him in the past few months, and it's hard to say if his immigration plans will change,' Kwok said. 'However, he also hasn't given up on Hong Kong. From what I know, he is expected to come to Hong Kong next month to attend the opening ceremony of his snooker club here. 'He really likes Hong Kong, so if there are things here that can entice him to stay, he might just choose Hong Kong as his place of residence.' Immigration chief Benson Kwok says he has been in touch with Ronnie O'Sullivan. Photo: Handout British media reported the 49-year-old snooker star was selling his £2 million house in Essex and planned to head off to the United Arab Emirates with his new wife.