HONG KONG — Rising tennis talent Coleman Wong (黃澤林) captured a bronze medal in the men’s singles tournament at the recent National Games, but the post-match headlines were shared equally with an unexpected interviewer: Hong Kong celebrity and pop idol, 193 (郭嘉駿) of the boy band ERROR.
Wong, widely known for his relaxed demeanor with the press, entered the mixed zone following his semifinal defeat to Wu Yibing, immediately spotting his friend. The ensuing, highly unusual exchange, conducted with playful banter and palpable camaraderie, underscored a personal friendship played out on a high-stakes athletic stage.
Playful Blame Follows Semifinal Loss
Wong, often referred to by his English name Coleman, secured the third-place finish after falling to the eventual champion, Wu Yibing. While the loss marked the end of his singles run, Wong’s playful frustration was immediately directed at 193.
“You only show up now, and I lose the match!” Wong quipped directly to the celebrity, causing both men to erupt in laughter. 193, momentarily caught off guard, could only respond with a smile and a shrug.
The interview quickly transitioned into casual conversation, with 193 sharing his observations from the stands, noting the passionate support for Wong from the audience. “I heard the fans shouting ‘Let’s go Coleman,’ and one girl pleaded for you to hold on—it gave me goosebumps,” 193 recounted.
Shifting to the match, Wong offered a professional assessment of his three-set battle against Wu, a player he had faced twice before. “This was my third time against him, and I didn’t have any specific new strategy,” Wong explained. “I was just slightly off. I gave it my best and genuinely enjoyed the fight.”
Wong acknowledged a minor strategic disadvantage stemming from his participation in the doubles competition, which forced him to manage his stamina. “I was a little disadvantaged because I played doubles and he didn’t, but that’s my choice, and I don’t blame anyone,” he stated.
Friendship Takes Center Stage
The interview further showcased the duo’s close relationship when 193 expressed mock regret over sitting in the media section. “I regret sitting here with the reporters,” he declared. Wong seized the opportunity to tease his friend by suggesting he should have been cheering from the official Hong Kong team seats, urging him to “make some noise!”
Wong also reflected on the broader emotional impact of Hong Kong’s athletic performances, regretting that his bronze could not entirely lift the spirits of the delegation following the Hong Kong football team’s recent loss in the Asian Cup. “I watched the Hong Kong team lose yesterday, and I hoped my result could cheer everyone up a bit, but it wasn’t enough. Still, I fought hard and have no regrets,” he affirmed.
When 193 adopted a serious, journalistic persona to inquire about Wong’s future career plans, the tennis star instantly dismissed the formality. “Can we not be so serious? I don’t have a plan right now, but I’ll let you know when I do,” Wong stated with a smile.
The interview concluded with a light-hearted promotional plea. 193 reminded Wong that he had interrupted other commitments to attend the match out of loyalty. “Actually, I released a new song today called Your Name, My Hymn,” 193 confessed, soliciting a favor. A slightly reluctant Wong concluded the interview by conceding, “Pay attention to my friend’s new song, and remember to support it.”
The jovial, unconventional press conference offered a refreshing glimpse into the shared lives of Hong Kong’s new generation of sports and entertainment stars, concluding on a burst of shared laughter that overshadowed the tournament outcome. Wong’s performance reinforces his status as a bright prospect in Asian tennis, with fans now anticipating his next appearance on the international circuit.
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