It was a disappointing start yesterday for national squash players in the men's challenger 5 category of the Old Chang Kee-Marigold Singapore Open.

Local wild card Samuel Kang (left, with red headband) lost 8-11, 4-11, 5-11 to Hong Kong's world No. 141 Tang Ming Hong in the first stage at the Kallang Squash Centre while the Republic's No. 1 and world No. 172 Vivian Rhamanan withdrew from the round of 16 owing to injury.

Top seed and world No. 90 Wong Chi Him was also eliminated at the first hurdle.

He lost 6-11, 16-14, 7-11, 8-11 to compatriot Henry Leung (No. 222) of Hong Kong.

The Singapore Open, which ends on Sunday, was elevated to a stop on the Professional Squash Association World Tour circuit and is the first pro event since 2011.

Admission is free.