Singapore suffered a heartbreaking 25-35 defeat by Hong Kong selection side in their Asian Tri Nations rugby opener in front of a 800-strong crowd at the Yio Chu Kang Stadium on Sunday.

The Reds were leading by four points with five minutes to go, when outside-centre Blandon Tan was sent off for violent conduct.

The visitors took advantage, bagging two breakaway tries against a tiring Singapore defence.

The hosts had been on the front foot after deserved scores from Murray Wyllie, Jonathan Lee and Bryan Ng. They next face Chinese Taipei on Saturday.