A LITTLE CRICKET
Without question, Hong Kong has made the cricket sixes what it is today through the two-day festival held annually since 1992. So what better way to see what all the fuss is about than to check it out for yourself this month on the frenetic weekend of the 27th and 28th at the Kowloon Cricket Club? This year the Sixes has successfully roped in cricketing legends Shane Warne and Brian Lara who join an already intimidating line-up of Anil Kumble, Virender Sehwag, Shahid Afridi and Heath Streak to form the glitzy All-Star Team, one of 10 in the round robin play. Each game lasts a maximum five overs, players must retire not out after 31 runs and the last batsman can continue, his partner being a non-scoring runner. Adjustments made to the game ensure a fun time for all, cricket-minded or not – just so long as you enjoy a cold drink and a good laugh, you’ll be in for one delightful weekend. Oh yes, and for those crowd favourite boundary shots (the KCC is famously an incredibly small stadium), don’t forget your banners.

What: Cathay Pacific/Standard Chartered Hong Kong Cricket Sixes When: October 27-28 Where: Kowloon Cricket Club How much: Adult (two days): $500, Child (two days, under 12): $350 Enquiries: www.cricketsixes.hk

INDOOR GAMES
Neither some kind of Olympics nor covering track and field, the indoor games held every two years are coming to Macau at the end of this month. Hosting 45 nations and over 3,500 athletes, the Asian Indoor Games consist of 20 sports, many of which you may never have heard of. But so much the better, this is an alternate Games fan’s delight, featuring Hoop Sepak Takraw (volleyball with your feet and a little bit of ballerina basketball thrown in for good measure), console games and Futsal (football on sand) among others. Spanning nine days, a ‘Games Pass’ allows access to all events with unassigned seating in the stadiums. And tickets are free – just pick them up at the various distribution points in Macau including the Macau Stadium box office, CTM shops and official Beijing Olympic Games souvenir shops. Wouldn’t it be an excellent opportunity to take that trip to Macau you’ve promised yourself?

What: 2nd Asian Indoor Games When: October 26-November 3 Where: Macau (mainly Macau East Asian Games Dome) How much: Free Enquiries: www.maigoc2007.com

NBA COMES TO MACAU
The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel will establish a first of sorts when it hosts the NBA China Games 2007 on October 18. No NBA game has been played in Macau before so when the hotel’s new 15,000-seat arena plays host to the Orlando Magic versus the China Men’s National team, it will be setting a precedent. Then on the 20th, the Magic will play the Cleveland Cavaliers and their LeBron James in what we’re all hoping will be a grudge match after a previous encounter on the 17th in Shanghai.

What: NBA China Games 2007 When: 18-20 October Where: The Venetian Macau Resort Hotel How much: MOP$980-$280 Enquiries: www.venetianmacaotickets.com

SEVENS TICKETS
Tickets for the 2008 Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Sevens are going up. The increased prices are necessary “to cover the increasing costs of staging a world class [tournament],” says Allan Payne, executive director of the HKRFU. Also changing: ticket sales will be limited to two per person in the hopes of enabling more people “greater access.” The price will now stand at $1,080 per adult and remain at $300 per child.

What: Rugby Sevens tickets When: From December 8 Where: Hong Kong Stadium How much: Adult: $1,080, Child: $300 Enquiries: www.hksevens.com

DEEP WATER
The third and final race in the Powerbar Swim Series this year will finish at Deep Water Bay on October 28. It doesn’t matter if this is the first you’ve heard of the series – plenty of people only compete in one of the races. To be in the contest, you will have to make your way along Seaview Promenade after registering and then swim 100m to Middle Island where the race actually begins at 9am. From Middle Island competitors swim the 1.6km to Deep Water Bay. Medals will be awarded to the top three contestants in each of the six men’s and five women’s divisions, though be warned, swimmers will be disqualified if they don’t wear the approved swimming cap all through the race.

What: Powerbar Deep Water Bay Ocean Swim Series When: 28 October Where: Middle Island How much: Adults: $120 ($200 less than 1 week before race day), 19 and under: $80 ($150 late entry) Enquiries: www.revolution-asia.com