HONG KONG — The stage is set for the 2026 Miss Hong Kong pageant final on Thursday night, with 12 contestants donning swimsuits for a final dress rehearsal that offered hints of momentum, camaraderie, and simmering rivalries. The event, held Wednesday, saw the first unofficial title awarded—the “Miss Friendship” accolade—while several top contenders traded confident remarks and predictions ahead of the coronation.
Friendship Award Breaks the Ice
Contestant No. 3, Li Ching-ching (Li Chengqing), was chosen by her fellow candidates to receive the Miss Friendship honor. The win, she admitted, came as a pleasant surprise. “I didn’t win by bribing anyone with snacks—I’m just naturally warm and enjoy sharing,” she said, dismissing any notion of behind-the-scenes favoritism. Li, who trimmed her weight from 50 to 48 kilograms through exercise, now aims to challenge what she called the “curse” that friendship winners rarely go on to claim other prizes.
Crown Rehearsal Ignites Confidence
The rehearsal featured a traditional lucky draw for a chance to try on the actual crown—a moment often seen as an omen. Contestant No. 6, Lo Wai-ching (Lu Weiqing), drew the honor. The current frontrunner in online popularity polls, Lo beamed as the tiara was placed on her head, later joking to rivals to “watch out.” While she admitted hesitation to remove the crown, calling it a perfect fit, she acknowledged a lingering superstition: the “crown rehearsal jinx” that has historically followed those who try it on before victory. “I will fight to break that spell,” she declared. Lo attributed her strong online support to an active social media presence and a wide circle of friends. Addressing circulated photos of her reportedly in nightlife settings, she stressed the images were from the past, noting she now works late into the night with minimal sleep.
Top Three Candidates Trade Barbs
Alongside Lo, Contestant No. 2, Lee Chak-yan (Li Zexin) and Contestant No. 1, Yuen Sze-hang (Yuan Siheng) round out the perceived top three contenders. Lee, who was not drawn to try the crown, brushed off the omission. “I don’t need a rehearsal,” she said. “I’ll put it on directly at the final.” She cited an endorsement from reigning Miss Hong Kong Chan Wing-sze as a boost and claimed her form improves daily. When asked about lagging behind Lo in popularity, Lee replied dismissively: “What matters is that she doesn’t surpass me in the final.” She also dismissed any concern about her boyfriend’s reaction, stating, “My success is his success, so whatever I say, he won’t be upset.”
Yuen, who climbed to third in online rankings, exuded similar bravado, promising to “wear the crown only on the final night.” With a background in stage performance, she called the competition her “home turf” and directly challenged her two top rivals: “Let’s fight it out on stage.”
Dark Horses and Setbacks
Despite reports of a dip in form, Contestant No. 5, Ngai Yan (Wei Xin) insisted she felt fine—blaming a mere lipstick shade for appearing off-color. Meanwhile, Contestant No. 8, Tang Kwan-man (Deng Kuangmin) and Contestant No. 11, Ngan Yee-fei (Yan Yifei) both entered the rehearsal battling colds yet reported strong energy. Tang revealed she deliberately gained weight before the pageant to achieve fuller cheeks, while Ngan described a balanced demeanor across all segments, dismissing any performance anxiety.
Farewell and Wedding Bells
In related news, outgoing winner Chan Wing-sze and Miss Friendship 2025 Li Yan-yin confirmed they have no immediate marriage plans but expressed interest in pursuing acting opportunities.
Separately, veteran host Luk Ho-ming (Lu Haoming), who has been with his partner for 14 years, recently proposed during a meticulously planned Maldives trip. The two-carat diamond ring was accompanied by a promise of a wedding next year, though he clarified the proposal is not due to pregnancy. Luk’s godmother, the renowned singer “Fat Mom,” jokingly chided him for marrying at a time of high gold prices, though Luk said he would be delighted simply if she sang a song.
What’s Ahead
The final competition Thursday will include evening gown, swimsuit, and Q&A segments, with judges weighing performance, poise, and public appeal. Whether the “crown rehearsal curse” holds or a dark horse emerges, the 2026 Miss Hong Kong pageant promises a dramatic climax to a season defined by sharp confidence and strategic rivalries.
