This was perhaps the most hotly contested Hong Kong Sevens in history as two quarter-finals and one semi-final required extra time to separate the teams in highly competitive contests, before the closely fought bronze and gold medal finals.

• Australia beat Fiji 20-17 with a last gasp try to win sensational Hong Kong Sevens title
• France claim the bronze medal thanks to a 19-17 victory over Samoa
• Return of Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens a resounding success with world class sevens played in front of a large and vibrant crowd
• Hong Kong was the first of 11 rounds in the men’s 2023 World Series, the women’s Series starts with a combined event in Dubai on 2-3 December 2022
• The 2023 Series is set to be the most competitive yet, with Paris 2024 Olympic qualification and Series relegation at stake

Here are Senior Photographer Barry Markowitz's photo highlights —

Sione Molia and his fellow New Zealand All Black 7s were dominated both offensively and defensively as evident in their being crushed 24-0 by Manu Samoa, Day 1 at the 2022 HSBC Hong Kong 7s at Hong Kong Stadium.

Many moments after scoring a Try, Owen Niue is cheapshotted by Australia’s Josh Turner.  Turner was Yellow Carded, Manu Samoa went on to win 22-17 over Australia, Day 2 of the HSBC Hong Kong 7s at the Hong Kong Stadium, Happy Valley, Hong Kong, Peoples Republic of China.  

Steve Onosai speeds ahead of a defender for a try as Manu Samoa was challenged, but beat Hong Kong, 31-15, Day 2 of the HSBC Hong Kong 7s at the Hong Kong Stadium, Peoples Republic of China.  Manu Samoa faces Argentina in the Cup Quarter Finals Sunday.

As a Puma defender lays anguished on the ground, Owen Niue scores the tying Try that led to Manu Samoa's 19-14 Cup Quarter Finals victory over Argentina at Finals, Day 3 of the HSBC Hong Kong 7s at the Hong Kong Stadium, Peoples Republic of China.

Vaovasa Afa Sua powers through several Puma players leading to the game trying score by Owen Niue.  Manu Samoa defeated Argentina 19-14 in the Cup Quarter Finals.  Manu Samoa met Fiji in the Cup Semi Finals on Finals Day of the HSBC Hong Kong 7s at the Hong Kong Stadium, Peoples Republic of China.  

Filipe Sauturaga turned on the jets early in Fiji's 19-7 victory over Samoa in the Cup Semi Finals of the HSBC Hong Kong 7s at the Hong Kong Stadium, Peoples Republic of China.  

Joseva Talacolo scores a Fiji Try but is prevented from improving a conversion kick as Manu's Neueli Leitufia defends against his further advance in the end zone.  Fiji defeated Samoa 19-7 to advance to the Cup Final Game vs. Australia in the HSBC Hong Kong 7s at the Hong Kong Stadium, Peoples Republic of China.  

A Manu Samoa player was emotionally devastated as his team narrowly lost to France 19-17 in the Bronze Final at the HSBC Hong Kong 7s, Hong Kong Stadium, Peoples Republic of China.  

Coach Brian Lima spoke with compassion and sincerity to the Manu Samoa 7s after they were narrowly defeated by France, 19-17 in the Bronze Final.  Under Coach Lima, Manu Samoa has resurrected itself into a respected foe that consistently battles into the Cup Quarter Finals and up.  Ironically, Manu Samoa beat the eventual Cup Champion, Australia,  earlier on in the HSBC Hong Kong 7’s at the Hong Kong Stadium, Happy Valley, Hong Kong, Peoples Republic of China.  

Waisea Nacuqu scored an early Fiji Try in what appeared to be a route of Australia in the first half.  Australia came from behind to shock Fiji winning 20-17 at the HSBC Hong Kong 7s, Hong Kong Stadium, People's Republic of China.   

Henry Hutchinson began Australia's come from behind Cup Final Championship by outpacing Jeremaia Matana for a try.  Australia shocked Fiji winning 20-17 at the HSBC Hong Kong 7s, People's Republic of China.