There were also some conditions to the bet, which aroused great interest, especially from the male spectators. If Ruchika were to lose, then she had to put on a skimpy bikini and "parade" herself around the HKCC. If Padlock lost, then he was to wear the HKFC ladies squash outfit, consisting of top and skirt for four hours around the bars of Wan Chai.

A professional referee was brought in to ensure there was no hanky panky business. Besides ace crime fighter, Peter Barnes, Watchdog Development Director Abbi Delessio was also on hand to receive all the donations and to witness her first ever squash match.

Ruchika was quick out of the blocks racing to a 4-0 lead in the 1st game. Eventually Padlock got his legs moving and leveled the game at 5-5 before Ruchika raced away to have three game points at 8-5. Padlock fought back to level once again at 8-8, but Ruchika just managed to edge out Padlock 10-8 to go one up.

Padlock was receiving great encouragement from the many spectators knocking back the beers, kindly supplied by Andy Phillips, but he knew they didn't want to see him in a skirt, but Ruchika in a bikini.

Ruchika won the 2nd game quite easily 9-5 and things didn't look good for Padlock, nor the spectators. However, the 3rd game proved to be the longest of the match with both players making some fine shots. To the crowd's amazement, Padlock managed to win the 3rd game 9-7 to come off court to a standing ovation from the crowd hoping to see Ruchika in that skimpy bikini. Padlock looked shattered by this stage but the thought of Ruchika in that bikini drove him on.

Padlock went out to an early lead in the 4th game 3-1 and you could see some spectators visibly frothing at the mouth in eager anticipation. However, once Ruchika fought back to 4-4, Padlock made a few unforced errors to give Ruchika five points in a row and seal a 3-1 victory.

Both players came off court to a standing ovation with the spectators then forced to watch Padlock don the HKFC skirt and extremely tight fitting top. However, the main reason for being there was to raise money for the children of Watchdog. Therefore, Abbi DeLessio was presented with cheques and cash to the value of $8,000, which was a great effort.

As Padlock had to go off to China for another charity event that evening, the night in Wan Chai was held on the evening of Saturday, May 31, where photos were taken to show Ruchika that Padlock fulfilled his bet.

Do not weep everyone; you might all still be able to see Ruchika in a bikini, as there most definitely will be a rematch!

(This article is contributed by "Padlock of the Courts" CIP Paul Keylock, who, together with SSP Peter Barnes, is a long-time supporter of Watchdog.)

Watchdog Development Director Delessio (centre) with "Padlock of the Courts", Chief Inspector Paul Keylock, and Ruchika at the Charity Squash Match

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