Hong Kong martial arts novel master Leung Yue-Sang died in Sydney on January 22, 2009, Australian media reported. He was 85.

Hong Kong martial arts novelist Leung Yue-Sang [File photo: Oriental Morning Post]

Leung published his first martial arts novel in 1954, and went on to write 35 martial arts novels in the span of his 30-year writing life. His most famous works include "The White-Haired Demoness", "The Seven Swords" and "The Legend of the Travelling Hero."

Leung retired in 1984 and moved to Australia. In 2006 he had an apoplexy attack and remained in a nursing home until his death.

As a renowned author, Leung has been called a pioneer of new-style martial arts novels, which writer Louis Cha contributed to as well. The two shared the honour of being favourite martial arts novelists in the 1960s and 1970s.

(CRI January 27, 2009)