Nguyen Tien Minh Advances Through Vietnam Open 2026 Qualifiers: A Victory of Experience at Age 43

Nguyen Tien Minh, Vietnam's 43-year-old veteran badminton player, had a promising start at the Vietnam Open 2026 when he cleared the men's singles qualifiers. His opponent was Nguyen Hoang Thai Son, a younger player specializing in doubles, but Minh still managed to win thanks to his vast experience. The victory sent him into the main draw, where he will face Zhe Ying Wu from Chinese Taipei on September 10. Speaking after the match, Minh shared: "My opponent is not strong in singles, but he has power and speed. I used my experience to control the pace of the game. At 43, I still have the passion to compete and want to contribute to the home crowd." These words reflect the dedication of a player who was once ranked in the world's top 20 more than a decade ago. Meanwhile, another key Vietnamese player, Le Duc Phat, is struggling with physical issues. According to the coaching staff, Phat has pain in his knee and heel and needs pain-relief injections before competing. The presence of his wife in the stands is seen as a great mental boost. However, this injury condition is a worrying risk for his journey at the tournament. Another male representative, Nguyen Hai Dang, was eliminated early in the qualifiers. Hai Dang's early exit adds more pressure on the remaining players. In the women's singles, Vietnam's number one Nguyen Thuy Linh will face 19-year-old rising star Xu Wen Jing. This is seen as a good opportunity for Thuy Linh to advance deep if she maintains her form. The 2026 Vietnam Open is a Super 100 tournament under the Badminton World Federation (BWF), held from September 8 to 13. The tournament has attracted over 300 athletes from 27 countries and territories. Although not a top-tier event, the Super 100 offers valuable ranking points for young players and veterans like Minh. According to experts, Minh's victory over a doubles specialist was not surprising. The tactical difference between singles and doubles is huge. Thai Son has athleticism and speed, but his movement and game reading in singles are still limited. Minh exploited that thoroughly. However, experts also noted that just one qualifying win is not enough to confirm Minh's form at age 43. Endurance across consecutive matches remains a big question. If Minh faces stronger opponents in later rounds, stamina could be a critical weakness. The situation of Le Duc Phat is also of great concern. The need for pain-relief injections before each match carries the risk of worsening his injuries. Many experts suggest that the medical team should closely monitor and have a long-term rehabilitation plan for Phat, rather than providing temporary solutions. This year's Vietnam Open also holds special significance as it marks the return of international badminton after many upheavals. Hosting an international tournament in Vietnam with a large number of athletes is a positive signal for the sport's development in the region. Looking at the overall landscape, Vietnamese men's singles is undergoing a generational transition. Alongside Minh, a veteran still full of enthusiasm, young players like Le Duc Phat and Nguyen Hai Dang are expected to succeed. However, injuries and instability are holding them back. In that context, Minh's presence at age 43 is a rarity in world badminton. Most top players retire before 35. Minh is a special exception, not only because of his talent but also due to scientific training and his love for the sport. However, realistically speaking, Minh's current ranking (254th in the world) indicates he cannot compete in major events like the Super 1000 or the World Tour. Wins at Super 100 tournaments mainly help him maintain his joy of playing and contribute to home fans, rather than aiming for high-profile titles. As for Le Duc Phat, if he cannot maintain peak fitness, the risk of his withdrawal from the tournament is real. Family and fans can only hope that the coaching staff will have appropriate measures to protect his career. The tournament is ongoing, and the matches in the later rounds promise more drama. For Vietnamese badminton fans, the journey of Nguyen Tien Minh and his teammates is worth following, as they play not just for results but also for national pride. The newspaper has tried to contact the coaching staff of the Vietnamese badminton team for more details on Le Duc Phat's injury, but has not received a response. We will continue to update the latest information about the tournament in the coming days. This article was written based on public sources and direct interviews with players. Readers should note that expert analyses are for reference only.