Nguyen Tien Minh beats Nguyen Hoang Thai Son in Vietnam Open 2026 qualifier: A win for experience

Nguyen Tien Minh started his Vietnam Open 2026 campaign with a win in the men's singles qualifying round. The 43-year-old veteran defeated Nguyen Hoang Thai Son, a younger player who specializes in doubles. Minh said his opponent had strength and speed, but was not strong in singles. The victory was built on experience and tactical awareness rather than raw physical power. Vietnam Open 2026 is a BWF Super 100 tournament, drawing more than 300 players from 27 countries and territories. For Vietnamese badminton, the event is both a chance to earn ranking points and a test of the next generation. While Minh advanced, Nguyen Hai Dang lost in qualifying. Le Duc Phat competed despite needing pain-relief injections for knee and heel problems. In the women's draw, Nguyen Thuy Linh is set to face 19-year-old Xu Wen Jing. The win over Thai Son should not be overrated because the opponent is not a singles specialist. Minh's next opponent, Zhe Ying Wu from Taiwan, will provide a much tougher test. Still, Minh's presence at age 43 shows the importance of resilience and passion. His experience is an example for younger Vietnamese players who need to grow into the team's future.