Nguyen Tien Minh wins Vietnam Open 2026 qualifier, faces Zhe Ying Wu in first round

Despite being 43 years old and no longer in his prime, Nguyen Tien Minh continues to prove the value of experience by winning the qualifying round of the Vietnam Open 2026 badminton tournament. The former number one Vietnamese player, now ranked 254th in the world, defeated his compatriot Nguyen Hoang Thai Son to earn a place in the men's singles first round. The match took place in the qualifying round of the BWF Super 100 tournament, held from September 8 to 13, 2026, featuring more than 300 athletes from 27 countries and territories. Though not among the highest-ranked events in the BWF World Tour, the tournament remains important for Southeast Asian players to gain ranking points and international exposure. The most notable aspect was not the score but the difference in playing styles. Nguyen Hoang Thai Son is a young player primarily competing in doubles. When facing an experienced senior player in singles, Thai Son struggled. After the match, Thai Son shared: “I am not strong in singles, as I mainly play doubles. Against an experienced player like Nguyen Tien Minh, I encountered many difficulties. Minh still maintains good strength and speed.” This difference in experience and style helped Nguyen Tien Minh control the match. Though he no longer has the speed and stamina of his youth, Minh knows how to read the game and exploit his opponent's mistakes. The victory shows that at a Super 100 event, experience can compensate for physical decline. For Vietnamese badminton fans, seeing Minh compete at age 43 is admirable. He is not seeded and must play qualifying rounds, but he does not view this as a disadvantage. Instead, he considers it an opportunity to play at home, in front of local supporters, and pursue his passion. In the first round, Nguyen Tien Minh will face Zhe Ying Wu from Chinese Taipei. This opponent is more highly rated than those Minh met in qualifying. His win over Thai Son, a doubles specialist, is not a definitive measure of form. The match against Zhe Ying Wu will be a real test for the 43-year-old. Other Vietnamese male players also drew attention. Le Duc Phat is dealing with knee and heel injuries, requiring pain-relief injections before competing. His wife’s presence in the stands is seen as emotional support. Meanwhile, Nguyen Hai Dang was eliminated in the qualifying round, highlighting a generational transition in Vietnamese badminton. In women's singles, Nguyen Thuy Linh, the top Vietnamese female player, will face 19-year-old Xu Wen Jing from Chinese Taipei. This is an opportunity for her to gain experience and ranking points. The men's singles qualifying round also included Jia Wei Joel Koh from Singapore, showing the tournament's regional appeal despite its modest tier. From a data perspective, Minh's win over Thai Son should not be overvalued. Thai Son is a doubles player with limited singles experience, so the victory was not a major surprise. The first-round match against Zhe Ying Wu will be a more accurate test. If Minh shows tactical intelligence, Vietnamese fans can hope for a positive result. What matters is not how far Minh can advance, but that he continues to prove age is not an absolute barrier. Competing in a BWF World Tour event at age 43 is already an achievement. His qualifying win brings joy and adds another Vietnamese representative to the international stage. Vietnam sends a mixed squad of experienced and young players. Nguyen Tien Minh and Le Duc Phat remain pillars, while newer faces need time to develop. Vietnam Open 2026, though a Super 100 event, offers valuable experience. Fans are particularly concerned about Le Duc Phat's ability to compete throughout the tournament. Knee and heel injuries are persistent problems in badminton, and the need for pain-relief injections highlights the seriousness of his condition. In this context, Nguyen Tien Minh can inspire others. He shows that age is not the only deciding factor. Thorough preparation, a relaxed mindset, and adaptability matter. At 43, Minh is not chasing rankings but simply enjoying matches and giving his best for home fans. Experts will watch closely how Minh performs against Zhe Ying Wu. This opponent plays differently from Thai Son and is stronger. Can the veteran create another surprise, or will the ranking gap be visible? The answer will come in the first round. Regardless of the outcome, Minh's presence in elite badminton at his age is a positive signal. He continues his story not with major titles but with love and perseverance. Vietnam Open 2026 is not just about ranking points; it quietly celebrates values like endurance and passion. By passing qualifying, Nguyen Tien Minh has fulfilled his first task. Vietnamese badminton fans will follow him in the coming days. A successful match against Zhe Ying Wu would help him advance and inspire a generation of Vietnamese players seeking a place in Asian badminton. All attention will now turn to the veteran's first-round match. Can Nguyen Tien Minh overcome his Chinese Taipei opponent and continue his journey? With his experience and fighting spirit, no one can count him out. Fans have every reason to hope, and Minh keeps proving that age is just a number.