43-year-old Nguyen Tien Minh still knows how to win: Survives Vietnam Open 2026 qualifier

Nguyen Tien Minh, at the age of 43, continues to write a miraculous story at the Vietnam Open 2026 by coming through the men's singles qualifier. In the match held on the morning of September 9 in Ho Chi Minh City, the veteran player defeated his much younger compatriot Nguyen Hoang Thai Son, a doubles specialist but lacking experience in singles. Immediately after the match, Minh shared: "Thai Son has strength and speed, but singles is not his forte. I knew how to exploit that weakness." This victory not only brought joy to fans but also demonstrated the rare endurance of a sports legend. The Vietnam Open 2026 belongs to the BWF Super 100 system, taking place from September 8 to 13, attracting more than 300 athletes from 27 countries and territories. The tournament is an opportunity for lower-ranked players to earn points, as well as a platform for young talents to gain experience. The participation of Nguyen Tien Minh, ranked 254th in the world, is a special highlight. At an age when many athletes have retired, he still has the fitness to compete and win. This explains why Minh is considered a role model for the next generation. However, the results of other Vietnamese players at the tournament have not been encouraging. Le Duc Phat, Vietnam's number one player, is struggling with knee and heel injuries. He had to take painkiller injections to continue competing, but the risk of recurrence is high. The presence of his wife in the stands partly boosted his spirit but could not erase concerns about his physical condition. Nguyen Hai Dang, another young hope, was eliminated early in the qualifiers. In the women's singles, Nguyen Thuy Linh is set to face 19-year-old Taiwanese player Xu Wen Jing – a challenging task. Looking at the overall picture, Vietnamese badminton is in a transitional period. The continued participation of a veteran like Nguyen Tien Minh brings not only professional value but also great inspiration. Many argue that Minh should step aside for younger players, but no one can deny that his presence at a domestic tournament is extremely meaningful. Young players have the opportunity to learn directly from a legend – something not every country is fortunate to have. According to match data analysis, Nguyen Tien Minh's victory over Nguyen Hoang Thai Son clearly reflects the difference in tactical thinking between the two. Despite being physically inferior, Minh's ability to read the game and control the pace helped him neutralize the opponent's power. This is the strength of experienced players – something modern sports science still cannot fully quantify. With the qualification, Nguyen Tien Minh will face Taiwan's Zhe Ying Wu in the main draw. Can Minh continue to cause an upset? The answer lies in his recovery ability and his wisdom on court. Whatever the outcome, he has proven that age is just a number, and passion and experience can overcome the boundaries of time. The summer of 2026 with the Vietnam Open is a memorable milestone for Vietnamese badminton. The tournament not only offers opportunities for local players to gain exposure but also shows the tactical depth that a veteran can create. Fans will long remember a Nguyen Tien Minh still passionately playing at an advanced age – not for points, but for the love of the sport.