Nguyen Tien Minh's victory at Vietnam Open 2026 qualifiers: Experience beats youth

On the morning of September 9, 2026, the qualifying round of the Vietnam Open 2026 (Super 100) witnessed a notable story: veteran Nguyen Tien Minh (43 years old, world No. 254) overcame his younger rival Nguyen Hoang Thai Son to advance to the main draw. The victory did not come from power or speed, but from experience and exploiting the weaknesses of a player who is primarily a doubles specialist. "My opponent played well, but he is a doubles specialist, so in singles he lacks experience. I used my calm and varied style to control the match," Nguyen Tien Minh said after the win. This statement reveals the difference in competitive mentality between a seasoned veteran and a young player who has not fully devoted himself to men's singles. Vietnam Open 2026 is taking place in Ho Chi Minh City with more than 300 athletes from 27 countries and territories. Although this is a Super 100 event, offering limited ranking points, for Vietnamese players it is a valuable opportunity to accumulate points and gain experience. Apart from Nguyen Tien Minh's victory, Vietnamese badminton also received mixed news. Le Duc Phat, the country's top player, has been suffering from persistent knee and heel injuries. He had to take pain-relief injections before stepping on court but still could not reach his best form. Nguyen Hai Dang also bowed out in the qualifying round. Meanwhile, in the women's singles, Nguyen Thuy Linh is scheduled to face 19-year-old talent Hsu Wen-chi (Chinese Taipei) in a notable match. Looking deeper at Nguyen Tien Minh's win, experts say it was not a major surprise. Nguyen Hoang Thai Son, though physically stronger and faster, is a doubles specialist. When switching to singles, he lacks movement flexibility and tactical reading. Minh fully exploited this, sending the shuttle to corners and forcing the young player to move constantly, causing Thai Son to tire quickly. At 43, physical strength is no longer an advantage, but experience becomes invaluable in decisive moments. In the next match, Nguyen Tien Minh will face Hsu Wen-chi in the main draw. This will be a true test for the 43-year-old veteran. Though not rated highly in terms of physical fitness, Minh has shown he can still compete at the Asian level if he manages his stamina well. His statement "I still enjoy playing" is not just a simple remark but a signal that he has no intention of retiring yet. However, looking at the bigger picture, Vietnamese men's singles badminton is facing a major challenge. When Nguyen Tien Minh is 43 and Le Duc Phat is repeatedly injured, there is no clear successor. The presence of young players like Nguyen Hoang Thai Son - though oriented toward doubles - reveals a gap that needs to be filled. Vietnam Open 2026 may be an opportunity for young talents to gain experience, but it also serves as a reminder of the need for a long-term development strategy. Nguyen Tien Minh, with over 20 years of international competition, remains the symbol of Vietnamese badminton. Reaching the main draw of a Super 100 event at age 43 is admirable, but it also raises the question: who will inherit the legacy he has built? The answer may lie in proper investment in the younger generation, rather than relying only on the experience of a golden generation that is gradually aging.