National focus
Minh grabs silver at US Open
Nguyen Tien Minh won a silver medal at the US Open Grand Prix Gold after losing 17-21, 18-21 to Sho Sasaki of Japan in the final yesterday in California.
Minh led 4-1 in their previous meetings going into the match, but could not find the form to overcome his Japanese rival, despite being ranked six places above him.
However, Sho's victory was no surprise having hit his peak after beating world No 1 Lin Dan of China in the Super Series Premier Indonesia in June, a feat that Minh has never accomplished.
The Vietnamese Olympian also pocketed 5,950 world ranking points, ensuring his top ten position in the latest rankings.
Japanese team take VTV Cup 2011
A Japanese student team triumphed at the International Women's Volleyball Tournament, VTV-Sun Group Cup 2011 after beating a Beijing club 25-15, 25-23, 25-19 in the final on Friday in Dac Lac Province.
Viet Nam, who failed to defend their title after losing to Japan in the semis, took third place after a 25-23, 25-17, 25-17 win over North Korea.
Apart from a winner's bonus, organisers also presented prizes for individual players including best spiker, defender, libero and Miss VTV-Sun Group.
The tournament is organised every year by Viet Nam Television (VTV) and draws a variety of different international clubs. It is a good chance for Vietnamese players to gain some international experience, as well as developing the sport across the country.
Trang wins An Giang Television Cup
Phan Thi Thuy Trang triumphed in the National Women's Cycling Open-An Giang Television Cup while South Korea's You Jina took the green jersey as top sprinter.
Kim You-ri of South Korea won the final 75km stage from Rach Gia to Long Xuyen in a time of 01:54:02.
Phan Thi Lieu of An Giang Plant Protection and Nguyen Thuy Dung of Binh Duong Water Supply-Drainage and Environment finished second and third.
Despite not finishing in the top three, Trang still snatched the overall title with total time of 17:09.39.
Choi Hye-kyeong, another Korean, followed just nine seconds behind, while Nguyen Phan Ngoc Trang of Binh Duong finished third.
You Jina proved her power, taking 81 points in the sprint competition, leaving her Vietnamese rivals far behind.
The successful Korean riders led their team to victory. They spent 51:30.08 covering the 600km tour. Binh Duong and An Giang secured the two runners-up places. — VNS