Badminton

Nguyễn Thùy Linh will compete in the Badminton Asia Championships from April 9-14 in China. VNA/VNS Photos

HÀ NỘI Vietnamese top-flight player Nguyễn Thùy Linh is ready to gain higher results at the Badminton Asia Championships 2024 in Ningbo, China.

Linh and five teammates arrived in the competition venue on April 7 and will have two-day practice prior to their matches.

The Vietnamese representative in the men's singles is Nguyễn Hải Đăng, one of two Vietnamese male players seeking an Olympic spot.

He will play Viren Nettasinghe of Sri Lanka in the men's singles first match.

Nguyễn Đình Hoàng and Trần Đình Mạnh will play in the men's doubles qualification's Group D against players from Bhutan and Macao.

Phạm Văn Hải and Thân Vân Anh will compete in the mixed doubles qualification's Group C with athletes of India and Macao.

Meanwhile world No 21 Linh will face Japanese Aya Ohori, world No 13, in the women's singles category.

"Preparation in mentality and physique is done. Players are ready for the Asian championship," said coach Ngô Trung Dũng.

"Linh and Đăng aim to get points for their Olympic slots, while the pairs are asked to advance to the main round."

Nguyễn Hải Đăng (right) seeks points for his Olympic campaign in China.

Linh was also representing Việt Nam at the 2022 and 2023 editions, but she did not take high results.

However, her positive results from the recent Europe Tour are a strong base for Linh in China.

Previously, Linh often travelled and competed without a coach. This time she will be supported by Indonesian Hariawan Hong who is expected to lift not only Linh but the entire team's achievement here.

"I think that Linh's technique has been lifted every day. Linh is hard working and her regular participation in competition is her good point," said Hong.

"She is ready for the Asian championship and I believe that she will gain better results."

Linh nearly ensures her second time at this global event. What she needs is to play as well as possible in Ningbo and wait for the official announcement of the Badminton World Federation by the end of this month.

However, Linh sets a high target as she wants to improve her world ranking that would give her a favourable place in the Olympic draw.

"I have learnt a lot from five weeks in Europe where I played world leading players," said Linh.

"Back to Việt Nam, my coaches have plans for me to reach my best for the Asian tournament. I also try to improve my weaknesses for the Olympics."

The Asian championship will deliver a total prize money of US$450,000 to high-ranked players. A 12,000-point bonus will be given to the champions, while the first runners-up will receive 10,200 points for their world rankings. VNS