Badminton

Nguyễn Thùy Linh of Việt Nam is expected to get though the Olympics' group round in Paris later this month. — Photo webthethao.vn

HÀ NỘI — Vietnamese badminton players are in comfortable groups at the upcoming Paris Olympics Games.

A group stage draw was held at the Badminton World Federation (BWF) headquarters on July 12 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Under the draw, both men's and women's singles category gather 39 competitors who are divided into 13 groups. They will compete in a round robin format and the top finisher of each group will qualify for the knock-out stage.

The number one female player of Việt Nam, Nguyễn Thùy Linh, is in Group K with No 11 Beiwen Zhang of the US and No 80 Tiffany Ho of Australia.

The predictions are that Linh, world No 26, and Zhang will have meet almost no resistance winning over Ho. Linh secured a 2-0 win over Ho at the Spain Masters in March.

The direct match between Linh and Zhang will decide the group winner.

Although Linh is 15 below Zhang in the world rankings, the Germany Open first runner-up is at the same level with her.

In their latest meet last year, Linh beat Zhang 2-1 at the Arctic Open's last 16 round in Finland.

It will be Linh's second straight Olympics. In Tokyo in 2021, her competition ended at the group round.

"In Tokyo, I was not a high-ranking player so I was not under high pressure like this time. Currently, I have my own matters, but I have to overcome them," said Linh.

On the men's side, Lê Đức Phát is in Group K with 13th seed HS Prannoy of India and Germany’s Fabian Roth.

Prannoy is considered the strongest player and favourite for the top finisher of the group.

Phát, world No 70 and Roth, No 82, are not seeded. The Vietnamese beat Roth 2-0 at the Poland Open in March.

"I have focused totally on practising for my best at the Olympics. I hope to reach my peak and want to advance to the second round," said Phát.

Nguyễn Thùy Linh and Lê Đức Phát are in final preparations for the Paris Olympics. —Photo toquoc.vn

Both two players are working with Indonesian coach Hariawan Hong on improving their technique, physique, endurance and strengthen their mentality.

"Basically, Linh and Phát are in good condition for the Olympics. After the draws, their groups are easier than the rest. Linh has opportunity to pass the group stage while Phát is in more difficult situation and he will have to play well every match," said head coach Chu Việt Bắc.

Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoàng Đạo Cương made a visit to the team last week.

He asked Linh and Phát to be calm and confident while facing the largest competition arena.

"This will be the ultimate challenge for the athletes. We need to set goals and determine to win them, we need to consider that every match is a final," said Cương.

"There are only a few days left until the Olympics. Athletes, you need to hone your techniques, keep your mind alert and be psychologically comfortable ahead of the big battles."

The team will leave for Paris on July 22, five days before the beginning of the sport at the Porte de La Chapelle Arena in Paris. The finals are schedule for August 5. — VNS