Nguyễn Tiến Minh of Việt Nam (right) collects his bronze medal at the Badminton Asian Badminton Championship in China. — Photo of organisers

HÀ NỘI — Nguyễn Tiến Minh won his and Việt Nam's first ever Badminton Asian Championship’s bronze on Sunday in Wuhan, China.

This was another milestone for the 36-year-old Minh, finishing third at the continental tournament which is considered the ‘mini version’ of the world tournament as Asia is home to some of the world's best badminton players. 

Minh was defeated in the semi-final by Kento Momoto of Japan, a player Minh has beaten three times out of their last five matches.

Former world number five seed Minh started the semi-final strongly taking a 18-16 lead in the first set. 

But Momota bounced back, taking five points in a row to win 21-18.

The second set was all about the world number one who won by 21-8 to move into the final.

For his efforts, Minh boosted his world ranking by 6,420 points and earned US$5,800 in prize money.

Momota later beat China's Shi Yuqi to win the Asian title. Other bronze medalist was Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei. — VNS