Nguyen Tien Minh wins Vietnam Open 2026 qualifier: Victory of experience or opponent's weakness?

Nguyen Tien Minh, 43, world No. 254, beat Nguyen Hoang Thai Son in the Vietnam Open 2026 qualifier. The win came from exploiting the opponent's lack of singles experience, not superior technique. Minh said his rival had strength and speed but was not strong in singles. Vietnam Open 2026 is a BWF Super 100 event held September 8-13, with over 300 players from 27 countries. Le Duc Phat competed despite knee and heel injuries requiring pain relief; Nguyen Hai Dang was eliminated. Minh faces Zhe Ying Wu in the main draw. This tournament shows Vietnam's singles depth is thin, with a veteran carrying the flag and injured players struggling. The contrast between a 43-year-old who still enjoys the game and younger players who cannot stay healthy is the real story. Experience may be undervalued in a transitional period.