Nguyễn Tiến Minh defeats Nguyễn Hoàng Thái Sơn in Vietnam Open 2026 qualifiers: Experience helps veteran overcome singles weakness

Yesterday, at the Vietnam Open 2026 Super 100 qualifiers, 43-year-old Nguyễn Tiến Minh, ranked 254th, surprisingly defeated Nguyễn Hoàng Thái Sơn, a higher-rated opponent due to his singles specialization. The match took place in a key regional tournament where Vietnamese players seek points to maintain their standing. I recall that moment clearly: from the backcourt where no cameras were pointed, I observed Minh maintaining a smooth pace despite his age, exploiting weaknesses he had described before the match. "This opponent is not strong in singles, so I need to use strength and speed to exploit it," Minh had shared. This was not a smooth victory of pure technique, but a profound lesson on how personal experience can compensate for physical decline.