Facing Kim, currently ranked 123rd in the world, Linh had a relatively smoother match compared to previous rounds, winning in two sets within 43 minutes. However, the match was far from easy for the 28-year-old.

Nguyen Thuy Linh during her quarterfinal match against Thamonwan Nithiittikrai at the Vietnam Open, Nguyen Du Stadium, Ho Chi Minh City on 12/9/2025. Photo: Duc Dong

Nguyen Thuy Linh during her quarterfinal match against Thamonwan Nithiittikrai at the Vietnam Open, Nguyen Du Stadium, Ho Chi Minh City on 12/9/2025. Photo: Duc Dong

In the first set, Kim held a 18-14 lead. However, Linh, ranked 18th globally, rallied with five consecutive points to take a 19-18 lead, exciting the home crowd at Nguyen Du Stadium. Linh maintained composure to win the first set 21-19.

The second set followed a similar pattern, with Linh establishing an early 3-1 lead. While Kim managed to narrow the gap to 9-11 with four straight points, Linh ultimately secured the second set 21-16.

Linh will face Chinese player Cai Yanyan, ranked 107th globally, in the final.

The Vietnam Open, a Super 100 tournament on the BWF World Tour, is Vietnam's largest international badminton event. Super 100 is the lowest tier in the BWF World Tour system, below the Finals, Super 1000, 750, 500, and 300. Nguyen Tien Minh holds the record for most men's singles titles at the Vietnam Open, with four victories in 2008, 2009, 2011, and 2012.

Linh has won the tournament for three consecutive years: 2022, 2023, and 2024. A victory against Cai in the final would equal Tien Minh's record. The final will take place tomorrow, Sunday, 14/9.

Xuan Binh