World number 20 Thuy Linh led the charge in the first match against world number 42 Letshanaa. Despite having lost to Thuy Linh two times previously, the Malaysian player started strong in their rematch in Thailand. The 22-year-old played evenly with Thuy Linh in the opening points, pulling ahead mid-first set. Capitalizing on unforced errors from the Vietnamese player, Letshanaa won the first set 21-15.

In the second set, Letshanaa initially maintained her lead. However, with experience and skill, Thuy Linh placed difficult shots, forcing her younger opponent to move extensively, exhausting her. Once she found her rhythm, Thuy Linh gave her opponent few chances, making a strong comeback to win 21-10, pushing the match to a decisive third set.

Maintaining her momentum to lead in the third set, the player from Phu Tho then lost her rhythm, making errors that allowed Letshanaa to take a 12-7 lead. After consulting with her expert and coach, Thuy Linh fought for every point, narrowing the gap to 12-14, 14-16, then 16-17, and equalizing at 18-18. At a crucial moment, Thuy Linh fell behind again but saved two match points. She then seized the opportunity to win 23-21.

The women's team event for Vietnam features five players: Nguyen Thuy Linh, Vu Thi Trang, Bui Bich Phuong, Pham Thi Khanh, and Pham Thi Dieu Ly. The format includes three singles matches and two doubles matches. The pairings for the three singles matches were: Thuy Linh vs. Letshanaa, Vu Trang vs. Ling Ching Wong, and Bui Bich Phuong vs. Siti Zulaikha. The two doubles matches featured Pham Khanh/Dieu Ly vs. Muralitharan/Pearly Tan and Thuy Linh/Vu Thi Trang vs. Pei Kee Go/Xing Teoh Mei.

Nguyen Thuy Linh opens favorably for Vietnam's badminton team at SEA Games 33. *Photo: Duc Dong*

However, in the second singles match, Vu Thi Trang lost 1-2 to Ling Ching Wong, despite her best efforts and equalizing 1-1 after losing the first set. After two matches, the teams are tied 1-1.

Duc Dong