While Linh is currently ranked 18th in the world and Cai is 107th, the Chinese player is a formidable opponent. Cai was once ranked 14th globally and her recent drop in ranking is due to struggles with a ligament injury.

Thuy Linh made numerous errors, losing to Cai Yanyan in the Vietnam Open final on the evening of 14/9/2025. Photo: Duc Bao

Despite facing a packed Nguyen Du stadium, Cai demonstrated her skill. Her technique, agility, and net play forced Linh into multiple errors. The Chinese player took an early 7-2 lead, extending it to 14-5.

Trailing significantly, Linh rallied, narrowing the gap to 15-16. However, Cai regained her composure, scoring crucial points to win the first set 21-17.

Linh started the second set strong, leading 7-3, then 11-6, and eventually 17-13. But Cai's tenacity and difficult shots dampened the home player's momentum. She closed the gap, tying the score at 17-17.

The pressure shifted to Linh, who faltered while Cai played steadily, taking the lead and winning the set 23-21 to claim the championship.

Thuy Linh and Cai Yanyan at the Vietnam Open award ceremony on the evening of 14/9. Photo: Duc Bao

After the match, Linh acknowledged the difficulty of the match, stating that she fought hard and felt no regrets. "Cai is a high-caliber player and played better. She seized crucial opportunities at decisive moments. I made too many errors, so the victory wasn't mine," the Phu Tho native said.

The Vietnam Open is the country's largest international badminton tournament, a Super 100 event on the BWF World Tour. This is the lowest tier in the 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, having won 4 times: in 2008, 2009, 2011, and 2012.

Linh had won the previous three tournaments in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Her loss in the final prevented her from equaling Tien Minh's record.

Duc Bao