The highlight of the men's pro singles semifinals in Hong Kong was the all-Vietnamese clash between Linh Giang and Ly Hoang Nam. Hoang Nam started strong, utilizing powerful forehand and backhand shots to take an early lead.
Despite trailing 3-8 in the first set, Linh Giang remained calm and composed, often smiling after rallies. He demonstrated his prowess as the top-ranked player on the PPA Tour Asia, showcasing his signature cross-court backhands and drop shots. Linh Giang rallied in the latter half of the set to win 11-8.
In the second set, Hoang Nam again led 6-3, then 8-6, but Linh Giang once more proved his resilience, winning 11-8. In the final, the 28-year-old will face Jack Wong, whom he defeated in the semifinals of the Malaysia Open last month.
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Linh Giang during his semifinal match against Hoang Nam at the Hong Kong leg of the PPA Tour Asia on 23/8. Photo: PPA |
Linh Giang during his semifinal match against Hoang Nam at the Hong Kong leg of the PPA Tour Asia on 23/8. Photo: PPA
In the other semifinal on August 23rd, Jack Wong easily defeated Truong Vinh Hien 11-2, 11-2. The home favorite is considered one of Linh Giang's toughest opponents in Asia, with a similar playing style and challenging cross-court returns.
Not only did Linh Giang reach the men's singles final, but he also advanced to the mixed doubles pro final with Connie Lee. He is the first Vietnamese representative to reach two finals at the pro level of the PPA Tour Asia.
Linh Giang currently leads the PPA Tour Asia rankings after winning the Malaysia leg. His journey to the final in Hong Kong included a comfortable victory over teammate Le Xuan Duc 11-5, 11-4 in the round of 16, a win against Japanese player Nasa Hakateyama 4-11, 11-0, 11-9 in the quarterfinals, and a semifinal victory against his close friend Hoang Nam.
Hong Kong is the second stop on the PPA Tour Asia after Malaysia since its launch. The tournament runs from 21/8 to 24/8, with a total prize pool of 50,000 USD (equivalent to 1.25 billion Vietnamese dong). The prize for the singles champion is 1,800 USD, while the doubles champions receive 3,000 USD. The winner also receives 1,000 ranking points on the PPA Tour Asia.
The men's singles event attracted 28 competitors. In addition to Linh Giang and Ly Hoang Nam, Vietnam was also represented by Tong Nhat Minh, Le Xuan Duc, and Andrew Pham. In the women's singles, Sophia Phuong Anh Tran and Sophia Nhi Huynh were both eliminated in the qualifying rounds.
Vy Anh
