Defeating rival Thailand, Vietnamese table tennis has a good chance of winning a medal
On the evening of June 1, Mai Hoang My Trang and Dinh Quang Linh defeated Chaitat Chaisit and Komwong Nanthana with a score of 3-1 in the round of 16 of the mixed doubles table tennis event.
"This victory is so amazing. Before entering the competition, I didn't dare think I could beat them," tennis player Mai Hoang My Trang shared with VnExpress after winning 11-2, 11-13, 11-5 and 11-5 in the latest competition on June 1.
Sitting in the stands, Head of the Table Tennis Department of the General Department of Sports and Physical Training Nguyen Duc Long said that Chaitat Chaisit and Komwong Nanthana are two veteran players from Thailand who have been "crushing" Vietnam in the mixed doubles for many years. If they win against this highly rated opponent, My Trang and Quang Linh will have a wide open door to the semi-finals and medals at the 28th SEA Games.
 |
My Trang and Quang Linh had impressive victories over two strong Thai players. Photo: Lam Thoa |
In the first set, My Trang and Quang Linh had an impressive start, quickly crushing their opponents with a score of 11-2. However, in the second set, the Thai duo regained their form, winning by a close margin of 13-11.
In the stands, the Head of the General Department of Sports and Physical Training, Nguyen Duc Long, and the Vietnamese athletes were a bit worried. However, My Trang and Quang Linh quickly dispelled the tense atmosphere with impressive performances, winning the third and fourth sets with the same score of 11-5, earning the right to continue with the final score of 3-1. Losing the match, the Thai male player left dejectedly, ignoring the coach's advice.
"My Trang and Quang Linh are the great hopes of Vietnamese table tennis. Their victory over the strong opponent from Thailand has opened the door to the semi-finals and winning a medal," Mr. Nguyen Duc Long happily shared.
 |
Mai Trang (middle) was also surprised by the victory. Photo: Lam Thoa |
Also tonight, the pair Nguyen Anh Tu - Phan Hoang Tuong Giang defeated Malaysia's Leong Chee Feng - Ho Ying with a score of 3-1.
Today, June 1st, is a successful day for Vietnamese table tennis. In addition to the victory in the mixed doubles, in the men's doubles, Tuan Quynh and Anh Tu also won tickets to the semi-finals.
"Our athletes played well today. However, to be honest, winning the gold medal is very difficult because Singapore is a very strong opponent. In the past, our table tennis team could compete fairly in the SEA Games arena, but since Singapore naturalized Chinese players, things have changed. Currently, not only Vietnam but also other countries are helpless against Singapore. Whoever is lucky enough to avoid them and reach the final will get a silver medal," Mr. Duc Long shared.
According to VNE
