(BGO) – The semifinal matches in badminton individual of the ongoing 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31) took place on May 21 afternoon at Bac Giang provincial Gymnasium. Vietnam badminton athletes competed at men’s doubles and men’s singles events.
With high determination, effort and exciting encouragement from spectator, Vietnamese doubles Do Tuan Duc and Pham Hong Nam had good competition against Indonesia athletes Leo Rolly Carnando and Daniel Marthin.
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Permanent Vice Secretary of the provincial Party Committee Le Thi Thu Hong attends to cheer the athletes at the event. |
The host athletes surpassed the rivals several time but Indonesia players proved their prominence and advantages in the next games to win overall match 2-0 and enter the final round.
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In spite of exerting every effort, Vietnamese duo Do Tuan Duc and Pham Hong Nam can not surpass Indonesia rival. |
The men’s singles match saw the competition between No.1 player of Vietnam Nguyen Tien Minh and World Champion Loh Kean Yew of Singapore. New young champion showed his impressive manner at the first game with strong smashes to secure first victory.
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A nice shot in the match of Tien Minh versa Loh Kean Yew. |
On his turn in second game, the veteran athlete of Vietnam took advantage of competition experiences at many international arenas to focus on long shots and skillful drops to restrict the rival’s smash. Scoring consecutively, Tien Minh defeated Singapore athlete 21-10.
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Taking every effort with close score, Nguyen Tien Minh is defeated by World Champion at semifinal. |
The classic shots of the third fierce game seemed to break out the Bac Giang Gymnasium with thousands of spectators chanting “Vietnam”. Firm competition spirit of Tien Minh distracted Loh Kean Yew. But the game finished with score 21-23 to Singaporean young champion.
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The exciting cheering atmosphere for badminton semifinals at Bac Giang provincial Gymnasium. |
The final matches will take place on May 22 afternoon among Thailand and Singapore in men’s singles, Thailand players in women’s singles, Indonesia players in men’s doubles, Thailand and Indonesia in women’s doubles, Malaysian athletes in mix doubles' events.