Nguyen Hai Dang Advances to Semi-Finals at Fajr International Challenge 2024
Trang Napie
Thu Feb 08 2024
In the ongoing Fajr International Challenge 2024 badminton tournament in Iran, Vietnamese seed No. 13, Nguyen Hai Dang, has shown great promise by reaching the semi-finals. Beating the Indian seed No. 11, Meiraba Luwang Maisnam, who is ranked 93rd in the world, with a scoreline of 21-17, 17-21, 21-16, the young talent, often referred to as "Tiểu Momota," aims to improve his position in the world rankings by surpassing his current 97th spot.
Nguyen Hai Dang displayed tremendous grit and determination in his quarter-final victory against Meiraba Luwang Maisnam. Facing stiff competition, Dang not only overcame a higher-ranked opponent but also managed to win the grueling match in three highly intense sets. With his impressive performance, he has proven to be a formidable force in the tournament.
However, Dang's path to the finals won't be easy, as he now faces the challenge of Sri Lankan seed No. 8, Viren Nettasinghe, who is ranked 76th in the world. This encounter will undoubtedly put Dang's skills to the test, and he will need to bring his A-game to secure a spot in the tournament's final round.
On the other hand, another Vietnamese player, seed No. 9 Le Duc Phat, was unable to progress further in the competition. Phat faced tough competition from Ayush Shetty, the 108th-ranked Indian player. Shetty emerged as the victor with a score of 17-21, 19-21, ending Phat's journey in the tournament. Despite the loss, Phat's talents remain promising, and he will surely bounce back in future tournaments.
In the Thailand Masters 2024, held simultaneously with the Fajr International Challenge, significant victories were achieved by Singaporean seed No. 12 Loh Kean Yew and Taiwanese veteran seed No. 14 Chou Tien Chen. Loh Kean Yew secured his place in the semi-finals by defeating Japanese representative Obayashi Tokuma with a comfortable scoreline of 21-13, 21-13. The match, lasting only 40 minutes, showcased Yew's dominance as he easily defeated his opponent. He will now face compatriot Su Li Yang in the semi-finals.
In the women's singles category, Vietnamese player Nguyen Thuy Linh faces an uphill battle on her journey to Olympic Paris 2024. As a seeded player, she encountered tough competition, with all her main rivals advancing in the tournament. Japanese player Aya Ohori, ranked 15th in the world, won her derby match, while Thai player Supanida Katethong (ranked 17th) and Busanan Ongbamrungphan (ranked 19th) also secured victories. Notably, Ongbamrungphan's triumph over her fellow Thai athlete, Ratchanok Intanon (ranked 13th), in a challenging three-set match showcased her determination to climb the rankings.
Nguyen Hai Dang's remarkable performance in the Fajr International Challenge 2024 presents an opportunity for him to climb the world rankings. Although facing tough opposition in the semi-finals, his determination and skill give him a fighting chance. Additionally, Loh Kean Yew's dominant display in the Thailand Masters further highlights the Southeast Asian presence in the tournaments. As the action in both tournaments unfolds, badminton enthusiasts eagerly anticipate witnessing thrilling matches and exceptional performances from these talented athletes.