Minh ousted from Singapore Open

Top Vietnamese badminton player Nguyen Tien Minh was ousted from the Singapore Open after losing to Indonesia’s Simon Santoso in the first round on Wednesday.

The world No 7, easily defeated Santoso, the world No 10, in the first set by 21-15, only to lose the second set by 24-22.

Minh went on to lose the third set 17-21.

In the men’s double, Bui Bang Duc and Dao Manh Thang lost to Yohanes Rendy Sugiarto and Afiat Yuris Wirawan from Singapore, by 0-2 (14-21, 15-21).

Student volleyball qualifier begins

Da Nang will host the first qualifying round for the National Student Volleyball Championships, the Toyota Cup, starting tomorrow, June 18.

Twelve men’s and women’s teams from universities and colleges in the central provinces will be competing in a round-robin format. The winners from each division will secure a spot in the final round in HCM City this October.

This year, 92 teams will be competing in six regional qualifiers in Ha Noi, Hai Phong, Thai Binh, Can Tho, Da Nang and HCM City from June to September.

The final round will see the best 24 men’s and women’s teams battle it out in three groups.

The men’s and women’s winners walked away with VND30 million (US$1,500) in prize money, and another bonus of VND50 million ($2,500) from the sponsor.

Last year, HCM City’s Sports College won the men’s title after a 3-0 win over Hong Bang International University in the final at Ha Noi’s Cau Giay Gymnasium, while Bac Ninh Sports College clinched the women’s title.

The Japanese car maker agreed to a three-year sponsorship deal with the tournament organisers that started last year.

FIFA boosts support to Viet Nam

FIFA had approved the fourth phase of a project to nurture football in Viet Nam, a source from the Viet Nam Football Federation (VFF) said.

The project was initiated by FIFA President Joseph S Blatter in 1998 with the aim of helping developing countries foster a football culture among their youngsters. So far, it has provided funding for the construction of the VFF’s headquarters, a youth academy, training facilities and a coach for the men’s national team.

An official from the VFF said FIFA had approved its Goal Project 4 during a meeting in Zurich earlier this month.

FIFA will allocate funds to Viet Nam which will be used to invest in two floodlighting systems for artificial pitches in Ha Noi, as well as a fitness training facility.

FIFA provided US$375,000 for the VFF headquarters during the 1998-2003 period, and another $600,000 for the youth academy between 2005-07.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News