Minh, who has dropped two spots to 19th after missing the England Super Series and the Swiss Open, and his teammates left for the championships last Saturday.

The seventh seed, Minh will meet Mikhail Zakharov, of Kazakhstan, tomorrow. He is expected to win, as his rival has a world ranking of 487, in the first round and face the winner between Indian Anand Pawar and another qualifier in the second.

Minh, Viet Nam’s top player, will improve his ranking if he beats host rival Hing Ji-hoon, the 15th seed, in the third round.

Minh, who has dominated the sport nationally for years, has for the first time received support from a local enterprise, a strong boost ahead of the tournament.

The sponsorship deal between the 24-year-old and Becamex IDC Company involves support of VND20 million (US$1,100) per month until December 31 next year.

The contract stipulates Minh stay in the world top 25 and requires him to wear a uniform with a Becamex logo, play at least 15 international tournaments a year, including the Asian event and the world championships this August in India.

“I appreciate the interest the company has shown in me. It is my biggest sponsor although I have received several bonuses from businessmen,” said Minh.

“It will be a strong boost to push me to higher achievements. I hope in the near future other players will also get more attention from spronsors for higher successes.”

Minh’s teammates in the men’s singles are Nguyen Hoang Nam and Le Ha Anh. Neither has a high ranking but will benefit from international experience.

Thai Thi Hong Gam, who took the National Top Players Championship, will lead Nguyen Thi Sen, Phung Nguyen Phuong Nhi and Vu Thi Trang in the women’s section.

All must win three matches in the qualifiers for a ticket to the final rounds. Gam and Nhi are expected to do well as they are seeded in their groups.

In the men’s doubles, Nam and Huynh Nguyen Khang and Duong Bao Duc and Pham Cao Hieu represent Viet Nam while Vu Thi Trang and Nguyen Thi Sen contest the women’s section.

Sen and Hieu are scheduled to play the mixed doubles at the tournament in Suwon City’s indoor stadium. The finals are scheduled for April 12.

VietNamNet/VNS