Minh breezes to SCG Thailand Open victory

Published: 26/07/2009 05:00

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Nguyen Tien Minh (L) with the SCG Thailand Open 2009 trophy, medal and award after beating Thai third seed Boonsak Ponsana Sunday

Vietnam’s badminton ace Nguyen Tien Minh Sunday won the SCG Thailand Grand Prix Gold 2009 championship after beating Boonsak Ponsana of Thailand in the final at Nimibutr Stadium.

Looking confident throughout, second seeded Minh, ranked 14th in the world, beat third seed Boonsak, ranked 16th, in two straight sets in just 37 minutes.

The first set was a see-saw affair though Minh kept his nose in front throughout, and played the end points better to take it 21-16.

Boonsak started attacking in the second set taking the lead for the first few points, but Minh was not flustered, and comfortably took the set and the match 21-13.

Speaking to Thanh Nien after the match, Minh said, “I was lucky this time. This is the first time I have played in the final of such a big tournament.”

Minh thought Boonsak was under greater psychological pressure rather than himself. In India last year, Boonsak had defeated Minh.

“Last year, he [Boonsak] played better. This year, perhaps, he was playing at home and under greater pressure,” Minh said. “When I was introduced, the spectators cheered, making me feel greatly appreciated and I felt very comfortable.”

During the match, Minh looked more determined while Boonsak looked a bit nervous, making errors at crucial moments.

Minh told the press that he had never played so confidently before.

Minh’s representative Huynh Ngoc Lien said, “Today, both players were equally skillful but Minh looked more relaxed.

“Minh was able to do his best and played beautifully. Maybe Boonsak was still tired after a tense semifinal match on Saturday. In general, we were lucky.”

Boonsak played Choong Han Wong of Malaysia for an hour in the semifinals while Minh beat Boonsak’s compatriot and top seed Pakkawat Vilailak in two straight sets in just half an hour.

Minh takes home the trophy and a cash prize of US$9,000.

Reported by Viet Phuong

Provide by Vietnam Travel

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