Nguyen Tien Minh - Vietnam's Hottest!

[Loh]

Vietnam's best athlete is none other than their badminton no.1, Nguyen Tien Minh, who recently opened many eyes for his prowess on the Asian circuit badminton courts.

"Tien Minh is ranked 38th in the world, the highest world ranking for a single Vietnamese athlete."

For one that does not have the best support and facilities at home, Tien Minh has persevered and come a long way to achieve recognition and success.

I salute him!

An interview with Thanh Ha of Vietnam News on 16 July 2006 is reproduced below:

Tien Minh talked about his involvement with badminton as a young teenager, his early successes, his decision to turn pro, his strengths and weaknesses, his training, support from his parents and limitations in Vietnam, opportunities to compete and train overseas, his goals, his dreams, his plans and setting targets.


Minh beats odds on road to Beijing

Badminton whiz Nguyen Tien Minh is Viet Nam’s highest-ranking athlete internationally in any sport, achieving excellence, he tells Thanh Ha, of Inner Sanctum, without sponsors, strong local competition or highly professional training.

Nguyen Tien Minh, 23, is now a key player on the HCM City and national badminton teams. He has no real rival in national tournaments and has catapulted to fame in his sport, especially after winning the men’s title at the Asian Badminton Championships-Robot Viet Nam as well as placing in the top three places in the Satellite series in Singapore, the Philippines and Indonesia.

Tien Minh is ranked 38th in the world, the highest world ranking for a single Vietnamese athlete.

Inner Sanctum: When did you start your career as a professional badminton player?

I played badminton when I was very small. When I was 11, I went to practise the sport at the Tinh Vo Club in District 5, HCM City. At first, my mother strongly objected to my decision because she worried that I would spend less time studying. Moreover, at that time, badminton was not as popular as it is nowadays.

She thought that I had no future. Fortunately, my father supported me. Also at the time, I won six gold medals within three months, so she gradually came to realise I could succeed.

At the age of 18, when they saw my passion which brought me many medals, my parents fully supported me.

At that time I had two choices, to take university exams or pursue the sport. Finally I chose badminton, and I have never regretted the decision.

Inner Sanctum: Did you meet many difficulties when playing in professional competitions?

It is a long way from being an amateur to being a professional athlete. In the past, I played haphazardly and without real training.

I know that my disadvantage is my small size. I am also not strong at upper attacks and I have to perfect my basic technical skills.

Vietnamese badminton is not as professional as other countries like China, Malaysia, Indonesia and Denmark, so here there is a small number of high level players and not much competition.

One important disadvantage to a professional player is that Viet Nam has not allotted enough money for international events, so we lack experience.

Moreover, we have no donations (sponsors), so Vietnamese players rarely participate in big tournaments.

Inner Sanctum: How do you practise everyday?

My parents and friends play a key role by supporting my training. They not only give me the best conditions but also tell me what my strengths and weaknesses are, while my coaches show me how to bring into play my strong points as well as limit the disadvantages.

I have two training shifts per day under coach Nguyen Anh Hoang. I have my own practise schedule at home, and exercises to improve my physical strength.

It took me time to become adjusted to so much work.

Now, apart from my trainer’s lessons, I practise on my own, which helps me to perfect my technique.

My achievements today are also due to training abroad in China, Malaysia, Germany and playing in international competitions.

Inner Sanctum: At last year’s tournament, badminton experts worried about players’ physical strength. How did you increase your strength?

Fortunately, after a course abroad, a coach told me that I’d better run intensely everyday.

I did it because it is necessary to have good physical strength before improving technique.

I run everyday and lift weights, which gives me strong arms and endurance. Good nutrition also plays an important role.

To stay at a peak level of fitness, I need to try my best all the time. It is a lesson I learned after competing against strong rivals.

In my free time, I listen to the music, read books and surf the Internet. But I always consider badminton my number one passion. (Wonder whether TM visits BC? He'll be pleasantly surprised to find himself talking here! :) )

I have no special secret. My parents do not ask me to do house work. They create the best conditions for me to practise badminton. I think that when a person chooses a career he should put his all into it. Success only comes to people who try their best everyday.

I consider each tournament a challenge and I always try to conquer it.

Inner Sanctum: What can you say about your success in general and the HCM City team at May’s National Badminton Team Championships?

I am very happy about the victory. I have contributed to victory and the team confirmed we are the strongest rivals in the nation.

However, I have to practise much harder when our opponents are stronger. I saw some players and teams like Bac Ninh, Bac Giang and Thai Nguyen whose badminton has just received attention recently but have been securing good results. But they have limited endurance and speed.

Apart from that, as I said above, local players also have no international experiences. They just participate in big events once or twice a year while Thai players compete in at least ten tournaments annually.

Inner Sanctum: What about the scholarship to train in Malaysia?

The scholarship is from the National Sports and Physical Training Committee and is supported by the International Olympics Committee.

Under the scholarship, I have chance to go to Malaysia, one of the countries where badminton is very developed, in two years (if nothing has changed) in order to prepare for the Roads to Beijing Olympic 2008 programme.

I am one of eight Vietnamese players who received the scholarship.

I believe that I won the scholarship partly due to my efforts but mostly because athletic officials create many opportunities to help me improve.

Inner Sanctum: What are your plans for the coming events, especially the Viet Nam Open tournament in August?

One of my goals for the year was to win a Satellite event. I did it. Now, I will focus on the Viet Nam Open, which has been pushed back to November.

I DREAM to win an Open tournament and have a chance to take part in the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

Before each international event, I always set a target for myself to at least earn a berth in the 1/16 round.

I will play badminton until I am 28, then move to work as a coach. — VNS

[smash_master]

Just thought I would post some pictures of him.

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[seawell]

http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn/2006-07/16/Photos/AVVH745722.jpg

Minh beats odds on road to Beijing

(16-07-2006)

http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn/showarticle.php?num=01INN160706

http://english.vietnamnet.vn/dataimages/original/images606817_badmintonNgQuangMinh.jpg

Nguyen Quang Minh

[ChocoChipWaffle]

please don't dissapoint me with a title like that... i was expecting a hot vietnamese girl :D

[erin_hakkinen]

If i'm not mistaken, i think currently he's in Malaysia, training with Nusa Mahsuri (http://bulutangkis.web.infoseek.co.jp/cgi-bin/topics/topics.cgi):D

[Loh]

please don't dissapoint me with a title like that... i was expecting a hot vietnamese girl :D

Be patient. It won't be too long when NTM will produce one hot world beater when he turns coach! :D

[Loh]

Thanks for your pics, smasher_master and seawell.

I managed to find some pics of NTM when he was recently in Singapore during the Singapore Open 2006. He defeated Przemyslaw Wacha of Poland in either Round 1 or 2. Unfortunately, in Round 3, he lost to our own local hero, Ronald Susilo, in three gruelling games lasting more than an hour. Ronald was lucky as Tien Minh was very exhausted, having to play in Men's Doubles as well and in the process, he was also very unlucky to be hit on the jaw by his partner.

[Loh]

More pics of Nguyen Tien Minh when I first saw him playing in Singapore's Satellite 2004. Even then, he was the best Vietnamese player and he was unfortunate to meet Singapore's Kendrick Lee in the semi-final and lost.

Kendrick went on to beat Kuan Beng Hong in the final.

Many may not have seen Vietnam's ladies in action and therefore I will post some pics of their XD combination during the Satellite. Although new to the international spotlight, these girls acquitted themselves quite admirably.:)

[Loh]

As expected, Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore were unable to match the strengths of Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia during the SEA Games in Manila last December.

Vietnam's men lost to Indonesia in the team event and here I had pictures of Tien Minh playing first singles against Taufik Hidayat. No prize for guessing the winner but TM did give a good account of himself.

In the group pic, you have a glimpse of the entire Vietnamese team of ladies and men.

[Loh]

Here are the pics which I could not attach to my previous post somehow:

[jug8man]

Loh,

I sincerely hope the sudden interest you are showing in Nguyen Tien Minh does not indicate Singapore is interested in him.

But all in all, Tien Minh deserves to be noticed as he is defo making impact.

I did mention to look out for our Nothern neighbours didn't I ;)

The Borneon BaddyNut

[Loh]

Loh,

I sincerely hope the sudden interest you are showing in Nguyen Tien Minh does not indicate Singapore is interested in him.

But all in all, Tien Minh deserves to be noticed as he is defo making impact.

I did mention to look out for our Nothern neighbours didn't I ;)

The Borneon BaddyNut

Not to worry, I have no part in SBA's decision making process. I'm not even in their Management Committee. I'm just an interested observer of the badminton scene.

But any country, particularly the less badminton-endowed, would be pleased to have him as he is such a disciplined, humble, well-adjusted and goal-oriented player. Do you think he deserves mention in BC?

Having NTM in the Singapore team will be fantastic as we now have an in-form Kendrick, a recovering Ronald Susilo, the two Indonesian brothers and other up-and-coming youngsters to keep them company.

BTW, probably you have noticed that Kendrick beat Roslin yesterday in R1 of the Macau Open. If Kendrick can overcome S Korea's Park Sung Hwan in R2, he will probably have to face Lee Chong Wei, who was extended to three games by Hong Kong's Agus Hariyanto, in R3. Then it will be a good test to find out how much Kendrick has improved.

[jug8man]

I defo Agree 100 times.

Tien Minh is an excelent breed of both talent and character. As mentioned, he does deserve his own spotlight in BC ;)

Off topic, it's great to see Kendrick doing well. Singapore is defo making great waves ! Lee Chong Wei be the acid test for Kendrick as WCH was for Lin Dan. We'll find out soon enough!! :)

Roslin's future for the next six months or so is pretty much rock solid with his trip to Denmark so no one & no Malaysian will worry or pity his loss.

cheers !

The Borneon BaddyNut



Not to worry, I have no part in SBA's decision making process. I'm not even in their Management Committee. I'm just an interested observer of the badminton scene.

But any country, particularly the less badminton-endowed, would be pleased to have him as he is such a disciplined, humble, well-adjusted and goal-oriented player. Do you think he deserves mention in BC?

Having NTM in the Singapore team will be fantastic as we now have an in-form Kendrick, a recovering Ronald Susilo, the two Indonesian brothers and other up-and-coming youngsters to keep them company.

BTW, probably you have noticed that Kendrick beat Roslin yesterday in R1 of the Macau Open. If Kendrick can overcome S Korea's Park Sung Hwan in R2, he will probably have to face Lee Chong Wei, who was extended to three games by Hong Kong's Agus Hariyanto, in R3. Then it will be a good test to find out how much Kendrick has improved.

[GunBlade008]

It's great to see some vietnamese players on the international circuit

[Loh]

It's great to see some vietnamese players on the international circuit

Are you from Vietnam?

We have an ex-Vietnam national player who has just completed his computer science degree from our local uni and is now working for IBM. We love to play badminton with him.

[heomap]

Are you from Vietnam?

We have an ex-Vietnam national player who has just completed his computer science degree from our local uni and is now working for IBM. We love to play badminton with him.
Is he Hoang Dong Nghi?rite?

[GunBlade008]

In regards to Loh, yes my background is from Vietnam, but i was born in Canada, so I don't really know what I am =P. I have a friend that is Vietnamese as well, and we intensely play badminton with each other. We used to skip some classes at our college just to play!

[Loh]

Is he Hoang Dong Nghi?rite?

Yes, you're right. We call him Nicky.

How do you know Nicky? Are you his friend that I can convey to him the next time we meet? :)

[zzronn]

Yeah,Tien Minh has improved a lot since the last 2 years. He is our hope in International Tournaments. And i don't know why we have less oppotunities to compete in tournaments than other countries although badminton in Vn is very very popular?? :(

[hdson]

Yes, you're right. We call him Nicky.

How do you know Nicky? Are you his friend that I can convey to him the next time we meet? :)

Loh, you play with Nicky in the same club? He and me we played in 2004 Asian@play tournament for Vietnamese Embassy. Happy to hear that he has graduated from NUS. I miss Singapore :)

[Loh]

Loh, you play with Nicky in the same club? He and me we played in 2004 Asian@play tournament for Vietnamese Embassy. Happy to hear that he has graduated from NUS. I miss Singapore :)

Hdson, nice to hear from you. Where are you now? Two years already since we last met.

Yes, Nicky has graduated and his future seems secure. We're now trying to get him and other good badminton players who have graduated from a university into our Club officially on special terms..

Hope to see you soon. :)

[EastDevil]

Hdson, nice to hear from you. Where are you now? Two years already since we last met.

Yes, Nicky has graduated and his future seems secure. We're now trying to get him and other good badminton players who have graduated from a university into our Club officially on special terms..

Hope to see you soon. :)

What club is that?

[kira_ayumi]

Is there any picture of other player such as Nguyen Quang Minh,Le Ngoc Nguyen Nhung or Nguyen Thi Binh Tho?

[ctjcad]

Is there any picture of other player such as Nguyen Quang Minh,Le Ngoc Nguyen Nhung or Nguyen Thi Binh Tho?
...you can search for them @ this link. Those were taken at the recent Asian Games & there should be a few of them..;)
http://editorial.gettyimages.com/source/search/FrameSet.aspx?s=ImagesSearchState%7c0%7c0%7c-1%7c28%7c0%7c0%7c0%7c1%7c%7c%7c0%7c0%7c0%7c0%7c0%7 c0%7c0%7c0%7c2%7c%7cbadminton%7c2233391784121335%7 c0%7c0%7c0%7c0&p=2&tag=1

[ck1981]

Hdson, nice to hear from you. Where are you now? Two years already since we last met.

Yes, Nicky has graduated and his future seems secure. We're now trying to get him and other good badminton players who have graduated from a university into our Club officially on special terms..

Hope to see you soon. :)

What is the name of the Club and venue? I was lucky enough to see Nicky played in the NUS tournament three years ago. My friends lost to him in the 1st round of men doubles.

[Loh]

What is the name of the Club and venue? I was lucky enough to see Nicky played in the NUS tournament three years ago. My friends lost to him in the 1st round of men doubles.

Nicky graduated from the NUS (National University of Singapore) with first-class honours in computer science this year and is now working for a multi-national corporation. I think he was the captain of the NUS Badminton team. He comes across as a very polite and humble young man during the time that I had the opportunity of interacting with him through the game of badminton.

Personally, I'm very proud of Nicky because he has proven to us that you can combine sports and studies and still do well in both. It must have been difficult but he succeeded. And of course not many could do this. You need to be exceptional! ;)

In fact, I think Nicky was Vietnam's National Singles Champion in 2000 before he came to Singapore to study. He must be in his late teens then.

The badminton club scene in Singapore is such that the more established clubs have a lion's share of the better players like ex-national players and past champions of not only Singapore but of China and Indonesia in particular. In this respect, the Chinese Swimming Club comes to mind as the most successful as it is able to offer preferential terms to attract such players. As such, CSC is the strongest badminton club in Singapore, followed by its counterpart the Singapore Swimming Club and other lesser known ones.

I have proposed to my club, the NUSS (National University of Singapore Society), to offer a similar incentive scheme to attract good players in order that we could give our friendly rivals a run for their money in competitions and tournaments. Right now, we are not quite up to their standards. One difficult qualification is that the member must be a graduate from a recognized university, apart from being good in badminton. So, if the scheme is accepted, we will try to attract good players from the NUS team or other Singapore university teams like the NTU, SMU or foreign universities. Of course once Nicky's nomination is approved, currently a decision is pending, we will probably try to woo players of a similar calibre, young men or women.

Although our Badmintno Team does not have a permanent home at present, we will not have to wait too long, probably by latest 2009, before we get at least 3 courts of our own at our Kent Ridge clubhouse.

As most would probably know, our NUSS Kent Ridge Guild House (KRGH) is now undergoing a massive transformation in conjunction with the building of a brand new (NUS) Alumni House next to our current site. The new KRGH will be a multi-storey building and the multi-purpose hall (in which our badminton courts will be housed) will probably be on the third level together with the gym. We will have a full complement of facilities, including F&B, to host friendly or league competitions:) .

If you are a graduate and like to play badminton, come and join us as we now have an attractive membership drive to make your application worthwhile. Hurry up before applications close on 31 December this year. I will most certainly be too pleased to introduce you. :p

[ck1981]

Hi Loh, thanks for the info. May I know which day and what time your club play badminton? I would like to join your club but I need to check the schedule first as I already have 2 sessions on Sunday, 1 session on Saturday and Wednesday.

[Loh]

Hi Loh, thanks for the info. May I know which day and what time your club play badminton? I would like to join your club but I need to check the schedule first as I already have 2 sessions on Sunday, 1 session on Saturday and Wednesday.

Unfortunately, our team plays on Sundays too, from 4-6 pm, sometimes earlier from 3 pm. But please take advantage of the attractive membership drive first. Let me know. ;)

[modious]

Yeah Loh and gang were pretty good and friendly. Had a great time that day. I believe there're others who are better but did not turn up. :eek:

So the special membership drive ends this Dec?? What abt in 2009-2010? :D

[ck1981]

Hi Loh, can give more details about the membership drive?

[Loh]

Hi Loh, can give more details about the membership drive?

I've PM you on the details. You got to act quick if you're interested as the closing date is 4 days away! ;)

[nghutien]

please don't dissapoint me with a title like that... i was expecting a hot vietnamese girl :D

Yes, we have a hottest girl named Le Ngoc Nguyen Nhung...

[No one]

wow thanks for reviving this thread. I really like tien minh, I think he and sho sazaki are really the most interesting players coming up on the international circuit now....tien minh was excellent last year in the China masters (?) where he won bronze--I was really impressed. And at the all england this year against taufik he was excellent. He's wonderful at flat play.

[cooler]

Yes, we have a hottest girl named Le Ngoc Nguyen Nhung...
any pics:confused::D:D

[Smichz]

any pics:confused::D:D
Cooler is fast when it comes to girl yea??:D:D

[Oldhand]

After a first-round win over Denmark's Jan Jorgensen, Vietnam's Nguyen Tien Minh was not expected to go any further as his next opponent was the formidable, merciless and rangy Chen Yu.

But nothing could have prepared Chen Yu for the defeat in store. The wily Vietnamese seemed to be on skates as he outran the fastest shots the frontline Chinese player could muster.

A round ahead and facing the savvy Peter Gade, Nguyen Tien Minh found that luck had cruelly deserted him. Although his amazing speed didn't fail him, his shots began to go that extra unneeded inch. The points fell away - and despite his best efforts to haul it back into line, the match went to the Dane.

My vote for 'Bravest Player of the Singapore Open 2008' goes to Nguyen Tien Minh, who came with neither a coach nor a posse of lieutenants or team members but with just a battered bag, well-worn shoes, two old NS-9000s and plenty of courage.

PS: If anyone has Nguyen's contact information, please let me know :)
There are a few Singaporeans who would like to help him in some way.

[nghutien]

Yes, I will try to get it and keep you posted. Thanks for your information.

[ants]

Tien Minh is a very disipline player.

[nghutien]

Tien Minh is a very disipline player.

I'm looking for some his tournament match but not available in sharing video. :(

[Loh]

NTM had a good workout with PG during the Aviva Open Singapore 2008 although he finally lost in 3 games.

[george@chongwei]

he does not have a coach??

[nghutien]

he does not have a coach??

Yes, He has a vietnamese coach in vietnam but the badminton committee is going to change the new foreign coach for Olympic games. Anyway, there's always a mess in vietnamese badminton committee. It's not really a fair fighting environment for good players. :cool:.

[Oldhand]

Yes, I will try to get it and keep you posted. Thanks for your information.
Thanks, nghutien.
That will be very useful :)

he does not have a coach??
Nguyen Tien Minh was one of the few who did not have a coach (or anyone else, for that matter) by his side at the Singapore Open. (Petr Koukal was another.)

Personally, I believe that if Nguyen had a coach with him during the Singapore Open, he would have got the better of Peter Gade in the quarter-final.

During competition, especially at such a high level, a courtside expert view is critical. A coach (or a colleague) can spot a weakness or a game-plan that wouldn't be immediately visible to a player in the heat of battle. (That's why even senior players have at least a junior standing by during a match.)

During the semi-final, Misbun spoke to Lee Chong Wei for only a few seconds during the 11-point breaks. I guess it must have been to reinforce their plan to attack the deep corners with flatter shots rather than clears. Gade eventually died trying to retrieve from behind him the repeated pushes and drives to his forehand and backhand corners.

If NTM's coach had been around, perhaps he would given similar advice.
Well, that match is history now.

All the best to Nguyen Tien Minh for what lies ahead :)

[X Ball]

He needs a coach else he is going to be so-so. If he has Misbun or Li Mao as coach perhaps he will go even further.

[Sealman]

Nguyen Tien Minh has excellent fighting spirit. SBA should consider offering him a contract to play for Singapore :)

[Sgbad]

Nguyen Tien Minh has excellent fighting spirit. SBA should consider offering him a contract to play for Singapore :)

That will be a nice idea, he might be able to leap to success with the support from SBA. He had great fighting spirit in his game against Peter Gade. Anyway, can Nguyen Tien Minh win Ronald susilo? Have they met in any tournaments before?

[limsy]

hmm...he will be in top 10...

[Sgbad]

What if he were to play against our local number 1 shuttler, will he stand a chance against ronald?

[limsy]

What if he were to play against our local number 1 shuttler, will he stand a chance against ronald?

yes...i think...and maybe win it...ronald was been injury several time...this affect his form..

[bad_lah]

Nicky graduated from the NUS (National University of Singapore) with first-class honours in computer science this year and is now working for a multi-national corporation. I think he was the captain of the NUS Badminton team. He comes across as a very polite and humble young man during the time that I had the opportunity of interacting with him through the game of badminton.

Personally, I'm very proud of Nicky because he has proven to us that you can combine sports and studies and still do well in both. It must have been difficult but he succeeded. And of course not many could do this. You need to be exceptional! ;)



Be careful with what you say. Nicky didn't get first-class honor unless he thinks that third-class = first-class honor. If you want to prove sth like that, you should prove it yourself rather than listening to a liar.

[volcom]

Be careful with what you say. Nicky didn't get first-class honor unless he thinks that third-class = first-class honor. If you want to prove sth like that, you should prove it yourself rather than listening to a liar.
:eek::eek: Explain more, this is very interesting :eek:...

[Loh]

Be careful with what you say. Nicky didn't get first-class honor unless he thinks that third-class = first-class honor. If you want to prove sth like that, you should prove it yourself rather than listening to a liar.

I don't know what you've got against Nicky personally, but you are a new member and this is only your first post and you're saying such things. Accusing someone of being a liar is a serious matter and I hope you refrain from it.

That post from me was dated in Dec 2006, a year and a half ago. In any case I did not say Nicky gave me the information himself and you should not jump at conclusions.

[bad_lah]

I don't know what you've got against Nicky personally, but you are a new member and this is only your first post and you're saying such things. Accusing someone of being a liar is a serious matter and I hope you refrain from it.

That post from me was dated in Dec 2006, a year and a half ago. In any case I did not say Nicky gave me the information himself and you should not jump at conclusions.

Also be careful when you read. I didn't say Nicky is a liar. The one that originates the lie is the liar. This is not a personal attack. It's simply the truth and it's nonsense to say 1 or 2 years ago. You shouldn't help to propagate the lie unless you are sure about what you are saying.

[wood_22_chuck]

bad_lah, unless you have some facts to share, take it to Private Messaging (PM) with Loh.

Casting aspersions is different from providing details for a matter of discussion. You've put the parties involved on the defensive at the very start.

-dave

[huangkwokhau]

In Singapore Open, I met Nguyen's coach..forgot his name but spoke to me some Indonesian....I know last time he was sparring with Ronald and Kendrik....it took a while for Asep ( Kendrik and RS' coach) to convince SBA to let Nguyen train/spar in Singapore.

[ctjcad]

..is his coach, Nguyen Anh Hoang??..

Btw, here's an interesting article (might be an old news) on Nguyen Tien Minh & the struggles he (as well as the VBF) has to go through to receive quality coaches.

http://www.thanhniennews.com/sports/?catid=5&newsid=38734
================================================== =======
Vietnamese badminton struggles to find good coaches

Nguyen Tien Minh, one of two Vietnamese badminton stars who have qualified for the Beijing Olympics in August
Vietnam now has two outstanding badminton players Nguyen Tien Minh and Le Ngoc Nguyen Nhung who have qualified for the Beijing Olympics in August.

http://www.thanhniennews.com/images/newsimages/tienimnh-144-08.jpg

Yet, there is still concern about the future of Vietnamese badminton as there is no one to replace the two stars when they retire.

Worse still, critics say the training of junior players is not what is should be.

There are not enough qualified instructors and no long-term training plan.

Hiring from outside

Five years back when the 22nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games took place in Vietnam in 2003, Vietnamese badminton managers had ambitious dreams.

To take the sport to the next level, they invited Chinese instructor Yan Shi Qiang to coach both the men’s and women’s teams, and the decision paid off.

For the first time ever, the women’s team won a bronze medal at the SEA Games.

Qiang focused his coaching efforts on Minh and Nhung and they continued to improve markedly.

The Chinese instructor was employed by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Sports from 2002-2004, but eventually left owing to disputes with leaders at the Vietnam Badminton Federation (VBF).

Lack of quality instructors

VBF officials have long wanted to find a good instructor for Minh and Nhung to help them further improve their abilities and play at higher-level competitions like the Satellite, Challenger, Open and Super Series.

They believe there are just a few good local instructors and even the best, they say, are far from world-class.

And the state of youth training is even more of a concern, according to officials.

A lack of qualified instructors means that even with good training plans, teams are unable to carry out their goals.

Regional badminton experts say they are surprised to see the level at which Vietnamese athletes perform.

Most players, they say, lack even the most basic techniques.

The current coach of Vietnam’s national badminton team Nguyen The Huy said, “It takes a lot of time to help the young players with techniques and strategies. They are gifted players, but they didn’t have a good start when they began to learn to play badminton. It is a thorny problem for Vietnamese badminton.”

Financial hindrances

Vietnamese badminton managers know their training skills are not up to par, but they are also acutely aware of the dearth of good instructors.

Yet to hire skilled foreign coaches would require much more funding than is currently available for the sport, they said.

Last year, the HCMC Badminton Department invited former world number one Supianto from Indonesia to come and train Tien Minh.

The Indonesian accepted the invitation but asked for a monthly salary of US$4,500, which was more than the city department could afford, and so the plan came to an end.

A few years ago, Vietnam sent players to Indonesia for short-term training as an alternative.

Instructors there suggested Vietnam develop better long-term plans and suggested it would be a better option than the short-term trips.

When Minh and Nhung won places at the Beijing Olympics, the VBF again invited Chinese coach Qiang to instruct the athletes.

However, many speculate that Qiang’s return is just a temporary plan and say Vietnamese badminton needs a bigger overhaul including quality instructors and a long-term vision.

Additionally, the sport needs to focus on other areas besides just training Minh and Nhung, say critics.

By training young players well, it will ensure there is a new generation of professional athletes to replace Minh and Nhung when they retire.

BADMINTON LEADERS SPEAK OUT

■ VBF Secretary Le Thanh Sang said, “Local instructors are not excellent. They can’t train professional players so it’s necessary to invite foreign instructors. We will find good instructors for the national team; but we haven’t been able to find one yet because good instructors don’t want to come to Vietnam. Also, in the future, we will find foreign instructors to help local instructors with the coaching.”

■ Current national badminton team head coach Nguyen The Huy said, “It’s important to employ foreign instructors. Vietnamese players and instructors can learn from them. Chinese instructor Yan Shi Qiang is the best instructor Vietnam has employed, I think. He helped Tien Minh improve a lot and reach his current ranking in the world. I also learned a lot from him when I worked with him at HCMC team and the national team.”

Reported by Le Quang

[huangkwokhau]

It should be Joko Suprianto........

[bad_fanatic]

Nice article.

I think it's crazy how Joko Suprianto demanded a monthly salary of $4,500 to train the players. I doubt it that he even made close to that amount at PBSI.

[huangkwokhau]

Nice article.

I think it's crazy how Joko Suprianto demanded a monthly salary of $4,500 to train the players. I doubt it that he even made close to that amount at PBSI.

It is quite standard.....you will be shocked if you know how much Li Mao, Park Jo Bong, Rexy , etc got paid......

[bad_fanatic]

It is quite standard.....you will be shocked if you know how much Li Mao, Park Jo Bong, Rexy , etc got paid......

I wouldn't doubt that Li Mao, Park Jo Bong and Rexy get paid handsomely for their work. However, look at the country that they currently reside in. The countries are either a badminton nation or one that's very developed.

Vietnam is a third world country where the resident find it hard enough to find end meet so you can't really compare it with the other advance country.

The average house hold income is less then $1,000 a year. How are they going to be able to afford to pay a coach $4,500 a month.

[huangkwokhau]

I wouldn't doubt that Li Mao, Park Jo Bong and Rexy get paid handsomely for their work. However, look at the country that they currently reside in. The countries are either a badminton nation or one that's very developed.

Vietnam is a third world country where the resident find it hard enough to find end meet so you can't really compare it with the other advance country.

The average house hold income is less then $1,000 a year. How are they going to be able to afford to pay a coach $4,500 a month.
You are correct....in this case...they should not hire Joko Suprianto..Vietnam should hire a lower standard than Joko..otherwise it will be tough for Joko to accept, lets say US$ 1000 a month where he may earn more in Indonesia alone...

[Loh]

Viet Nam News

Xuất bản lúc: 13:55 29/07/2008


VietNamNet Bridge – From relative obscurity, Nguyen Tien Minh has reached the dizzy heights of becoming an Olympian in just four short years. And when he takes part in next month's Beijing Olympic Games, he will be the first Vietnamese badminton player ever to do so.


Nguyen Tien Minh.

Aside from his considerable talent, Minh is the first to admit that the support of his family has been pivotal to his success.

When Minh was first introduced to badminton, his family thought it would be a good way for him to keep fit. Gradually, however, he began to really take to the game.

Huynh Ngoc Lien, vice chairperson of the Badminton Association of HCM City, said: "Even with the support of the Viet Nam Badminton Federation, if it wasn't for the assistance Minh's family's has given him, Vietnamese badminton wouldn't have been as proud as it is today."

And we're not just talking about emotional support; since the start of this year, Minh's parents have covered the total cost of his training in Singapore. In fact, they have sponsored his whole career.

The federation, meanwhile, has done its best to enter Minh in as many foreign tournaments as possible so he can gain international experience and increase his world rankings.

After winning the Robot Viet Nam Challenge tournament in HCM City recently, Minh moved up three places in the International Badminton Federation's rankings to No 21.

Minh, who triumphed in the Asian satellite tournament two years ago in HCM City, also reached the quarter-finals of the US Open Badminton Tournament, the main round of the Djarum Indonesia Open Super Series, the Aviva Singapore Open, the Singapore Open Super Series and the Proton Malaysia Open.

Minh is not the only rising star who owes a big debt to his family. Tennis star Nguyen Thuy Dung was also lucky to have doting and wealthy parents.

Dung's mother Dao Le Thuy, a successful business-women, said: "When Dung was 12 years old she began playing tennis. Seeing my daughter's passion, I wished with all my heart for Dung to become a professional tennis player."

Dung, who underwent long-term training at the Vicbaden tennis institute in Los Angeles, which costs a staggering US$8,000 a month, is currently training in Thailand - at her parent's expense. Dung plans to spend a year in Thailand, and her parents have given her VND1.5 billion (nearly $90,000) living expenses.

In early August she will compete at the Indonesia Open and then return to Thailand to play three events there.

Thuy said: "I have got three children but only Dung has taken up tennis. She is passionate about the game. We will make this passion bloom."

Thuy's dream is that her daughter will one day make the top 200-300 in the world.

"[Vietnamese] tennis needs a star. If Dung does well internationally, she will help tennis develop back home," she said.

Dung already achieved international acclaim on the junior circuit by winning the women's doubles and coming runner-up at the World Tennis Championship for U-18s four years ago in Vietnam.

She also played outstandingly to win the women's singles at the National Tennis Championship last year.

Recently, Dung, 21, won a bronze medal at the famous ITF Women's Circuit held in Thailand in May - the first time a female Vietnamese tennis player has done so well internationally.

[Golden_dragon]

hi all,
was searching some information about NTM after reading some report about his bitter lost in olympics recently. suprisingly, as i expected to see some vietnamese article or forum in the 1st few lines in google search, i found this forum... lol, dun noe that NTM is so popular in singapore.

basically after his shock of losing the match to rival lower 21 steps in ranking, he was quite disappointed. he explained that he was all of sudden below his usual competence, that leaded to his failure. but according to the reporter (tuoitre newspaper, the number one news publisher in Vietnam), the reason may lie on different story. 2 years ago, there was little hope that NTM could excel and improve his ranking to qualify for the top 50, mainly because of financial constraints, shortage of managers, coaches and lack of proper support from goverment. But things change when there good coach and and manager met talent player NTM and consequently, there was big jump in result. sadly, the corporation was increasingly cracking due to misunderstanding and rumors. eventually, his lately competition was without coach, including olympics.... :(:(

he revealed that he would like to return to vietnam as fast as he could, calm down and talk to family and friends to seek for advices. as 25 years old, he plans to switch to studying again so that his future career could be stable. just feel sad for him as he's really a talent, but was so unlucky...

anw, think singapore should attract more vietnamese sports talents as it's a good win-win investment. especially for athletes, they are supported financially whereas they could not get enough in Vietnam

[Fan888]

Thanks for sharing. That is a heart-breaking story indeed. Hope he finds the support he needs in Vietnam, Singapore, and even in the US. I understand that his coach and Howard Bach's Dad were teammate once. Hopefully something can be worked out!

[Somedude]

A link to an interview after his loss at Beijing. There are two other videos of him if you look in the lower right panel with a list of videos.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=9060570714533015282&ei=zJ6pSPNtjoz8AaSS0DI&q=nguyen+tien+minh&vt=lf

:edit: video may take a bit to load, so be patient. =D

[Oldhand]

Happy Birthday, Nguyen Tien Minh :)
Here's wishing you greater success ahead!

[george@chongwei]

Happy Birthday, Nguyen Tien Minh :)
Here's wishing you greater success ahead!
yep, happy birthday to him.
but guess what, tomorrow is a BIG day for me:D

[koo_fan]

Happy Birthday.Mirai e mukatte!
From Malaysia,I wish you luck.

And George, wish you luck for your big day too.

[george@chongwei]

Happy Birthday.Mirai e mukatte!
From Malaysia,I wish you luck.

And George, wish you luck for your big day too.
thanks for the wishes though;)
u are always welcome to sent me a present through pm, koo_fan:D:D
sorry for the off topic:p

[aZn_Popcorn]

Badminton star furious after missing out on key tournaments
http://www.thanhniennews.com/images/newsimages/nguyentienminh-322-06.jpg Vietnam’s best-ever badminton player by far, world number 15 Nguyen Tien Minh, is a very disgruntled athlete now that he finds he has not been entered in two important international tournaments next month. Minh’s results in the English and Swiss Super Series last March earned him 7,200 points, moving him up five places to 33rd in the world, and were the starting point for his meteoric rise to 15th place by the end of 2008.
The invitations for Vietnam to compete in the same tournaments again were sent to the Vietnam Badminton Federation (VBF) in Hanoi some time ago, but the VBF disclaims any responsibility for the fiasco and says the blame lies squarely with the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
“It’s up to the provincial or city authorities to apply to the VBF when they want to enter a player in an international tournament. The VBF only registers players for international competitions when they are members of the national team,” VBF general secretary Le Thanh Sang told Thanh Nien.
“Minh is managed by HCMC’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Before the Lunar New Year (January 26), I asked the department to help him compete in the Super Series in England and Switzerland and said the VBF would pay the entry fee for one of the tournaments. However, we haven’t heard back from them since,” Sang said.
Minh, who turned 26 Thursday, was looking forward to getting enough points to increase his world ranking even more, but to his great chagrin he recently learned he was not entered in either event.
Just competing in both would have given him 4,400 points even if he didn’t win a match. Any match wins would have meant even more points and moved him up the rankings, perhaps into the top 10 in the world.
“I had set a goal of winning a few matches at the two important events to become one of the world’s ten best players,” Minh said. “However, I can’t take part in them now so I will drop five places or more after March. Competitiveness among the top 20 players is intense so it will be very hard to get back to 15th place, let alone do better than that.”
His mother is just as upset. “Minh’s participation in the two competitions in England and Switzerland was in the 2009 plans of the HCMC Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism,” Le Thi Vui said.
“The irresponsibility of the people in charge is very disappointing. My family hopes the authorities will take whatever steps are necessary to prevent the same thing happening to anyone again.”
Reported by Nhut Quang

-from Thanhniennew.com
http://www.thanhniennews.com/sports/?catid=5&newsid=46085

[hadokenuh]

We feel really sorry for him, but we'll always support him :)

PS: You might be able to get the current picture of VN badminton out of this incident though!

[vivipuff]

Tien Minh Nguyen

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


Jump to: navigation (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tien_Minh_Nguyen#column-one), search (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tien_Minh_Nguyen#searchInput)
Tien Minh Nguyen is a male badminton (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Badminton) player from Vietnam (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnam).

[edit (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tien_Minh_Nguyen&action=edit&section=1)] Career

Introduced to badminton by his father at the early age of 10, Nguyen Tien Minh was immediately captivated by the sport and its graceful movements. The interest soon developed into a passion which led to Nguyen's crucial decision in 2001 when the athlete was 18 years old: to take on the path of becoming a professional badminton player instead of carrying on his education as his family wished. The young man's determination soon demonstrated its fruitful aspects when Nguyen was recruited into the national team in the same year. However, Nguyen's career did not become well known nation-wide until 2002 when he, at the age of 19, victoriously defeated the long time national champion, Phu Cuong Nguyen, and seized the gold medal for the men single category.
Nevertheless, despite all of Nguyen's painstaking endearment and awe-inspiring progress, the badminton player was receiving a salary of less than 150 US dollars a month, as most Vietnamese athletes were at the time. Now, after 9 years of contributing to the nation's sport team, while his ranking has been progressing significantly and rapidly, Nguyen's income has only been increased by around 50 dollars! This fact further contributes to the wonder of Nguyen's never ceasing improvement and to the spectacle of his flaming spirit, considering the premium and professional conditions the world's top players are being trained in. These athletes, with incomes much higher than that of Nguyen's, normally have specially assigned specialists to look after their every aspect, such as diet, injuries, endurance training, etc., not to mention all the top ranking sporting facilities provided for by the government. On the other side of the scale, Nguyen has been trained in an environment with nothing but poor equipments and has to rely mostly on his family's financial support, the cherished effort of his few coaches, and the quiet contribution of his team mates. The underdeveloped sporting system of Vietnam does not falter the athlete; his unwavering spirit is impenetrable against all the odds he has to face. Now, at the age of 26, Nguyen Tien Minh currently ranks 15th worldwide and still goes on striking generations of badminton lovers around the globe with not only awe but also inspirations. There is no doubt that the athlete will even further improve his ranking in the future, as he is portrayed by a common description in his home country, "the athlete with a herculean progress".
Summary of Achievements
• Voted and awarded by the press as the Distinctive Athlete of Ho Chi Minh City in 2004
• Voted and awarded by the press as one of the Distinctive Athletes of Vietnam in 2004, 2007, and 2008
• National champion for Men Single in 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008
• Bronze Medal for Men Team at the Sea Games 2005, hosted in the Philippines
• Bronze Medal for Men Single at the Sea Games 2007, hosted in Thailand
• Gold Medal for Men Single at the international Malaysia Satellite 2004
• Gold Medal for Men Single at the international Vietnam Satellite 2006 and 2008
• Gold Medal for Men Single at the international Vietnam Open 2008
• Bronze Medal for Men Single at the international Taiwan Open 2008
• Awarded with the Certificate of Satisfactory Progress by the Ho Chi Minh City’s People Committee in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
• Participated in the Beijing Olympics 2008
• Achieved the ranking of 15th worldwide on February 5th, 2009

[Loh]

Nhan Dan

After having signed one-year contract with Becamex Binh Duong, top national badminton player Nguyen Tien Minh would receive VND 20 million per month, the biggest sponsorship for a Vietnamese athlete (apart from football players).

In order to continue the contract, world number 21 Tien Minh will have to keep his position in Top 25 of the World Badminton Federation.

This year, apart from winning prizes at the 25th SEA Games, Tien Minh has set a goal to compete in 8-10 international tournaments. He is also expected to win at least one championship title in regional open tournaments to be held in Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam.

[Fidget]

Nice to see a sponsor come through in these tough economic times.
Congratulations and good luck to NTM.:)

[TonyxNguyen]

this story touched me >< only 2 ns9k-s rackets, no coach... now im going to feel bad if i get more than 2 rackets ><

[Luffy]

After reading his story....I think that NTM is my favorite player now =D...It's not like he is world # 1 like lin dan, LCW or Peter Gade and that we can watch himj in youtube...but he is the one who gave me hope and willpower to improve in badminton...and I think that the next racquet that I will buy will be a nanospeed 9000s...just to have his willpower...=D (althought I know it's a good racquet)...

Props for you, NTM! Now that you have the support of sponsors, I hope that you will accomplish your dreams by being in the world top 10 men singles.. Hope to see you in Youtube in a good quality video someday :)

Luffy

[s3160717]

Nguyen Tien MInh is really alone professional badminton player compared with top 20, he's so small when playing at international tournaments. The silent walking soldier.

[hadokenuh]

Tien Minh is the best in Vietnam! He'll make it to top 10 hopefully this year. He may not have a coach with him in tournaments but he always has our support!

[PinkyPG]

with me, he s the best, i admire for what he did... i wish all the best to him ... good luck to TM...

[Jagdpanther]

Er...
After Tien Minh retires, who'll gonna replace him as Vietnam's Hottest?

[hadokenuh]

Er...
After Tien Minh retires, who'll gonna replace him as Vietnam's Hottest?

Nobody, literally. That's pretty sad. :o

[Luffy]

There is still a lot of viet players in the Badminton World Federation. If they have the same will flame like NTM, they can still achieve the world top 25 players.

Professionnal badminton players got to have willpower to pratice every day to gain sucess like NTM showed us in his career. It took plenty years of pratice from NTM to be ranked 13th in the world and thats not impossible for the other badminton players. It's not because the other viet players are ranked 200th from the BWF that they are noobs compared to the top 50. With pratice, willpower and hard work, they can do anything. That's what Nguyen Tien showed us in these past years when he was arounds 200-300th and then boost like a monster till 13th place.

That's why we can encourage all the others viet players who put hard work into their game to gain sucess. I know that they are really good and they can make it. Hoang Nam, Ha Anh Le, etc....for those players, you can still look at their rank in BWF.

[george@chongwei]

IS he still the HOTTEST now?;)

[TonyxNguyen]

IS he still the HOTTEST now?;)

i don't see anyone else in vietnam that can replace him o.O is there?

[Luffy]

Of course, there are plenty other viet players on BWF. Click ''BWF'' on google and check in the site where the ranking is. Then find on the page all the ''VIE'' for vietnam, then youll see all the other vietnamese players on men singles. It's just that they are ranked 200th-300th....but thats already very good. They can get better with pratice and willpower, but still, NTM is the closest vietnamese player from being the world top 10 players so that's why he's the hottest right now =D

[Sealman]

happy to read that NTM is now sponsored by Victor:

VICTOR签约越南国手阮天明

苏迪曼杯上VICTOR签约的韩国羽毛球队等众多羽毛球好手激正酣，场外又传来好消息。越南男子单打选手阮 天明即将加入VICTOR大家庭，成为VICTOR之队的一员。83年出生的阮天明是越南羽毛球队标志性的 人物，目前男子单打世界排名第13位，签约VICTOR后，阮天明将更换全套装备继续征战世界顶级赛场，目 前他选用了“亮剑”作为自己的新武器，而SHW8000羽球鞋也将在赛场上向其提供更加稳定保 障。

Source: Victor website

http://www.victorsport.com.cn/upfiles/news/20096/200963164257.jpg

[jasonmarc]

Victor and LN is hunting for players now........watch out Yonex....

[Luffy]

Nooooo he changed his racket!!!! What racket does he use now in that picture? Sounds like an arc saber 10 or 9

[jymbalaya]

Nooooo he changed his racket!!!! What racket does he use now in that picture? Sounds like an arc saber 10 or 9


probably a bravesword 09. seeing as he is sponsored by victor.

[skchen]

Victor and LN is hunting for players now........watch out Yonex....


__________________________________________________ ________________

I think it is good to have competing brands sponsoring badminton teams, players and tournaments. The products sponsored would obviously be shuttle cocks, racquets, shoes, shirts, shorts, wrist & head bands, cash prizes, etc. For too long, one company has monopolized the sponsoring of badminton and as a result the cash prizes for the winners have been rather paltry. This is especially so for the runners-up and the losing semi-finalists. Without their respective countries’ financial support, it would be difficult for the latter to survive solely on their cash prizes. This is unlike in tennis, also a racquet sport, where the good players are doing rather well and most tennis players are not state-sponsored. The organizers may say that TV stations do not pay as well for telecasting badminton matches as for tennis matches but I believe that badminton viewing is on the rise. In the recently concluded Sudirman Cup tournament, internet surfing by Malaysians of the tournament topped the number one spot for all viewing in the week of the tournament.

China’s Li Ning is now making inroads into the sponsoring of badminton. Victor, a major sponsor in the past is now more visible and so is Wilson. I just hope that things will get better for the players soon.

:D:D:D:D:D:D


__________________________________________________ ______________

[Sealman]

probably a bravesword 09. seeing as he is sponsored by victor.

it was mentioned in the article that he has chosen 'bravesword' as his racquet but in the photo he is holding a 'superwaves 36' racquet, same racket used by korean singles players park sung hwan and hwang hye youn

[arf26]

... what is the website for victor asia?

[Sealman]

... what is the website for victor asia?

http://www.victorsport.com.cn/index.asp

http://www.victorsport.com.cn/company_english.asp

[Luffy]

bravesword 09 or 'superwaves 36' ...the first racquet used by NTM is the one and only Nanospeed9000s...tried it once....amazing power, good control....if I can met this player one day...Ill ask him to sign up his name on the nns9000s...if I get one...xD...so godlike...NTM....went from rank 300th to 11th now in badminton world federation...one of the gods in badminton men singles....

[herk123]

wow truly amazing, how could i have missed this, i started playing badminton a few months ago, being vietnamese myself i wondered if there was someone like him and often imagined myself growing up, somehow become one of the first to represent, but i guess i'm too late haha, eh i'm actually quite bad as i first started playing for my school, trying to improve by next year.

[Oldhand]

Hats off to Nguyen Tien Minh, the giant killer!
He has finally showed his grit and mettle by beating the World No. 1 :)

Here's a glimpse of the fight that he put up at the same venue last year.
http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showpost.php?p=900222&postcount=36
http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showpost.php?p=900682&postcount=43

[george@chongwei]

hats off to nguyen tien minh of Vietnam:)
by the way, anyone manage to capture his style of play when playing against chong wei? oldhand?
perhaps some small report will do;)

[cooler]

hats off to nguyen tien minh of Vietnam:)
by the way, anyone manage to capture his style of play when playing against chong wei? oldhand?
perhaps some small report will do;)when u wish 'all the best' in your PAW post for LCW, i think u shouldn't use 'all' next time as it could be detrimental to your PAWs.:p U should just stick to 'boleh !!!'

http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1183223&postcount=219

[george@chongwei]

It seems like someone is very very happy here..tumping and jumping out joyfully;):rolleyes:

[hadokenuh]

Minh has always made us proud!

Tien Minh for the win!!!

[modious]

hats off to nguyen tien minh of Vietnam:)
by the way, anyone manage to capture his style of play when playing against chong wei? oldhand?
perhaps some small report will do;)

I did record the last few points of the 2nd and 3rd set of this match. Will be uploading to Youtube soon.

The video quality is quite decent i think (but don't expect DVD quality, perhaps next year? ;)). I used my camera's video record function. :p

[george@chongwei]

I did record the last few points of the 2nd and 3rd set of this match. Will be uploading to Youtube soon.

The video quality is quite decent i think (but don't expect DVD quality, perhaps next year? ;)). I used my camera's video record function. :p
thanks in advance, modious!:)
cheerios:D

[Loh]

hats off to nguyen tien minh of Vietnam:)
by the way, anyone manage to capture his style of play when playing against chong wei? oldhand?
perhaps some small report will do;)

Chong Wei's loss was self-predicted even before he came to Singapore. He gave an excuse that his real motivation is the World Championships in India.

And against a player like Tien Minh who will fight for every point, LCW's fate was sealed earlier than expected. In terms of skill, LCW was clearly the better but his head kept telling him to lose.

NTM, on the other hand, must have psyche himself to win at all cost just to repay the faith that new sponsor Victor has given him and you should have seen him showing his emotions, kneeling and thumping hard on the floor and talking loudly or rather 'shouting' to himself immediately after his victory. And just as suddenly he stood up, acknowledged the applause, walked towards his equipment and disappeared quietly, more like his normal nature.

NTM should have shortened LCW's agony in the second game when he was able to do so during the remaining points. But he was too cautious and paid for it with unforced errors. But he quickly remembered how he won the first game and employed more or less the same tactics in the rubber decider. He kept the shuttle low as far as possible so that LCW could not kill it at random. Most times when NTM lifted the bird, bang it came down with no reply and LCW had been able to score on smashes readily.

But LCW's luck rang out in the end as NTM became craftier and more daring with his own smashes and net plays. It must have been NTM's best scalp of his career so far! ;)

[Fidget]

Congratulations to Tien Minh Nguyen!:)

I just wish there were more videos of him. His speed and determination set a good example for anyone.
What an exciting match it must have been between TMN and the other road runner Sho Sasaki in the first round!

[modious]

Congratulations to Tien Minh Nguyen!:)

I just wish there were more videos of him. His speed and determination set a good example for anyone.
What an exciting match it must have been between TMN and the other road runner Sho Sasaki in the first round!

Yeah, the match between Nguyen Tien Minh and Sho Sasaki was extremely fast paced from start to finish!

Net play was almost non existent in this match. ;)

I wonder how they can manage to play like that for all 3 sets....... :eek:

Unfortunately, I did not bring my camera to record the match. :(

[Fidget]

Unfortunately, I did not bring my camera to record the match. :(
Considering the body of work you have donated to the tournament video thread over the years, you can be forgiven for this small oversight.;):)

But, if you can, please post any video of the win over Lee Chong Wei.....my 6 year old LCW fan refuses to believe the tournament software printout.:rolleyes::o

[modious]

http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1183821&postcount=1164

Youtube seems to have made the quality of the video worse in full screen mode..... :mad:

[litaovietnam]

hurrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrraaaaaaaaa. Tien Minh No1 - An incredible Performance .It was a stunning . Tien Minh go and win . The bigest challenger you passed . This Title will be belong to you. All Vietnamese are pround of you .

[litaovietnam]

Viet nam -Tien Minh !!! Viet nam -Tien Minh
http://images.vietnamnet.vn/dataimages/200812/original/images1685409_images1685383_IMG_1625.jpg

http://images.vietnamnet.vn/dataimages/200812/original/images1685407_images1685385_IMG_1686.jpg

[Luffy]

http://www.internationalbadminton.org/news_item.aspx?id=23524

GO NTM GO!

[Loh]

Chong Wei's loss was self-predicted even before he came to Singapore. He gave an excuse that his real motivation is the World Championships in India.

And against a player like Tien Minh who will fight for every point, LCW's fate was sealed earlier than expected. In terms of skill, LCW was clearly the better but his head kept telling him to lose.

NTM, on the other hand, must have psyched himself to win at all cost just to repay the faith that new sponsor Victor has given him and you should have seen him showing his emotions, kneeling and thumping hard on the floor and talking loudly or rather 'shouting' to himself immediately after his victory. And just as suddenly he stood up, acknowledged the applause, walked towards his equipment and disappeared quietly, more like his normal nature.

NTM should have shortened LCW's agony in the second game when he was able to do so during the remaining points. But he was too cautious and paid for it with unforced errors. But he quickly remembered how he won the first game and employed more or less the same tactics in the rubber decider. He kept the shuttle low as far as possible so that LCW could not kill it at random. Most times when NTM lifted the bird, bang it came down with no reply and LCW had been able to score on smashes readily.

But LCW's luck ran out in the end as NTM became craftier and more daring with his own smashes and net plays. It must have been NTM's best scalp of his career so far! ;)

Some pictures of the delighted Tien Minh, but he has to clear two more tough hurdles before he stands a chance to be crowned champion. For this he must beat possibly a China player! ;)

[quycoctu]

And suddenly the past knocks on my mind. It used to be… every single sweat pouring on the floor, every single tear souring his heart once getting injury. And it used to be… days living with eyes deep in suspicion, with smile deep in sneer once he fell down. People may stand in your side for your winning and leave you without pity when you get lost. People may share but never will they know how much you have tried. And where is the hand when you are tired? Where is the shoulder to lean on when you get lost?
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y89/quycoctu/Nguyentienminh1.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y89/quycoctu/Nguyentienminh2.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y89/quycoctu/Nguyentienminh3.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y89/quycoctu/Nguyentienminh.jpg

[george@chongwei]

and suddenly, he became the HOTTEST here in Badminton Central as well!:):D

[Loh]

and suddenly, he became the HOTTEST here in Badminton Central as well!:):D

George, I know you are hot now (angry lah), but do you know you just stole my word! :D

[Krisna]

I hope his glory will further encourage our ASEAN neighbour, Vietnam, to be even more crazy about badminton... :)

[george@chongwei]

George, I know you are hot now (angry lah), but do you know you just stole my word! :D
I'm glad i beat you to that:D
would u treat me 1 iced lemon tea now?:rolleyes:

[nghutien]

I did record the last few points of the 2nd and 3rd set of this match. Will be uploading to Youtube soon.

The video quality is quite decent i think (but don't expect DVD quality, perhaps next year? ;)). I used my camera's video record function. :p

Dear modious,

Could you do a favor for Vietnamese Fan to post in mediafire because they can't find from any sources. We thanks a lot for your consideration. Anyway, youtube is also appreciated. Good luck to you.

Tien

[george@chongwei]

Dear modious,

Could you do a favor for Vietnamese Fan to post in mediafire because they can't find from any sources. We thanks a lot for your consideration. Anyway, youtube is also appreciated. Good luck to you.

Tien
http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1183821&postcount=1164

there you go:)

[skchen]

Some pictures of the delighted Tien Minh, but he has to clear two more tough hurdles before he stands a chance to be crowned champion. For this he must beat possibly a China player! ;)

__________________________________________________ _______________

Loh, your assessment of LCW's mental approach hit the nail in the head.
NTM deserves his win and I hope LCW will learn from his defeat.
I had always felt that the lanky NTM would one day win an SS tournament and move up to the top 10 in the MS rankings.
Gillian Clark, the English commentator, has said many times that LCW tends to be passive in his approach unlike Lin Dan who is aggressive from the word 'go'. This was clearly manifested in the Swiss Open and the 2009 Sudirman Cup tournament. LCW won the Swiss open only because his defence was flawless. He was not able to do that for the Sudirman Cup tournament.
The other problem with LCW is that he tends to play catch up instead of setting the pace. He sometimes takes the unseeded players for granted on the belief that he could be trailing and yet win in the end. He is well known for his physical fitness and the English commentator John Burgess calls him "Pergassus" a well-known race horse. But NTM has shown that this attitude could be an illusion and his win proves just that.

:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::o:o:o


__________________________________________________ ________________

[jymbalaya]

i must admit, i watched part of the match, and Minh was on fire. he seemed to be doing everything right.

its kinda good to see new up and comers play.

[Loh]

I'm glad i beat you to that:D
would u treat me 1 iced lemon tea now?:rolleyes:

Aiyoh, you've mistaken me.
Just look at the title of this thread again.
Now you owe me two mugs of beer! :D

[ctjcad]

http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1183821&postcount=1164

Youtube seems to have made the quality of the video worse in full screen mode..... :mad:
..i'm guessing your video conversion was @ 640X480 (HQ)?? If so, when we view them @ full screen, the quality will degrade. You may want to try & convert the files @ 1280x720(HD). That way, when one resizes to a larger version, the quality won't degrade as much (depends also if you were recording in HD)...Also, if possible, an AVI format is better to upload to youtube. Thanks anyway for the uploads.
*Loh thanks for that brief recap and sharing the pics.

[dongkhoi]

http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=55438&stc=1&d=1244779995

Poor NTM, while World No 1 shuttler listening to advices from his coach, he just stands there, alone, deal with the match which maybe the biggest one in his career by himself, without any assistance and support. What do you guys think, Vietnam badminton federation? Shame on you

[Zabee]

well it's kinda sad to see it happen to a pro player like Nguyen T M .. but i believe the Viet Badminton Federation now migth pay extra attention... any how kudos to him... the best man won today (yesterday )

[Loh]

Poor NTM, while World No 1 shuttler listening to advices from his coach, he just stands there, alone, deal with the match which maybe the biggest one in his career by himself, without any assistance and support. What do you guys think, Vietnam badminton federation? Shame on you

You have a very observant eye, dongkhoi.

If it is of any consolation, it was reported in our Straits Times that NTM "is a regular visitor at the Singapore Sports School where he trains with the local shuttlers. (The SBA is now headquartered in SSC where our national players train.) His trips here are made possible by the close ties between the badminton associations of Vietnam and Singapore. It seems NTM trains here at least once a month, and counts Singapore men's coach Asep Suharno, Ronald Susilo's former coach, among his mentors." :)

[probvn]

You guys can’t imagine how much Vietnam sport pays for it in general and badminton in particular. Most players of Vietnam play sport because of their passion. They attend a lot of competition and get high results but the money that they give is nearly 10 percent compare to the total.

I think you know why but it’s the truth. Officials are rubbish. They get money from the sweats and tears of athletes. I have an easy example like this. For instance, you are a player and you join a province badminton competition and you get the first prize. Can you guess how much you earn. The answer is nearly 8$. The money can not afford me to buy a half of shirt. It does not mean Vietnam is a poor country. Vietnam is developing very strongly but corrupt officials work in every kind of government systems. So I hope you guys will encourage for Vietnam sport and Vietnam badminton.

[Michelle2008]

agree with you,dongkhoi.
i am also a Tien MInh's fan. I used to follow up his match when i stay in HCMC.
It's a totally different image when Minh go abroad for int competition.
sometimes i feel poor for him when he always alone while most of other player has their own profession support team.
where's the sponsor's money gone? who will help him?
:(

[Pathfinder]

The Full Bloody Anti Police Action Won!

[limsy]

seriously,as i say before
if he been given all those resources he need
he can be a very good ms player
top ten
but:(
vietnam badminton federation have wasted his talent and his youth:mad:

[Fidget]

seriously,as i say before
if he been given all those resources he need
he can be a very good ms player
top ten
but:(
vietnam badminton federation have wasted his talent and his youth:mad:
This is undoubtedly true. :(
But the positive side of this story-- the part that we all can learn from-- is that TMN has reached so high despite lacking the luxuries that Professionals find indispensable.
Try your hardest no matter what resources you have.:)

[limsy]

This is undoubtedly true. :(
But the positive side of this story-- the part that we all can learn from-- is that TMN has reached so high despite lacking the luxuries that Professionals find indispensable.
Try your hardest no matter what resources you have.:)

thats why he always earn my respect,so as hsieh yu hsin.:o

[PinkyPG]

because of some problems inside Vietnamese badminton organization, he nearly want to quit badminton or move to other countries that he can get better conditions... he was very stress n tiresome, but luckily that he love badminton too much n because of national spirit... that cant make him give up... keep training hard n training hard... n now, it s amazing result for what he has tried hard to get it... bravo TM... i m pround of u...

[Zabee]

a passionte guy indeed

[ctjcad]

..and could be a stepping stone for loftier future achievements. But people/fans/critics will now keep an eye on him to see what he will do next..Thus he has to stay consistent and improve even more in future tourneys..:cool:

[Fan888]

Absolutely agreed. This got to be his sponsors' dream to see him do so well after signing with him. If he wins tournaments, that would be great of course. Even if he does not, fans keeping an eye on him would still be a winner for his sponsors. His value can only go up from here. So happy for NTM and sport.

[Smichz]

Go to another country that would pay respect more on him,..till the vietnam badminton association begging him to come home n pay for what he's worth for.

[ctjcad]

Absolutely agreed. This got to be his sponsors' dream to see him do so well after signing with him. If he wins tournaments, that would be great of course. Even if he does not, fans keeping an eye on him would still be a winner for his sponsors. His value can only go up from here. So happy for NTM and sport.
..(if your post was a response to mine) from now on, fans/critics will be following him to see if he'll reap more & bigger success or stay relatively the same..Path for him should be nothing but up, but we shall wait & see..:cool:

[modious]

2009 Singapore Open Men's Singles Quarterfinal

Bao Chunlai vs Nguyen Tien Minh

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1q_oFstxmh4

[Zabee]

thx for the link bro , by the way any link to Bao C L ms game final ??

[Oldhand]

thx for the link bro , by the way any link to Bao C L ms game final ??
It's here: http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=71564

[Zabee]

mucho gracias....:):)

[Loh]

Thanh Nien News
18 July, 2009,

By Nhut Quang

Vietnam’s badminton ace, currently ranked 14th in the world, plans to be among the world’s top 10 by the end of the year.

Nguyen Tien Minh is already a household name in the country.

Virtually everyone knows he is the nation’s number one badminton player and that he beat the world’s number one player recently.

Although he has single-handedly put Vietnam on the world badminton map, the 26-year-old Minh has not had time to rest on his laurels as he pursues a top ten ranking.

Currently ranked a very impressive 14th in the world Minh won his first championship abroad at the Satellite Malaysia 2004 when he was 21 years old and ranked 130th. He beat Malaysian Lee Tsuen Seng 2-1 (15/11, 9/15, 15/12) in the final.

Minh took to the sport when he was just 10 years old, and since then has been consistently improving in leaps and bounds. In 2006, Minh said, “I spend 70 percent of my daily time playing badminton.” Now, he says he spends 90 percent of his time training.

While he gets nowhere near the facilities that other top world players enjoy, Minh has received a lot of support from agencies and businesses, not to mention his parents, who are businesspeople.

His father Nguyen Van Thuc said, “We can’t count the money we have spent on him. Each time we register for him on our own to play abroad, the cost is more than VND20 million (US$1,100).

Ho Chi Minh City Badminton Federation (HBF) President Le Dang Xu said, “Minh is a very passionate player and he is very modest. He always wants to improve himself. That’s why he has been able to climb up the world rankings so fast.” In mid 2007, he was ranked 56th and in less than a year later he climbed to 39.

HBF’s former vice president Huynh Ngoc Lien said, “Minh is very professional. He never lets failures defeat him.”

His high spirits have clearly helped a lot. After he was beaten by the then world number two Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia at the Southeast Asian Games in the Philippines in 2005, Minh only worked harder.

Over the last couple of years, Minh has beaten several of the world’s top 10 players. He surprised the badminton world last month by beating World number one Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia by two games to one at the Singapore Super Series semifinals. (I think it is in the quarter finals.;))

But, he adds, “I was extremely happy after the win over Lee, so I didn’t have time to recover and lost to China’s Bao Chunlai.”

About his loss to Hu Yun of China in the Philippines Open quarterfinals earlier this month, Minh said, “I was overconfident.”

The money trickles in.

Minh has made $16,380 from local and international competitions since last September. Now, as a high-ranked player, Minh can now be put in the finals (I think what he meant is the main draw)at big competitions without having to play in the qualifiers and he can get bigger prize money.

Upcoming tournaments include the Thailand Open from July 21-26, the World Championships in India from August 10-16, Grand Prix in Taiwan from August 25-30, and the Super Series in Denmark from October 20-25.

Minh said if he plays well at these competitions, he will not only be among the world’s top 10 but also get at least $10,000 in cash prizes. If he can do it, he will be able to earn around $20,000 a year.

In April, Minh received a sponsorship of VND20 million a month for a year from Becamex Company in southern Binh Duong Province.

A month later, Taiwan-based Victor Badminton Racket Corporation agreed to a four-year sponsorship deal worth US$96,000.

Construction Joint Stock Company No. 1 will pay VND10 million ($562) a month from this month till the end of the year, according to HCMC Badminton Federation.

Minh says his clothing still has three positions [shirt collar, belly and shorts] to put an ad on. He now wants to have a representative when he plays abroad. He says it would be good to have someone who can take care of formalities and is good at the sport too so he can train with him and gives him good advice while he is playing. Minh says he really needs a good coach who can help him improve more.

He says he also needs a doctor who can take good care of him. “Most players have doctors who massage them, give them drinks that can help them recover very soon while I can only drink pure water and Vitamin C.” (Probably Minh has been influenced by the THA team, hahaha.) :D

If he can get the support he is looking for, Minh will have a much better chance of realizing his goals and conquering new heights in his professional career.

[PinkyPG]

thank u for those information...

[latech]

Nguyen Tien Minh just won the ThaiLand open. This is a long waited title for him. The last title he got was from Malaysia Open back in 2004 (???).
You can find the final here:
http://rs406.rapidshare.com/files/260209234/2009_TO_MS_Final.asf
Again, congrats Tien Minh. WTG!!!

[Loh]

Vietnam News
27/07/2009

VietNamNet Bridge – Top badminton player Nguyen Tien Minh won his first international title of the year, beating host rival Boonsak Ponsana 21-16, 21-13 in the men's singles final of the SCG Thailand Grand Prix Gold yesterday, July 26.

Minh, the tournament second seed, took only 37 minutes to beat the third seed Ponsana.

Olympian Minh beat three Thai players and one South Korean to win his first title of the year after missing the Aviva Singapore Super Series, Drajum Indonesia Super Series and Bingo Bonanza Philippines Grand Prix Gold.

Minh also beat host rival Pakkawat Vilailak 21-18, 21-11 in the semi-final on Saturday and Thai Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk in the quarter-final on Friday.

Last month, the HCM City-born athlete, who ranks 14th in the world, shocked world No 1 Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia 24-22, 20-22, 21-19 in the second round of the Aviva Singapore Super Series.

Minh, 24, who became the first Vietnamese Olympian badminton player at the Beijing Games last year, has secured three sponsorship contracts in the past two months.

Becamex Binh Duong Company, which owns the Binh Duong football team, has agreed to sponsor him with VND20 million (US$1,100) a month for one year.

HCM City-based Victor sportswear company signed a four-year sponsorship deal with Minh, providing him with $2,000 a month. The firm also agreed to cover Minh's fees for three Asian tournaments each year. HCM City Construction Company No 1 chipped in with $555 a month.

The $120,000 Thailand Grand Prix is the third season of Badminton World Federation's Grand Prix Gold and Grand Prix with 13 tournaments contested.

Attached picture shows Minh's eyes on the birdie:
Top badminton player Nguyen Tien Minh shows off the form that beat host rival Boonsak Ponsana to take the men's singles final in the SCG Thailand Grand Prix Gold on July 26.

[swwet_love]

Congratulation again to NTM... we proud of u

[Zabee]

look out for him in WC .,.. could be a spoiler too many players..

[Loh]

look out for him in WC .,.. could be a spoiler too many players..

That's why LCW may be stopped by the referee in Round 3! :o

[Sealman]

I wonder if NTM get to keep the prize money...

[Sealman]

According to the Victor website, NTM wrote to Victor to thank his sponsors.

Source: http://www.victorsport.com.cn

泰国赛阮天明夺冠 赛后向VICTOR表示感谢
2009-7-27 在昨天刚刚结束的泰国黄金赛中，VICTOR签约选手阮天明战胜东道主选手波萨那夺得男单冠军，这也是他自 6月换装VICTOR后取得的第一个公开赛冠军。赛后，阮天明第一时间向VICTOR发来的感谢信，对VI CTOR为他提供的优异装备和各方面的支持表示了感谢，感谢信全文如下：

Dear Victor Company,
Today is a very happy day for me, having won the final of the SCG Thailand Open 2009. I hope the company has been following the event and received this great news. As the joy of the victory is sinking in, I would like to express my sincere appreciation towards the company. Thank you for your wonderful equipments and great support.

（译文）
亲爱的VICTOR公司的朋友们，
今天我非常高兴，我取得了2009年泰国公开赛男单项目的冠军。相信公司里那些追踪赛事情况的朋友已经知道 了吧？借此机会，我想对公司表达诚挚的感谢，感谢你们一直以来给我的大力支持和性能优良的装备 。

[Oldhand]

If you didn't watch the 2009 Thailand Open MS Final, you must :)

The first game is a real edge-of-the-seat thriller.
Although it is one of Boonsak's finest attempts yet, Nguyen Tien Minh steals it.

Incredible retrieving, incredible grit and incredible staying power!

[Loh]

If you didn't watch the 2009 Thailand Open MS Final, you must :)

The first game is a real edge-of-the-seat thriller.
Although it is one of Boonsak's finest attempts yet, Nguyen Tien Minh steals it.

Incredible retrieving, incredible grit and incredible staying power!

Oldhand, please, please don't let the cat out of the bag. You may frighten the likes of X Ball and other LCW die-hard fans! :eek::D:D:D

[Oldhand]

Oldhand, please, please don't let the cat out of the bag. You may frighten the likes of X Ball and other LCW die-hard fans! :eek::D:D:D

They can't be frightened any more than they already are :D

[markchan]

What's there to be frightened? :confused:.I don't think NTM is at LCW's level yet. After he has won a SS title, then maybe we can talk.
LCW will not lose to NTM again in such a short time. He would definitely have done his homework on NTM's game. I still feel that LCW will square off with LD in the SFs.:cool:

[Oldhand]

What's there to be frightened? :confused:.I don't think NTM is at LCW's level yet. After he has won a SS title, then maybe we can talk.
LCW will not lose to NTM again in such a short time. He would definitely have done his homework on NTM's game. I still feel that LCW will square off with LD in the SFs.:cool:

The unexpected is always frightening. Tien Minh's game has always been of the unpredictable variety... and that's what scares the leaders on the circuit.

I don't know if you watched the 2009 Thailand Open MS Final but Boonsak was taken apart by a less-skilled but more-determined Tien Minh.

The big names better watch out :p

[Loh]

The unexpected is always frightening. Tien Minh's game has always been of the unpredictable variety... and that's what scares the leaders on the circuit.

I don't know if you watched the 2009 Thailand Open MS Final but Boonsak was taken apart by a less-skilled but more-determined Tien Minh.

The big names better watch out :p

I'm sure LCW has learnt his lesson not to underestimate a seemingly 'lower ranked' player and may have spent some time watching recordings of his match against NTM to see where he has gone wrong. Because he knows that he has to face the same mountain of a problem should he reach Round Three at the WC. :eek:

The problem is how do you destroy a man whose sole ambition is to try to retrieve every seemingly unretrievable shot that his opponent throws at him whatever the outcome. And he has the fitness, stamina and extraordinary determination to repeat this several times in a match. ;)

This 'invisible quality' can't be extinguished with a powerful smash nor an excellent overhead clear to the baseline, for every such shot will probably find its way back at you. So you really get scared and tell yourself whether you are up against a mortal man or machine. Before long, unconsciously you let this machine wear you down, despite the fact that machines should be the ones to suffer wear and tear over time, and the psychological advantage you had as WR1 and top seed from the start will slowly be dismantled by this man who hails from a country which has never been known to be a badminton powerhouse in Southeast Asia! :eek:

Worse still, your focus has been almost entirely 'mis'directed at another man from the best badminton nation and you went to great extents to get help on how to defeat him should both of you meet in the SF. You even openly seek the advice of a former coach, who abruptly terminated his services some two years or so ago and now coaching another rival world champion prospect, an unprecedented arrangement in the competitive badminton environment at such a high level! :D

How not to be scared when NTM can quite subtly repeat his giant-killing action in the badminton court at Gachibowli, (wonder the name has anything to do with lawn bowl :rolleyes:) Hyderabad? NTM is an assiduous student and must have done his homework thoroughly too! :D

This will be the match of the day before the QF! :) Frightening prospect for the top seed.

[hadokenuh]

Yeah. I strongly believe that NTM is going to put up a really good fight against LCW. I like LCW too, but I have to support NTM because I am a Vietnamese :)

It's really a hard match this time for NTM because there will be no surprise factor. LCW will be as tough as he always has been.

[ctjcad]

What's there to be frightened? :confused:.I don't think NTM is at LCW's level yet. After he has won a SS title, then maybe we can talk.
LCW will not lose to NTM again in such a short time. He would definitely have done his homework on NTM's game. I still feel that LCW will square off with LD in the SFs.:cool:

...
I don't know if you watched the 2009 Thailand Open MS Final but Boonsak was taken apart by a less-skilled but more-determined Tien Minh.
...

I'm sure LCW has learnt his lesson not to underestimate a seemingly 'lower ranked' player
...
The problem is how do you destroy a man whose sole ambition is to try to retrieve every seemingly unretrievable shot that his opponent throws at him whatever the outcome. And he has the fitness, stamina and extraordinary determination to repeat this several times in a match. ;)
...
Worse still, your focus has been almost entirely 'mis'directed at another man from the best badminton nation
...

Yeah. I strongly believe that NTM is going to put up a really good fight against LCW.
...
- I concur LCW is probably a level better than NTM.
- I do concur that NTM's 2 main advantages are his never-say-die/hard work attitude and his "nothing to lose" position.
- Regarding LCW's loss to NTM in the recent S'pore Open, LCW did mention/admit, prior to the S'pore Open, that he wasn't prepared for the S'pore Open, didn't he??..
- I concur that LCW's possible achilles heel to his scheduled meeting with LD, in the QF Rd, is if he overlooks NTM. LCW has to stay focused 1 match, 1 game & 1 pt at a time.
- Will NTM put up a really good fight against LCW?? Depends how prepared LCW is. He controls his destiny. If he is very well prepared & focused, it could be a straight games victory for LCW. Thus all of this hype talk or chat abt LCW going to be in trouble when he meets NTM will be for naught.
- I echo that LCW should be ready to face NTM, should they meet, this time around.

[OhLala]

Now Tien Minh has moved to no. 9 in the ranking, his highest position ever. Congrats Minh. He's the pride of Vietnam. Hoping to see him beat more top 10 players and win more tournaments.

[george@chongwei]

I'm sure LCW has learnt his lesson not to underestimate a seemingly 'lower ranked' player and may have spent some time watching recordings of his match against NTM to see where he has gone wrong. Because he knows that he has to face the same mountain of a problem should he reach Round Three at the WC. :eek:


whatever it is, i personally didnt think LCW actually underestimate his so called lower ranked player. it's just not his day plus i have to salute to NTM's style of play..its unbelivable and very special..this can be seen during the thailand open final vs boonsak. anyway, this time im sure chong wei is fully ready and geared up for this wc. i mean every opponent he's gonna face including NTM or LD;)
anyway, let's just wait and see what will be final outcome of this match when this 2 player meet again.

[Loh]

whatever it is, i personally didnt think LCW actually underestimate his so called lower ranked player. it's just not his day plus i have to salute to NTM's style of play..its unbelivable and very special..this can be seen during the thailand open final vs boonsak. anyway, this time im sure chong wei is fully ready and geared up for this wc. i mean every opponent he's gonna face including NTM or LD;)
anyway, let's just wait and see what will be final outcome of this match when this 2 player meet again.

Of course we will closely follow this special replay if it does come about. Let's hope, unlike the last time when LCW said he wasn't well-prepared, this time he is. In a way, not preparing well for a tournament is tantamount to "underestimating your opposition" as every player wants to win, not to lose! And if you had not prepared well, don't expect to win! Your form will show whether you have been well-prepared. :rolleyes:

[george@chongwei]

anyway, may the best man win when that day comes:cool:

[swwet_love]

anyway, just calm down and waiting ... anything can happen... LCW can learn what he did wrong in SS and also TM can learn more skill and ready face to face with LCW

[Zabee]

yeswhen both men meet again.. we'll shall witness a great game :)

[OhLala]

Although LCW is not my favorite player but i have to accept that he plays a higher badminton level than TM does. However, TM could beat him once and of course, there will be possibly another time. I also don't think TM's win over LCW couple of months ago was an accident. In professional sport, the gap between top ten players is not so big. If one plays under his 100%, he will surely be beaten by another player.

[jasonmarc]

Although LCW is not my favorite player but i have to accept that he plays a higher badminton level than TM does. However, TM could beat him once and of course, there will be possibly another time. I also don't think TM's win over LCW couple of months ago was an accident. In professional sport, the gap between top ten players is not so big. If one plays under his 100%, he will surely be beaten by another player.

Yes, i agree with u,...NTM have played some great badminton since June until now...he even won himselve a GP title in Thailand in July ......:p

So, it will be interesting to see LCW and NTM play against each other in WC round 16............;)

[PinkyPG]

will he go alone again this time ?... without coach??

[hadokenuh]

He doesn't need a coach. I think he does better without a coach during tournaments. He's got friends from Singapore anyway :D

[PinkyPG]

i just found NTMfc on fb... follow this link below
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nguyen-Tien-Minh/99489707046?v=feed&story_fbid=104492758137#/pages/Nguyen-Tien-Minh/99489707046?v=wall&viewas=604385882

[latech]

2nd GP titles for Tien Minh in 2 months after he won Taipei Open MS. WTG Tien Minh.

[george@chongwei]

yeah, congratulations to NTM for winning the taiwan open:)

[Loh]

My first post on NTM was some 3 years' ago even though I have seen him earlier when he first started out and played in some satellite events in Singapore. He was always trying hard but he was rather gangly and his skill was somehow lacking at that time although his fitness was good.

Despite not having a permanent coach and financial support, it appears that his love for the game, his persistence and self-discipline at training have overcome all odds and it finally paid off as his skill is now more polished and his motivation for success has not faded. The best part is that he continues to remain humble, focussed and seek perfection in his game.

His recent performance and success have attracted the attention of some local and foreign sponsors, including Victor, the Taiwanese sports equipment supplier quite well known in the badminton fraternity. It must be his strong desire to repay his sponsors, particularly Victor, that has motivated him to play well to subdue Malaysian veteran WCH, who surprised by beating TH in the SF, to win the just-concluded Taiwan Open - his second GP title this year. :)

If NTM remains as motivated and as disciplined in his training and continues to work as hard, there is no telling how far he can go up the ranks. NTM is the man to watch from now onwards and having beaten both LCW and TH recently, his confidence has blossomed. No player can now take him lightly.

Onward NTM! :D:D:D

[press100]

...NTM is the man to watch from now onwards and having beaten both LCW and TH recently, his confidence has blossomed. No player can now take him lightly.

Onward NTM! :D:D:D[/quote]

Can he beat super LIN DAN? ;)

[swwet_love]

Of course he can... haha but he need more time to training.. i believe he can do that

[PinkyPG]

any pics for MS final?. hihi

[skchen]

My first post on NTM was some 3 years' ago even though I have seen him earlier when he first started out and played in some satellite events in Singapore. He was always trying hard but he was rather gangly and his skill was somehow lacking at that time although his fitness was good.

Despite not having a permanent coach and financial support, it appears that his love for the game, his persistence and self-discipline at training have overcome all odds and it finally paid off as his skill is now more polished and his motivation for success has not faded. The best part is that he continues to remain humble, focussed and seek perfection in his game.

His recent performance and success have attracted the attention of some local and foreign sponsors, including Victor, the Taiwanese sports equipment supplier quite well known in the badminton fraternity. It must be his strong desire to repay his sponsors, particularly Victor, that has motivated him to play well to subdue Malaysian veteran WCH, who surprised by beating TH in the SF, to win the just-concluded Taiwan Open - his second GP title this year. :)

If NTM remains as motivated and as disciplined in his training and continues to work as hard, there is no telling how far he can go up the ranks. NTM is the man to watch from now onwards and having beaten both LCW and TH recently, his confidence has blossomed. No player can now take him lightly.

Onward NTM! :D:D:D

__________________________________________________ ________________

You hit the 'nail on the head' in your comment of NTM. Yes, no player including LD, can take NTM for granted from now on. He was just too good for Uncle WCH who was made to look 'silly' in his match against NTM.

:D:D:D:D:D:D
__________________________________________________ _________________

[Loh]

...NTM is the man to watch from now onwards and having beaten both LCW and TH recently, his confidence has blossomed. No player can now take him lightly.

Onward NTM! :D:D:D

Can he beat super LIN DAN? ;)[/QUOTE]

Maybe NTM has to wait for LCW to beat LD first. :D:D:D

(Problem is when will that happen and NTM may not have the patience to wait too long! )

[jasonmarc]

Can he beat super LIN DAN? ;)

Maybe NTM has to wait for LCW to beat LD first. :D:D:D

(Problem is when will that happen and NTM may not have the patience to wait too long! )[/quote]

Yes, sure NTM can.......with his great improvement recently of course he will be able to beat LD one day,....even a mentally weak LCW can beat LD....quite a few times......I dont see why NTM have to wait too long...;)

By the way, uncle Loh,....when this NTM beat TH....? sorry i cant recall...:D

[SibugiChai]

NTM is good... but he is a one man gang... not much support from his country...

but vIetnamese do have STRONG MENTAL!

[Loh]

Maybe NTM has to wait for LCW to beat LD first. :D:D:D

(Problem is when will that happen and NTM may not have the patience to wait too long! )

Yes, sure NTM can.......with his great improvement recently of course he will be able to beat LD one day,....even a mentally weak LCW can beat LD....quite a few times......I dont see why NTM have to wait too long...;)

By the way, uncle Loh,....when this NTM beat TH....? sorry i cant recall...:D[/QUOTE]

So sorry a little mixed-up, it was WCH who beat TH although NTM beat WCH for the Taiwan Open title. ;)

Well it is the majors that count at the highest level and LCW must have that mental strength to deliver, otherwise NTM may overtake him for that rare honour. :p

Good that you think it is possible.

[jasonmarc]

NTM wont play in coming China Master Super Series...........wonder whether he will attend Japan Open....?

Seems like he tends to concentrates in GP Gold level thus far....Hope he able to start winning in SS level......Go for it, NTM....

[PinkyPG]

he ll attend Japan open. anyone have the pics for MS final?... thanks so much...

[george@chongwei]

NTM is good... but he is a one man gang... not much support from his country...

but vIetnamese do have STRONG MENTAL!
You must know what type of meat do vietnamese eat.. keke:D

NTM wont play in coming China Master Super Series...........wonder whether he will attend Japan Open....?

Seems like he tends to concentrates in GP Gold level thus far....Hope he able to start winning in SS level......Go for it, NTM....
yep, it seems like he tends to concentrate in GP Gold event 1st before he thinks he can beat lin dan though..need more training:p

Maybe NTM has to wait for LCW to beat LD first. :D:D:D

(Problem is when will that happen and NTM may not have the patience to wait too long! )

Yes, sure NTM can.......with his great improvement recently of course he will be able to beat LD one day,....even a mentally weak LCW can beat LD....quite a few times......I dont see why NTM have to wait too long...;)

[/quote]
Very well said, Jason;)

[RocKai]

WoW, good to hear the dude is doing so well. Wish I can watch it live if they ever broadcast it on ESPN or some sport channel.:crying:

I'm Viet too and I probably can guess what they eat in VietNam lol :p

Make us proud NTM!!!

P.S. Info about him here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tien_Minh_Nguyen)

He's only 1m59 wow.

[DairyRon]

I think after few more season, he could fight Lin Dan already.

He has powerful smashing and strong speed. So far the most powerful MS Vietnam.

[Loh]

I think after few more season, he could fight Lin Dan already.

He has powerful smashing and strong speed. So far the most powerful MS Vietnam.

Please don't be carried away! ;)

It depends on what you mean by a "few more seasons". If you mean a few more years, then it is more reasonable.:D

Be prepared though, that along the way NTM will himself be beaten by lower ranked players just to bring him back to reality and hopefully make him more motivated! :D

[RocKai]

I just hope the government could give him more money to live.

*cough*Cheap...

[skchen]

Please don't be carried away! ;)

It depends on what you mean by a "few more seasons". If you mean a few more years, then it is more reasonable.:D

Be prepared though, that along the way NTM will himself be beaten by lower ranked players just to bring him back to reality and hopefully make him more motivated! :D

__________________________________________________ _________________________

NTM has to beat the top players very soon as he is already 26 and half years old and his legs may not be able to hold for long because of his 'punishing' fast pace. He does not glide on the court unlike LCW; obviously the gliders do not inflict as much damage on their backs and knees.

:D:D:D:D:D:D
__________________________________________________ _________________________

[Loh]

Thanh Nien News
31 August, 2009,

By Nhut Quang

Badminton ace Minh to play in Taiwan Open final

Vietnam’s badminton star Nguyen Tien Minh has made it to the finals of the YONEX Chinese Taipei Gold Grand Prix after beating Malaysian rival Muhammad Hafiz Hashm 2-0 in the semis Saturday.

Revenge was sweet for Vietnam’s number one Minh who lost to Hafiz Hashm 17-21, 21-17, 19-21, in the competition’s semifinals last year.

The win over the 15th seed and world’s number 29 will see the third seed and world’s 10th climb higher in the Badminton World Federation (BWF) world ranking.

In the first set, Minh played confidently and kept the lead to win the set 21-18.

The Malaysian, however, proved a strong opponent. The two players fought to 10-10 in the second set. Minh, then, won five consecutive points before cruising to a 21-16 win.

Minh’s rival in the final Sunday is Hashm’s compatriot Wong Choong Hann, ranked 12th in the world, who upset the top seed and world’s number 4 Taufik Hidayat 21-16, 16-21, 21-11 in the other semifinal match Saturday.

[Loh]

Although things are looking bright for Choong Hann, the veteran was disappointed yesterday over his tame defeat by Tien Minh.

(Extract from The Star, Aug 31, 2009 "Badminton: Choong Hann comes up short in second straight final" By RAJES PAUL. WCH was reported to be 33 years of age.)


“I had the better chance of ending a six-year wait for a title in the Taiwan Open compared to Macau last week. But I did not make it happen,” he said.

“Nguyen had total control of the game. He played a tight game and did not allow me to tap for winners. He was even able to retrieve my smashes from half court and that frustrated me even more.”

Choong Hann conceded that Tien Minh, who also won the Thailand Open last month, would be one of the players to beat in the SEA Games.

“His attacking and deceptive game style has not changed much since I last played against him two years ago. But he now has more confidence in himself and that has taken his game to a higher level. He will certainly continue to give the top players a hard time,” he said.

[Loh]

VOX News
Monday, 08/31/2009


Top Vietnamese badminton player Nguyen Tien Minh has won the Chinese Taipei Grand Prix Gold after defeating Wong Chong Han of Malaysia in the final.

Minh had no difficulties beating his Malaysian rival 21-11, 21-14 in the game yesterday.

Minh, who ranked No. 3 in the tournament, is now the world No.9, while Han, seeded No. 6, is the world No.12.

This is Minh’s second victory this year, after winning the Thailand Grand Prix in July.

To reach to the final, Minh beat Japan’s Kazuteru Kozai 2-0 in the first round, and went on to best Thailand’s Tanongsak 2-1 in the second round. In the quarter-final, he easily beat Tommy Suguarto from Indonesia, who is the son of former 1983 world champion Icuk Sugiarto, 2-0.

In the semi final on Saturday, Minh defeated Malaysia’s Mohd Hafiz Hashim, to rank No.15th.

As the winner of the tournament, Minh received a monetary prize of US$12,750; his standing in the world ranking table is also expected to rise after his victory.

In October, Minh will take part in the Vietnam Open championship.

[Zabee]

kudos again to Tien Minh..

[RocKai]

Quick question: What racket does he use? Is Victor still his sponsor?

[hadokenuh]

He's using Victor Brave Sword 9.

TM FTW!

[Loh]

__________________________________________________ _________________________

NTM has to beat the top players very soon as he is already 26 and half years old and his legs may not be able to hold for long because of his 'punishing' fast pace. He does not glide on the court unlike LCW; obviously the gliders do not inflict as much damage on their backs and knees.

:D:D:D:D:D:D
__________________________________________________ _________________________

He is a late developer! :p:p:p:p:p:p

[SibugiChai]

__________________________________________________ _________________________

NTM has to beat the top players very soon as he is already 26 and half years old and his legs may not be able to hold for long because of his 'punishing' fast pace. He does not glide on the court unlike LCW; obviously the gliders do not inflict as much damage on their backs and knees.

:D:D:D:D:D:D
__________________________________________________ _________________________

if he stay injury free... he can still play at the top at over 30... cant compare Non-china player playing age with China player playing age la...

China players retire ard 28... denmark 35... msia 33... korea 33... indon 31...

on average china player is 5years older than NORMAL... :cool:

[OneToughBirdie]

if he stay injury free... he can still play at the top at over 30... cant compare Non-china player playing age with China player playing age la...

China players retire ard 28... denmark 35... msia 33... korea 33... indon 31...

on average china player is 5years older than NORMAL... :cool:



Do you mean "on average china players retire 5 years younger than NORMAL"...and you did not mention Canada players retire past 40 or even longer:D:p

[jasonmarc]

VOX News
Monday, 08/31/2009


Top Vietnamese badminton player Nguyen Tien Minh has won the Chinese Taipei Grand Prix Gold after defeating Wong Chong Han of Malaysia in the final.

Minh had no difficulties beating his Malaysian rival 21-11, 21-14 in the game yesterday.

Minh, who ranked No. 3 in the tournament, is now the world No.9, while Han, seeded No. 6, is the world No.12.

This is Minh’s second victory this year, after winning the Thailand Grand Prix in July.

To reach to the final, Minh beat Japan’s Kazuteru Kozai 2-0 in the first round, and went on to best Thailand’s Tanongsak 2-1 in the second round. In the quarter-final, he easily beat Tommy Suguarto from Indonesia, who is the son of former 1983 world champion Icuk Sugiarto, 2-0.

In the semi final on Saturday, Minh defeated Malaysia’s Mohd Hafiz Hashim, to rank No.15th.

As the winner of the tournament, Minh received a monetary prize of US$12,750; his standing in the world ranking table is also expected to rise after his victory.

In October, Minh will take part in the Vietnam Open championship.

Yes, 2009 has been a good year for NTM..........more titles to come...:p

[limsy]

he have many good year to come^^

[ctjcad]

Yes, 2009 has been a good year for NTM..........more titles to come...:p
..has the same number of titles as Taufik this yr lah....all GP or GP Gold titles..;)

[Loh]

..has the same number of titles as Taufik this yr lah....all GP or GP Gold titles..;)

He needs to win at least a SS title for a start to herald his promotion! :cool:

[SibugiChai]

Do you mean "on average china players retire 5 years younger than NORMAL"...and you did not mention Canada players retire past 40 or even longer:D:p

y0... but i remember Canada has the oldest Stewadess at 70 or older.. :D

[george@chongwei]

so he will be in rank number what after this?

[X Ball]

He plays a fast game and his work-rate is very high. But when he last played with LCW, I think he was shown lacking. Still not good enough for the better SS tournaments I am afraid.

[jasonmarc]

I would like to see how he plays against a intelligent player like Peter Gade.....I am looking forward to it.

[Loh]

I would like to see how he plays against a intelligent player like Peter Gade.....I am looking forward to it.

I'm sure NTM must be secretly looking forward to it since he can learn quite a bit from PG to add on to his existing experience with top class players! ;)

[bad_fanatic]

I would like to see how he plays against a intelligent player like Peter Gade.....I am looking forward to it.

Actually NTM has played against PG on several occasions. Once was at the 2005 World Championships held in Anaheim, CA. I was lucky enough to witness it. I don't remember the other ones, but am sure that they played against each other more then once.

In both occasions, PG win in 2 sets comfortably. Even NTM has the strength, speed and determination, it was just clearly that he was no match for PG. PG shots were sharper, and with his deception he just out class NTM.

It'll be interesting to see how NTM fair against PG now. Since NTM game has matured and PG is aged. Should be interesting.

[Loh]

SGGP
Oct 05,2009

Vietnam’s number one badminton player, Nguyen Tien Minh, recently joined the Top Ten pay packets for Vietnamese athletes, with an annual income of approximately VND1.2 billion (US$66,600)

Nguyen Tien Minh is the sole badminton player appearing in Vietnam’s Top Ten earning athletes.

His income is from three sources.

The first one is his new sponsorship deal with Becamex IDC, worth VND600 million ($33,300) per year.

Explaining the increase of sponsorship from VND240 million ($13,330) to VND600 million, the deputy chairman of the Becamex’s management board, Bui Van Duc, said it was due to Minh’s success for being one of the world’s Top Ten badminton players.

Mr Duc also announced a renewal of the contract between Minh and Becamex. Upon the new contract, Minh will receive VND50 million ($2,770) per month if he keeps his place in world’s Top Ten, otherwise, he will only receive VND20 million ($1,110).

Currently, Minh is in eighth position on the world badminton federation’s rankings for men singles.

Another source of his income is from the Victor Sports Enterprise Co. In an agreement mid-2009, the Victor will sponsor Minh $24,000 per year for all his training and preparation for competitions. The agreement will continue till 2013.

The last source is from the HCMC Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

In related news, Minh will be defending his title at the Vietnam Open Grand Prix 2009 on October 6.

The tournament will open from October 6 to 11.
By Gia Man – Translated by Truong Son

[RocKai]

I wish he earns more than that, get more advertising with him and more sponsors. I mean come on, he's the only pride of Viet Nam's badminton and the brightest star there is too.

Long Live NTM!

[Fan888]

Does he have to pay his own travel expenses, like air, hotels, and food? If yes, you can hardly get by with $66.6k per year.

[ctjcad]

..then most likely all costs/expenses are incurred by him.

[RocKai]

My translation:

Nguyen Tien Minh has beaten his Malaysian opponent in the Single Men's Final in Phan Dinh Phung stadium yesterday afternoon in Ho Chi Minh city. The number 1 Vietnamese badminton athlete has succesfully defended his title in the Vietnam Open Grand Prix Championship.

http://www.vnexpress.net/Files/Subject/3B/A1/46/E8/mo.jpg

Nearly 2000 audience were presented in the match. Tien Minh (Number 7 World Ranking) has beaten his Malaysian opponent Chong Wei Fei (No 58) to defend his title.

He said:
"I didn't understand why I went in the game with a heavy mindset, so I didn't start well. After the first set win, I wanted to finish the game quickly, so I rushed it in the 2nd set. However, with the massive support of the audience had helped me regain my confidence in the last and final set". He said about the game.

"I'm very happy with this title. Thank you very much everyone who had helped me achieved this success. I will continue to work harder in the future." He shared.

Not just succesfully defended the title of this competition, this is also his 3rd Grand Prix title in this year. Previously, he had also won the Thailand and Taiwan Open Grand Prix in July and August.

Entering the match on Sunday afternoon, although outranked his opponent by 51 ranks, but Tien Minh had a bumpy start. Chong Wei Fei lead the first match in the beginning but Tien Minh regroupped quickly and had put more pressure on Chong Wei Fei, to quickly finish the first set with a big lead 21-7.

But in the 2nd set, the Malaysian played more aggressively, and put Tien Minh in his back foot with many difficult defenses. Tien Minh had rushed his play too much which resulted in failing to cros the net. They finished the second set with 21-19 to Chong Wei Fei, game 1-1.

But in the third set, Tien Minh finished it off nicely with 21-14, finalised his title achievement with game 2-1.

http://www.vnexpress.net/Files/Subject/3B/A1/46/E8/m00.jpg

He accepted his prize of 3,700 USD, and his reward in World Ranking points to climb his ladder to number 7 in the World. (WOO HOO).

My translation from www.vnexpress.net (http://www.vnexpress.net).

Enjoy everyone, my tears jumped out when I read this news :D. Soooo Happy woo hoo. Long Live Tien Minh!!!!

And if anyone has the link to the match, please post it here also.

Cheers
Minh

[Thom_bad]

I would like to see how he plays against a intelligent player like Peter Gade.....I am looking forward to it.


They actually played a match at French Open 2008

http://www.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/match.aspx?id=A6F9CFAE-7534-4B54-9FF7-F9A59738843C&match=12

[Zabee]

is there any videos of Vietnam Open ??

[jasonmarc]

They actually played a match at French Open 2008

http://www.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/match.aspx?id=A6F9CFAE-7534-4B54-9FF7-F9A59738843C&match=12

Thanks, but what i mean was the newly 'improved' NTM in 2009. That match was in 2008, NTM showed great improvement in 2009.....so i intended to see how PG plays NTM in 2009........:D:D

[nghutien]

Congr. for VNO09

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3492/4000933208_c7bf7f9607_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2464/4000168507_e05bd30967_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3462/4000934798_bf80fccc38_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2444/4000400259_905a3fff6c_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2531/4001168426_6f36142d11_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2630/4001181400_5893c411e2_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2428/4000421987_29e1a5b92c_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3482/4001213088_3a4aa21788_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2611/4000447949_7f0e5afdf1_o.jpg

[RocKai]

Really nice photos indeed. Like his shoes too :D

[Krisna]

SGGP
Oct 05,2009

Vietnam’s number one badminton player, Nguyen Tien Minh, recently joined the Top Ten pay packets for Vietnamese athletes, with an annual income of approximately VND1.2 billion (US$66,600)

Nguyen Tien Minh is the sole badminton player appearing in Vietnam’s Top Ten earning athletes.

His income is from three sources.

The first one is his new sponsorship deal with Becamex IDC, worth VND600 million ($33,300) per year.

Explaining the increase of sponsorship from VND240 million ($13,330) to VND600 million, the deputy chairman of the Becamex’s management board, Bui Van Duc, said it was due to Minh’s success for being one of the world’s Top Ten badminton players.

Mr Duc also announced a renewal of the contract between Minh and Becamex. Upon the new contract, Minh will receive VND50 million ($2,770) per month if he keeps his place in world’s Top Ten, otherwise, he will only receive VND20 million ($1,110).

Currently, Minh is in eighth position on the world badminton federation’s rankings for men singles.

Another source of his income is from the Victor Sports Enterprise Co. In an agreement mid-2009, the Victor will sponsor Minh $24,000 per year for all his training and preparation for competitions. The agreement will continue till 2013.

The last source is from the HCMC Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

In related news, Minh will be defending his title at the Vietnam Open Grand Prix 2009 on October 6.

The tournament will open from October 6 to 11.
By Gia Man – Translated by Truong Son

Badminton needs more news like this! :cool:

[Loh]

SGGP
Monday ,Oct 12,2009, Posted at: 11:38(GMT+7)

http://www.saigon-gpdaily.com.vn/Sport/2009/10/75056/

Home favorite and world No.7 Nguyen Tien Minh secured the title in the Grand Prix Vietnam Open 2009 on Sunday after beating Malaysian ace Chong Wei Feng in the men’s final.

First-seeded Minh beat Wei Feng, the fourth seed, 21-7 in the first set. However, the Malaysian changed his tactics in the second and took the lead. Minh tried to follow but the gap was too big and Wei Feng finished at 21-19.

Minh took the lead at 8-3 in the final set while Wei Feng was losing his fitness. The Vietnamese ended up at 21-14 and pocketed US$3,750. He also accumulated more points from the World Badminton Federation.

Tien Minh has steadily improved his ranking following his recent good run and is currently ranked World No 7. One month earlier, it was ninth.

The US$50,000 prize cash event saw Indonesia’s Fransisca Ratnasari beat Tai Tzu Ying from Taiwan 21-19, 15-21, 21-13 in the final of the women’s singles.

In the men’s doubles, Indonesia’s Luluk Hadiyanto-Joko Riyadi won the title after defeating Thien How and Ong Soon Hock of Malaysia

The winners in the women’s doubles were Anneke Feinya Agustine-Annisa Wahyuni of Indonesia, who beat Indonesiansm (I think names are Thai) Savitree Amitrapai-Vacharaporn Munkit 21-14, 21-13.

In the mixed doubles, Flandy Limpele of Indonesia and Cheng Wen Hsing from Taiwan defeated Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying of Malaysia 25-23, 21-19 in the final.

A total of 202 players took part in the Grand Prix Vietnam Open from Oct. 6 to 11 at Phan Dinh Phung Stadium.

The competitors come from 14 countries and territories: Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, USA, Vietnam and the Wales.

By Quang Truc, translated by Minh Tuong


1. Vietnam’s Nguyen Tien Minh seen during the Vietnam Open final against Malaysia’s Chong Wei Feng on Oct. 11 (Photo: SGGP)

2. Nguyen Tien Minh (R) shares happiness with fans at Phan Dinh Phung Stadium after becoming the men’s singles champion (Photo: SGGP)

PS: Congrats to INA for winning 3 titles,

[george@chongwei]

yup, congrats to nguyen tien minh. as expected, he manage to defend his title in his country:)

[cooler]

Badminton ace likely to benefit from world-class coach next year

Vietnam’s top badminton player Nguyen Tien Minh, ranked seventh in the world, is set to obtain the services of an international coach at home early next year.


Indonesian badminton expert Asep Shuharno has been invited to coach Minh and the city’s badminton squad, the municipal Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism has announced.

A department official said the department had invited Shuharno while he was in Ho Chi Minh City with the Singaporean squad competing at the Yonex Sunrise Vietnam Open Grand Prix from October 7-11 and the Indonesian coach said he would consider it.

Shuharno has coached big names in world badminton like Taufik Hydayat, Sony Dwi Kuncoro and Simon Santoso, currently ranked 5th, 9th and 14th in the world. He began coaching the Singaporean team in 2006.

Minh, who successfully defended the men's singles title at home on Sunday, met Shuharno for the first time in 2007 when he was coaching Singaporean players at international competitions. He has since visited Singapore several times since 2008 to practice and learn from him.

Minh says his training in Singapore has cost a lot, at an estimated VND1 million (US$56) a day. (:eek: can i have some at that price too:confused:)
If Shuharno accepts the invitation from the HCMC Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, he will receive a monthly salary of between $4,500-5,000, it is expected.

However, even if Shuharno comes, Minh will not have good players to practice with because he is the only Vietnamese badminton player to enter the world’s top one hundred rankings, and this could pose a problem.

Minh said he had met Shuharno at a dinner the evening before his final match against Chong Wei Feng of Malaysia and Minh admitted that it was the latter’s analysis that helped him beat the world number 58 the next day.

The dinner was arranged by Huynh Ngoc Lien, a former official in charge of the sport in HCMC, who Minh credits with playing a significant role in his accomplishments.

Source: Thanh Nien


Story from Thanh Nien News
Published: 13 October, 2009, 13:26:31 (GMT+7)
Copyright Thanh Nien News

[Zabee]

so is this good news or bad to Tien Minh ?? :confused::confused::confused:

[ants]

He has a good sponsor in Victor as well as some private sponsors. :)

[Zabee]

yes indeed but he'll need to find some good sparring partners :):)

[Wong8Egg]

I would like to see how he plays against a intelligent player like Peter Gade.....I am looking forward to it.

Here is a video of Nguyen vs BCL (who are also an intelligent player;)):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1q_oFstxmh4

[CLELY]

Updated : 9:52 AM, 10/20/2009

Badminton star to get new coach

Vietnam’s top badminton player Nguyen Tien Minh, placed 7th in the world, will get training advice from an international coach early next year.

Indonesian badminton expert Asep Shuharno has been invited to coach Minh and the city’s badminton squad, the Ho Chi Minh City municipal Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism has announced.

Shuharno has coached big names in world badminton such as Tufik Hydayat, Sony Dwi Kuncoro and Simon Santos. He began training the Singapore team in 2006.

taken from VOVNEWS.VN -- http://english.vovnews.vn/Home/Badminton-star-to-get-new-coach/200910/109008.vov

[limsy]

Vietnam’s top male badminton player Nguyen Tien Minh will take on his first international challenge of the new year at the VICTOR Korea Open Super Series from January 12-17.

http://www.etravelasia.net/2010/01/04/badminton-hero-to-face-first-int%E2%80%99l-challenge-of-2010/

[skchen]

Vietnam’s top male badminton player Nguyen Tien Minh will take on his first international challenge of the new year at the VICTOR Korea Open Super Series from January 12-17.

http://www.etravelasia.net/2010/01/04/badminton-hero-to-face-first-int%E2%80%99l-challenge-of-2010/


__________________________________________________ _______________

I believe NTM is sponsored by the Victor Company and so he has to fulfill his sponsorship obligations.
His first opponent, JP, is no easy meat as he is the 3rd ranked Danish singles player who has beaten quite a number of top-ranked players.
I wish NTM the best.

:):D:):D:):D
__________________________________________________ ______________

[robin7]

Korea Open 2010 (http://www.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/player.aspx?id=9C15FDD9-4FB5-4531-8743-7BB2606F66DD&player=217) - QF

Malaysia Open 2010 (http://www.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/player.aspx?id=F15EBDA3-810F-4BA0-B724-082AD0574938&player=11) - SF

[Luffy]

NTM rules!!!

A QF and a SF is really good. Also the fact that he beat Jan Jorgansen (who is pretty strong). I hope that his relentless smash will reach LCW, LD, TH, PG, CJ and many top players. One of the most nice quality of NTM is that he seems to never give up his attack.

[CLELY]

*read the news article through Vietnamnet.vn -- http://english.vietnamnet.vn/sports/201001/Tien-Minh-back-in-world-top-ten-badminton-players-892056/

Nguyen Tien Minh WR per 28th January 2010 is #8 (up two rungs from last week WR).

[george@chongwei]

His movement on court is so fast that i can't manage to snap his photos properly during Mas Open !:D

[Loh]

Vietnam News
February, 04 2010 09:34:20

by Tien Thanh

HCM CITY — HCM City badminton players expect to improve their ability and take their game to a higher level with the help of new Indonesian coach Asep Suharno.

The HCM City Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism has just signed a two-year contract with Suharno in an attempt to regain domestic dominance in badminton and build a pool of young players for future.

This is the second time the city has employed a foreign coach, the previous one being China's Yan Shi Qiang (2000-03), who helped Nguyen Tien Minh, currently ranked 8th in the world, to compete at top international levels. Minh is so far the only Vietnamese badminton player ranked among the world's top 100 players.

Suharno, who had a contract with the Singapore Badminton Federation until last year, will also help Minh become more competitive at international competitions like the Super Series and Grand Prix.

As the Indonesian national coach from 2001-05, Suharno has coached many big names in world badminton, like 2004 Olympic Champion Taufik Hidayat and 2004 bronze medallist Sony Dwi Kuncoro. He will be paid US$5,000 per month, the ever highest remuneration provided for a badminton coach in Viet Nam.
"Firstly, I will focus on improving players' technique and strength," said the 42-year-old coach who began his two-year stint as coach of the city's badminton team on Monday. "We need time to get good results," he added.

"There are many good coaches, but Suharno is my favourite because he not only knows to give exercises to players but also knows what players want. He is a world class coach and deserves the salary," Minh told Viet Nam News.

"Suharno is a world class coach and we hope to learn much from him," said female badminton player Thai Thi Hong Gam.

After a disappointing performance at the 25th SEA Games in Laos where he failed to win a medal, Minh has came back strongly at recent major international tournaments.

He reached the quarter-finals of the Korea Super Series 2010 and semi-finals at the Malaysia Open Super Series 2010, which helped him climb back to 8th place after dropping from seventh to 11th in world rankings earlier.

Suharno will lead the HCM City badminton team, which will practice at the Phu Tho Gymnasium, as it represents Viet Nam at the Thomas Cup. Qualifying rounds for the international tournament will begin from February 21-28 in Thailand. — VNS

[PinkyPG]

happy Birthday to you, Nguyen Tien Minh. Wish u all the best... let's wish him together with us in his FC fb
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nguyen-Tien-Minh/99489707046

[george@chongwei]

Unfortunately no thomas cup for this man.

[limsy]

Unfortunately no thomas cup for this man.

are u serious?
http://www.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/teamplayers.aspx?id=2157EAE5-4152-43EE-9E2B-5B15F230316E&tid=13

[hungle]

are u serious?
http://www.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/teamplayers.aspx?id=2157EAE5-4152-43EE-9E2B-5B15F230316E&tid=13

That is right, Limsy!

Vietnam team have beaten by India Team, one of reason is Nguyen Tiem Minh and coach Accep Suharno walkover to turn back home to complete Visa for AE and Swiss SS. In VN, player is not have good condition and support, they have to do all things by themselfs.

Just for your refernence!
Best regards,
Hungle

[george@chongwei]

are u serious?
http://www.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/teamplayers.aspx?id=2157EAE5-4152-43EE-9E2B-5B15F230316E&tid=13
what i meant is no thomas cup final in stadium putra this may for this man:D

[george@chongwei]

so the spotlight no more on this guy?
everyone already shifting their spotlight to KT now it seems:D

[hungle]

DEAR ALL,

I DO NOT KNOW CAN I POST THIS INFORMATION OR NOT, IF NOT I AM SORRY ABOUT IT.

I AM LOOKING FOR A SPONSOR FOR A LOGO (10CM) IN FRONT OF NTM'S SHIRT, IF YOU KNOW ANY SPONSOR EAGER WITH THIS MATTER, PLEASE LET ME KNOW, THANK YOU
trunghungleba@yahoo.com.vn

[Nismo333]

Hello hungle
I've written you an e-mail. Hope you can check that ;)

[hungle]

Hello hungle
I've written you an e-mail. Hope you can check that ;)

Thank you so much, Nismo333! I also sent back to you two emails! Please let me know you you don't receive it!

[hungle]

Hello hungle
I've written you an e-mail. Hope you can check that ;)

Did you receive our email on 22 and 23 April, 2010?

[limsy]

now
ntm is in vietnam historical high!
world number 6!
applaused!

[hungle]

thank you limsy

[Luffy]

NTM will break in the top 5..

He may not have the ''talent'' as they say, but he has a strong heart and an amazing willpower....the power to believe and to work harder and harder...as they say ''if you never failed, you never lived....''

NTM quote: ''Sucess only comes to those try their best everyday.''

We all believe in you NTM, and your strengh will spread in many vietnamese badminton players.

I wish for you, that you can win BIG tournaments such as YONEX all england, World championship or even have a medal in the olympics 2012!

LCW is the wall-tiger, LD is the fire, TH the water, PG the faker, but you are...what we call the ''heart'' of badminton!

[hadokenuh]

Thanks for all the kind words, you guys! I feel so proud.

[Luffy]

LOL...hell ya man...

BADMINTONN RUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUULLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL LLLLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS SSSSS

[Luffy]

You Guys All Rock My Socks =dddddddddd

[Navia]

Woww! Im very pround when I hear all you guy talking abt NTM. He is pride of Vietnamese sport. ;)

Thanks Loh! You are really NTM's big fan. You know so many things abt him, for so many years. :D

NTM has juz come back to HCM from the National tournament of men and women in Hue - Vietnam. And ofcourse he won ! :D

He will be in Singapore Open this June. Go NTM !