Lich replaces Phuoc as VN's flagbearer at SEA Games

Swimmer Hoang Quy Phuoc won't be carrying the Vietnamese flag at the opening ceremony of the 28th Southeast Asian Games next month in Singapore.

Runner Quach Cong Lich.

The swimmer will be replaced by runner Quach Cong Lich, who is a favourite to place in the men's 400m and 400m hurdle events.

Phuoc was selected to carry the flag for a second time, but he said he wouldn't be able to take part in the opening ceremony because his competition is scheduled for the next morning.

The 392-member Vietnamese contingent will compete in 28 out of 36 categories at the games on June 5-15.

Prime Minister awards merit certificate to swimmer Vien

Nguyen Thi Anh Vien received a Labour Order third class, and a merit certificate from Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung on Monday.

Her coach, Dang Anh Tuan, was also awarded a Labour Order, third class, for his contribution to Vien's success.

The awards are a big motivation for the swimmer about to head into the Southeast Asian Games competition, which begin next month.

Vien received the recognition for a remarkable career on the international stage. She grabbed gold medals at the second Youth Olympics, Asian championships, a US juniors tournament, and SEA Games. She took home silver at the Asian Games last year.

Chairman Nguyen Van De of V. League 1's Thanh Hoa confirmed he will quit and said he would leave the club today, May 27.

"I will officially step down starting May 27 and all necessary procedures will be completed within the day," he said.

"I withdrew with some regret because I have plans that have yet to be carried out. I quit, but I will always support the club and hope they continue to play well," he added.

Rumour has it that FLC Group – a finance, real estate and resort hotel company – will take charge of the club.

After four years as chairman of Thanh Hoa, De made a lasting mark, putting the team in stable finances and continuing its high standings in V.League 1.

Last year Thanh Hoa finished the season in third place. After nine rounds of this year, they are currently in second.

Hoang Nam climbs to 12th in world junior tennis ranks

Vietnamese young tennis player Ly Hoang Nam has climbed two notches from the 14th to the 12th spot in the International Tennis Federation (ITF)’s latest junior rankings.

This is the highest position a Vietnamese young tennis player has achieved in the world rankings so far.

The result is attributable to Nam’s recent success to enter the quarter-final of the Grade A Trofeo Bonfiglio tournament and was defeated only by Brazilian player Orlando Luz.

However, in the latest ranking of the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), Nam fell by six places to stand at 1256th position.

Nam will compete in Roland Garros in France from May 31 to June 6. Then he will prepare for Wimbledon tournament in the UK on July 4-10.

VNS/VOV