Minh says goodbye to China Cup

Viet Nam's top badminton player Nguyen Tien Minh lost to Parupalli Kashyap of India 21-12, 20-22, 14-21 at the Li Ning China Cup yesterday, Nov 15.

Minh, the world No 11, took an early lead in the opening set and world No 23 Kashyap was powerless to stop him from running away with it, relinquishing the set 12-21.

The players traded points in the second set, and it was Kashyap who opened a slight lead at 13-9. That proved to be enough for the Indian, and despite Minh's best efforts he wrapped it up 20-22.

In the third set, Kashyap took control and cruised to a 14-21 victory.

Minh will be preparing for the Yonex-Sunrise Hong Kong Open that starts on November 20.

Linh ends fledgling Taekwondo career

Olympian Chu Hoang Dieu Linh has said goodbye to sport, according to the Taekwondo Department of the Viet Nam Sports Administration.

Head of the department Vu Xuan Thanh confirmed that the 18-year-old athlete no longer wished to pursue the martial art and instead focus on her academic studies.

The decision has been blamed on her failure in the first round of the London Olympics in August.

Linh's decision would be a big loss for both Ha Noi and the national teams as she was a top athlete who received huge support in preparation for big events, according to coach Ho Anh Tuan.

Tuan said despite her loss in London, Linh would still have an important role to play for Viet Nam at the Rio Olympics in 2016.

Viet Nam depart for AFF Cup with high hopes

Viet Nam will leave for Thailand to take part in the ASEAN Football Federation Cup on November 20.

The team will have four days to train ahead of the one-month tournament. Viet Nam are in Group A with hosts Thailand, Myanmar and the Philippines. Their first game will be against Myanmar on November 24.

Viet Nam have set a target of reaching the final which will be played over two legs on December 19 and 22.

VietNamNet/VNS