Hao claims national tennis title

Tran Thi Tam Hao won the over-18 category at the National Women's Tennis Championships in Da Lat yesterday, defeating Sy Boi Ngoc 6-2, 7-5 in an all-HCM City final.

Earlier in the day, Nguyen Thi Anh Nguyet of Hai Duong and Pham Thuy Thuong from Vinh Phuc advanced to the final of the U18 event.

Nguyet beat Le Thi Truc Linh of Tay Ninh 6-4, 6-4 in the first semi-final, while Thuong overcame Hoang Thi Ha of Hai Duong 6-3, 6-2.

In the U16 event, Nguyen Thu Phuong of Ha Noi bagged a gold after winning her third consecutive match in a four-player group.

Le Phuong Thao of Vinh Phuc will meet Tran Thi Thanh Truc from HCM City in the final of the U14 pool today.

On the last day of competitions today, all five doubles finals will be held.

Ha Nam held by Thai Nguyen

Phong Phu Ha Nam drew with TNG Thai Nguyen in their second match at the National Women's Football Championship yesterday at HCM City's Thong Nhat Stadium.

Last year's runners-up failed to score despite dominating possession, and missed three golden opportunities.

Ha Nam have just one point after two matches and rank fifth out of the seven participating teams.

Thai Nguyen are in fourth with three points, while HCM City top the table with a 100 per cent record after three games.

Players will have three days off before the championships resume on Sunday.

Students to compete in badminton comp

Nearly 300 athletes will take part in the second Ha Noi's Students Badminton Tournament – the Capital Youth Cup – to be held at the Ha Noi Gymnasium on Saturday.

They will compete in the advanced and amateur events.

The two-day event, which will end on Sunday, aims to create a chance for students to interact with each other. The opening ceremony will be broadcast live on VTVcab3 channel.

Coal and Mineral beat Tao Dan

The Coal and Mineral team defeated recruit Tao Dan 3-2 in the third round of the National Women's Football Championships in HCM City's Thong Nhat Stadium yesterday.

Hoang Quynh opened the scorecard for the Coal and Mineral team in the 13th minute. However, Tao Dan stayed calm after their early loss. Only 14 minutes later, Thu Thao levelled the score.

Coal and Mineral were surprised by Tao Dans goal and they also suffered a second loss during the 38th minute, owing to striker Ngoc Hieu.

After the break, Coal and Mineral started attacking their opponents, in a bid to narrow the gap and they succeeded when Hoai Thu put her header past the goalkeeper of Tao Dan during the 73rd minute.

During the extra time, Thu took full advantage of Tao Dans fullbacks to help her team beat their rivals 3-2.

In other match, HCM City easily bested Ha Noi 2 3-0 to temporarily take the lead in the ranking table with nine points. Ha Noi 1 and Coal and Mineral are ranked second and third with six points.

This afternoon, Thai Nguyen will face Phong Phu Ha Nam. After this match, the teams will have three days off to prepare for the future rounds.

Seven teams are competing in a two-legged round-robin format, with the first leg of the tournament being held from March 5 to 26 in HCM City, and the second leg from June 21 to July 12 in the northern Ha Nam Province.

The champion of the tournament will walk away with a US$14,000 cash prize, while the runner-up will be given $9,300 and the third spot winner will be awarded $7,000.

Besides, the organisers will present other awards, including those for Fair-play Team, Best Goalkeeper, Best Player, Top Goal Scorer, and Best referee team.

VNS