Phuc claims yellow jersey

Ho Van Phuc, Photo: Xe&Thethao

Ho Van Phuc stole the limelight yesterday after winning the yellow jersey at the fourth stage of the Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Cycling Tournament.

The ADC-Vinh Long Television successfully conquered two high hills on the 99km section from Nha Trang to Da Lat, with a time of 3 hours and 21.34 minutes.

He then pocketed the red jersey for the King of the Mountain stage.

His performance led him to bag the tour's overall lead position, with a total time of 15 hours and 41.05 minutes.

"Our athletes spent two weeks training on these hilly routes to build their confidence during the tour. I am pleased that they followed my plan and competed perfectly," said coach Trinh Sang Dong of Vinh Long Television.

"We have created a considerable gap (between us and) the runners-up, so we will try our best to defend our yellow jersey and the team's position," Dong added.

Nguyen Truong Tai of Domesco Pharmacy Dong Thap, who finished second in yesterday's fourth stage, also came second in the overall tour. Phuc's teammate Ho Hoang Son came third.

Le Minh Nguyet of Eximbank HCM City, the third-stage leader, is leading the green-jersey tour with 39 points.

Vinh Long Television, whose two riders are in the top three, jumped to the top of the team's rankings, with a result of 47:06.02.

Military Zone 7 (47:13.14) and Dong Thap (47:24.29) are the second and third finishers.

Today, cyclists will take 10 laps around Ho Xuan Huong Lake, covering a total distance of 52km.

VN ousted from Futsal champs

Viet Nam lost 1-2 to Japan in their first match at the HCM City International Futsal (indoor football) Tournament at the Phu Tho Gymnasium.

Japan scored two consecutive goals at the 15th and 16th minutes. Though Viet Nam's Van Vu narrowed the score one minute later, he failed to make a draw score, although the team opened more attacks, with enormous support from home fans.

This is the second win for Japan, the Asian champion, at the four-side tournament.

In the next match, Japan will play world champions Brazil, while Viet Nam meets Thailand.

Earlier yesterday, Brazil defeated Asian first runner-up Thailand 5-1.