Showing remarkable composure at crucial moments and scoring incredible points, Nguyen Thuy Linh defeated Riko Gunji 21-17, 21-19 to reach the German Open final for the second consecutive time.
Despite the semifinal taking place late on March 1 (Hanoi time), a large number of Vietnamese fans tuned into online platforms to watch and support the nation’s top badminton player.
Their anticipation was rewarded as Thuy Linh delivered one of the best performances of her career, overcoming Japan’s Riko Gunji, who is ranked 46th in the world.
Facing a younger and lower-ranked opponent, Thuy Linh started confidently with a fast-paced style. However, Gunji was equally prepared, moving swiftly and stretching well to return shots. The Vietnamese player led 4-2 early on but then made several errors, hitting the shuttle into the net or out of bounds, allowing her opponent to score six consecutive points and take an 8-4 lead.
Thuy Linh fought back with sharp net plays and well-placed down-the-line shots, closing the gap to 9-9 and later 11-13. Gunji, using precise cross-court smashes, continued to trouble the Vietnamese player. Despite trailing 13-15, Thuy Linh remained composed, drawing energy from the Vietnamese crowd in the stands. The 27-year-old rallied to level at 15-15, then took the lead at 17-15 and 19-16 before securing the first set 21-17 after 20 minutes.
In this tournament, Thuy Linh did not have a coach or her close friend Laurent Lam by her side, meaning she received no tactical advice or emotional support during the break. She started the second set with several unforced errors, allowing Gunji to establish an early lead of 5-2 and then 11-6.
Aside from Thuy Linh’s mistakes, Gunji stepped up her game in the second set, executing powerful cross-court shots and smashes. The 22-year-old Japanese player also made some spectacular saves, extending her lead to 13-7 and later 16-8.
Just when it seemed unlikely that Thuy Linh could turn things around, the Phu Tho-born athlete staged a stunning comeback. Displaying nerves of steel, she chased down every shot and scored five consecutive points to cut the deficit to 13-16. Although Gunji briefly extended her lead to 17-13, Thuy Linh responded with a seven-point streak to turn the score around to 20-17. During this incredible run, she won several long rallies that had the German audience on their feet applauding. Gunji managed to score twice to reduce the gap to 19-20, but in the final rally, she hit the shuttle out, handing Thuy Linh a 21-19 victory after 47 minutes of play.
At the moment of victory, Thuy Linh threw her racket and raised both arms in celebration as she secured her second straight final appearance. Meanwhile, Gunji bowed her head in disbelief, struggling to accept that she had lost despite leading by eight points.
Thuy Linh will face top seed Jia Min Yeo of Singapore in the final on March 2.
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