Basel – Vietnam’s badminton star Nguyen Thuy Linh will no longer face Canada’s Michelle Li in the opening round of the Swiss Open 2025 due to a last-minute draw adjustment, instead taking on China’s Dai Wang, ranked 67th in the world, on March 19.
Dai Wang, a formidable opponent, reached the semifinals of the FELET Vietnam International Series 2023 and the Vietnam Open 2024—the latter a tournament Thuy Linh has dominated for three consecutive years. This unexpected matchup sets the stage for a thrilling start to the Vietnamese shuttler’s campaign.
Known as Vietnam’s “badminton beauty,” Nguyen Thuy Linh now confronts a challenging path at the BWF World Tour Super 300 event. Should she defeat Dai Wang, she is likely to meet Denmark’s Line Kjaersfeldt in the next round, with a potential clash against top seed Pornpawee Chochuwong of Thailand looming after that. Further ahead, heavyweights like China’s Olympic champion Chen Yufei, Thailand’s Supanida Katethong, and the USA’s Zhang Beiwen stand as formidable obstacles in her quest for the title.
Dai Wang brings a mix of experience and tenacity to the court. Her semifinal runs in Vietnam—where Thuy Linh has reigned supreme—suggest she’s no stranger to high-stakes competition. Thuy Linh, ranked 23rd globally, holds the edge in skill and consistency, having clinched the Vietnam Open from 2022 to 2024. However, the sudden switch from facing Michelle Li, a familiar foe, to Dai Wang requires quick adaptation. “Every opponent demands focus,” Thuy Linh said in a pre-tournament interview. “I’m ready to adjust and fight.”
A victory over Dai Wang would set up a likely rematch with Kjaersfeldt, whom Thuy Linh has faced in tight battles before. Advancing further could pit her against Chochuwong, the tournament favorite known for her explosive speed and precision. The road only gets tougher, with Chen Yufei—a gold medalist at Tokyo 2020—and Katethong’s tricky left-handed style potentially awaiting in later rounds. Zhang Beiwen, with her aggressive play, adds another layer of difficulty to Thuy Linh’s journey.
The Swiss Open, kicking off tomorrow, is a critical test for Thuy Linh as she builds momentum for the 2025 season. After a strong 2024 that saw her solidify her status as Vietnam’s top shuttler, she’s aiming to break into the elite tier of the sport. “This tournament is a big opportunity,” her coach, Ngo Trung Dung, noted. “Facing tough players early sharpens her game for what’s ahead.”
Fans back home are buzzing with anticipation. Thuy Linh’s blend of grace and grit has made her a national icon, and her three-peat at the Vietnam Open has raised expectations. A deep run in Switzerland could boost her ranking and confidence ahead of bigger events like the All England Open later this year. “I want to make Vietnam proud,” she said. “Every match is a step forward.”
As the Basel arena prepares to host the world’s best, all eyes will be on Nguyen Thuy Linh’s opener against Dai Wang. A win would signal her readiness to tackle the giants ahead, while a stumble could underscore the unpredictability of the sport. Either way, her Swiss Open campaign promises drama and determination.
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