Thuy Linh: 'Mental strength helps me overcome physical difficulties'
Thuy Linh was rated higher than Japanese tennis player Akari Kurihara when entering the final on the evening of September 17 at Nguyen Du Gymnasium. She quickly proved her class against her 129-level inferior opponent by using transformations to break her opponent's strength and easily won the first set with a score of 21-14.
However, the situation reversed in the second set. Kurihara often let go and loosened his hands, making it difficult for Thuy Linh to move and defend. Many times the home player had to lie down on the court because he was tired and accepted to lose this set 11-21.
"This is the fourth tournament in a row that I have played in a short period of time. With the density of one match per day, my physical strength dropped significantly in the second set, so I gave the opponent a chance to equalize," Thuy Linh said. This lost set after the match.
The number one player in Vietnam continued to have difficulty entering the third set. She was continuously led by Kurihara with a difference of five points. The audience at Nguyen Du gymnasium was worried at times because the Japanese tennis player had widened the gap to 16-11 and then 17-13.
However, at the crucial moment, the player from Phu Tho rose up strongly, changed his game, scored seven points in a row and led his opponent 20-17. The excitement that followed helped Thuy Linh win 21-19 in this set, and eventually 2-1 and was crowned champion.
"When I encountered difficulties in the third set, I reassured myself and told myself to try harder and not give up. I always tried and determined until the last second and won," Thuy Linh speak. "For the second time winning the tournament, I feel very proud of my fighting spirit."
After the championship, Thuy Linh will focus on the Vietnamese badminton team for 12 days before going to China to attend ASIAD 19. "I will try for the Vietnamese flag, play hard and try to bring success." best performance in the coming Asiad," said the Phu Tho girl.
