Vietnam's badminton makes an impressive start at the Ruichang China Masters 2026.

Despite being a Super 100 event, the Ruichang China Masters consistently proves to be a highly unpredictable competition due to the presence of numerous concealed elite players from host nation China.

Two representatives of Vietnamese badminton: Nguyen Hai Dang and Vu Thi Trang had a favorable start at the Super 100 Ruichang China Masters 2026 held in Jiangxi, China from March 10 to March 15.

Nguyen Hai Dang participated in the men's singles event as the tournament's No. 4 seed. His opponent in the opening match was Liu Yuxuan - a world-ranked 218 player. Despite not having a high ranking, one cannot underestimate these "mysterious" representatives from host China, which is the world's strongest badminton nation.

The reality unfolded exactly as such, Liu Yuxuan made the No. 4 seed "sweat profusely." The home court advantage helped Liu start brilliantly, quickly leading Hai Dang by a margin of 9-1. The Vietnamese representative gradually regained his best form, narrowing the gap to just 3 points, but the opponent also delivered a strong acceleration with 4 consecutive points, securing a surprising 21-14 victory in game 1.

A similar scenario occurred in game 2, but this time it was Hai Dang who achieved it. The current No. 1 Vietnamese men's singles badminton player started exuberantly, maintaining a safe distance to win 21-16, sending the match into a decisive third set.

Here, Hai Dang's capability and composure were affirmed timely. Both sides played tug-of-war in the first half, Liu Yuxuan later broke away with 4 consecutive points, leading 17-13. A defeat seemed closer than ever, but the player from Ho Chi Minh City responded strongly by equalizing at 17-17, became the first to reach match-point and utilized it thoroughly, securing a comeback victory 2-1 (14-21; 21-16; 21-19).

Hai Dang's opponent in the round of 16 at this year's Ruichang China Masters will be Park Sang-yong (world-ranked 117).

Meanwhile, Vu Thi Trang - Vietnam's former No. 1 female player and the person who brought home the sole bronze medal for the nation's badminton at the 33rd SEA Games had a more straightforward match against an opponent ranked 62 places higher: Hsieh Yi-en (Chinese Taipei). The wife of legend Nguyen Tien Minh secured a 2-0 victory (21-18; 21-15), the player originally from Bac Giang (former) dominated in both games and earned a deserved result.

Vu Thi Trang will face another Chinese Taipei player - Tung Ciou-tong in round 2. A match anticipated to be difficult as Tung is highly rated, currently ranked world No. 41.

Coinciding with the timing of the Ruichang China Masters 2026 is Nguyen Thuy Linh's journey at the Super 350 Swiss Open. The world-ranked 26 player will have her opening match late evening on March 11 Vietnam time, facing Yvonne Li (Germany).