Cuong to compete in US Badminton Grand Prix

Pham Cao Cuong.

Pham Cao Cuong will be the sole Vietnamese representative in the 2014 K&D Graphics/Yonex Grand Prix Badminton Championships to be held from December 8-13 at the Orange County Badminton Club in California.

Ranked No 274 in the world, 18-year-old Cuong earned a wild card to continue on to the second round. He will next compete against Zulhelmi Zulkiffli of Malaysia, world No 391, or the host's own Curtis Stensland, world No 861.

Cuong must wait for his biggest challenge, Israel's Misha Zilberman, world No 56 and seeded No 2.

The event has a grand prize of US$50,000.

Thailand secure place in semi-finals

Thailand came from behind yesterday to beat Malaysia 3-2 to become the first team in Group B to reach the semi-finals of the ASEAN Football Federation-Suzuki Cup in Singapore.

Thailand should have been in front after 10 minutes, but somehow forward Kirati Keawsombat failed to convert a one-on-one chance with Malaysian keeper Che Mat.

Malaysia, who unexpectedly drew with Myanmar in their first group match on November 23, took the initiative after scoring the opening goal in the 29th minute through Zubir Amri.

The left-sided player stole the ball in the centre of the field and broke through the Thai defence before finishing coolly past goalkeeper Kawin Thamsatchanan.

Thailand were spurred into action, and they nearly leveled the match when midfielder Chanathip Songkrasin threatened Thamsatchanan's goal with a shot from outside the box that whistled just wide.

Thai coach Kiatisuk Senamuang brought on Adisak Kraisorn to replace on-song Keawsombat just before half-time, and he imiediately made his mark, scoring a left-footed equalizer from inside the box.

In the second half, Syafiq Rahim put Malaysia back in front in the 61st minute, after the Thai defenders left the door wide open for him.

Once, again Thailand threw everything at Malaysia, and from a free kick near the penalty area, Charryl Chappuis's deflected shot found the back of the net in the 71st minute.

They sealed victory from another free kick, from the left wing, Kraisorn controlling the ball well to score his second from a narrow angle.

Thailand are on six points after two games and will meet Myanmar on Friday.

Myanmar 4-2 yesterday to defending champions Singapore, the tournament's co-hosts. Singapore, in second place with three points, will play Malaysia in their next game.

Petanque event draws 148 players to capital

The National Sports Games' petanque event commenced yesterday in the Ha Noi-based National Sports Training Centre.

The tournament, which will end on December 3, has drawn 148 players from 11 teams, such as Ha Noi, HCM City and Nghe An, besides Soc Trang and Dong Thap.

The players will compete in 11 categories, including the men's and women's singles, doubles and trio, as well as mixed doubles events.

Having made great strides in recent years, the Dong Thap team, who have several national-level players in their line-up, will try to bag three gold medals.

VN goalkeeper recovers from injury in time for next match

Goalie Nguyen Manh has recovered from an injury incurred during Tuesday's match between Viet Nam and Laos at the ongoing 2014 AFF Suzuki Cup.

"Manh's injury wasn't too serious and he's completely fine to play in Viet Nam's next game," said team leader, Mai Duc Chung.

Viet Nam's next game against the Philippines will take place tomorrow.

Athletes prepare for National Sports Games

Seven thousand Vietnamese athletes are busily preparing for the seventh annual National Sports Games on December 6.

The event, held every four years, will be held in 10 provinces and cities.

The opening and closing ceremonies will be held in the northern province of Nam Dinh. 

VNS/ND