Nguyễn Tiến Minh has advanced to the Badminton Asia Championship semi-finals for the first time. — Photo 24h.com.vn

Minh walked through the last four round after Olympic champion Chen Long of the host withdrew because of a knee injury.

Minh will next play world No 1 Kento Momota of Japan who came from behind to defeat Lu Guangzu of China 16-21, 21-11, 21-14 in another quarter-final match.

The national No 1 is assured at least a bronze in the tournament, 6,420 points for his world ranking and US$5,800 cash as bonus. He became the first Vietnamese to earn a continental championship medal. — VNS