The result caused a major stir, as Ratchanok Intanon was the 2013 world champion, held the world No. 1 ranking in 2016, and is considered one of Asia’s most talented players over the past decade.

Entering the match, Linh (World No. 22), showed complete confidence against the Thai opponent who had often troubled her in the past. The 1997-born athlete played with composure and agility, delivering precise shots that successfully neutralized her rival’s wealth of experience.

In the first set, both players competed in a tense, neck-and-neck battle. At the decisive stage, Linh pulled ahead to claim a 21–17 win. In the second set, the Vietnamese player continued to dictate the tempo, though her opponent managed to level the score at 14–14. However, a run of four straight points gave Linh an 18–14 lead, before she sealed a 21–18 victory to secure a 2–0 triumph.

The victory not only sent Linh through to the second round but also marked a major breakthrough for Vietnamese badminton on the world stage. She became the first Vietnamese female player to defeat a former world No. 1 at the World Championships - a milestone of historic significance both technically and mentally.

Her next opponent will be Kirsty Gilmour of Scotland, currently ranked 31st in the world. It is expected to be another challenging match, as the Scottish player is known for her stamina and physically demanding playing style.

Top female badminton player Thuy Linh climbs back into BWF Top 20

VOV.VN - Vietnamese badminton star Nguyen Thuy Linh has returned to the Top 20 in the BWF Women’s Singles World Rankings, following her strong showing at the Canada Open 2025, where she finished as runner-up.