HCM CITY (VNS) - Viet Nam's hopes to claim the World Badminton Federation's Yonex-Sunrise Viet Nam Open will rest on the shoulders of Nguyen Dinh Tuan Kiet and Pham Cao Cuong after yesterday's first round matches in HCM City.

Kiet advanced to the main draw after winning two qualifying matches, while in the first round, the 18-year-old came from behind to beat China's Binghong Ye 12-21, 21-16, 21-9.

Cuong, who won a wildcard to the main draw, battled for more than one hour to defeat Chia Hung Lu of Chinese Taipei 12-21, 22-20, 21-17.

Nguyen Hong Nam, Viet Nam's best remaining hope after top player Nguyen Tien Minh withdrew, was ousted in 13-21, 12-21 defeat by tournament No 6 Wan Ho-son of South Korea.

Kiet and Wan will face off in today's draw, while Cuong will play No 3 seed Yan Kit Chan of Hong Kong, who yesterday won 23-21, 21-16 over Giap Chin Goh from Malaysia.

The main round of the women's competition will kick off today.

The competition provides a US$50,000 prize pool to winners. The finals are scheduled to take place on Sunday at the Phan Dinh Phung Gymnasium. — VNS