Nguyen Tien Minh.— File Photo

HA NOI (VNS)— Nguyen Tien Minh will take part in the Maybank Malaysian Open badminton tournament as an unseeded player.

This is the first time since the Indonesian Open seven months ago that he has not been among the eight top seeds of the Badminton World Federation's competition. Minh was dropped to No 10 in December's world rankings.

The Kuala Lumpur tournament, which is recognised as a Super Series Premier event this year, will award up to US$500,000 to winners in five categories, including men's and women's singles and doubles, and mixed doubles.

Minh will play Son Wan-ho, World No 21, in the first round match. The South Korean player defeated Minh in the final of the Chinese Taipei Open last year.

The final of the tournament is scheduled for January 19.

Minh will compete at the Victor Korea Open starting tomorrow and closing on January 12 in Seoul.— VNS