Photo: Nhan Dan OnlineHosts Da Nang trounced Public Security Ministry 3-0 in the women's team event at the 30th Nhan Dan (People) Newspaper's National Table Tennis Championship, which kicked off yesterday, May 7.

Former women's singles champion Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc, who inked a loan contract with Da Nang, defeated Tran Thi Viet Linh 11-9, 3-11, 5-11, 11-9, 12-10 in the first singles match.

Youngster Nguyen Hong Tam, 17, cruised to an 11-4, 11-9, 9-11, 11-9 win over Pham Hoang Tuong Giang from the Ministry of Public Security at the crowded Tien Son Sport Centre.

In the last match, Tran Thu Ha completed a convincing win for Da Nang when she beat Nguyen Mai Huong 11-5, 9-11, 14-12, 11-6.

Other women's team matches yesterday saw Vinh Long trounce Hai Phong 3-0, Ha Noi beat the Army 3-1 and Tien Giang edge out Ha Noi T&T 3-2.

On the men's side, Ha Noi T&T beat Da Nang 3-0, while Ha Noi crushed Hai Duong 2 3-0.

Tien Giang defeated Vinh Long 3-0, while Hai Duong 1 beat Vietso Petro 3-0.

The annual tournament, known as the PetroVietnam Cup, has drawn 156 players from 16 teams nationwide. The championship will close next Tuesday.

* Viet Nam finishes second at ISTAF Super Series

Viet Nam's sepak takraw women's team finished second at the International Sepak Takraw Federation (ISTAF) Super Series after losing to Thailand 9-15, 9-15, 13-15 in Singapore yesterday.

The Thai team easily took a two-set lead and only faced difficulties in the third set, when Viet Nam led 13-11. However, Wanwisa Jankaen promptly earned four points to secure victory for Thailand.

Earlier, Indonesia beat Malaysia 15-12, 15-9, 15-12 to take the third place.

With these results, Thailand still stands at the top of the ISTAF World Rankings, followed by Viet Nam in second place. Although losing the match, Malaysia replaces South Korea to take the third place, pushing the Koreans to the fourth.

Source: VNS