Defeated by world number 2, Nguyễn Thùy Linh exits India Open 2026

(Badminton results) - Nguyễn Thùy Linh, despite playing hard, suffered a loss to Wang Zhiyi, the reigning world number 2, in the last 16 of the India Open 2026.

Game 1: Thùy Linh 12-21 Wang

The difference in class was clear in the first set as Wang Zhiyi’s skillful shots and very fast footwork completely challenged Nguyễn Thùy Linh, allowing the Chinese player to build a significant lead.

However, amidst that, Thùy Linh still showed some high-quality shots with her ability to play delicate drop shots and soft net hits, proven effective in her previous win against PV Sindhu.

Game 2: Thùy Linh 17-21 Wang

Thùy Linh came back strongly, dominating the early part of the second set with clever net pulls and wrist shots, while Wang Zhiyi made several unforced errors, allowing Thùy Linh to lead 16-10.

Yet from that point, Thùy Linh lost her big advantage, conceding 8 consecutive points to Wang who took the lead 18-16 and could not be caught again. A tough loss for Vietnam’s top player.

Final result, Wang Zhiyi defeated Nguyễn Thùy Linh 2-0 (21-12; 21-17). The world number 2’s opponent in the India Open quarterfinals will be either Natsuki Nidaira or Tomoka Miyazaki.

What time is the badminton match between Nguyễn Thùy Linh and Wang Zhiyi?

• Time: 11:30 AM, today 15/1
• Tournament: Women’s singles round of 16, Super 750 India Open 2026
• Court: Court 2, Match 1

Nguyễn Thùy Linh made a strong impression in her first match of 2026 when she came back to beat former world number 2 Pusarla Venkata Sindhu in a very courageous comeback. This marked Thùy Linh’s third consecutive win against PV Sindhu, confirming her ability against top-tier opponents.

Thùy Linh’s opponent in the round of 16 will be Wang Zhiyi - the world number 2. Wang recently had a challenging match against India’s top young talent Tanvi Sharma, needing three games to advance.

Wang previously defeated Thùy Linh in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Malaysia Masters and is still heavily favored over the Vietnamese player in this rematch.

Nguyễn Thùy Linh’s recent form (last 5 matches)

Wang Zhiyi’s recent form (last 5 matches)

Head-to-head record between Nguyễn Thùy Linh and Wang Zhiyi