[UPDATED] Aidil bounces back from Thomas Cup slump to capture Vietnam Open

KUALA LUMPUR: Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin, a Malaysian badminton player, has made a triumphant return to the World Tour by clinching the men's singles title at the Vietnam Open. This victory marks the first time a Malaysian has achieved this feat on the World Tour in 2023. On the other hand, his fellow Malaysian players, Lee Zii Jia and Leong Jun Hao, have been unable to secure any wins at the tournament.

Jason Teh of Singapore, the top seed, was defeated by Aidil 21-16, 21-14 in the final match held in Ho Chi Minh City. This was Aidil's first-ever Super 100 title, following his runner-up finish at the Indonesia Masters (II) in 2024 and the Al Ain Masters in Abu Dhabi last year. Notably, Aidil had previously lost to Jason twice in their last two encounters.

The win also fetched Aidil a substantial prize of US$8,250 (RM33,580), compared to Jason's US$4,180. Aidil's coach, Nova Armada, had given him a second chance after he was dropped from the team in June 2024 following a loss to England's Cholan Kayan in the Thomas Cup. Nova expressed delight at Aidil's breakthrough on the World Tour, pointing out his improved mental and physical strength, as well as his renewed discipline in training. He looks forward to Aidil's continued success in the future.

Aidil himself attributed his victory to his coach's instructions and his tireless work ethic. He acknowledged that there are still areas in his game that need improvement but expressed optimism about his prospects.