2026 National Table Tennis Final: Nguyen Van An Crowned After Tense Five-Set Battle

The 2026 National Table Tennis Final took place on August 15 at the Thong Nhat Gymnasium in Hanoi. Before thousands of spectators, Nguyen Van An won a thrilling five-set victory over Le Van Hung. This was the first time a player from Nam Dinh claimed the national title. In the first set, Nguyen Van An showed confidence with his powerful spin shots. He repeatedly served backspin and forced Le Van Hung into a defensive position. However, Le Van Hung, with his vast experience, adjusted his tactics by attacking his opponent's left-side weakness. The first set ended 11-9 in favor of Nguyen Van An. In the second set, Le Van Hung increased his speed, continuously using forehand smashes to score points. He led 6-2, but Nguyen Van An remained calm. Through persistent rallies, he leveled the score at 8-8 and eventually won 11-9. At this point, the crowd in the gymnasium stood up and cheered enthusiastically. In the third set, Le Van Hung unexpectedly changed tactics, using short chops to disrupt his opponent's rhythm. This strategy proved effective as he won 11-8, narrowing the deficit to 1-2. The fourth set was tense to the point of suffocation. The two players engaged in long rallies. When the score was 10-10, Nguyen Van An made a service error, giving Le Van Hung a chance. Seizing the opportunity, Le Van Hung won 12-10, forcing a deciding set. The fifth set witnessed a spectacular comeback. Nguyen Van An led 7-4, but Le Van Hung continuously scored with counter-smash shots. The score was tied at 10-10. At this moment, Nguyen Van An executed a backspin serve that caused Le Van Hung to return the ball out. Then, he unleashed a powerful forehand smash to end the set 12-10 and claim the championship. This victory not only brought Nguyen Van An his first national title but also marked a turning point for Vietnamese table tennis. Young players from northern provinces began to assert themselves on the national stage, opening a new era for the sport.