The world No 11 defeated the Chinese 21-19, 12-21, 11-6 with Bao Chunlai retiring injured after 53 minutes.

To reach this round, the Vietnamese player defeated Germany’s Marc Zwiebler, the world No 22, 2-1 (23-21, 21-15, 21-16) in the first round in a battle that lasted over one hour on Wednesday.

Minh, who recognized that Bao was one of badminton players who he didn’t want to meet, fought from behind to win the first set 21-19 after the tough Chinese rival led in the opening minutes.

In the second set, the HCM City-born athlete seemed nervous and lost to Bao 12-21.

Minh, who had ranked No 7 in the world last year, finally found his rhymth to knock out Bao 11-6 in Bukit Jalil Sport Complex.