Vietnamese badminton star Nguyen Tien Minh could not play his way through the semifinal of the ongoing world championship in China, but the bronze medal is more than enough for the 30-year-old.

Minh, the world’s number 7, was today defeated 0 – 2 by China's Olympic champion Lin Dan after a thrilling semifinal during the 2013 BWF World Championships in Guangzhou, China.

The Vietnamese fought sensationally at the first set, but was eventually beaten 17 – 21, before being brushed 21 – 15 at the second game.

Lin Dan thus earned the first place at the final, and will face the winner of the clash between arch-rival and world No.1 Lee Chong Wei and Du Pengyu of China.

Nguyen Tien Minh took home the bronze medal, a trophy he said before the semifinal is a “lifetime achievement.” 

On Friday, Minh wowed millions of his fans back home by defeating Jan O. Jorgensen of Denmark during a breathtaking quarterfinal, where he took a 1 – 0 lead before settling the final game at 22 – 20 with a powerful smash.

“I was overwhelmed by happiness,” Minh, who was once standing at the #5 post of the world tally, told reporters after the very match.

This is the first time a Vietnamese badminton player advanced into the semifinal at a world championship, and Tien Minh is “pleased with the first-ever world medal,” he said before the semi.

The World Badminton Championship is the most prestigious tournament of the sport, where players will be competing as individuals in five events, Men’s singles, Women’s singles, Men’s and Women’s doubles and Mixed doubles to win the title of World Champion.

The first edition was held in 1977 as a biennial event. But since 2003, it has been held every year except Olympic years.

(TTO)