Loan advanced to the final after a series of dominant performances, defeating her Timor Leste opponent 2-0 in the quarter-finals and overcoming a Philippine rival by the same scoreline in the semi-finals.
In the quarter-final bout, the Gia Lai native displayed composure and precision, scoring six consecutive points with three accurate right roundhouse kicks. She maintained her momentum in the semi-finals, controlling the match to secure another straight-sets victory.
The final against a Thai opponent proved more challenging. Loan opened strongly with an early scoring kick, but a foul later shifted the advantage to the host nation’s athlete, who led at the end of the first round. Despite sustained attacks until the closing seconds of the second round, Loan was unable to overturn the deficit and settled for silver.
Earlier in the competition, Loan’s twin sister, Nguyễn Thị Mai, also from Gia Lai, claimed a bronze medal in the women’s 46kg taekwondo category.
With taekwondo events concluded, Vietnam competed in 10 of 14 sparring events and four of six poomsae events at the 33rd SEA Games, finishing second overall with four gold, four silver and four bronze medals. Host nation Thailand topped the standings with 10 gold, five silver and four bronze medals.
On the same afternoon, Gia Lai athlete Nguyễn Thị Bích Thảo helped Vietnam’s women’s handball team defeat host Thailand 30-23 in the group stage. Bích Thảo contributed several effective breakthroughs during the match.
According to the schedule, Vietnam’s women’s handball team will play their final group-stage match against Singapore on December 14.
