Nhat Nguyen added another European highlight to the opening round of the VICTOR China Open 2026 by defeating world number seven Li Shi Feng 21-12, 14-21, 21-18.

The Irishman delivered an impressive performance to overcome the Chinese star in 77 minutes, securing his place in the last 16 of the Super 1000 tournament.

Nguyen looked in control from the outset, racing through the opening game 21-12. Li responded in the second to level the match, but Nguyen regrouped brilliantly and edged a tense decider 21-18 to complete the upset.

The victory was particularly significant as it marked Nguyen's first-ever win over Li Shi Feng. The pair had met three times previously, with the Chinese player winning all three encounters, including their most recent clash at the All England earlier this year.

Ranked 24th in the world, Nguyen will now look to continue his impressive run when he takes on India's Ayush Shetty for a place in the quarter-finals.