Le Quang Liem, the nation’s top ranked chess player, took the lead in the Summer Chess Classic’s rankings after holding David Howell of the UK to a draw during the eighth round of fixtures on June 27.

The draw represents the pair’s second meeting after playing each other in the third match of the competition with Liem playing out a draw with David Howell after 110 moves.

Following seven matches, the Vietnamese player and David Howell are both on four points each at the head of the group.

After eight matches however, Liem took the lead in the tournament with 4.5 points. Despite David Howell also being on 4.5 points, he was ranked in second place due to tie break scores.

Elsewhere Americans Shankland Sam and Xiong Jeffery are on four points and ranked in third position.

Liem will next face off against Jones Gawain of the UK, Elo rating 2709, in the ninth match. In a previous meeting the Vietnamese chess player held the British rival to a draw in the fifth match.

VOV