VietNamNet Bridge - After the World Chess Cup, Vietnam’s top chessman Le Quang Liem will move from Norway to the U.S. to study at the Webster University and he will not compete at the SEA Games later this year.

Quang Liem will practice chess at the SPICE Institute of Susan Polgar (right) during the overseas study. Photo: Chessworld.

Quang Liem said that the 2013 SEA Games will coincide with the semester exam in the U.S. so he will be unable to return home.

In the US, Quang Liem will participate in a few chess tournaments to maintain his performance.

It is favorable for Quang Liem because the Webster University has the famous SPICE Chess Institute, which is managed by world famous chesswoman Susan Polgar and has many international grandmasters, including Liem’s No. 1 rival in Southeast Asia – So Wesley of the Philippines. Thus, Quang Liem will have favorable training environment to maintain his manner during his time in the U.S.

Quang Liem said during his time in Tromso (Norway) for the World Cup, he was helped by Susan Polgar for two hours each day to prepare strategy before each game. Experience and analysis capabilities of this chesswoman was very helpful for Quang Liem. It is also regarded as a secret weapon to help Liem make breakthrough performance at the World Cup.

Quang Liem said: "I’m only 22 years old and the road ahead with chess is still very long. I hope to have the opportunity to try at the World Cup in the next two years. Initially, in addition to class time, I will take the appropriate time to practice chess."

Looking back on the 2013 World Cup, Quang Liem still had little regret when he could not defeat Peter Svidler in the two games holding the white chessmen in the standard and rapid chess categories. In both games, Liem had the opportunity to win but unfortunately he missed it. According to Quang Liem, this is the reason why he could not go beyond the 4th round.

Quang Liem said the matches at the World Cup, particularly the two wins against the 4th seed Grischuk have helped gain a lot of confidence in the future. It is the biggest harvest of Quang Liem during this tournament besides $25,000 of bonus and 10 bonus points to reach 2712 Elo points, the highest in two years.

Nguyen Nam