VietNamNet Bridge – The Vietnam Chess Federation enjoyed a remarkable 2013, with many local players claiming victories at regional and international competitions.

1. Le Quang Liem becomes world blitz champion

International chess grandmaster Le Quang Liem finished first at the World Blitz Chess Championships in the US.

Liem’s 20.5 points from 30 games secured him the championship title. His teammate, Nguyen Ngoc Truong Son, ranked fifth with 19.5 points.

Liem’s victory marked the first time a Vietnamese representative has taken home a world championship.

2. Le Quang Liem makes 2013 World Cup top four

Le Quang Liem also defeated Oliver Barbosa (the Philippines), Vallejo Pons (Spanish No. 1) and Alexander Grischuk (Russian No. 1) to advance to the fourth round of the Chess World Cup in Norway.

Quang Liem was eliminated after losing to World No. 4 Alexander Grischuk in a two rapid match tiebreak.

3. Vietnam clinches gold at AIMAG 4

 Teammates Le Quang Liem, Nguyen Ngoc Truong Son, Nguyen Duc Hoa, Pham Le Thao Nguyen, Hoang Thi Bao Tram, and Nguyen Thi Thanh An successfully defeated their Chinese rivals 3-1 in the final round of the 4th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (AIMAG) in the Republic of Korea (RoK).

4. Vo Thi Kim Phung claims two U20 Asia golds

Vo Thi Kim Phung beat some of Asia’s best players to pocket two gold medals in the standard and blitz events at the Asia U20 Championships.

Her teammates Nhu Y and Mai Hung also won silver and bronze medals respectively in the blitz chess competition.

5. Hoang Thanh Trang wins 2013 Euro Champs

Despite no longer competing for the Vietnam Chess Federation, Hoang Thanh Thang still considers herself a Vietnamese player.

Thirteen years after winning her first Asian Championship, Thanh Trang defeated former champions Kateryna Lagno, Valentina Gunina, and Alexandra Kosteniuk to emerge triumphant at the 2013 European Championships.

Source: VOV