VietNamNet Bridge – Luong Phuong Hanh secured the first place in the women’s category of the National Chess Championship after the fourth round in Ha Noi yesterday.

Master Luong Phuong Hanh of Ha Noi leads the National Chess Championship after fourth matches.

The untitled master of the host team sprung two surprises when she defeated Women’s Grandmaster (WGM) Nguyen Thi Thanh An of HCM City in the fourth match after tying with WGM Hoang Thi Bao Tram, also from HCM City, in the third match during the morning session.

Hanh pocketed 3.5 points, as many as International Master Pham Le Thao Nguyen of Can Tho (second), Tram (third) and WIM Vo Thi Kim Phung of Bac Giang (fourth).

Hanh tops the ranking due to her better parameter. She will next play Phung.

On the men’s side, GM Tran Tuan Minh of Ha Noi remains the leader with 3.5 points.

Yesterday, he defeated GM Cao Sang of Lam Dong and shared a point with veteran GM Tu Hoang Thong of HCM City. His next rival will be IM Le Tuan Minh of Binh Duong, who is in the second position currently.

GM Bui Vinh of Ha Noi is in the third place. He has collected three points, as many as nine other masters.

Today, athletes will compete in two games. 

VNS