Vietnamese hopeful Le Quang Liem has failed to secure top place at the HD Bank International Open Chess Tournament, despite his victory over Cao Sang from China in the last game on March 7.  
The international GM just came in second with 0.5 points less than China’s Ni Hua, who was held to a draw by Vietnam’s Nguyen Ngoc Truong Son.

With an unbeaten streak of 7 wins and 2 draws at the tournament, Hua won the championship title and pocketed a cash prize of US$10,000.

Liem received US$5,000, while Truong Son and China’s Yunguo finished third, sharing US$3,000.

Liem said that he is pleased with his performance even though he could not win the tournament. Second position helps Liem gain 4 Elo points and he re-entered the lists of Super Grandmaster.

Meanwhile, after a draw with China’s Gao Rui in the final round, Vietnam’s Thao Nguyen won the women’s event to take US$5,000. Second and third places went to Thanh An and Thien Kim both from Vietnam.

VOV