VietNamNet Bridge – In the Afternoon of March 11, Vietnam’s top chessman Le Quang Liem defeated Yap Kim Steven of the Philippines (Elo 2407) in round three of the international chess tournament HDBank Cup.

International Grand Master Le Quang Liem.

Holding the white pawns, Quang Liem played prudently while Yap Kim Steve sought to change pawns quickly to get a draw.

The Vietnamese chess player gradually broke the opponent's tactic by right moves before winning in the 32nd move.

With this win, Quang Liem together with Nguyen Duc Hoa of and Zhang Zhong of Singapore temporarily take the lead after three games.

The next game between Quang Liem and Zhang Zhong (Elo 2600) will be important because it will make influence to the tournament championship.

After losing the first game, former champion Ni Hua (China) gradually regained his manner after defeating Tu Hoang Thai of Vietnam, although he held the black pawns.

Another Vietnamese chess star - Nguyen Ngoc Truong Son – did not play in the third game. Holding the while pawns, he got a draw against Liu Xiangyi of Singapore (elo 2159). With the second consecutive draw, Truong Son ranks only 29th.

The International HD Bank Chess Tournament takes place from March 10 to 15 in HCM City. It attracts 80 players from 16 countries with a total reward of $35,000.

The champion will receive $12,000, and the players behind will have $5,000, $3,000, $2,000, and $1,000. The top female chess player will have $3,000.

Nguyen Dung